Mike Jones
Google Master
Hey everyone, I am writing to ask you guys for some encouraging words or prayers. I'm not big on asking for prayers from people, but this is a major thing for me.
In 7th grade, 4 years ago, I was diagnosed with scoliosis, the abnormal curvature of the spine. I went to a specialist and he put me in a back brace at night. He basically told me "This brace might help you to not get worse, but you still could get worse with it, and it definitely won't make you better" so I never had high hopes with that guy. I wore the brace for a while, outgrew it, and decided not to get a new one. I have had x rays of my spine for a few years now, and my spine had been in the "Watch" category up until August 4th. A year and a half ago (back in January of '09) I had my last x ray. The curvature of my spine was 27 degrees, which is pretty significant, but not bad enough to need surgery. This month, I had a routine x ray to check up on it to find that the curvature has progressed to 40 degrees. 40 degrees is where they start considering surgery most of the time. To complicate things a little more, I have an "S" curve, so one thing I read was surgery for "S" curves should be considered at 35 degrees, which I am clearly past.
So a week from today, the 20th, I will be going to a consultation with a specialist to see what he thinks. Depending on what he says, I may choose to go to a different doctor for a second opinion about the situation.
If surgery is recommended, they will likely cut a long incision down my spine, stick a bunch of titanium in me, and sew me back together. I would barely be able to move for a few days, then after two weeks, I'd be walking. Then I'd have three months of limited activities, and after 6 months, most restrictions would be off. After 12 months, all restrictions would be off. I do not know, however, if surgery would be recommended for now, or for later. I am estimated to have another half inch of height left, which the spine doctor may want to utilize. Maybe not.
So a few positive outlooks on surgery would be... If I'm out of pin stock and titanium prices are super high, I would always have some close by. I would potentially grow an inch to two taller with a straight spine. I would have better posture, and maybe have a good story to tell colleges that I'll apply to!
Anyways, I just wanted to share with you guys my current medical situation just like I did with my appendectomy. You guys probably think I'm really unhealthy by now! Honestly, the appendectomy was my first surgery and this would likely be my second. I'll keep you guys updated as I find out information. Thanks for any support/prayers from you dogs!
In 7th grade, 4 years ago, I was diagnosed with scoliosis, the abnormal curvature of the spine. I went to a specialist and he put me in a back brace at night. He basically told me "This brace might help you to not get worse, but you still could get worse with it, and it definitely won't make you better" so I never had high hopes with that guy. I wore the brace for a while, outgrew it, and decided not to get a new one. I have had x rays of my spine for a few years now, and my spine had been in the "Watch" category up until August 4th. A year and a half ago (back in January of '09) I had my last x ray. The curvature of my spine was 27 degrees, which is pretty significant, but not bad enough to need surgery. This month, I had a routine x ray to check up on it to find that the curvature has progressed to 40 degrees. 40 degrees is where they start considering surgery most of the time. To complicate things a little more, I have an "S" curve, so one thing I read was surgery for "S" curves should be considered at 35 degrees, which I am clearly past.
So a week from today, the 20th, I will be going to a consultation with a specialist to see what he thinks. Depending on what he says, I may choose to go to a different doctor for a second opinion about the situation.
If surgery is recommended, they will likely cut a long incision down my spine, stick a bunch of titanium in me, and sew me back together. I would barely be able to move for a few days, then after two weeks, I'd be walking. Then I'd have three months of limited activities, and after 6 months, most restrictions would be off. After 12 months, all restrictions would be off. I do not know, however, if surgery would be recommended for now, or for later. I am estimated to have another half inch of height left, which the spine doctor may want to utilize. Maybe not.
So a few positive outlooks on surgery would be... If I'm out of pin stock and titanium prices are super high, I would always have some close by. I would potentially grow an inch to two taller with a straight spine. I would have better posture, and maybe have a good story to tell colleges that I'll apply to!
Anyways, I just wanted to share with you guys my current medical situation just like I did with my appendectomy. You guys probably think I'm really unhealthy by now! Honestly, the appendectomy was my first surgery and this would likely be my second. I'll keep you guys updated as I find out information. Thanks for any support/prayers from you dogs!