I am a 65 yr. old female who is recognized locally as "I know you, you and your husband are the dancers." I have arthritis of my entire spine. About a year ago I noticed a shift in my breast bone to one side then was diagnosed with adult scoliosis. One hip bone is about 3-4 inches higher than the other, the left side of my back is starting to protrude out, I have lost 5 inches in height in about 12-13 months. Last week I was fitted for a custom back brace which I am willing to wear but need an adjustment in the lower pad because I makes it difficult to set up straight. I have an appointment next week for the adjustment. My Dr. told me today we will give the brace 3 months and take more Xrays to check for any difference. If worse he recommends going to another specialist to discuss my options for surgery. I thought I had more time and am having a difficult time accepting what is happening to my body which makes it difficult for me to make any decisions. This evening I tried to find a video of real surgery for rods and for fusion. I am the type who is not afraid of the pain but of the unknown. I need to Know what would possibly be done to my spine during surgery and what I can expect afterwards. I had kidney surgery about 5 years ago, did not need to use the morphine they hooked up to me and talked them into letting me go home 1 1/2 days later. Used very little pain meds. I would not be checking into this back surgery if it wasn't for the deformity. The pain I can handle. Is there somewhere I can see real surgery videos to put my mind at ease? While hoping the back brace will stop the fast pace of the scoliosis I am not confident it will. I can still do many things and am afraid back surgery would limit me more than what is wrong with me. Your advise please. I am afraid of going to the hospital even to visit others, if I go have surgery I would want to come home as soon as possible. Thank you for your time. B. E.