Scoliosis?

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Lojo
Lojo Member Posts: 303
edited August 2014 in Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity

Looking for anyone who has scoliosis. I have very mild scoliosis but have been more aware of it after dx and surgery (bmx without recon) because my bras are crooked (!). I guess my real boobs fell to the same place despite uneven shoulders. I'm not sure if it's getting worse or I'm just more aware of it now, but I notice my left side shoulder (cancer side, rads and node biopsy) is stiff, tight. It's the higher side. I'm diligent about the exercises my PT gave me during rads when I had some cording, but I'm curious to know if anyone else has the same issues, what doctor I should talk to, if there are exercises that could help, etc. Thanks!

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  • JAN69
    JAN69 Member Posts: 947
    edited May 2014

    Lojo - I've had some pretty severe scoliosis since childhood.  Now my 3 daughters have it, too.  Bra straps have always been a problem for me, so after my 1st mastectomy I was so uncomfortable with trying to get bra strap to stay in place and for bra to hold the lymph drainage pads in place.  So I had a 2nd mastectomy (just for fun I used to say) and I loved the freedom to go "flat-top".  Then I started to get a little lymphedema, and now I'm supposed to wear one of those compression nightmares, AKA compression garment.  Horrors I tell you!  It come down to my waist and up to my neck both front and back.  It closes with a zipper, hooks, and velcro.  The problem now is that it wants to roll up over my 72 year old belly, which makes the zipper dig into my ribs.  (I have a personal pity party every time I wear that contraption, but at least the straps stay in place.)

    Not sure any of this story is helpful, but believe me, I know your frustration.  Scoliosis is a life-long pain, one that few people understand.  I hope someone will come along with some truly helpful information.  Jan

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited May 2014

    Oh, Jan, that sounds awful! Is it the Medi compression vest? I have lymphedema (and scoliosis) too, so just want you to know there are LOTS of much more comfortable options for keeping your lymphedema in control. Here's a link to a page about breast/chest lymphedema--scroll down to the the bottom of the page, where you'll find links to breast binders, camisoles, shapewear, bras and "swell spots" to help with this crummy problem and keep us a whole lot more comfortable than your "iron vest of horrors"! Some of us gals even use compression sports shirts, like Underarmour makes. My own preference is for the WearEase compression camisole, called a "Slimmer." 

    Please do look into some of the other options--summer's almost here, and you need to be comfortable!

    And do please feel free to join all us "swell sisters" on the Lymphedema forum here at bc.org--lots of helpful and supportive gals there!

    Gentle hugs,
    Binney

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  • Nettie1964
    Nettie1964 Member Posts: 759
    edited May 2014

    I've had bad scoliosis since I was 13.  Although I didn't have a mx, my cancer is on the side of my top curve and the radiation damage has caused much pain. So much that I'm almost convinced it's cancer.

    I've never been able to wear a normal bra, always wear racer back or sport bras to keep straps from falling. 

    I've never been able to wear any kind of cami bra because it rides up or bunches up around my waist and hurts.

    Hope you get some answers.

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  • Lojo
    Lojo Member Posts: 303
    edited May 2014

    Thanks all - and JAN, that sounds awful! My scoliosis is not that bad - I was never treated for it as a kid, but I was always called back for a second look when they did the screening at school, and my pediatrician hemmed and hawed over whether anything was needed. I was an athlete - fairly serious, in several sports that required bending my back, and I never had much trouble. I've always had to carry my purse on one side, as it slips off my lower shoulder. I don't know if the surgery/radiation has triggered tightening and I'm just more sensitive to it now, because of the crookedness. Any suggestions as to how to proceed? I don't want any more scans - hoping just some physical therapy/exercises can help correct some of the crookedness.

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  • Bonski68
    Bonski68 Member Posts: 57
    edited August 2014

    Lojo,

    Sorry for the late reply....just saw this thread.  I had scoliosis as a teenager and received exercises for it.  Later, as an adult my primary physicians thought I had scoliosis due to back pain and the way my back looked when they checked but I had X-rays done and it came back as 'no measurable scoliosis'. I learned to live with the pain....exercise seemed to help it some.  I had no back pain during chemo...maybe due to steroids, but it got so much worse after surgery.  I think I was overcompensating since I couldn't use my right arm much.  The pain was unbearable during rads since I had to lay in strange positions for 20 minutes each day.  I received Percocet and Vicodin for the pain and also muscle relaxers to use before I had my rads.  After the healing, my doctor prescribed me physical therapy which is helping a lot!!!  I've had physical therapy before but never 'hands on'. We currently live in England (hubby is Air Force) and the physical therapist actually works on my back each time I see her.  At first it was twice a week and now I see her once a week.  She also gives me exercises to do at home.  In the states, my physical therapist just had me doing exercises....so this is a BIG change.  

    I hope you find relief soon!

    Bonnie

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