X-ray results question

[Guest guest]

I recently joined the forum, and just received my x-ray results,

prior to a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon. I have an old

fusion (T11 through L4 I believe), plus an extended curvature above

the fusion that came as the result of 2 pregnancies before the age of

25, I was told. I am so hopeful that something can be done

surgically -- something I never thought I would say. When I read

that some of the lordotic curve can be restored through revision

surgery, I guess you could say I started to have some hope. My

question has to do with what qualifies a person for revision

surgery? If it is a possibility, I worry about waiting even longer,

deteriorating even further. Or is revision only done as a last

resort? I have been able to live with the pain for years, but since

about last May I have periods of being nearly frantic because I feel

like I can hardly cope!

I have " prominent degenerative disc disease at L-4-L-5 with endplate

sclerosis and marginal spurring...moderate levoscoliosis...some

straightening of the lumbar lordosis " . In the thoracic, I have

a " prominent S-shaped scoliotic curvature. Diffuse degenerative disc

changes " . Also degenerative disc disease in cervical spine

and " moderate disc space narrowing at C4-C5, C5-C6, C6-C7 with

marginal spurring " . I know I need to wait to speak to the doctor

I've been referred to in December, but I'm just so anxious for any

insight as to what might lay ahead.

I take 800mg of ibuprofen and Tramadol whenever I can't tolerate the

pain. Left arm has been numb off and on for years. Spasms in left

shoulder and low back. Some years back, a doctor tried an injection

in the cervical area, but it didn't do anything. Took neurontin for

quite a while prior to that. I notice that I've started to pitch

forward when I walk and I don't think I always kind of waddled when I

walk (but maybe I did??). My knees turn out, and when I try to

center them as I walk, it is somewhat uncomfortable.

When I was training to be a Pilates instructor, I'll never forget

that I was referred to as a " high-functioning scoliotic " . The

trainer was thrilled to have someone to use as a living diagram, I

suppose -- but pretty dehumanizing to be called a " scoliotic " rather

than a " woman " , regardless of the implied compliment of being

considered high-functioning. Lately, I'm not very high-functioning.