Has anyone had a child who had to have the "growing rod" procedure for scoliosis? How fast is recovery and how does it affect your child afterward.
Hi T.,
Have you tried the website www.spinekids.com ? Although it is geared for the child with Scoliosis, it does have specific links to children based on what kind of treatment they have had for it. I have found the site very helpful for both my daughter and myself. My daughter is now 14, and has spent 14 months in a Milwaukee brace. Hope this helps.
I have no advice, just sympathy. I have scoliosis but didn't require surgery, but I was always right on the border. I was diagnosed in 2nd grade when my Mom used to yell at me to straighten my sholders and put my skirt on my hips. I was put in a Milwalkee brace and wore that for several years. In 4th grade I was fitted with a low profile brace and wore that until 11th grade.
There was a adult in my church when I was first diagnosed who had the surgery. He said he'd be in a plaster brace for a year after the surgery. We moved before the year was over so I don't know how things went.
I asked my doc about the electric shock procedure. At the time (we're talking 20 years ago) he didn't want me to be a "guinea pig". Since they still offer this as a treatment, I can only assume that it is effective for some patients.
There are some books out there. Check with your library to see if they have any. I'm sure they'd have the Judy Blume. http://www.espine.com/recomm_resources.html
Best of luck to you and your family.
Although I have never had a child to have the surgery I have a church member's daughter has had it and she has done well with no complications at all. She even grew 3 inches with the correction.
I think you should check out this doctor in Minnesota who has helped many children with scoliosis without surgery.
http://www.clear-institute.com/
Good luck!
Dr. A. Williamson
Hi T.,
Had you thought about calling a Chiropractor about correcting your 3 year old's scoliosis.
Dr. Eric Mierzejewski has a practice that uses sound and vibration to straighten the spine. No manual adjusting like the traditional chiropractors use.
Call him and ask for his advice before you do surgery:
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Hope this helps. Good luck. D.
