Carissa had a doctor's appointment on February 13th. Here are some X-rays from the doctor's visit. It does not look very good. Yes, her curves have increased from her last visit a year ago. Her upper curve is at 66 degrees and her lower curve is at 48 degrees. Carissa has also grown 4 inches in the past year. You see, every time she grows taller it can potentially cause her curves to increase. The doctor said, that she needs more therapy and chiropractic care.To be honest, this has been financially draining, since we have to pay every thing out of pocket. You can not believe how expensive the replacement parts are for her brace. The doctor that Carissa sees is out of network.
We do have the option of going to a orthopedic doctor, that will encourage her to have spinal surgery to straighten her spine. You see, orthopedic doctors are not trained in preventive care at all. The orthopedic doctor will look at her X-rays and immediately say she is a candidate for surgery. Do we really want her to have surgery? Will she be able to bend over because of the metal rods in her spine? Will she have pain from all the metal screws in her spine? Can she live a normal life with her curves?
Isn't insurance wonderful. They would rather spend $$$$ on surgery but will not bother with other options that could save money. It is like big government, there is no logic in how they run things.
Carissa has been in the Spine Core brace for a year and a half now. The doctor does not know if she can get better because of the large spinal curves.
Well, we are not giving up. We have hope and faith that God will improve her spine. Will you pray for Carissa and for us?
Comments
How are you? I hope you, Brian, and the kids are all doing well. I just read your blog about Carissa and her Scoliosis. I will pray for peace and wisdom in your decision making. I know this can't be easy. As a parent, you always want everything to be perfect where are kids are concerned.
I just wanted to let you know that my best friend Mellissa just went through the same thing with her daughter Jackie. Jackie was diagnosed a year ago when the state did random testing at school. Her spine was at 58%. Mellissa did extensive research, and talked to a few doctors. She even flew out to PA to meet with a specialist. They all told her the same thing......surgery. You are right when you say an ortho will suggest surgery right away, vs chiropractic or other care. However, Jackie's spine was so curved, Mellissa decided to do the surgery. She was out of school for 6 weeks, and is now doing fabulously. She is standing up straight. She has no pain whatsoever, and she can bend and do almost everything she used to do prior to the surgery. I am not an advocate for surgery, unless there is no other alternative, I am just telling you that whatever decision you and Brian make will be from God. I will continue to pray for God's hands to straighten Carissa's spine, and make everything right. God bless you and your beautiful family.
Salwa
Amy