2. When was your scoliosis first diagnosed? Jaunary of 2000
3. What was your curvature then? 42 Degrees
4. How was it detected? My mom pointed it out when I was at the pool.
5. How did you feel when you found out you had scoliosis? I was scared because we found it late so if I were to try to wear a brace, it wouldn't help any, so they told me I had to have surgery... and I was SCARED!
6. What treatment was used initialy? 4 hour surgery (It was suposed to be 5 hours.)
7. What was your curvature when the doctors suggest surgery? 42 degrees
8. When did the doctors suggest surgery? Right away, after looking at the X-rays.
9. How did you feel about needing the surgery? I was scared... and I didn't want to do it, but I knew I had to.
10. What type of surgery did you have? Posterior
11. How many rods/instrumentation were used? 2 bars/rods and some screws
12. Describe everything you remember from the day of surgery (from the time you arrived at the hospital to the time after surgery).
I walked in the hospital at 6:30am, and they brought me into the bacl. I changed into a gown, and took a pill so I wouldn't be nervous. I fell asleep and the doctors woke me up and said that it was time. I said "bye" to my parents, friend, and aunt... I don't remember going up to the surgery room, but, when I got in the operating room, they lifted me on another table. The put the gas mask around my face and asked me how old I was, what school I go to, and what grade I was in... I answered two of the questions. Then, I remember waking up hearing my mom say, "Can I see her when she wales up?" and the nurse replied, "She's already awake!" when I accually moved all over. All I wanted was a huge glass of water... all they gave me was a Dixie Cup full of water!
13. What was the date of your surgery? June 12th, 2000
14. At what hospital did you have it? Children's Hospital (Denevr, CO)
15. Who was/were your doctor(s)? Dr. Erikson
16. How many days were you in the hospital? 7 days
17. What pain medications did you have? Vikadin, Morphine, and Tylenol 3 with Codine
18. Did you loose any weight? If so, how much? Yes... 15 lbs
19. Did you have any complications? No... It went really good.
20. Have you had/are you having any other follow up treatment? No
21. What would you tell other scoliosis patients about your experence? To go to a hospital, check it out... Get a second opinon. If it is bad enough, get surgery. If you don't, it will just get worse. If not, try the brace. A good place to go (where I went) is "The Children's Hospital" in Dever, CO. See Dr. Erikson.
