Chuff_Nugget

Also 43, but due to living in the middle of nowhere only saw FOTN on video.

It filled me with awe and enjoyably unrealistic dreams. I think it's time I showed my kids too!!

Amazing read - thanks for doing the AMA.

QUESTION : are you aware of there having been any British techniques used in your surgery? The reason I ask is because my mum (died at a ripe old age from general old-age issues) was one of the more documented and lectured-about cases of scoliosis. The techniques used on her (including titanium on one of her later surgeries) were pioneered in the UK.

I've still got her first spinal restraint (internal stainless steel brace with hooks that were screwed into her vertebrae) sat on a shelf. It was removed in favour of full fusion and titanium - much like your good self.

She had kids, lived a great life, and was content when her time came. First surgery was in the early 1960's I think when she was 15.

Rock on man!!

You're Totally welcome. :)

My mum rocked. Couldn't grumble about a thing near her without feeling like an idiot. She'd always say "it could be worse" and get on with things like a champ. She actually moved to live closer to the RJAH orthopedic hospital in Gobowen, and was repeatedly operated on by a surgeon named Eisenstein - he's retired now, but he's a great guy and a fantastic pioneer. I suspect that the techniques used in your surgery have been perfected and taught by him.

Fun fact - I grew to be taller than my mum TWICE. She got taller after the fusion and titanium went in, and I had to out-grow her a second time. That's nearly 25 years ago now. (I'm 38 now)

I've taken some pictures... If you want more just say!

http://imgur.com/a/vGmMM

I became an engineer and always wanted to see the titanium: we made a deal that I'd get to keep it after her cremation.... But she went all "Eco" and decided on an Eco-burial a few years before she hopped the twig. Good for the planet, bad for my curiosity. We giggled about it.

All the best! Take care, and rock on!!

Edit. Forgot to add - those hooks snapped off eventually and floated around hitting nerves from time to time. One of the ball-fixings is missing - I suspect that was never found! The packet says it was removed in '86. I thought it was later than that.. Time flies huh?