From the heart of a scoliosis patient

Notes :-  This blog was initially meant to share my birding field trips reports. Ever since I started to use Facebook I  have not post any updates since then.  This series of posting on Scoliosis is my personal experience.  I had Posterior Spinal Fusion for Scoliosis on 17/2/2014. 

I hope my sharing will serve as an encouragement to those who have spinal deformities like me.  For those who  have Scoliosis, spinal disc herniation, spinal disc degeneration, spondylosis, kyphoysis, do not be afraid/avoid when the  spine doctor recommend  the solution is surgery.  There is hope for you in today modern medical technology.  Please do not endure the pain in silence.

This X-ray was taken on 30/12/2013.  I have a thoracic  'C' curve of 60 degree.

Curve in Degrees	Treatment
0-20°	Observe for progression
20-25°	Brace if progression documented, and substantial  growth remaining
25-30°	Brace if progressive and growth remains
30-40°	Brace if growth remains
40-45°	Brace if growth remains versus surgery
>50°	Surgery

Curve in Degrees

Treatment

0-20°

Observe for progression

20-25°

Brace if progression documented, and substantial 

growth remaining

25-30°

Brace if progressive and growth remains

30-40°

Brace if growth remains

40-45°

Brace if growth remains versus surgery

>50°

Surgery

Scoliosis is lateral curvature of the spine either  “S” or “C” shape.  There is no concrete fact that it was resulted from the bad sitting/sleeping/standing posture or carry heavy school bags. Most probably itis due to hereditary whereby someone in family tree have it.

People use to think that when a child develops Scoliosis once they reach adult their curve will stop growing. This is indeed a wrong conception, cause my mild scoliosis (less than 20 degree) over the years has reach in the severe categories. Scoliosis is not a terminal disease however it is slowly deteriorate a person.  As the curve increase it restrict lung function as due to the ribs space reduce. Mild discomfort in terms of pains because of scoliosis over the years, the body could have adapt to it and think that it is normal.  As the days go mild discomfort will slowly increase to numbness and greater level of pain.

Mine has reach the stage that my right pelvic very tired and sore.  To relieve the pain/soreness I need to lie down on hard ground.   I went to UMSC (University Malaya Specialist Centre)  to seek medical help on 30/12/2013, discovered that my “C” curve had reached 60 degree.  I was suggested for surgery.  Professor assured me that spinal surgery has advanced over the years.  After perform surgery 24 hrs the patient is able to walk and no body cast now.  He suggested that I call and talk to 3 of his past patients that has gone through the operation.

Sure or not Doc.. They are younger than me? 

Nevertheless, I called 2 of them, from the tele-conversation they told me that they have no regret for going through the surgery.  Both have them have “S” shape spine. One of them with 60 degree on the upper and lower was 50 degree. After spinal surgery now is 30 and 25 degree.  Her rib hump has then not so easily noticeable.  The second person was above 100 degree, without waistline. After gone through the surgery the curve is now 60 degree.

Both of them recommend me to have someone to assist me for at least 3 weeks during initial recovery period.  The pain and movement restriction really need the close family members support..