A beginners question

[kalliet]

Hi folks,

I'm not sure where to put this. Firstly, thank you so much for posting your stories and questions in this forum! It's helped me decide to deal with my scoliosis, rather than keep my head buried in the sand.

I'm 26 years old and was diagnosed with scoliosis in my teens but after a couple of back x-rays never followed it up. My Mum kept pushing for me to see a specialist and would tell me "surgery has come a long way nowadays!" but I refused to listen. My curve is worse now and my stiff back aches. I recently decided to look up some back exercises, and found myself reading about people's surgery experiences instead. I feel more comfortable with the idea of surgery now and I want to see a specialist soon.

My problem is this: I'm a uni student/working part time. I only have medicare and I'm not well off financially. I don't even have a GP because I've moved to Melbourne for studies and work. Previously I used the university medical clinic, but my experiences there have not been the best, especially in regards to referring to specialists.

My questions: How important is a GP in regards to scoliosis treatment? What is their role? How often will I need to deal with them, even if I do get referred to a specialist? Would it be worthwhile getting myself a decent GP or do I only need them for a referral?

Thanks so much,
Kallie.

[Rodverta Braefusion]

Hi Kallie and welcome to the forum. I considered my GP to not be necessary at all (considering he told me that I had shin splints...... and this went on for 6 months!). The only help a GP can offer you is to keep a check on your curve. You would definitely need a referal to a scoliosis surgeon and if you are under the public system, this could be set up for you annually. Your GP also has no real involvement after surgery either, as all post-op check, xrays & scripts are supplied via your treating specialist. I hope someone comes along real soon and offers more tips. All i can say is get a referral real quick, just in case there is a long waiting list if you go public. Best wishes.

[kalliet]

Thanks Rodverta =)

I have found myself a nice GP.

[JO MELBOURNE]

I have found a consistent GP can be useful in providing a point for referral and also monitoring pain management. I previously went from GP to GP and never saw the same one - but now that I do, I have found a GP who understands scoliosis and she has assisted me in the right direction for helping me manage my pain. I think the key is to locate a good GP- for me I could only find this in the private GP sector as public ones tend to be pretty useless.
They are limited in their understanding in re: physical exercises etc but can be useful to refer to the right ppl