I am about 7 weeks post 1st time surgery (Dr Vaccaro, Rothman Institute in Phila) and so far recovery is going very well. HOWEVER, now one leg is almost an inch 'shorter' than the other. Vaccaro said he 'over-corrected' (his words!); before surgery right hip and shoulder was high, now right hip and shoulder are lower. In other words, with feet flat on the ground I tilt to the right! Nice straight back, no hump, 2 inches taller, no pain when walking, but now I have to have a lift on my right shoe!
My curve was huge (double-curve 60/80 degress, with kyphosis) and very painful. It was progressing quickly after menopause, and I am SOOO grateful to be free of that back pain. At first this seemed like a minor issue compared to what I was suffering before, but I am starting to wonder...
Has anyone else had this happen? Should I watch out for complications with this assymetry?
I'm still wearing a brace, and taking it easy. But as I feel stronger and better I'm walking more and the imbalance becomes more noticeable. I live in Florida and traveled to Philly after trying for a year to get it done locally. So going back to Vaccaro is not an easy thing. Anyway, I don't really feel 'wronged'... Doc said it was one the most complex scoli surgeries he'd ever done. And I sure don't want to go back and do it over! I will start physical therapy once brace comes off in a month and expect to address this problem with therapists.
I would appreciate hearing feedback, or if you've had any other post-surgery issues like this.
My curve was huge (double-curve 60/80 degress, with kyphosis) and very painful. It was progressing quickly after menopause, and I am SOOO grateful to be free of that back pain. At first this seemed like a minor issue compared to what I was suffering before, but I am starting to wonder...
Has anyone else had this happen? Should I watch out for complications with this assymetry?
I'm still wearing a brace, and taking it easy. But as I feel stronger and better I'm walking more and the imbalance becomes more noticeable. I live in Florida and traveled to Philly after trying for a year to get it done locally. So going back to Vaccaro is not an easy thing. Anyway, I don't really feel 'wronged'... Doc said it was one the most complex scoli surgeries he'd ever done. And I sure don't want to go back and do it over! I will start physical therapy once brace comes off in a month and expect to address this problem with therapists.
I would appreciate hearing feedback, or if you've had any other post-surgery issues like this.
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