Does anybody have any feedback to share? My cousins mother would like a second opinion from another surgeon. She has heard many horror stories of people who have had the surgery already! Was your surgery (if you had it) successful and are you glad you had it? Do you have pain after the surgery? Anything would be helpful! Thank you so much!
2007-02-22 03:28:36 · 5 answers · asked by Anna 4 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
1) Your aunt needs to get a second opinion from an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in treatment of scoliosis. This is not to say the recommendation of the first surgeon was wrong. It is for your aunt's reassurance.
2) Some persons with scoliosis this severe progress to the extent that the heart and lungs can be compressed and function poorly. This can lead to chronic lung disease (pulmonary insufficiency) recurrent pneumonia, and even death.
3) A chiropractor has nothing to offer a person with curves so pronounced.
4) Yes, such surgery is extensive, complicated and involves a degree of risk. Many large medical centers have scoliosis treatment centers. I don't know if they were evaluated by US News and World Reports or other rating service, but perhaps you can research this for your aunt.
5) As outlined in paragraph (2), doing nothing has its risks, too. I wish the best for your cousin and your aunt.
2007-02-22 04:12:28 · answer #1 · answered by greydoc6 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have any influence on your aunt, tell her to seriously reconsider seeking a second and even third opinion from other doctors, but I would first seek the attention and opinion of a chiropractor or two. In most cases, a chiropractor can provide better care and repair of the spinal column than any doctor, especially NOW, while the girl is still growing. BTW, a GOOD chiropractor WILL NOT worsen the situation. They will analyze the spine with x-rays and scans to determine if they can help the patient. I always recommend surgery to be the very LAST alternative for back problems. If the chiropractor cannot control the problem, then surgery may be the only option, but seek their advice first.
2007-02-22 11:37:25 · answer #2 · answered by S H 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Severe curvatures that are not corrected during the growing years become uncorrectable. She could lose her ability to walk. Bad curves can also decrease affect internal organs. The lungs and heart are commonly affected. This can be devastating and life threatening, not to mention, torture.
Get the 2nd opinion; you need to be comfortable with the surgeon. However, if he recommends the surgery, then I'd do it for the girl's sake. Surgery has risks, be sure you understand them. It is possible that not having surgery will lead to a long term morbidity, shortened life span, and a miserable life. Tough choice. Good luck.
P.S. A chiropractor before surgery could worsen the condition or lead to bone breakage if the vertebrae are already compressed. A (real) chiropractor won't touch her afterward: hardware (rods) and chiropractors = pain and lawsuits.
2007-02-22 11:35:23 · answer #3 · answered by SA16 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have scoliosis also my back is always hurting , get a good chiropractor and let them use the heat pack works great but if she needs to not move heavy things at all i need the surgery also!
2007-02-22 13:13:09 · answer #4 · answered by Jessica A 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find a chiropractor as well.
2007-02-22 11:31:11 · answer #5 · answered by wyntur1 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋