Anyone seen a private doctor/surgeon

[justgivejack]

I have been referred to orthopaedic surgeon for a curve of my spine (scoliosis) picked up on a chest X-ray for something unrelated. It is currently causing me no pain but I am so anxious since finding out. I want to know what it means/treatment/plan/what exercises can help.
I am looking at booking an initial consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon (one off fee). Is it worth it? If I need any other scans will they be done by nhs as I can't afford to carry on private but just want to clarify as GP who told me I had it didn't know a lot about it and google scared me to death

If it isn't causing pain I wouldn't worry about it - certainly not enough to see a surgeon privately. I've had scholiosis all my life (picked up about 10) and it does have some impact on my life but mostly managed very well through physio and Pilates. It hasn't stopped me doing anything and I have competed at high level in endurance sports.

If not causing pain, and you have some cash to put towards managing it I'd suggest seeing a physio who will be able to assess and suggest exercises which will keep the muscles around your spine strong and supple. You would only need a surgeon if it is having a huge negative impact on your life as the surgery is extensive and not undertaken unless really necessary.

If you have Scoliosis you need to see a spinal surgeon, not an orthopaedic surgeon.

STOP LOOKING AT DR. GOOGLE!

In your situation, if it's not causing pain, I would wait for the referral to come through and take it from there. If you can't afford to follow a course of treatment through privately, (which could be £00,000s) then I'm not sure what you'd gain from the initial appointment, aside from speed?

And as a pp says. If it an incidental finding then I wouldn't worry to much about it.

Thank you @Pleasegotosleep01
I really don't know what to do, I think it's more for my piece at mind; I just feel really anxious about it all and why it has only just been picked up (although I've never had a chest X-ray prior to this one).

Sorry it is the spinal consultants not orthopaedics. I think I might leave it then after your reassuring posts, it was more because I'd never heard of it so didn't know anything about it

I havea slight scoliosis a long side another disability it was picked up as s child it's not really bothered me but if you have booked your appointment you can still be on the NHS list for treatment but I don't think it is really necessary or urgent enough to go private if you. Have no pain or bother with it.

Thanks @Mrsjayy I've not booked yet, was just looking and they have appointments this week. I don't really have the money to spend but was thinking if it helps with my anxiety

Oh I have this exact situation (scoliosis picked up at an unrelated chest xray). The doctor told me when giving me my chest X Ray results, but didn't advise any action so I assumed it's nothing to worry about. Is it something to worry about?!

@WhereDoMyBluebirdsFly I was speaking to a colleague today and she said she had been told by GP she had scoliosis after a chest X-ray too and she is having no follow up - I've no idea why I've been referred - I don't think it is anything to worry about I'm anxious as to why I've been referred

Who referred you?

@Miljea GP

Two of my nieces had scoliosis - one needed surgery one didn't. Lots of people have mild ones that don't need anything.

Hi OP, I had a C-shaped spinal curvature which meant I was referred to the Royal Orthapedics in Birmingham. They assessed my mobility, the degree of curve and back pain (I was in pain with trapped nerves)

They then gave me a rang of options to do nothing to begin with, wear a brace and see if it would improve or move to surgery. The brace is better for children but I was an adult at the time of referral so after a very thorough conversation with the consultant, I went for surgery.

Wait was around 12 months and I had rods fitted most of the length of my spine. It was very invasive surgery and meant over a fortnight in hospital but it ultimately helped me be in less pain with my back. I do have a limited range of movements due to the rods but the operation is only recommended where it's necessary.

I appreciate it's concerning but scoliosis is relatively common and most people have it with no issues. I had a significant rib hump due to my rib cage rotating - which is why surgery was necessary.

If a private consultation will put your mind at rest then go for it, but it's really not necessary

As someone has said upthread, whoever you see (NHS or private), make sure it is a spinal surgeon (some are neurosurgeons, some are orthopaedic surgeons) and, if possible, one who actually does correction of scoliosis (not every spinal surgeon does) because you want to get advice from someone who really sees a lot of people with it. My friend had this operation, her scoliosis having eventually become a very painful condition and interfering with her life. It went extremely well and she was very happy with the results. If you currently have no pain, I think it unlikely surgery would be advised. If you do want to see a private surgeon, they would not be able to arrange your scans on the NHS. They would probably much prefer (as it is very important to get the best imaging) for you to have the scans done at a centre of their choice. If you can be patient, I would advise waiting to see a spinal surgeon on the NHS or it could be very costly and it does appear likely that you are not currently in need of surgery, so no hurry to see someone.

I have had this since born with no pain and never had treatment or problems and had 2 babies. I would leave it until you see your GP next for something else. Mine like yours was picked up by chance after a chest x day in my 20s.

Hi @StylishMummy thank you for your message. If you don't mind me asking, how old were you when it was picked up and how old were you when you had surgery and did your curve progress. It's really good to hear from others who have it, all I can seem to see on line is children. I'm really anxious about the whole thing and post was really reassuring x

Thank you everyone for your messages,
It's really reassuring to hear others who have this.

You'd have to pay for a private mri and then a private follow-up. Not a route to go down if money is tight. Occasionally you can queue jump after treatment back onto the NHS with the same consultant but it's rare and notes for you as a private vs NHS patient are kept completely seps

I had no idea that scoliosis was so common until my ward took over the post op care of kids from the adult side. Some weeks pre Covid we did five repairs in a week.

@Toddlerteaplease

I had no idea that scoliosis was so common until my ward took over the post op care of kids from the adult side. Some weeks pre Covid we did five repairs in a week.

I know I had never heard of it but since being told I have it, I've mentioned it to a few people and a few friends and colleagues have said they have it or a family member has it