Scoliosis Support Group

Scoliosis affects all ages. Unlike the naturally occurring curves in the spine, scoliosis causes the spine to curve abnormally to the left or right.

576 Members

1,105 Posts

0 Online

kidkarma90 05/26/2017

I recently discovered that my scoliosis has progressed and will require surgery to correct. I'm still in the process of finding a surgeon inside my insurance network, but I'm curious as to how long I'll have to wait for the surgery once I meet with whoever I pick. I'm living in the U.S. If you've had this surgery, how long did you have to wait to have it? Was it pretty quick, or were you put on a long waiting list?

LauraMC 10/05/2017

Hey Kid. I had it November, 2016. My wait time was about 6 weeks but that was because of my timeline. My doctor actually said three weeks. My doctor is the best there is and is in Georgia, USA if interested. Good luck. Insurance is a pain most times.

scoliosisdad 02/19/2018

At 20 years old, my daughter was self conscious of her leaning and welcomed the corrective surgery. It has been 3 1/2 years since she's had the surgery and she is very happy and comfortable, and her posture puts the rest of us to shame.

The key to successful surgery is finding a doctor with experience in this type of surgery, then finding a BETTER doctor and getting a second opinion. You can do searches for best spine doctors and find one close to your home. (within a couple hour drive).

scoliosisdad 02/19/2018

the wait will depend on the doctor but shouldn't be more than a few months.

Doggielover7 02/20/2018

Mine was so long ago but at a very busy NYC hospital and it was 2 months. I think I could've gone sooner but we were trying to get things ironed out at home. I hope it all works out for you!!!

leekkim 04/18/2018

Hi I’m new to this site. I’m 58 years old, and having T4 to S fusion, on 5/21/18. First saw my neurosurgeon 6 years ago to see what could’ve been done for my scoliosis. At that time neurosurgeon said to wait as my scoliosis curve was 51% and I was still active with not too much pain. Now 6 years later, and much more back pain, static pain, my curve is at 67%. I went for the surgical consult in March and was scheduled for SURG for May. Will have it done in NYC, and trying to prepare the home , and my body for what’s ahead. Keep reading different sites, they give great tips for pre and post SURG, and what to expect. Also go to the Surg consult with a list of all your questions. Good luck to you.

NewScolioMom13 02/22/2020

Originally we thought surgery would be when our daughter was closer to 16 or stopped growing - then her curve progressed rapidly and they did the surgery within a couple of months. It was so quick and scary especially as the growing rods are temporary and she will need surgery again once she reaches maturity - but what I can say is that she is so happy with the results! It’s only been 3 weeks since surgery and she is almost pain free. Her chronic pain is gone and already is so much more confident! Her curve went from a 74 to 38 and will only get better! Good luck

Join the Conversation