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Answers about Controversial Trends in Spine Care

Spine Health | Last Active: Jan 16, 2023 | Replies (35)

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@stpchair

to @stantallusa, if I may add my own advice given by a physiatrist I've worked with, look for a surgeon affiliated with a medical school to find one who has the most up-to-date skills and training. That's what I'm doing right now. I need total spine reconstruction for severe scoliosis (S-curve) and I've been searching for over a year. Covid has factored in somewhat. I was turned down by Dr. Lemke at NY Presbyterian who said he only works on "spinal deformities"--well, what is severe scoliosis but a spinal deformity by anyone's definition? That one really threw me. In fairness, he referred me to two of his subordinates; but he, himself, is not interested. Forget anyone who is advertising for patients. I agree with Jennifer that a good surgeon doesn't need to solicit business! I, too, would like to hear from patients who have been through the surgery and can tell us what it has meant to them to have their lifestyles change dramatically. I can only imagine at this point what it could mean to be unable to bend, flex and twist. It sounds bad, doesn't it? But to be rid of the pain must be wonderful. One person said she can still get up from the floor by herself, which left an indelible impression on me. I can't shake the visual in my head. Please, people, if you will, share your life after surgery with us who are scared and uneducated at this point!! Thanks.

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Replies to "to @stantallusa, if I may add my own advice given by a physiatrist I've worked with,..."

Thanks. Good advice

@stpchair I saw from your profile that you are 73. Do you think this may be a factor in being dismissed by a surgeon as a surgical candidate? As for pain, usually surgeons can't promise to fix pain, and instead they preserve function or stop something from getting worse. I think you are right to look for specialists at centers with medical schools that are teaching about spine deformity. Are you still looking and considering surgery?

Here is a Mayo Clinic Q & A about Scoliosis https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-for-adults-affected-by-scoliosis-treatment-based-on-severity-of-symptoms/

Here are some other discussions about scoliosis that might connect you to patients with experience with treatments.

Adults living with Scoliosis, thoracic stenosis, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/searching-for-adults-living-with-scoliosis-thoracic-stenosis/

Scoliosis, introduce yourself, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/scoliosis-introduce-yourself/

Scoliosis and sleep number beds, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/scoliosis-and-sleep-number-beds/

Scoliosis and chronic back pain, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/chronic-back-pain-2c72ae/

Degenerative discs & Scoliosis, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/degenerative-discs-and-scoliosis/