From the left, the first 2 are my x-rays and the third is a post-op x-ray of a woman who had a similar curve. So before, now, and hopefully-after. I have thoracolumbar scoliosis with a 60-degree thoracic curve and a 47-degree lumbar curve. My MRI shows some fairly significant degenerative changes at several levels. The apex points of both my curves are where I experience a great deal of muscular pain. The compression of the spine below the lumbar curve is also causing nerve pain down the front of my left hip. My spine x-rays show that the curve is relatively mobile, which means the surgery will likely get me pretty straight.
I have met with 6 spinal surgeons, 4 in New Orleans and 2 in New York. Most have recommended a posterior approach with posterior osteotomies, and then T3 to pelvic fusion. This means the discs will be removed and replaced with cages, the spine will be straightened as much as possible, and then rods and screws will hold the spine in place, anchored into my pelvis. If only they could add adamantium and some retractable claws so I could be like Wolverine. Sigh.
After surgery, I will not have any flexibility in my spine below the neck. I will be able to turn my head and bend over from my hips, but I will not be able to twist or curve my back in any way. Having been a dancer since age 6, this will be a lot to get used to. I get asked why this surgery seems worth it, and that is a valid question! This surgery was first recommended to me in 2022. I wanted to take a couple years to do all the physical therapy and alternative treatments available to me to see if I could manage the pain without surgery. The pain has continued to increase, and my quality of life is decreasing. In 2023 I stopped teaching dance because of my pain, and in May 2024 I stopped teaching yoga and performing. As anyone with chronic pain can tell you, it takes a great toll on your mental health in addition to your physical health.
I was first diagnosed with scoliosis when I was 12. I was told by my providers that my curve was not great enough for a brace or corrective surgery, and that the curve would not progress after I stopped growing. As we can see, that was not the case. Despite this deformity, I have led a very active life. No one has been able to tell me what caused the rapid progression in my 30s. It seems that my flexibility is now contributing to my pain, so while the surgery will take away that flexibility, hopefully it will also take away the pain.
I will require a lot of assistance to care for myself and my pets while I recover, and my brother and his wife have kindly offered for me to move in with them in Brooklyn. My plan is to move up in May to hopefully have the surgery in NYC sometime over the summer. I will post updates here about the surgery and throughout my recovery.
I am very grateful for everyone’s words of encouragement!
With love,
Renée
Renée Gaubert, LCSW 
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