Has anyone had scoliosis surgery?

ADVICE BASED ON EXPERIENCE APPRECIATED

Hi everyone,

I’m 23 and currently deciding whether or not to go ahead with scoliosis surgery for late-diagnosed AIS. I’m on the waiting list, but my surgeon has reassured me there’s no pressure to actually have the operation.

My curve is around 48° with noticeable rib rotation and a single thoracic C-curve. The biggest impact for me is honestly self-image more than pain or mobility, and I’m struggling to know whether surgery is “worth it” for my situation.

I feel stuck in a difficult grey area where it’s not clear whether surgery is definitely the right or wrong choice. I recently attended a scoliosis conference which helped me understand things more medically, but I think what would help me most now is hearing real experiences from people in similar positions.

I’d especially appreciate hearing from people who:
- had curves around 40–50°
- had AIS with rib rotation/prominence
- were functioning relatively well but still debating surgery

If you had surgery:
- what made you decide?
- did it help in the ways you hoped?
- anything you wish you’d known beforehand?

If you decided against surgery:
- how do you feel about that decision now?
- has scoliosis/self-esteem continued to affect you long term?

I’d really appreciate any honest experiences or advice from people who’ve lived through this decision. Thank you 🙂

ADVICE BASED ON EXPERIENCE APPRECIATED

Hi everyone,

I’m 23 and currently deciding whether or not to go ahead with scoliosis surgery for late-diagnosed AIS. I’m on the waiting list, but my surgeon has reassured me there’s no pressure to actually have the operation.

My curve is around 48° with noticeable rib rotation and a single thoracic C-curve. The biggest impact for me is honestly self-image more than pain or mobility, and I’m struggling to know whether surgery is “worth it” for my situation.

I feel stuck in a difficult grey area where it’s not clear whether surgery is definitely the right or wrong choice. I recently attended a scoliosis conference which helped me understand things more medically, but I think what would help me most now is hearing real experiences from people in similar positions.

I’d especially appreciate hearing from people who:
- had curves around 40–50°
- had AIS with rib rotation/prominence
- were functioning relatively well but still debating surgery

If you had surgery:
- what made you decide?
- did it help in the ways you hoped?
- anything you wish you’d known beforehand?

If you decided against surgery:
- how do you feel about that decision now?
- has scoliosis/self-esteem continued to affect you long term?

I’d really appreciate any honest experiences or advice from people who’ve lived through this decision. Thank you 🙂

ADVICE BASED ON EXPERIENCE APPRECIATED

Hi everyone,

I’m 23 and currently deciding whether or not to go ahead with scoliosis surgery for late-diagnosed AIS. I’m on the waiting list, but my surgeon has reassured me there’s no pressure to actually have the operation.

My curve is around 48° with noticeable rib rotation and a single thoracic C-curve. The biggest impact for me is honestly self-image more than pain or mobility, and I’m struggling to know whether surgery is “worth it” for my situation.

I feel stuck in a difficult grey area where it’s not clear whether surgery is definitely the right or wrong choice. I recently attended a scoliosis conference which helped me understand things more medically, but I think what would help me most now is hearing real experiences from people in similar positions.

I’d especially appreciate hearing from people who:
- had curves around 40–50°
- had AIS with rib rotation/prominence
- were functioning relatively well but still debating surgery

If you had surgery:
- what made you decide?
- did it help in the ways you hoped?
- anything you wish you’d known beforehand?

If you decided against surgery:
- how do you feel about that decision now?
- has scoliosis/self-esteem continued to affect you long term?

I’d really appreciate any honest experiences or advice from people who’ve lived through this decision. Thank you 🙂

ADVICE BASED ON EXPERIENCE APPRECIATED

Hi everyone,

I’m 23 and currently deciding whether or not to go ahead with scoliosis surgery for late-diagnosed AIS. I’m on the waiting list, but my surgeon has reassured me there’s no pressure to actually have the operation.

My curve is around 48° with noticeable rib rotation and a single thoracic C-curve. The biggest impact for me is honestly self-image more than pain or mobility, and I’m struggling to know whether surgery is “worth it” for my situation.

I feel stuck in a difficult grey area where it’s not clear whether surgery is definitely the right or wrong choice. I recently attended a scoliosis conference which helped me understand things more medically, but I think what would help me most now is hearing real experiences from people in similar positions.

I’d especially appreciate hearing from people who:
- had curves around 40–50°
- had AIS with rib rotation/prominence
- were functioning relatively well but still debating surgery

If you had surgery:
- what made you decide?
- did it help in the ways you hoped?
- anything you wish you’d known beforehand?

If you decided against surgery:
- how do you feel about that decision now?
- has scoliosis/self-esteem continued to affect you long term?

I’d really appreciate any honest experiences or advice from people who’ve lived through this decision. Thank you 🙂

My surgery went well. I am post 2.5 months and walking 2-3 miles daily. I start PT in May and already have a trip planned to play tourist in Savannah the beginning of June. I still struggle with a few things.... backing up in my car. I bought a new small SUV (needed a new car anyway). It has a very cool blind spot set up and back up cameras... some self parking that I haven't figured out yet. :). The world will be much safer with my new purchase! Tamra

Hi Cindy?
I am post fusion from S2-T12 3months. I am already happy I had the surgery. I could not stand very long or walk very far towards the end. Sciatica. I walked 3 miles today. I anticipate I will return to an active life once the fusion has totally fused. I hope to bicycle ( new bike, not my road.). Not sure about golf, but I was a horrible golfer anyway. I can now make plans without weighing how much walking or standing is involved and look forward to sightseeing in Savannah in a month. I had scoliosis, stenosis and slipped disc and prior micro discectomy at L3/L4, so a major fusion was my decision as I do not want to spend the next decade in and out of surgery and healing. Good luck Tamra

My surgery went well. I am post 2.5 months and walking 2-3 miles daily. I start PT in May and already have a trip planned to play tourist in Savannah the beginning of June. I still struggle with a few things.... backing up in my car. I bought a new small SUV (needed a new car anyway). It has a very cool blind spot set up and back up cameras... some self parking that I haven't figured out yet. :). The world will be much safer with my new purchase! Tamra

I am 67 with an “S” curve of 67 and 75 degrees. I am scheduled for fusion surgery at the end of August. Plan is to fuse from T4 to L5.

Happy to post everyone once in recovery.

I agree with the notion that it is better to do this while young and not in an emergency situation at a later date.

Good point on the age factor. Thanks for sharing. Please keep me posted regarding your upcoming surgery. Wishing for you the best. God Bless!