Hi LizB. I had two 10 hour surgeries to correct a 49 degree curve in ATL, GA in November, 2016. My story is a long and painful one so I won't bore you. I too was scared big time about the surgery. I found as much information as I could about it, reached out to others that had had it done but most importantly I researched my doctor. This surgery is a big deal and I wanted to make sure not just anybody was going to do mine. There are actually very few doctors in the US that specialize in this type of surgery. Not just ANY doctor can do this and do it right.

I knew I had no choice because my pain was so bad and a wheelchair was in my near future and I was only 51 years old. I signed up, my family committed to my recovery and I had it done. my curve is now only 11 degrees, I have screws and rods from my T7 to my pelvis(S5), I am mostly pain free, I can walk again, I am no longer depressed or reliant on opioids but most importantly I got the old me back. It had 15+ years since I've seen my true self. It's good to be back.

My first post surgical visit went well but at the 6 month mark the doctor yelled at me(I mean YELLED at me) because I was doing too much and two of my screws were coming loose. She had me in tears and that's hard to do. My visit last month was great!! I am almost healed and can start to ease back into a normal routine whatever the hell that is.

I have talked to people who are glad they had it and others that say they wish they wouldn't have had it. I am super glad I did. It's important that you do your research and talk to others that have had this surgery done and research your doctor's credentials, experience, knowledge and ratings from past patients. My doctor is the bomb!!! I was blessed and lucky to accidentally stumble upon her online. The thought of this surgery scared the hell out of me and my family and it should've. You have to be ready with a support network/person who can do some things for you because twisting, stretching, bending and all of that is a no no. My family was my lifeline and still are.

Good luck on making the decision that is right for you. I'll just say this. I have been on disability from Social Security since 2003 because of my back and this past week I started a part-time job, took a motorcycle ride and walk with my husband and dogs through my neighborhood everyday. To say I'm glad I had it is an understatement. I hope my story and experience helps you reach your decision. Tae care.

I had surgery for scoliosis in 1964 when I was 15 years of age. I had two Herrington rods attached to my spine and nine vertebrata fused. The surgery did not fully correct my curvature. I will have my 69th birthday next week. In 55 years since my operation I've had no problems with my fusion. I've had 'minor' pain that may be caused by my remaining curvature. One pain is in my left hip that may be bursitis and I've had minor pain with a right winged scapula. Any way, I've experienced 55 years of good life since my surgery.