Can anyone help me, I need surgery!

[gymnast04]

Hey ya'll! My name is Amanda and I am 14 yrs old. I was diagnosed with scoliosis when I was 12. I was put in a brace but that didn't help, my back was getting worse! I am now on my way to surgery. I will be having surgery on January 29, 2004. I am already giving blood to get ready. Can someone who has had surgery please help me if you can post or email me at katlover910@cox.net! I really need help!

Amanda

[Alleycat]

Hey amanda,
My name is Ali. I'm 15 almost 16. I had surgery almost 2 and half years ago. I never wore a brace, my scoliosis was caught to late. I went straight to surgery two months after diagnosed. in august 01. my degree was 57. I banked blood too. Its normal. Surgery will be ok. Nothing to be scared of or anything. You'll have to learn to walk again and thats pretty easy, you get a little dizzy. but you'll walk. I have high pain tolerence. So I was overdosed with drugs and had to be fixed up. Which I dought will happen to you since I was the first case they had overdosed in years. I'm fine though. No harm no foul. You'll leave after a couple of days, (helpful hint bring a pillow for the ride home) Another thing try to keep walking everyday. maybe a little one day and work up. If you play any sports after a month or so start back up with the sports. Like little things, soccer - jugle the ball, football- throw and pass the ball, etc. little things but once again build up a little more each day. It helps in the long run. Start working on running early because the longer you wait the harder it is and the longer it takes. umm, i'll email you or you can email me at Alleycat017@hotmail.com
alright well cya

[megane]

Listen Please

(edited by moderator: please do not advertise on this forum)

[jerseymurrays]

My name is Amy and I am responding to your call for help regarding surgery. The previous post was an excellent response that gave great information. I am 27 years old and had my spinal fusion when I was 16. I missed two months of school and was excused from PE (Gym Class) for a year. I had a curve of 56 or 59 degrees which could only be helped by spinal fusion. My parents took me to several doctors for second opinions, including chiropractors. After much thought and consideration, we chose to proceed with surgery. I built up a blood bank too and can remember breathing tests and such. The doctors and nurses will anticipate your nervousness and you have to trust that they know what they are doing. Everyone's experience is different and hard to predict how yours may play out. I played softball in high school but was told to stop because the running was not good for my back. Swimming is the best activity for stregthening your back muscles and will help you recover. I have issues with my hips now and take an anti-flammartory for occaisonally pain. I am seeing a specialist tomorrow at U of Penn to discuss the future and what activities are best for my back. I have two children and carried them without any problems. I hate to be so long and detailed but thought the information might help you. I don't regret the surgery considering the payoff for the future. If you have questions please email me at jerseymurrays@comcast.net.
Good luck and milk it for all the special favors you can get during your recovery time!

[Angelwithaflute]

Hey Amanda (or any1 reading this, lol)

My name is Lorna, i'm 14, almost 15. I had surgery about 4 years ago when I was 10. I never wore a brace before surgery, my curve was caught 2 late. Surgery isn't really as bad as it seems. I was in surgery about 8 hours, and after that i spent about 5 days in the hospital. You won't be able to do any contacts sports (football, basketball, etc.) for about a year, but after that, no problem. The only sport i really like (in other words, that im good at, lol) is swimming (but im not in competition). Everything will go fine! Good luck!

[Susan E.]

surgery date

Hi, Amanda! My name is Susan, and I had scoliosis surgery almost two years ago (it was the 29th of January too!!) I know it is really scary, especially when you have to start giving blood and getting ready for the surgery date. That time made me really nervous. I am SO GLAD that I went ahead with my surgery, though. Things are so much better now that I have my back all fixed! The first month or so after surgery is pretty hard, but after that it starts getting better and better. Now I am back to doing all the things I did before my surgery and my scar has already faded A LOT. One thing that is good to remember is not to push yourself too hard. If the doctor says, "DON'T DO IT!" then DON'T. Some days I would feel a lot better and want to clean my room or something, and then I would just feel worse. Even though it is really frustrating to not be able to do a lot of things yourself at first, let others help you. It won't be too long until you will be able to do those things again. Just hang in there! If you have any specific questions feel free to ask me! You can just post or email me jaydedgrrl04@hotmail.com)!
Susan