Joyce C.
I first became aware of the spinal condition scoliosis when my younger sister (age 13) underwent scoliosis surgery with the insertion of Harrington rods. I was pregnant at the time with my second child and experiencing some discomfort with my back. I mentioned my sister's condition to my physician and he did a visual screening and discovered that I too had scoliosis. Since I was an adult and the curve was not extreme, my physician did not proceed with treatment other than to advise me not to have any more children. He stated that more than likely the condition would not progress.
Periodically I would mention the scoliosis to my physicians during routine physical examinations. They would do a visual exam but x-rays were never taken and I was assured that it would probably not progress.
My back had always seemed to tire easily and lifting and carrying was difficult, but I didn't realize that was a problem. I had always been active and continued to be active.
Around age 45, I began to have increasing pain and numbness in my legs and back and my clothes no longer fit properly.
In January 2001, an MRI showed a significant thoracolumbar scoliosis and I was referred to an orthopaedic physician. He ordered physical therapy, muscle relaxers, and pain medication. Each gave only minimal, temporary relief. The orthopaedic physician then performed injections, which provided no relief. I was then referred to a spine surgeon. He ordered a series of three steroid injections and tried various pain relievers. Still there was no relief.
Because of my insurance, it was necessary to change to a spine surgeon in a different network. He ordered a Myelogram and a CT scan. The results showed that the type of surgery needed was not being performed by anyone in our area, so he took no further action.
I was later sent to a pain specialist and a different orthopaedic physician that sent me back to physical therapy, traction, and prescribed different pain medications. There was still no relief.
In the Spring of 2002, the neurologist did a nerve root injection and fluoroscopic procedure and informed me there was no other treatment left that would benefit me other than surgery or to use a morphine pain patch for the rest of my life. She said my condition was worsening and the curve continued to increase. She referred me to a Washington University physician. After examining me, he realized that he could not perform the type of surgery I needed and referred me to Dr. Lenke.
Dr. Lenke examined me and determined he could do the surgery. He explained the procedure and offered me time to consider it. After the complicated process I had been through for the past 2 years, I decided that day while still in his office to have the surgery. The process began and a surgery date was set for five months away. The surgery was successful and without complications.
I am now 2 years postop and the surgery has definitely benefited me. My pain level decreased immediately. The deformity is hardly noticeable, the curve is no longer progressing, and I no longer struggle just to hold myself upright.
I am so glad I finally found Dr. Lenke. After so many unsuccessful treatments, he was the only one who could give me my pain-free life back. Thanks, Dr. Lenke!
