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Teenagers

Scoliosis

6 replies

tessofthedurbeville · 26/07/2010 21:01

Our dd (13) has just been diagnosed with scoliosis. Her curvature is 60 degrees, which makes it significant. As parents we are trying to come to terms with it and find out as much information as possible. She is having a brace fitted which will be reviewed at Christmas. Would really like to hear from anyone who has been in a similar position - has the brace had sufficient effect, did surgery still happen. Any information gratefully recieved

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MissusL · 26/07/2010 22:27

I usually just lurk, but have seen your post and wanted to tell you our experience. My daughter had scoliosis, at its worse she was 58%. However, she didn't have a brace at all, she had surgery at John Radcliffe in Oxford. She had titanium poles and screws etc put in her back. These are permanent and will be in there now for life. This was in February 2009, when she was 14. Can honestly say was absolutely the best thing for her. She had the surgery on the Friday, was out of bed on the Monday and home by the following Friday. Obviously was in a lot of pain in the first couple of weeks but after about week 3 wasn't even using painkillers. It still brings a lump to my throat when I see her walking around lovely and straight. I know this probably isn't the exact answer you were looking for, as she didn't have a brace, but just wanted to reassure you that it does get better. It was so sad seeing her looking so curved, her spine was like an upside down question mark and was starting to hurt her, but the difference in her in just those first three weeks was absolutely incredible. Scoliosis is actually quite common, another girl in her year has it as well, and apparently it is more common amongst teenage girls for some reason. I expect you have already heard all of that though! I hope this has helped?

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tessofthedurbeville · 27/07/2010 19:25

thanks so much for your post - I have to say my husband wants surgery to happen sooner rather than later but the consultant wants to see how the brace goes. Will have to be guided by the expert - but thanks again for your quick and positive response.

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myfriendflicka · 29/07/2010 11:08

My friend's daughter had this surgery when she was 16 at St Thomas's in London and it has worked out really well for her. I don't think she had a brace beforehand. She recovered well from the surgery and is now leading a very full and happy life.

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biilbosmum · 03/03/2015 18:08

Bookmarking this and others - dd is 16 and seeing consultant this week for 40 degree curve. Can't believe we missed it until recently. She is worried because all this falls smack bang as she is about to sit AS levels. High achieving perfectionist, really struggling with the unknown. I don't know what we'll be told. Am grasping at straws - maybe it won't get worse? But I know this is me kidding myself.
It's good to read about some good outcomes though. Thanks previous posters

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DieSchottin93 · 06/03/2015 23:01

Apologies for replying to a rather old thread but @biilbosmum; my twin had an operation to correct his scoliosis when we were 17 (we're turning 22 this year) and he was able to get the date of his op moved back as the original one fell slap bang in the middle of his Highers. His operation went perfectly and he had no complications and his scar has healed really well. Only issue he has is a loss of sensation on his scar, it used to be a bit worse but the feeling returned fairly quickly. Best of luck to you and your DD

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biilbosmum · 24/04/2015 17:33

News update: Consultant says 40 degrees makes it not quite bad enough for surgery. He wants to see DD in a year with a new MRI and X-ray. DD rather wishes the curve was in fact worse. At 50 degrees it seems surgery is offered. She just wants it straight and put right. Just turned 17, and worried that she has a lifetime of pain as well as a curly back. Sigh.
Reading all the surgery success stories (thanks all) I have to say I'm in agreement with DD, long and arduous though that surgery seems to be.

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