Posted by emily
on 6/7/2005, 2:19 am
65.184.203.99
I was diagnosed in middle school at age 11. My curve was 16 degrees. We kept a watchful eye on the curve and sure enough, it kept growing. Four years later my curve was about 50 degrees. I already tried the brace with little success. As a high school student the idea of a back brace is not exactly a huge self esteem upper. The only thing left to do was have the Spinal Fusion. My surgeon told me that if I didn’t have the surgery, by the time I was 23 I would have such brittle bones I would probably be crippled. On January 2, 2001 I had a Spinal Fusion. I won’t lie, it hurt. The epidural needle was uncomfortable but the chest tube was the worst. All in all I was recovering fairly well. I was supposed to stay out of school and rest/regain strength for 4 months. I pushed myself so hard I was back in 1 1/2. I noticed a lot of soreness but figured that was normal (which it is) but in 2004 I couldn’t take the pain anymore. I went to the doctor and had x-rays taken. My rod was broken. Between the 2nd and 3rd screws there was a 3-5 millimeter break. The idea is that one of my vertebrae's did not completely fuse causing movement and stress on the rod. I now have bone spurs and psuedoarthritis. I have tried several medications--they do not work. I am not writing this to be morbid, but I do want people to know that it is so important for one to rest and realize that their body needs time to recover. I am glad that I had the surgery and my curve has gone down to a 15 degree curve. Bless anyone who has had or is having the surgery.
Message Thread:
« Back to thread