This section is a list of common questions and their answers about scoliosis. This page’s aim is to help you easily and quickly find information without needing to ask someone directly.
Question : Has anyone with a spinal fusion had an MRI before?
Answer – The simple answer is “Yes”. It is known that you will feel a warming feeling where the metalware is in your spine.
Question : Am I entitled to claim vehicle and accommodation costs when having to travel to appointments and/or surgery?
Answer : The short answer is yes. To do this you will need to contact your local DHB and speak to the National Travel Assistance Claims department to get the person registered who is doing the travelling to and from appointments/surgeries to be eligible to claim these expenses. They will email you confirmation of registration and also a claim form for you to complete and get signed by the hospital/department you visit. One thing with this is that you need to pay upfront and the DHB will reimburse you. It is a good idea to get your registration sorted as soon as possible. One less thing to think about as you get closer to the spinal fusion
Question : What did you sleep on after surgery?
Answer : In the end it really comes down to trial and error and what you find is most comfortable. It will take a bit of experimentation. Some options that have been mentioned are:
- Reclining/adjustable bed
- Memory foam mattress topper
- Pillows including a full body pillow and/or a tri pillow.
Question : How can I tell if my child may possibly have scoliosis.
Answer : One test that you can undertake is the Adams Forward Bend Test
- Stand upright with feet together, back facing a mirror or another person
- Keep knees straight and bend forward at the waist (bend down and touch your toes)
- Let your arms hang down naturally
What you are looking for:
- A predominant rib hump. This is where one side of the rib cage is sticking up higher
- Uneven shoulders or shoulder blades
- One hip higher than the other
- Spine appearing curved rather than straight
If you are concerned always go to your GP to organise an xray. This will allow the Cobb angle to be calculated and determine if you have scoliosis.
Question : What do I need to take to hospital with me when I am getting a spinal fusion?
Answer : Here is a guide for some items to help your stay a little more comfortable.
- Face Mist
- Lip Balm
- Music or book (on your phone or tablet)
- Earphones/Buds
- Download movies onto your device
- Slip on bralette (so no hooks) so offers light support (we got ours from Cotton On)
- Loose tshirts
- Boxer shorts/shorts (nothing tight around tummy to ensure you are comfortable)
- Favourite toy
- Favourite blanket
- Eye Mask (helps with your rest at night when lights are on/dimmed)
- Non slip, easy to put on shoes
- Usual toiletry requirements
Question : How do I support my child while they are missing school after their spinal fusion?
Answer : You can apply to your local Regional Health School for support for your child during their recovery after surgery. The application forms should come out from the area where the surgery is taking place. For example, in the instance where your having your surgery in Dunedin the Scoliosis Clinic will mail these out to you. If not, just reach out and have a conversation. It is also good to make contact with your child’s school explaining the process and how they can best support and assist your child during their recovery.