As I read the posts from those weighing their surgical options or who are in the last few pre-op weeks (sheer hell) or the early stages of recovery, I can't help but reflect on where I was a year ago at this time. I went through most of my life with minimal issues from my back, was in total denial about its obvious progression and it was pretty much ignored by the local medical community. Once I hit my 50's, the occasional pain and stiffness became chronic, everyday misery. At this time last year, I had just returned from my first surgical consult and based on that Dr.'s reaction, had decided to keep on trying to manage conservatively. When I posted that decision on the forum, it was met with a resounding "No, no, you have to find a surgeon" from some of you. I will be forever grateful to those of you who prodded me out of my denial.
Long story short, a year later, I am truly living a different life. I have a long fusion and do not feel limited in any way (which was one of my greatest fears.) I can bend over to leash my dogs and tune a student's violin. I can stand as long as I want, cook, teach, swim, walk, serve my church, etc. and I feel normal. Due to the severity of my curves, I will always have a somewhat crooked back, but I am not in pain anymore. I realize I was very fortunate with my recovery and the memory of those difficult early weeks tends to fade with time. So I just want to prod those of you who may need it the way I did and offer encouragement to those in other stages of this journey. As Rita just said, we're all walking this together, just at different places. I never, ever thought I would do this surgery and never envisioned that it would change my life the way it has.
Now if I could just lose that post-op 12 lbs!
Hugs to all of you, my scoli friends.
Long story short, a year later, I am truly living a different life. I have a long fusion and do not feel limited in any way (which was one of my greatest fears.) I can bend over to leash my dogs and tune a student's violin. I can stand as long as I want, cook, teach, swim, walk, serve my church, etc. and I feel normal. Due to the severity of my curves, I will always have a somewhat crooked back, but I am not in pain anymore. I realize I was very fortunate with my recovery and the memory of those difficult early weeks tends to fade with time. So I just want to prod those of you who may need it the way I did and offer encouragement to those in other stages of this journey. As Rita just said, we're all walking this together, just at different places. I never, ever thought I would do this surgery and never envisioned that it would change my life the way it has.
Now if I could just lose that post-op 12 lbs!
Hugs to all of you, my scoli friends.
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