Scoliosis... My story

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!
 
I feel comfortable in speaking for the entire community here when I say, "We wish you the very best prognosis" and we will all be praying for your speedy recovery regardless of the doctor's chosen method of treatment. In the event that the surgery option is the only way to go, are we going to be subjected to "Stoned Mike Jones" again?
 
Mike, I want to say that if I didn't know your tender age, I never would have guessed it. You're a bright, talented and open-minded person, and that will serve you well throughout your life, much more than material things ever could. Your sense of humor and irony will strengthen you as well, believe me... sometimes you just have to laugh to keep from cryin'.

I'm sure that you're right to seek second and third opinions, clearly this is an important matter. As far as "Stoned Mike Jones" goes, I didn't really notice much difference :D

I'd like to thank you for sharing with your fellow Dogs. I honestly believe that when we take a moment to pray for and care about each other, it makes us all stronger in a way that's hard to explain.

Hang in there, little brother, we're all pulling for you! :)

P.S. don't worry too much about how tall you get... bein tall just means it's hard to shop for jeans that fit right and people always want you to get stuff off the top shelf for 'em :D
 
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Thanks Murph!

James, I already have a hard time finding jeans that fit! 30x34's are tough to find! Especially with a slim fit!
And being 6' tall already, I know all about reaching top shelves. ;)
 
Just wait till the waist/inseam flip-flops, LOL... I was 34x36 for a long time, suddenly the last couple years I'm a 36x34! Must be the weight of the world bearin' down on me :D
 
You will be in my thoughts and prayers young man . And a second opinion is a necessary for ANY surgery ! Good Luck Mike !
 
Good luck Mike.
It's pretty amazing what docs can do now but don't stop getting opinions till you feel comfortable with the surgeon who will actually do it. I've had 4 back surgeries and went with the guy who instilled the most confidence in me and didn't just try to pacify me. You'll know just by their demeanor. He was my sixth refferal and you have that right. Your mental attitude towards the surgery has a lot to do with it too, and the right doctor will help with that.

I'm pulling for ya,
Rudy
 
Mike as you can see we're all pulling for you. My prayers will go with you and it's good that you're being cautious about the surgery.
Thanks for letting us know.

Larry
 
Mike,

On the day of my retirement from the PD, in 1991, I had back surgery for a ruptured disk ... 18 months later, they had to do it again. Now, at age 65, I sail, ride my motorcycle and spend endless hours in my shop. My point is, hang in there, find a good Doc and trust him and know that, if it does come to surgery, it's not the end of the world - only a new starting place.

Good luck and best regards.

Dick
 
I'm not going to be able to respond to everyone's reply here, but it sure helps relieve a whole lot of stress that I'm feeling with everything happening to see that you guys are there. Another thing to complicate things is school is starting Wednesday, so depending on when stuff happens, I'll be home schooled for a few weeks.
 
Just let us know what color the titanium is and what color the screws are. i am sure you will use your down time to your advantage to plant your future endevors. Good luck and we will keep you in our prayers.
 
Just let us know what color the titanium is and what color the screws are. i am sure you will use your down time to your advantage to plant your future endevors. Good luck and we will keep you in our prayers.

Now that's funny!

I'm not sure what the material will be. Stainless (314) is an option, titanium, and a Co Cr alloy. Carpenter steels is also possibly the supplier of it.
 
Mike, good luck with your treatments. You know we support you..
 
Mike had a granddaughter that broke her leg in softball at nine years old. They took her rod and screws out 3 weeks ago. Purple curved rod and two blue screws are proudly displayed on her vanity. Blew my mind the rod is curved instead of straight. Told her we need to make her something out of it and she said she liked it the way it was.
 
Mike,

We're all pulling for ya bro ! Get all the facts and second opinions you need to make a comfortable decision about things and don't worry ... we'll be right here to harrass ya during your speedy and full recovery :)

Josh
 
Mike

You've got a great attitude and that's more than half the battle.
You've got great support here too.

Mark
 
Thanks Everyone! Your support really helps me out. I'm still not sure what is going to happen, but we'll find out a lot more on Friday when I have my first consultation with a doctor.
 
I wish you the best treatment and a speedy recovery. Your attitiude is very positive, that will be to your benefit. God bless.
 
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