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Scoliosis - Introduce yourself and meet others
Let's talk about living with scoliosis.
As a community moderator of the Bones, Joints & Muscles and Spine Health groups, I've noticed several members talking about scoliosis, but those discussions were scattered throughout the community. I thought I would start this discussion to bring us all together in one place.
Get comfortable in your favorite spot, grab a beverage of your choice, and let's chat. Why not start by introducing yourself?
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https://www.mayoclinic.org/biographies/fogelson-jeremy-l-m-d/bio-20055624
Neurosurgery Department Phone: 507.266.2522
I would suggest Not seeing his PA Laura, but waiting for an appointment with Dr. Fogelson.
Physician Assistants are not required to have as much education as a doctor. Furthermore, I would request a CT Scan. A CT scan will show soft tissue and bones. A x-ray only shows bones. @sarany
Thank you for this, @annieecruz ! We are coming back to Minnesota next winter. I will make an appointment and do my research until then!
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1 ReactionI would just like to add that since Mayo Clinic is an educational institution, NPs and PAs are an integral part of treatment at Mayo Clinic. In addition, treatment and care at Mayo Clinic are viewed as a collaborative effort. I can understand why you may be hesitant, but it is important to remember that a physician, such as Dr. Fogelson, would be reviewing charts and recommended treatments and would be part of your appointment and care, even if your appointment was with a colleague of Dr. Fogelson. I do not intend for this post to sway your recommendation or discredit it in any way, but as appointments can sometimes be hard to get, I wanted to provide some additional information in the event that you are able to get an appointment sooner with a colleague.
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2 ReactionsAlso keep in mind that if you are a self-referral, it may take longer to get an appointment. Start sooner rather than later.
Scoliois diagnosed at 32....now 75 and helped so much by my chiropractor....Not interested in surgery but my gait is limpy. So glad to have a support group.
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1 Reaction(Female) Hi I was diagnosed with mild scoliosis when I was 13, it has been very slowly getting worse I am only 21 now but I would really like to know if it has caused many other medical problems in other people. I also suffer from chronic back pain but I am unsure if it is solely related to the scoliosis as it as not a severe curve. I have many ongoing problems with my reproductive system and genital area and I would really like to know if anyone else suffers the same or similar. I am really stumped for what to do because not many doctors seem to take me seriously they just give me pain relief and time off work, nothing long term. I am in a really tough spot at work now where they are monitoring my time off and treating me like an immature child for example in meetings I get told “it’s good to see you’re turning up for your shifts” and I have also been told that at this point I don’t really have a choice and that I would have to come in to work in an adult diaper with pain or they would refer the meetings to HR to put me down for ‘not fit for work’( I work at a hospital in administration) I really would like to be at work as I need the money as I am recently married, so all of this is also having a really bad effect on my mental health! Sorry to ramble on I am just trying to put it all out there because I feel like I’m not getting anywhere with anyone else.
Hi @sophee I am 52 & have Scoliosis my curve is only 20 but I have had lower back pain most of my life. I was told I would never have a child went to fertility dr for 2 years. But after giving up finally became pregnant at 29. So it can happen. This last year or so everything seems to be getting worse. Changed from an orthopedic surgeon to a neurosurgeon & within 5 minutes of meeting him he ask to actually look at my back and not just MRI’s & told me I have flatback syndrome. I can say I appreciated a fellow patient advising me to see a neurosurgeon if I needed back or neck surgery. Yes to the mental issues. I’m really not sure how chronic pain couldn’t cause depression. I hope some of this helps. Hang in there!!!
They also have a scoliosis group.
Sophee, so sorry you are being hit by one of the most unhealthy places to work in for its professional bullying tactics and thats in a hospital setting. I did over 45 yrs of my younger life, working as a nurse. And on hindsight bullying was rampant back in the 60s.
You certainly have many 'things going on' but for your back I can only sggest getting a good physio or I think you call them PT and get a set of exercises. the important thing is to get those supporting ligaments and muscles keeping your back straight and with the natural curve in it. Having problems with your pelvic organs is a worry, and I am guessing well investigated, one would have to wonder if you have either pinched nerve or maybe something similar to a spina bifida defect, but that would have been picked up on Xray.
I did work as a nurse with pain and illness, Im more obstinate than my donkey. And at times would leave my shift as unable to continue. That also met with sarcasm. As did my slowly fading away and heading for the coffin. I never shared my pain, my reasons with my co-workers, and that also met with bullying so you wont win which ever way you try to cope. So Im guessing since you need to work then do go. As I dont believe the USA has a good disability system or attitude.
I am now at the end of the 3 score and 14 life span, and no longer go to docs for treatment but wanting to know the diagnosis so that I can manage myself. One would think that would please them, but no it brings more arrogant attitude and refusal to help. But for me its how I can best manage if I know what is what. [different to my scoliosis,] I hope you can find out there someone to be part of the team with you, that can guide you on coping, and managing and slowing down 'things'
Yes pressure on the nerves can cause pain and dysfunction of pelvic organs
HI Sophee......my scoliosis was not diagnosed until after my first baby at 32.....It has gotten worse but kept at bay by my chiropractor of 25 years!!!! I am starting to walk unevenly at 75, probably because of how my shoulder leans over a little BUT have never had any organ system or health problems based on the scoliosis. Maybe an overall medical evaluation would help.