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  • Saying hello....

    Yea...I am a member now! I have been following the forum for months and thank everyone for all the valuable information that has gotten me through.
    I had my fusion on May 7th, 2013 so just over two months post. Everything went very smoothly. I was out of the hospital within 5 days and walking around my block at two weeks. I truly had an uneventful, smooth surgery. BUT....then I had stomach problems. Still trying to get to the bottom of it. I was diagnosed with an infection and put on probiotics but the pain is still there. Awaiting an appointment with a GI specialist to have scope done. I have lived on a bland diet basically since surgery...applesauce, potatoes, bananas. I try regular foods and have pain, I am suspecting an ulcer. It definitely has been a HUGE hinder in my healing. When you don't eat so well, energy levels tend to be low.
    My biggest hurdle I found was driving. I was behind the wheel at 4 weeks but I did not feel ready, very stiff. So I took a break again and just started driving more again and feel comfortable now. But it's hard to not have that freedom. I did drive off and on over the past two months, but shorter distances.
    I have two amazing kids (16 & 11) who have been invaluable to my recovery. And such an amazing husband. I am truly blessed with such a supportive family who 'caters' to me.
    Again, I am so thankful for this forum. I have found answers to just about any question I ever have had. I am still a newbie at this whole scoliosis journey even though I have lived with it for 20 odd years. I still have a lot to learn. I NEVER imagined I would have surgery when it was first suggested 10 years ago, but after the long road of many alternative treatments I finally had to make the hard decision. Nothing was working for my pain and I had given up so much of my life. I can already tell I am going to live a more pain free successful life at the stage I am at. Good luck to everyone out there still struggling with their scoliosis. I am very open about talking about my journey so please feel free to ask questions.

    Prior surgery T50 & L48
    Post op appointment: T20 and unmeasurable Lumbar curve:L0.
    I also suffer from disk problems in my neck and through my entire back
    *Jen
    Fusion surgery with Dr. Chang May 7, 2013
    Pre-T:50 L:48
    Post-T:20 L:0
    Degenerative disk disease through spine and neck with bulging disks as well. Spinal cord deformity in the area of C5-6.
    {On the road to a lifetime of forever with a back not holding me down!! Vacations, playtime with the kids, adult excursions! Life is moving forward not holding me back }

  • #2
    Originally posted by back2life View Post
    Yea...I am a member now! I have been following the forum for months and thank everyone for all the valuable information that has gotten me through.
    I had my fusion on May 7th, 2013 so just over two months post. Everything went very smoothly. I was out of the hospital within 5 days and walking around my block at two weeks. I truly had an uneventful, smooth surgery. BUT....then I had stomach problems. Still trying to get to the bottom of it. I was diagnosed with an infection and put on probiotics but the pain is still there. Awaiting an appointment with a GI specialist to have scope done. I have lived on a bland diet basically since surgery...applesauce, potatoes, bananas. I try regular foods and have pain, I am suspecting an ulcer. It definitely has been a HUGE hinder in my healing. When you don't eat so well, energy levels tend to be low.
    My biggest hurdle I found was driving. I was behind the wheel at 4 weeks but I did not feel ready, very stiff. So I took a break again and just started driving more again and feel comfortable now. But it's hard to not have that freedom. I did drive off and on over the past two months, but shorter distances.
    I have two amazing kids (16 & 11) who have been invaluable to my recovery. And such an amazing husband. I am truly blessed with such a supportive family who 'caters' to me.
    Again, I am so thankful for this forum. I have found answers to just about any question I ever have had. I am still a newbie at this whole scoliosis journey even though I have lived with it for 20 odd years. I still have a lot to learn. I NEVER imagined I would have surgery when it was first suggested 10 years ago, but after the long road of many alternative treatments I finally had to make the hard decision. Nothing was working for my pain and I had given up so much of my life. I can already tell I am going to live a more pain free successful life at the stage I am at. Good luck to everyone out there still struggling with their scoliosis. I am very open about talking about my journey so please feel free to ask questions.

    Prior surgery T50 & L48
    Post op appointment: T20 and unmeasurable Lumbar curve:L0.
    I also suffer from disk problems in my neck and through my entire back
    Welcome to the forum (as a member!)

    From where I'm sitting, you've done very well with your recovery. I hope you find out what the reason for your pain is and get it fixed. Where does it hurt, and is the pain constant or intermittent? Reason I ask is, several of us have been diagnosed with gallstones since our spinal surgeries.

    Let us know how you go.
    Surgery March 3, 2009 at almost 58, now 63.
    Dr. Askin, Brisbane, Australia
    T4-Pelvis, Posterior only
    Osteotomies and Laminectomies
    Was 68 degrees, now 22 and pain free

    Comment


    • #3
      Welcome to the forum.

      I hope you find out what is causing your stomach pain

      Melissa
      Melissa

      Fused from C2 - sacrum 7/2011

      April 21, 2020- another broken rod surgery

      Comment


      • #4
        Welcome to the forum. I am sorry you are having stomach issues and hope that you can get them resolved soon. It sounds like everything is going well with you spinal surgery. The first few months are the toughest so it will get better and better, especially when you can get back to a normal diet. Good luck.
        Karen

        Surgery-Jan. 5, 2011-Dr. Lenke
        Fusion T-4-sacrum-2 cages/5 osteotomies
        70 degree thoracolumbar corrected to 25
        Rib Hump-GONE!
        Age-60 at the time of surgery
        Now 66
        Avid Golfer & Tap Dancer
        Retired Kdgn. Teacher

        See photobucket link for:
        Video of my 1st Day of Golf Post-Op-3/02/12-Bradenton, FL
        Before and After Picture of back 1/7/11
        tap dancing picture at 10 mos. post op 11/11/11-I'm the one on the right.
        http://s1119.photobucket.com/albums/k630/pottoff2/

        Comment


        • #5
          I don’t think you’re a newbie....

          Very interested in the probiotics subject......Did a specialist make this decision? I hope this resolves soon as stomach and or lower GI issues are a real drag.......almost worse than scoliosis.

          I lost my gall bladder at 14 months post.

          Welcome to the forum

          Hang in there

          Ed
          49 yr old male, now 63, the new 64...
          Pre surgery curves T70,L70
          ALIF/PSA T2-Pelvis 01/29/08, 01/31/08 7" pelvic anchors BMP
          Dr Brett Menmuir St Marys Hospital Reno,Nevada

          Bending and twisting pics after full fusion
          http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/showt...on.&highlight=

          My x-rays
          http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/attac...2&d=1228779214

          http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/attac...3&d=1228779258

          Comment


          • #6
            Welcome! You are amazing with your activity level. Just a reminder.....take care of yourself!
            Hope that you solve your stomach problem.
            Great to have you here.
            Susan
            Adult Onset Degen Scoliosis @65, 25* T & 36* L w/ 11.2 cm coronal balance; T kyphosis 90*; Sev disc degen T & L stenosis

            2013: T3- S1 Fusion w/ ALIF L4-S1/XLIF L2-4, PSF T4-S1 2 surgeries
            2014: Hernia @ ALIF repaired; Emergency screw removal SCI T4,5 sec to PJK
            2015: Rev Broken Bil T & L rods and no fusion: 2 revision surgeries; hardware P. Acnes infection
            2016: Ant/Lat Lumbar diskectomy w/ 4 cages + BMP + harvested bone
            2018: Removal L4,5 screw
            2021: Removal T1 screw & rod

            Comment


            • #7
              Thanks everyone.

              Thank you so much for welcoming me!

              My stomach issues are on my upper left side just under the rib cage and tender into the middle top stomach as well. I have had my appendix out and they did test for gal stones. We have been checking my blood levels every 2 weeks with high platelet counts but that could be from surgery. I did show an infection but unclear if also an ulcer. That is what I am hoping to get figured out with GI doctor. My GP (general practictioner) gave me the probiotics after having a upper GI with barium test done. I can tell you at TWO weeks out having to drink that awful stuff and then lay on a metal bed to be flped around to take pictures.....not so fun! The back was ok, I thought I would throw up all over from the stomach pain and drinking the gunk. I was so nevous on that board moving round so much.

              Then I got the flu. Omg----I wanted to die! I can definatley see how weight can be lossed. My body was not prepared for that 48 hours of misery. I am just starting 'regular' foods with pickiness. Staying away from anything that may irritated it further. It's hard to cook for my family and then not eat with them as it will bother my stomach.

              I am not sure if I had posted before but I 'jacked' up my right side shoulder -pain - by reaching down to open my lower freezer drawer. It stuck and my arm yanked. It hurt and for at least two weeks of electric sharp pain would shoot down my back at random times....opening car door, pulling up my pants, reaching for something. Crazy! Shocking pain and I would usually inhale deeply and everyone would stop and ask "what" and I would be good by then. Just seconds of it. At my post op they put me on the muscle relaxer soma which has helped greatly but I don't feel like doing a dang thing!!! I am out of it and makes me sluggish. Also wondering if it is causing some of my depression. Where i live, It's a dry heat.....dry enough to wipe your body out quickly. So I don't venture from the house often. I hate this miserable heat. So I need to find something's to do. My mojo is gone and I want it back! I don't like feeling useless/ helpless.

              I get compliments on how well I look and the changes that can be seen. People say I am taller. I was 5'11 at one time in my life and then went to 5'9 and now I am 5'10. Everyone seems to give different numbers. I have read questions about the stomach protruding more from others and I have the same issue. I am 5'10 and weigh 135. My stomach was flat for awhile but I am noticing it bulging more. Strange. Could be my stomach issues too. Maybe the changes cause a slight shift. I will be anxious when I can try some sit ups or even walking! Hubby's getting the treadmill back out for me. I hate walking late nights and too hot! Yep. I whine. So the treadmill will suffice. I HAVE to get active! I will get moving on that treadmill! Oh, we have a pool too so I can go hang in the bath water....lol! It's so stinking hot here! Woozers!
              *Jen
              Fusion surgery with Dr. Chang May 7, 2013
              Pre-T:50 L:48
              Post-T:20 L:0
              Degenerative disk disease through spine and neck with bulging disks as well. Spinal cord deformity in the area of C5-6.
              {On the road to a lifetime of forever with a back not holding me down!! Vacations, playtime with the kids, adult excursions! Life is moving forward not holding me back }

              Comment


              • #8
                hi back2life
                please be careful with treadmill...
                i understand if it is too hot to go outside and walk...
                but did you check with your surgeon if you can use treadmill
                at this point in your recovery...?
                i have heard surgeons say they will not allow treadmill use for QUITE
                a while after surgery...

                just asking so you will be safe...
                hope you start to feel better soon..
                jess

                Comment


                • #9
                  Originally posted by jrnyc View Post
                  hi back2life
                  please be careful with treadmill...
                  i understand if it is too hot to go outside and walk...
                  but did you check with your surgeon if you can use treadmill
                  at this point in your recovery...?
                  i have heard surgeons say they will not allow treadmill use for QUITE
                  a while after surgery...

                  just asking so you will be safe...
                  hope you start to feel better soon..
                  jess

                  Do you think this is because of risk of falling? I had not thought of it but will call my doctor first. Thank you! I just planed a slow steady pace to get moving more. Thank you for the note!!!
                  *Jen
                  Fusion surgery with Dr. Chang May 7, 2013
                  Pre-T:50 L:48
                  Post-T:20 L:0
                  Degenerative disk disease through spine and neck with bulging disks as well. Spinal cord deformity in the area of C5-6.
                  {On the road to a lifetime of forever with a back not holding me down!! Vacations, playtime with the kids, adult excursions! Life is moving forward not holding me back }

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Stomach

                    I am 8 months post op and still have a bulging stomach. I guess this is something I have to learn to live with.

                    Comment

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