Standing Tall Again in Just 5 Days: A Patient's Remarkable Journey Through Scoliosis Surgery in Istanbul, Turkey

[00:00:00] When I first heard about scoliosis, I didn't even know what it was. It was discovered during a medical examination when I was preparing for the Physical Education and Sports Academy entrance process.

[00:00:03] I felt a gap in my lower back.

[00:00:07] I experienced some pain on the side where my spine was curved, and I couldn't bend my right arm backward as far as I wanted.

[00:00:11] I understand that in robotic scoliosis surgery, the locations where the screws will be placed are calculated in advance.

[00:00:14] I was told that the system has an accuracy rate of 99.7%.

[00:00:18] Before surgery, my spinal curvature had increased to 43 degrees and eventually reached 45 degrees.

[00:00:23] I underwent surgery.

[00:00:27] Now it's 0 degrees.

[00:00:35] My name is Resul. I'm 20 years old, and I'm from Kahramanmara?.

[00:00:38] I'm studying physical education and teaching at Kilis 7 Aral?k University. I'm currently in my third year.

[00:00:42] I'm also a licensed football player. Besides sports, I enjoy swimming, and because I'm studying physical education, I'm involved in almost every sporting discipline.

[00:00:47] My scoliosis was discovered in 2023, when I was preparing for the Physical Education and Sports Academy entrance process.

[00:00:52] When I first heard about scoliosis, I didn't even know what it was.

[00:00:56] I didn't even know it was something related to my spine until they showed me my X-ray.

[00:01:00] They pointed out the curvature and explained that it was called scoliosis.

[00:01:03] Naturally, as an athlete, I felt upset when I first heard the diagnosis.

[00:01:07] I kept wondering whether it would become an obstacle for me in the future and what kind of problems it might cause.

[00:01:12] I did a lot of research. Following my doctor's recommendation, I was referred to the orthopedics department.

[00:01:17] They offered me a treatment approach using a brace. I was told that it would be a six-month process.

[00:01:21] It was a brace that extended from my neck to under my arms and mainly supported the back area.

[00:01:25] Of course, it was somewhat uncomfortable.

[00:01:29] Since I was active in sports every day, it significantly restricted my movements.

[00:01:32] When I was first prescribed the brace, my spinal curvature measured 28 degrees.

[00:01:37] My doctor believed that wearing the brace for six months, together with physical therapy, would help me.

[00:01:42] I followed this treatment for six months.

[00:01:46] After using the brace for approximately five and a half months, I returned for a follow-up examination. I was told that the treatment hadn't worked.

[00:01:50] During those first six months, my curvature had increased to approximately 30 degrees.

[00:01:54] My doctor suggested that I could seek treatment at other hospitals or consult different doctors.

[00:01:58] He also explained that if the curvature progressed further, it could eventually require surgery or another surgical intervention.

[00:02:03] After using the brace for six months, I was referred to another doctor in my province.

[00:02:07] The orthopedic surgeon there also introduced me to Schroth exercises.

[00:02:11] I underwent physical therapy in Kilis as well.

[00:02:15] Unfortunately, I didn't benefit from that treatment either.

[00:02:19] I was experiencing pain. Because of my studies and activities, I had to spend a lot of time standing, which caused significant pain in my legs.

[00:02:23] I felt a gap in my lower back when sitting.

[00:02:27] I also experienced pain on the side where my spine was curved, and I couldn't bend my right arm backward as far as I wanted.

[00:02:31] I couldn't turn properly toward my right side.

[00:02:37] This was quite difficult. When the condition first started, I was much more flexible.

[00:02:41] But now, I would say I had lost about 50% of my flexibility when bending toward that side.

[00:02:45] When my first doctor told me that I would need surgery once the curvature exceeded 40 degrees, I became quite worried.

[00:02:48] As I mentioned, I play football, and I've been playing since I was very young.

[00:02:52] My biggest dream was always connected to football.

[00:02:56] I was constantly worried that I might not be able to play anymore, continue my career, or achieve my dream.

[00:03:00] That was actually my biggest concern.

[00:03:04] More than anything else, I was thinking about whether I could continue playing football.

[00:03:08] Eventually, I realized that my health was more important. Without my health, I wouldn't be able to do anything else.

[00:03:11] That's when I made my decision.

[00:03:15] I had been researching Turan Turan's medical team and its website, particularly its spine surgery department and the equipment they use.

[00:03:20] I already knew that Dr. Yunus performed these surgeries and had considerable experience.

[00:03:23] As I mentioned, I had been researching Dr. Yunus for about a year.

[00:03:27] I kept looking into Turan Turan Clinic in Bursa and Dr. Yunus's treatments.

[00:03:30] I knew he specialized in scoliosis and had extensive experience in this field.

[00:03:35] I also knew that Turan Turan Health Group used advanced technology.

[00:03:40] Because I understood that Dr. Yunus was experienced and specialized in these procedures, I decided to choose him.

[00:03:48] As far as I knew, these particular technologies were available only in Bursa in our country.

[00:03:52] Turan Turan Health Group was the team with the expertise to use this equipment.

[00:03:57] When I watched other patients' videos, I learned that many of them had been diagnosed with the same condition at a much younger age.

[00:04:00] However, there were also patients who came for treatment at an older age.

[00:04:04] I remember researching a patient from Russia who was around 22 years old.

[00:04:08] I believe he had been told that his condition could not be treated in Russia.

[00:04:13] He eventually received treatment here with Dr. Yunus.

[00:04:17] Watching these patient stories gave me more confidence.

[00:04:20] It helped me feel more reassured, and learning about their treatment experiences had a positive effect on me.

[00:04:25] If I had undergone surgery at another clinic or through the healthcare facilities available to us through the public system, the approach would have been different.

[00:04:30] There are many nerves around the spine, and there was a concern that they could potentially be compressed or injured.

[00:04:34] No one could guarantee that this wouldn't happen.

[00:04:38] During the process of drilling into the spine, placing the screws, and achieving spinal fusion, the doctor would have to rely on his own judgment and manual precision.

[00:04:43] With robotic scoliosis surgery, I understand that the procedure is planned in advance using computer software.

[00:04:47] The exact locations where the screws will be placed are calculated beforehand.

[00:04:52] I was told that the system has an accuracy rate of 99.7%.

[00:04:56] They also explained that this technology significantly reduces the risk of errors.

[00:05:01] Other patients with the same condition who shared their experiences in videos also talked about this.

[00:05:05] That's what makes the system different.

[00:05:09] My surgery is scheduled for tomorrow, most likely in the afternoon.

[00:05:13] I'm not particularly excited because this is my first surgery, so I feel a little nervous.

[00:05:18] But I'm not overly anxious.

[00:05:30] Thankfully, my surgery went very well.

[00:05:34] Today is the fourth day after surgery, not counting the day of the operation. If I include that day, it's the fifth day.

[00:05:39] From the moment I regained consciousness after surgery, the physiotherapist helped me start walking.

[00:05:43] At first, I walked with the support of metal handrails, and later I started walking on my own.

[00:05:48] I gradually got used to it and began getting up and walking every day.

[00:05:52] My pain is almost nonexistent.

[00:05:57] I only have a little pain around my lower back and upper back. The doctor said it was related to the surgical procedure.

[00:06:02] Other than that, I'm not experiencing any significant discomfort.

[00:06:08] It's natural to feel a little afraid of surgery, but regardless of the outcome, it is a surgical procedure.

[00:06:14] The facilities and technology available at the hospital where I had my surgery in our country are also very advanced.

[00:06:19] Thinking about that makes us feel more reassured.

[00:06:22] I can clearly feel that I'm standing straighter now.

[00:06:25] I can also feel that I'm sitting upright.

[00:06:29] My shoulders are now level with each other. I can see the difference when I look in the mirror, and it makes me happy.

[00:06:32] I'm very grateful to everyone. I'm extremely satisfied with the care I've received.

[00:06:36] Even when I experience the slightest dizziness, three or four nurses come over to check on me.

[00:06:40] Each of them takes special care of me and stays by my side until I feel better.

[00:06:44] I'm very satisfied with all the staff.

[00:06:49] My last measurement before surgery was taken a year ago, and the curvature was 28 degrees.

[00:06:53] After that, it increased to 43 degrees and eventually reached 45 degrees.

[00:06:56] I underwent surgery, and now it's 0 degrees.

[00:06:59] Before surgery, I used to wonder how much taller I would become afterward.

[00:07:03] I wasn't too concerned about it, but I was curious.

[00:07:06] I haven't measured my height since surgery, so I don't know exactly how much taller I am now.

[00:07:09] My guess is that I've gained about two centimeters.

[00:07:13] I'd like to thank all the staff, my doctors, and their assistants.