Scheuermann's Kyphosis w/ alot of questions

[Ei4]

I am 22 years old and i have Scheuemann's Kyphosis. I am going to see a Doctor this week about surgery and i was wondering about it. If anyone knows could they tell me what kind of surgery they do, how long is the recovery period,and what kind of scars does it leave? Because I have heard so many diferent stories.

[Renee016]

Hi, Ei4 - I'm sorry I have never heard of this before but I do know that a kyphosis is an abnormal curve in your spine. Where do you have the curve?

Hopefully someone who knows what this is will respond to you - if not, try to post your message on the back problems board.

Good luck and take care.
Renee

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1982 Fusion surgery with stainless steel Harrington Rod - T5 - L3
1999 Neck problems began
2001 Cervical Kyphosis
2003 3 Herniated Cervical Discs - C4 thru C7. One disc (C5-6) pressing on the spinal cord (no nerve root compression) causing leg problems - diagnosed with Myleopathy and anterior cervical discectomy recommended.

[dawng]

well i can tell you that on Jan 10th 2003 ( by the way i am female) i had surgery to correct my kyphosis. i was first diagnosed back in 92 when i was 12 so i am 23 now. then i had a curve of 62 degrees which wasnt that bad. 2 years ago i had another x ray and my curve was then 70. then in Nov of 02 the doctors told me that my curve was 80. so it was time to get it fixed. i had a right thoracotomy. (they go in thru the right side of your rib and remove one to get to the front of the spine.) then i had a fusion to my t4 and t5 vertebrae where the curve was pronouced. then i had my back cut open from my neck at the top (t3-t11) so it is a fairly large scar. then i had anterior and posterior fusions done. along with rods on either side and screws and hooks holding it in place. i also had a iliac bone graft which is on the left lower hip on my pelvis. that is how it is done, i am currently 5 weeks and still recovering it is painful i wont lie to ya but they give you drugs so it helps. i was in the hospital for a week then rehab for a week. youll need a hospital bed when you get home and youll need a walker. but i am expriencing upper shoulder pain and neck pain and i am wearing what is called a tlso. it is a brace i have to wear it for 7 weeks and you wont be able to drive for a while . like 6 weeks to 8 weeks depending. Post again if you haev any more questions i can help you ive been thru this.

Dawn

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[This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 02-19-2003).]

[amers726]

Hi, my name is Amy and I'm 16 yrs. old from Denver. I have a kyphosis in my lumbar spine which is to be corrected on june 25th with fusion and rods. As the date gets closer and closer, I'm having second thoughts about it. I just want to know what to expect from this. What is the hospital stay like? What kind of pain should i expect (aching, burning, etc.)? How long until I may be able to walk again? When I leave the hospital will I be bed ridden at home or will I feel up to leaving the house occassionally? ANY information would help right now as i"m becoming very nervous and anxious.

[Shizzy]

Hi Ei4-
I also had kyphosis and had an anterior fusion at T11-T12 level. I had a thoracotomy also like Dawn although I didn't know thats what it was called. Anyways Im wondering at what level your kyphosis is diagnosed.

Dawn-
you said you had a 62 degree curve and said that wasnt bad, And im wondering if at different levels the curve is different. Thats worded bad, what I mean is I had a 55 degree curve at T12 and that is a significant curve. They begin doing surgeries if a curve is 20 degrees and Im just wondering if it was different at your level. I don't know if you are getting what I mean? Im not very good at these post's and wording what I mean. Thanks anyways!
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif

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Old name Shiz Quit working...?
19 yrs old
July 2002- Rolled 3 wheeler, T11 T12 anterior wedged compression fractures.
55 degree kyphosis (curve forward)
Dec 5 2002- 2 level Anterior fusion.
Rib removed, T12 removed, both used for bone in Cage. Also have plate and screws. Straightend up to about 20 degrees.