I live with a metal spine - AMA!

[Scoli78]

I developed scoliosis as a teenager and in order to straighten my spine I had surgery to implant 14 screws and 2 30cm long metal rods into my back. AMA!

No real advice unfortunately. I was the same to be honest and became very skinny post-op. It’s a double edged sword as the body is using as many calories as a professional swimmer each day in order to heal yet you have such little appetite. Lived off fruit in hospital as it was the only thing I could stomach and then ate like a sparrow for weeks at home - major surgery and all the medication etc really knocks your entire GI system off. Things did gradually improve though and by 6 months post-op I was back to a more normal weight.

@Scoli78 Thank you so much for that. It's reassuring cos clearly as she's been so light were really quite worried but this gives me some hope that things will improve and as she returns to school and gets stronger she'll regain weight.

I have a milk scoliosis at 38… terrified it will get so much worse as I age.. is this what happened to you…???

Mild not milk!

At 68 I discovered I had s-shaped scoliosis, now very noticeable - though not extreme, and has led to uneven shoulders and a wonky body. I was told I must have had it in mild form since adolescence and it's become more pronounced with age, especially post meno.

I've been advised by my spine specialist to build core muscles to support my spine and prevent further collapse. I also have to take osteoporosis drugs to stop spinal collapse which worsens the situation.

At 38 you should probably research your options including HRT when appropriate to safeguard bones against osteoporosis . My generation were not prescribed HRT owing to cancer scare in the noughties. My consultant says real shame for me and others. You're fore warned so you can really make sure your spine stays in good position. Good luck.

No, mine began as a teenager (around 14/15) and worsened with growth spurts to the point that I needed surgery at 18. Typically only severe curves (upwards of 50 degrees) will continue to progress into adulthood, hence this is often the ‘magic number’ where they will decide to operate - mild curves tend to stabilise once growth is complete and are considered safe to leave alone.

Mine was diagnosed at 11, and monitored through my teens, however in the 70s it was deemed more dangerous to operate than not. FF to 2008 and one day I stood up and just couldn’t walk. After several physio sessions I was diagnosed with spondylolisthesis and told that my spine was about to snap in two.

Surgery followed in Jan 2009, I was in theatre from 8.30 am until 10pm