Pegasi9 -- Degenerative Scoliosis

[pegasi9]

I am facing a surgery that even the surgeon is recommending against. It's to correct my (degenerative) scoliosis. Dr. Benson says the surgery would take 5-6hours. His resident said it would be an "all day thing." I've had a problem with my back since my teens. I have Lordosis and am Swayback. My low back has hurt to a greater or lesser extent since then. I've been the chiropractic route. I don't think that spinal manipulation is the answer. In my experience it won't improve scoliosis. I have Degenerative Disc Disease, 4 bulging discs in the Lumbar Spine, and arthritis of the lumbar spine. The curvature worsens year by year. When I walk, my right shoulder is lower than the left one. My slacks are longer on the left side. I have to have them altered.

[Justin]

I am facing a surgery that even the surgeon is recommending against. It's to correct my (degenerative) scoliosis. Dr. Benson says the surgery would take 5-6hours. His resident said it would be an "all day thing." I've had a problem with my back since my teens. I have Lordosis and am Swayback. My low back has hurt to a greater or lesser extent since then. I've been the chiropractic route. I don't think that spinal manipulation is the answer. In my experience it won't improve scoliosis. I have Degenerative Disc Disease, 4 bulging discs in the Lumbar Spine, and arthritis of the lumbar spine. The curvature worsens year by year. When I walk, my right shoulder is lower than the left one. My slacks are longer on the left side. I have to have them altered.

Hello pegasi9,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society.

I'm curious as to the reason your surgeon gave you for "recommending against" the surgery you are going to have to correct your scoliosis. Just a couple of question on my end: When is your operation scheduled? How is your pain on a daily basis? How many surgical evaluations have you had?

I wish you the very best and please keep us posted on your progress.

[pegasi9]

Am trying to answer your question. No date has been scheduled. The retired neurosurgeon who evaluates cases told me the surgery could be done but he did not recommend it. He said I have Diabetes, so there's a higher risk of infection. He said being on my stomach for 5-6 hours is problematic anesthesia-wise. He stressed the risk of total paralysis. All I know is when I look at myself in the mirror and my right shoulder is so much lower than the left shoulder that my top falls off my shoulder -- there must be something that can be done!!! If it's not correcting the problem surgically then what is the answer!!!