Lori H.
I was 12 when my scoliosis curves were first diagnosed. The bottom curve was 32 degrees and the top curve was 18 degrees. The doctor started me on exercises and I did them faithfully, but the curves progressively got worse. I was fitted for a brace to hold the spine and when it failed to work, a neck support was added. Within a year, my bottom curve was 72 degrees and the top curve was 30 degrees. I had my first surgery in 1981 to attach a Harrington rod to my spine to keep the curves from progressing even more. The bottom curve was straightened to 54 degrees and the top to 19 degrees. I recovered quickly and went through school without any problems.
Life went on; I got married and had three children. I was so busy with my life that I didn't realize my spine was curving, even with the Harrington rod holding my spine. It wasn't until one day when I was chasing after my 2-year-old that I realized how bad I was. I got so short of breath that I couldn't breathe and had to be taken to the emergency room. The doctors did x-rays and saw that my right lung was being squeezed by my ribs so much that I only had about 10% lung capacity. Four of my bottom ribs were overlapping each other. I had not realized my spine was that bad! I guess I had learned to live with the pain and adjusted how I walked and moved.
I was referred to a local surgeon. He took more x-rays and told me the bottom curve was 103 degrees and the top curve was 42 degrees. Instead of my head being in line with my pelvis, it was eight inches to the right of it. He told me that my spine was too curved and that surgery would be too risky. He referred me to orthopaedic specialists in Ohio, who also told me that surgery would be very risky and that they wouldn't do it. But one of the doctors said that if anyone could help me, Dr. Lenke could.
Within a few weeks I was on a plane to St. Louis to meet with him. I was scared. I had three young children at home and I wanted to be able to run and play with them. When I met Dr. Lenke, he was so amazed by my x-rays that he had me walk back and forth just to see how I was walking with my spine curved so badly. He told me that he believed he could help me but it would be risky. The chances of permanent paralysis were high, but without the surgery I could be crippled or even die.
Dr. Lenke was very honest and upfront; he didn't hold anything back. He let me know all the risks and the pros and cons of the surgery. That meant more to me than anything. I knew then that I was willing to put my life in his hands. I finally had a doctor who was going to help me.
Before surgery, I had many tests to endure, including an MRI, more x-ray, blood tests and breathing tests. Dr. Lenke made sure everything was covered before the surgeries. I checked into the hospital on October 20, 1996. I was to have the first of three surgeries the following morning. There were more tests and of course many forms to sign. The doctors, nurses, and the entire staff were wonderful. They made me feel like family and I was at ease being there.
My first surgery was to remove the old Harrington rod and a rib to use for bone fusion. The second was to remove three discs and two vertebrae so my spine could be straightened without stretching the spinal cord. I then had all the rods and screws put in along with all of the bone pieces to fuse the spine. I had a third surgery to put in what I call my basketball hoop to help secure my spine where the vertebrae were taken out. In all, I had 26 hours of surgery! I was cut from top to bottom on my back and also from under my left shoulder blade down around to the front of my stomach so Dr. Lenke had room to work.
After the surgeries, I was fitted with a brace and had to wear it at all times when I was out of bed. I was kept very comfortable and had little pain. The physical therapist worked with me many times a day, getting me up, walking, and learning how to do everyday tasks with my brace. After three weeks in the hospital, I returned home and recovered very quickly.
I had to continue wearing the brace for six months after surgery to ensure the bone fusion was healing. I went back to St. Louis for check-ups and was so happy when I saw the x-rays with my much straighter spine.
Today, my bottom curve is 39 degrees and the top curve is 24 degrees. It is almost 10 years since my surgeries and I am doing more now than I ever have. I am forever indebted to Dr. Lenke and his wonderful staff for all they have done for me. I hope that my story helps those people who have doubts and fears about back surgery. I know it has changed my life and I am healthy and happy because of it.
