Mine is hereditary and seeing pretty much ne kind of surgery done on one member or other I refuse surgery til the docs tell me I have no choice. As for the rods...they put them in..and in time u just get lucky enuf to see how long it takes for one to break. When it happens, and it usually will, u get to look forward to more surgery to replace it...and its a repeating cycle to the point my Aunt has two now broke and dealt with it for years cause she got tired of suffering once again to fix them when they didnt do nothing to help her. I would look into other options and I am amazed they r talkin surgery when usually most wont think of surgery til its 50 degrees, though in cases as mine there comes a time the "regular" crap dont apply. If u no nothing about scoliosis, know that it will cause more harm according to where its at and to document new problems u haven't noticed before. I have lasted longer than ne one else, and hereditary cases are the worst, so my advice...look for all non surgical treatments possible b4 goin to an operation of ne kind. Most docs will say surgery because they dont want to waste time, when in my opinion, seeing, watching, growing up around then having it myself....it would take me being desperate and suicidal b4 letting then touch me in an operating room. Do ur homework, see whats out there. There are many sites online that give updates on the latest non evasive treatments...knowledge is power so use it before u simply do as ur doc tells u...o and no one has gotten better with surgeries...remained the same or ended up worse. So please b careful

I am sorry to hear about your situation, I really do wish you all the best.
I really apriciate the info you have given me.
The reason they are considering rods is that they tell me it would be easier for the spine to come back from 36 degress than waiting a year or two for it to worsen then the rods would have more effort imposed on them to straighten the spine....Made sense to me! I guess they don't hold much faith in the brace....figure just delaying the obvious!
I will certainly take your advice and check out any options. I have only just started into this, as this is a very recent diag...as you say there is lots to explore.
Again thank you for your help and info...very valuable.

Hi Buzzz,I was 59 when I had surgery, at 56 degree, I had a curve, twist and shift to the right, 10 years before a Dr. told me I was no way ready for that kind of surgery, and I am sorry I did not see a scoliosis spine Dr., because by waiting he only got me to 36 degree. and now 9 years I am looking at revision surgery. So do yourself a favor and see the best scoliosis surgeon you can find. (I saw 3 Dr.) and scoliosis never gets better, even with surgery the spine still moves and shifts( 10 years ago I was not shifting to the right, good luck Lu

I had surgery for scoliosis at age 68. And, it has been quite successful. I have no pain just lots of hardware in the back. My surgery was done by an orthopod who specializes in scoliosis. And rods [i presume you are thinking of Harrington rods] were NOT used. Does anyone use them anymore? My spine was fused using hooks and screws. My x-rays now show a fused spine. I suggest you consult several doctors who specialize in scoliois. I looked at doctors in Baltimore, Miami, and Dallas. Your previous back surgery may add complications or be part of the current situation. What ever.... do not just accept what you hear from non-medical specialits. And you may not need surgery......your particular situation may not get worse.

Thank you Lu and Twitch....I thank you for you advice and opinions. I will certainly seek professional advice and will certainly get several opinions. I must say I am not too excited about surgery but I am in so much pain even though I have a pain pump, I can only walk about 100 yards before the pain gets too much where I either lay down or sit down. I am trying to get a power wheelchair as I am housebound. I can't even drive anymore. Oh well I guess it could be worse. The other thing with surgery is that I have Restrictive Cardiomyopathy and putting me under poses some extra risks.
Thank you all again...I will take your advice. Buzz.