My right thoracic curve (T5-L1 - dx at age 10) last measured 53° Oct 11, 2007. It's been stable since adulthood but since the AIS dx, has always always hurt on that right side.
QUESTION #1:
When standing (even in a bikini), my curve is barely noticeable unless someone knows what to look for (so I'm told - I should probably get a picture, eh? - LOL ... maybe my friends are just being nice ;-), and my rib hump is -this I DO know - is visible only on bending. Most people go *OMG - I would have never known!* when I bend over and it becomes VERY obvious.
I've always made a conscious effort to keep my chest wall stretched and hold my right shoulder back, so maybe this has helped appearance, if not the pain.
My right ribcage IS visibly higher when lying on my back. This I can see for myself.
It is common to be able to hide it well enough via posture that people are shocked when they see the relaxed curve?
QUESTION #2:
I've been doing yoga, core strengthening, (and for lack of a better description) torso shifts (you know, holding shoulders straight and pushing my torso as far as possible to each side), walking backbends down the wall and lying down (on a raised beam) shoulder extensions to stretch my chest wall (for my right dropped shoulder).
I know these muscles will be seriously adjusted after correction, and my main goal is gaining as much pre-op flexibility as possible. Is there anything else y'all can suggest to lessen the shock post op?
QUESTION #3:
I've been SO amazed at the post ops pics (thanks to all you ladies for sharing!). Although a scar is FAR down my list or concerns, and I know we all scar differently, is there anything you did to prep the skin pre-op that will help? What is the most common method of closure (steri strips, staples, stitches, etc.)? How soon after surgery can you start with Mederma or a siimiliar product?
QUESTION #4:
How aware of the pedicle screws are you after surgery, and how much pain do they cause in the immediate post surgery time frame?
QUESTION #5:
I'm not yet sure whether I'll need grafting. For those who did not require grafting, how intense was the pain where fused?
QUESTION #6:
Overall - and yes I know we're all different, what was the most painful thing for you immediately after surgery?
(and the kicker) ... QUESTION #6:
Is there anyone who hurt so badly before surgery (I'm still SO amazed to read on so many sites that scoli doesn't cause pain ...) that you got even one *whit* of relief very soon post op?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'd never even considered what I've read here lately on learning to adjust to a new center of balance ... interesting!
From the bottom of my heart I thank you all for the encouragement, information and support I've found here. I hate that any of us were dealt this card, but you've all been *such* a Godsend to someone seeking facts.
Hugs to all.
Regards,
Pam
QUESTION #1:
When standing (even in a bikini), my curve is barely noticeable unless someone knows what to look for (so I'm told - I should probably get a picture, eh? - LOL ... maybe my friends are just being nice ;-), and my rib hump is -this I DO know - is visible only on bending. Most people go *OMG - I would have never known!* when I bend over and it becomes VERY obvious.
I've always made a conscious effort to keep my chest wall stretched and hold my right shoulder back, so maybe this has helped appearance, if not the pain.
My right ribcage IS visibly higher when lying on my back. This I can see for myself.
It is common to be able to hide it well enough via posture that people are shocked when they see the relaxed curve?
QUESTION #2:
I've been doing yoga, core strengthening, (and for lack of a better description) torso shifts (you know, holding shoulders straight and pushing my torso as far as possible to each side), walking backbends down the wall and lying down (on a raised beam) shoulder extensions to stretch my chest wall (for my right dropped shoulder).
I know these muscles will be seriously adjusted after correction, and my main goal is gaining as much pre-op flexibility as possible. Is there anything else y'all can suggest to lessen the shock post op?
QUESTION #3:
I've been SO amazed at the post ops pics (thanks to all you ladies for sharing!). Although a scar is FAR down my list or concerns, and I know we all scar differently, is there anything you did to prep the skin pre-op that will help? What is the most common method of closure (steri strips, staples, stitches, etc.)? How soon after surgery can you start with Mederma or a siimiliar product?
QUESTION #4:
How aware of the pedicle screws are you after surgery, and how much pain do they cause in the immediate post surgery time frame?
QUESTION #5:
I'm not yet sure whether I'll need grafting. For those who did not require grafting, how intense was the pain where fused?
QUESTION #6:
Overall - and yes I know we're all different, what was the most painful thing for you immediately after surgery?
(and the kicker) ... QUESTION #6:
Is there anyone who hurt so badly before surgery (I'm still SO amazed to read on so many sites that scoli doesn't cause pain ...) that you got even one *whit* of relief very soon post op?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'd never even considered what I've read here lately on learning to adjust to a new center of balance ... interesting!
From the bottom of my heart I thank you all for the encouragement, information and support I've found here. I hate that any of us were dealt this card, but you've all been *such* a Godsend to someone seeking facts.
Hugs to all.
Regards,
Pam
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