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Considering Surgery and have lots of questions



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04/24/2008 14:53
smrtcookie
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I am currently considering surgery for my curves, 51 and 31 degrees. I am scared but feel it would be the best option for me at this time because I am still young, 22, and in alot of pain. Does anyone have any advice they can give me about options or good doctors in Southeast Michigan? Thanks!!
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04/27/2008 12:12
mnature
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I urge anyone considering surgery to check out The Clear Institute's website: www.clear-institute.com Here's why: My son has recently been diagnosed with scoliosis he's 17. They found his curve to be 57°. The surgeon scheduled him to have surgery within a month. He also had surgery at birth on his heart so I was devastated that they wanted to perform a 6 hour surgery on an otherwise healthy active young man. I researched the surgery and found out that 40% of the people who have the rod surgery are considered disabled within 5 years. And then I found out that the surgery doesn't stop the curvature and that it gradually returns to what it was pre-surgery and that the rods bend or break at some time almost 100% of the time. I also found that the higher the curvature the more likely the pain would persist long term after surgery. I knew I couldn't let them do that to him. A friend of the family told us about an alternative to surgery that we hadn't heard of. We started treatment 6 weeks ago with Dr. Matt Schwab in Eau Claire, WI which consisted of 2 weeks of intensive treatment and rehab done at home. His curve has gone from 57° to 46° and he's taller, his shoulders and hips are more even and his rib hump is much less visible. We aren't done yet, he'll continue to monitor it and we expect the curve to continue to slowly decrease. They have practitioners in quite a few states and their treatment is constantly being researched and upgraded. These doctors are amazing! They are dedicated to providing an alternative to a life changing and sometimes disabling primitive surgery. Our surgeon refused to talk about any alternatives and in fact said there were none. There are people out there who are living proof that this works and my son is fortunate enough to be one of them. I wish you all the best in whatever you choose but please know you do have a choice!! If anyone wants details I'm happy to share his success story!
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05/22/2008 21:42
waady
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Hey, its not all scary as mnature makes it out to be (with all due respect mnature). Im also 22, and i had my surgery done in April of this year. My major curve measured 50 degrees, and my minor curve was more than 12 degrees. I live in Jamaica and had the surgery done by the most respected name in Orthopaedic Surgery in the country. I wont be able to tell you of any good surgeons in your area, but i can understand what you are going thru. My surgeon was able to get my major curve down to less than 10 degrees and my minor down to zero. i gained 2 inches in height.

My surgeon used a different method than normal. he told me that there have been advancements in how the surgery is done and the type of implants used. Instead of the usual steel rods, he used Titanium implants instead. They are lighter but stronger than the regular steel rods. He also said that in the event i have to do an MRI exam, the implants will not distort the results. My back now is unbelievably straight. I have physiotherapy doing twice a week till the end of the month. Its annoying but good. The aim is to strengthen the muscles on the straightened curved side to help the rods stay in place. I hope i was of some help to you. If you have anymore questions dont be afraid to ask me



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05/22/2008 23:01
mnature
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Waady,

This is a difficult topic to discuss people usually feel very strongly about it one way or the other. But the truth is everyone's case and lifestyles are different. Surgery just wasn't the best option for my son, because of his heart and other issues, signing up for multiple surgeries over his lifetime isn't in his best interest. Our surgeon didn't provide the information I mentioned right away but he did eventually. New studies are being done and new recommendations are being made every year. I want other people who don't want surgery to know that there are alternatives because they aren't as easy to find as a surgeon who will operate. And I hope they take the time to explore them, we are glad we did. I wasn't trying to scare anyone, I was excited to share our success. I hope your choice continues to be best for you!!

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05/23/2008 07:54
waady
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You make a good point. I guess each person's lifestyle can dictate what should be or shouldnt be done. " To each his own".

Thank you, and i wish you continued succes in yours

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08/06/2008 13:46
spinalrehab
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The good news is that there are alternatives for you- the kind of alternatives that don't require braces or surgery. I work for a doctor (in Palm Harbor, FL) associated with the Clear Institute who has a real passion for young people (and all people) suffering with scoliosis. We have several patients who have actually seen a noticable reduction in their s-curve over time with the program. It does take time (about 90-120 days to begin to see a change in musculature) but it is possible. I attached a before and after x-ray of one our scoliosis patients here. It may be just the encouragement you need. You can find a dr in your area who knows these programs by looking at the Clear Institute's website. Best wishes and be brave!

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08/06/2008 14:05
spinalrehab
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ok well my attachment didn't come through so you'll just have to take my word for it and i'll give you the statistics on her improvement instead.

This patient originally had 2.5 degrees of hip rotation, a Lumbodorsal angle of 17, and Lumbosacral angle of 16. We were able to reduce her angle to 0 degrees in the hip, lumbodorsal to 5 and lumbosacral to 9. She has only been a patient since January of this year. Those are some drastic changes for just 7 months of treatment.

Basically, I am encouraging you to look into it. Be educated and you'll feel better in which ever decision you come to.



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