They want to do surgery on my son.

I have not personally known someone who had rods in their backs but I have seen alot of those medical shows on TLC where they put them in and it is really helpful to kids who have cerebal palsy it helps to keep there backs straight so they don't curve anymore and they are able to still stand and walk, the rods are most of the time adjustable too so they can be expanded as your child gets older.

I am so sorry to hear this. But, if you do not feel comfortable with the idea, you should get a second opinion. Some doctors will refer you to a second doctor. My Primary Care Physician did. At any rate, I hope that everything works out alright. God bless you.

I do not know anyone who has done this, but I know that the purpose is to keep the patient from collapsing in on his/her lungs and further impairing breathing, and to stop the increasing pain.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scoliosis check this out first and I would get more info from Doctors get another opinion before doing this!

I was looking into different options when I was told that I would probably need back surgery. There is a procedure that they can use now that instead of rods that will not allow movement there is a way they can straighten the spine and still have all of the movement. it is a jointed type of rods that they can put in. I would look into all different options to discuss with the Dr's before making a final decision. Find out what is going to be best for him as he continues to grow and won't bar him from doing activities, and will limit the number of future surgeries.

Well doing research is the best thing to do,you have to look at all the pros and cons of this and use your best jugdement for what is best for your son. It is not easy but you have to decide. Pray about it as well ask for guidance to what would be best for him. Please keep me updated.

I have a cousin whose child has scoliosis. I remember him wearing a brace for many years, but I don't think he had the rods put in. If it was my child, I'd get a second opinion from another ortho guy that is not in the same practice/building as the one you're seeing now. I know most insurances would probably let you get a second opinion (you can call and ask), if not I think I'd have to spring for one anyways, just because he's so young, and this is a proceedure that will affect him forever. I'd also do more research on the internet to see if there is a support group for scoliosis where you can ask others there and get a better picture of the pros and cons. Here's some links for a few support groups, I'm thinking there has to be other parents who have gone through this rough decision too: http://www.scoliosis-world.com/cat21.htm http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article839.html http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Troy/4314/index.html

I know a lady who had rods put into her back while she was probably in her 30s. She had had polio as a child, and it came back as an adult and twisted her spine. The operation was a good thing for her. After several years of severe pain and being unable to get around, the surgery basically gave her a life back. No, she couldn't walk again after having it, but she could get around much better. Her husband had her van fitted for a disabled person, and she could drive again. She got involved in community service and volunteer work which allowed her to be out with people again instead of just having to stay at home. I've lost track of her now, though, because we moved away. I know it's scary when it's your child. It's hard enough to make decisions when its about yourself, and it's doubly hard when you're making decisions about your child's future. Talk to your doctors more and get more info, and then make the decision your heart is leading you toward. You'll choose the right road!

One of my former coworkers has a son with CP. He also had sever scoliosis. He was quite young when he had a rod put in his back. He is now an adult, about 35 years old. He is quite active in sports. He does cross-country skiing, swims and does runs track.

I have CP, too. My back is messed up, too. I have lordosis, it's scoliosis in reverse you could put a tea cup in my back. I have a cave almost. I plan to avoid back surgery for as long as possible although I must admit that I'll probably need it at 40-50. Too many people I know have had bad experiences with back surgery.

I'm sorry but I have no experience or knowledge about this but I will certainly keep you and your son in my prayers and if you do decide on the surgery please let me know and I'll add the doctors to my prayers for guidance.

My daughter had that surgery called a spinal fusion in 2005. Recovery wise she did great. As a matter of fact within just days she was already trying to do stuff such as rolling over and sitting up(things that afterwards you do have to be careful of for several weeks) on her own.