Daughter newly Diagnosed

[Guest guest]

Hello all,

My 13 year old daughter was recently diagnosed when a chest x-ray was performed

to rule out pneumonia. General radiologist put the angle at 44 degrees

thoracolumbar curve.

Sent immediately to Ortho Surg at good children's hospital. Evaled by the P.A.

for the surgeon and better x-rays obtained. new measurements at 48 degrees by

P.A., 49 by their radiologist, and 48 by ortho surgeon that specializes in

scoliosis. Also a second curve at 22 degrees in thoracic area higher up.

Bracing not effective at this point per literature (National Scoliosis Research

Assoc) and not offered. Daughter is a Risser - 1 and a little over a year post

menarche. So skelatally immature. Ortho see 11 degrees rotation with scoli

meter, one hip is pulled up and right shoulder blade pokes out. Ribs are turned.

Anyway, surgeon said surgery is in her future. Now, 6 months, a year or 5. It is

really up to her. Would rather fix a 50 curve than an 80 degree so would not

like it to progress.

Since high school starts next year and she is Highly Academically competative,

we are thinking go ahead and do now and be done with it. Waiting to put us into

the middle of high school and then a bad progression etc. Surgeon discussed all

of this with us. Seemed interested in her life and the impact of surgery on her

schedule.

2nd opinion surgeon (well known)- very very hurried, spent little to no time

talking to our daughter. No medical history obtained, required another x-ray-

then hand measured the curve at 41. Told us she should get a brace in the hopes

it will hold her at 41 until skeleton matures. But most likely (75% chance) she

will need surgery within the year. But do brace first. Totally dismissed our

concerns about timing and school. Told us they were non-issues. Kids do great

and it really won't mess up any of school etc.

Are we wrong to consider how this all impacts her life and choose a time that is

more convenient? Any thoughts or experiences appreciated.

Lyta