I'm new at this. I came accross this forum and would like to respond to Twisted2, who will have surgery next month.

I am a female and had scoliosis since 9 years old. Surgery was never recommended until I stopped walking with the pain.

On November 2007, I had back surgery. My spine was fused from S1 to T4. My doctor is located in Boston and is excellent. My operation was done in two stages, posterior and anterior. Once the surgery was completed, I was walking on the second day without any pain on my leg.

After six months on a leave I returned to work and I have been increasing my hours slowly until I reach forty hours.

I have no complaints about the surgery but I did my research before I decided to go ahead. My doctor gave me two references which and spoke to. I also scheluded to meet with one of his patients to find out with my own eyes how she looked and moved after such extensive surgery. I also read an excellent book that prepared me for surgery and the title is "Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster".

Now that I am back to work I feel fine but my shoulder blades to hurst a bit. I atribute to working on a computer for long periods of time.

Over all I had a good outcome and feel great.

Good luck with your surgery on 8/11/08. I cannot stress enough how beneficial it is to think POSITIVE AT ALL TIMES. Your recovery will be much better.