I had surgery at age 13, and again at 14. I do not regret it at all. Yes I still have days with pain, but im sure they would have been worse without surgery.

I am 48 years old and on June 4th I had surgery for my scoliosis which at the time of the surgery was thorasic 68 degrees and lumbar 65 degrees, complicated by spondolyothesis at L4-L5 and degenerative disc disease. The surgery itself was a success and the end result being my curve is corrected to the mid to low 30s on both curves (and I gained 2 inches in height). I have a history making amount of rods, pins and screws attached to my spine and recovery will take up to 2 years. Recovery is slow, painful most of the time as the muscles and nerves reconect after the 10 1/2 hour surgery. I am very limited to what I am allowed to do (no housework, limited ability to even walk or exercise) but physical therapy is helping. I have a long way to go but I know it was worth it plus my condition was getting worse and time was of the essence since age does play a factor in success when it comes to this surgery. For the next couple of years I am classified as disabled and will collect disability but it won't be forever. I am fighting depression right now, but medication will get me thru this also. Support of friends, family and web sites such as this will also help me thru. For more info please feel free to check out my profile and journal entry and please feel free to send me a message. Talking to other people who are going thru this is a good thing. Knowledge and information are key when it comes to this and you have to be very involved in your own healthcare when its something this major and life changing.
Calikat

Had my surgery at 17 and I am 60 and still have no regrets..Even as tough as it was (9 mo in body casts) I know I would not have had the quality of life if I hadn't had surgery..I do have pain, but more to do with age than surgery

I had surgery in 1984 when I was 27 and I did not regret it then, even though I was in a plaster body cast for 7 months, and I have no regrets now. My only side effect now, at age 50, is that I get a little stiff sometimes and my back around where the rod is aches a little if I had a night when I didn't get to lay down at all. I can't imagine what my body would look like if the curve, which was 64 degrees at the time of surgery, had continued to progress. No regrets at all. It wasn't easy or fun but I would do it again.

I'm now 35 and had the surgery when I was 22. I don't regret it. I still have scoliosis,but its corrected as much as it could be. I stay active thru working out, yoga and pilates which I encourage simply for the stretching of the spine which helps with my muscle spasms as does massage and chiropractic manipulation.

I had surgery at 29 and do not regret it at all and I just had it this past May. I feel better every single day. I am so excited about they way my body looks now--it is actually normal looking!

good topic...

Definately a great topic, considering the op within the next year or so, this has helped me feel bit more relaxed about the whole op thing. Thanks guys.

I had surgery at age 15 in 1986? I think? I am now 36 and don't regret it. I had a curve in the 60's and only 60% lung capacity in one lung. For me recovery was very quick as I was very athletic and obviously you. My one suggestion to you is to ask how many older patients your doctor has done the surgery on and can you meet with one of them? Also make sure your ortho does scoliosis ONLY. I had my surgery in NY City at Hospital for Special Surgery. My doctor retired but from what I understand his replacement is excellent as well. Hope that helps!! It's a huge decision but with the right surgeon I think it's probably a great choice. I do have pain but I can manage it with exercise and staying at a healthy weight.
Good luck!! Let us know what you dedide!