How painful is scoliosis surgery and what's the aftermath of it?

Scoliosis, brace, surgery, all information?

• Hi. Im 14, almost 15 and a girl. Im 4 foot 10inches. and only 72 pounds. So im very tiny. and I look young. I've had scoliosis for a long time but got the brace 1 1/2 years ago. Its tough. Like extremely. And its hard enough just being a teenager and this adds to it. Everything about the brace makes my life difficult and defiantly not normal. and well... I dont have my period yet. I have been having discharge for a year though. My boobs are very small too. Do you think the scoliosis could be causing me to be so far behind? Also like lately I've been feeling like angry, and then after wards really sad? And I get moody really fast! and sometimes I take it out on my friends and family and then I feel really bad the next day. They understand because they feel bad about my brace. I want something to cheer me up when Im like this. I guess my question is like whats up with me? And any advice? Has this happened to you? like if you had a brace or anything.... Thanks so much. I know it sounds dumb but im confused!

• Answer:

  I had Polio at age 5 and got my brace at age 6. Wore it until age 8 and could not tolerate the bruises it caused on my chin and hips. I sure wish I could have worn it! My scoliosis is very severe now. I was 16 when starting my period and my doctor explained that when the body is battling some problem, it delays menstruation. Makes sense. If the brace is at all wearable, wear it until you reach your growth. I couldn't have surgery coz of my breathing being bad and not being able to have general anesthesia. But they have new techniques now.I will tell you this though: most people I know who have had back surgery have bad chronic pain. That is why I say try to achieve straightness with the brace if at all possible. I had to laugh at your saying you are moody! I am that way too! More so now that I am older. Be forgiving of yourself. There are reasons you are moody. Just tell others that, and be sure to apologize later after you get angry. Tell them you are just cranky coz your back hurts. They will understand. I am small and everyone envies me that. Being small is cute I think ;) So don't worry abt that either.Just be you. The main thing right now is to get as straight as you can until you are 18-19. You can make it I think;)