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Scoliosis Surgery
I am 17, female. I have scoliosis. I haven't been to the doctor for it at all. But it is to the point where it is clearly visible if i wear a tight shirt. Its on my right side and i have a pretty big rib hump because of it. My dad hasn't said anything (even though it's noticable) and i haven't mentioned anything about it either. I know that its probably only going to get worse but I just want some information/feedback/similar stories or something. I don't know what to say to my dad because I don't want to have to wear a back brace to school, I don't want to be taken out of school if surgery is needed, nor do I think we can afford any of that anyways. So I just don't know what to do, anything helps. Thanks
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The most important thing is that as a 17 year old, you've probably gone through puberty, correct?
If the Scoliosis is found before you've started your period, the use of a brace or physical therapy can have drastic changes on your growing body.
Otherwise, the spine has done most of its forming. It's unlikely operation will be done unless the deformity is highly dangerous to your health.
I have Scoliosis too. While mine isn't as bad, my hips and shoulders are uneven because of it.
I suggest you get a referral from your PCP(primary care physician)and see a specialist. The expense can be very worth it to find out information about something as important as your spine.
My specialist gave me advice that I can give you:
Sitting up straight is important. The more you bend your neck forward, the more strain.
The way you sleep can also matter.
Basically, having a straight posture and not sitting or laying in ways that push your neck forward are helpful.
Good luck!
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First things first. If mom or dad have heath insurance through work, now is the time to have this taken care of before you are no longer covered, unless you are planning to go on to college. The major cost of whatever is needed will be covered by insurance.
Next lets address your other issues:
A back brace: I know why you would not want to where a back brace. Vanity is not a reason not to allow for a valid medical procedure that will save you from very real pain later in life. Also surgery has its own pain, while short in duration, tit would still have to be dealt with.
If the doctors feel that a back brace will fix your spine then it may be your problem is not all that terrible. Surgery of any type is a radical procedure to correct problems that there is no other choice but surgery. Elective surgery, which yours would be is generally a last choice procedure.
Surgery: Unless your doctors felt it was necessary that the surgery be preformed immediately I see no reason why, if surgery is required, that you be taken out of school. The surgery could be scheduled during say spring break or even put of to summer vacation. In the interim the doctor may require you to wear a brace. As I said above the brace should not be a big deal.
Both procedures would or are being done to prevent or keep you from having life long pain as you get older. Vanity is the most likely reason why you are against wearing a brace. How will you feel if in a few years you walk looking like a question mark because of your medical condition? Then add to that feeling the very real possibility that along with how you may look you may or will be experiencing some real pain.
I can tell you that as someone who suffers from chronic pain thanks to a car accident. That pain is no fun. I take a fist full of pills several times a day. I walk around in a fog because of those pills and several times a year I undergo surgical procedures to sever nerves near my spine to block the transmission of the pain.
None of this is any fun. To look at me you cannot tell I am disabled but I am. I have experienced a life changing event at no fault of my own but still I suffer and have had to stop doing many of the things I love.
You have an opportunity to fix what is wrong with you and move on with your life. Do not let vanity get in the way of doing so. As I said surgery most likely can be scheduled around school. If it can't the school system will and must work with you and your parents to keep you current with your school work.
As for the money. That is your parents to worry about not you. Talk to your dad. Let him know what and how this is affecting you. Don't be so sure he hasn't noticed. He is probably waiting for you to come to him.
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