My experiences
Hello everyone, finally I feel strong enough emotionally and physically to write an account of my experiences on this forum – wow what a journey.
I truly wanted to leave a post that anyone could read that would be helpful but find it hard to put everything into words - thank goodness for all you regulars who explain it so well. The recent post about energy levels has many excellent comments and makes good reading for those just about to have this surgery I nodded my head and said yes, yes to many of the comments.
My surgery was done Thurs 4 Sept posterior only (which I was relieved about) my surgeon had said that he may have had to do anterior release at same time. I was fused T3 – L1 for an approx 67 degree upper thoracic curve. (btw I am 41yrs old). I was fitted for my brace immediately after my op so knew nothing about that bit and was given in to wear a few days later. I only wear it when up and about not to sleep in.
The thing that has been difficult for me is how everyone here is so positive and post of their excitement of getting it done, until today I haven’t been able to truly say to myself, hey I’m glad I’ve had this done, but lets just say I’m kinda getting there (common sense tells me I did the right thing cos it was progressing)but I have not over the years had massive amount of pain – although this was increasing specially over the last 6-12months. I remember thinking s*** I don’t remember reading it would hurt this much, that I would be so scared – the deep breathing def helped calm me at certain times!
I was in hospital for 8 days and things progressed quickly though the week, hdu for 24 hrs, then moved to ward (that was scary just sort of shut my eyes and kept thinking no going back now, got to get through this, be brave etc). Epidural removed after a few days, then the morphine, drips etc and finally catheter a few days before I went home. Had a bit of a problem with being constipated but this soon sorted itself out. A wonderful nurse washed my hair about day 4 which was lovely (got out all the sticky glue left from where the electrodes were stuck)
I have slept and been on my back for so much of the last month and worried whether this was right – but tried to listen to everyone saying just do what your body tells you to!
I am very lucky to be well supported, firstly by my wonderful husband, 2 kids (12 and 8) sisters, parents, family and friends who have all helped me so much – an endless supply of meals, flowers, chocs, buscuits and offers of help – I have felt very loved and cared for.
Today my hubbie has gone back to work (it will be 6 weeks ago on thurs) and I am feeling I have turned a corner in my recovery. (hence the long post!) even went for a drive and quick walk round the supermarket (my sister was there – her face was a picture when she saw me!)
So with all the unexplained tearful moments, painful, aching days I am on the mend….and still getting out to walk everyday since I came home (ever if its for 10 mins) I thank everyone who posts on this forum – you have all been so helpful and continue to be.
Attached are my before and after pics(scar at 2 weeks) and my 'before' xray. I will post my after xray after I see my surgeon at my 8 week check up.
If anyone has any questions, please feel free to pm me.
Good luck to Debbei and everyone else due to have their op – it really is good to be the other side!
Louisse
x
Hello everyone, finally I feel strong enough emotionally and physically to write an account of my experiences on this forum – wow what a journey.
I truly wanted to leave a post that anyone could read that would be helpful but find it hard to put everything into words - thank goodness for all you regulars who explain it so well. The recent post about energy levels has many excellent comments and makes good reading for those just about to have this surgery I nodded my head and said yes, yes to many of the comments.
My surgery was done Thurs 4 Sept posterior only (which I was relieved about) my surgeon had said that he may have had to do anterior release at same time. I was fused T3 – L1 for an approx 67 degree upper thoracic curve. (btw I am 41yrs old). I was fitted for my brace immediately after my op so knew nothing about that bit and was given in to wear a few days later. I only wear it when up and about not to sleep in.
The thing that has been difficult for me is how everyone here is so positive and post of their excitement of getting it done, until today I haven’t been able to truly say to myself, hey I’m glad I’ve had this done, but lets just say I’m kinda getting there (common sense tells me I did the right thing cos it was progressing)but I have not over the years had massive amount of pain – although this was increasing specially over the last 6-12months. I remember thinking s*** I don’t remember reading it would hurt this much, that I would be so scared – the deep breathing def helped calm me at certain times!
I was in hospital for 8 days and things progressed quickly though the week, hdu for 24 hrs, then moved to ward (that was scary just sort of shut my eyes and kept thinking no going back now, got to get through this, be brave etc). Epidural removed after a few days, then the morphine, drips etc and finally catheter a few days before I went home. Had a bit of a problem with being constipated but this soon sorted itself out. A wonderful nurse washed my hair about day 4 which was lovely (got out all the sticky glue left from where the electrodes were stuck)
I have slept and been on my back for so much of the last month and worried whether this was right – but tried to listen to everyone saying just do what your body tells you to!
I am very lucky to be well supported, firstly by my wonderful husband, 2 kids (12 and 8) sisters, parents, family and friends who have all helped me so much – an endless supply of meals, flowers, chocs, buscuits and offers of help – I have felt very loved and cared for.
Today my hubbie has gone back to work (it will be 6 weeks ago on thurs) and I am feeling I have turned a corner in my recovery. (hence the long post!) even went for a drive and quick walk round the supermarket (my sister was there – her face was a picture when she saw me!)
So with all the unexplained tearful moments, painful, aching days I am on the mend….and still getting out to walk everyday since I came home (ever if its for 10 mins) I thank everyone who posts on this forum – you have all been so helpful and continue to be.
Attached are my before and after pics(scar at 2 weeks) and my 'before' xray. I will post my after xray after I see my surgeon at my 8 week check up.
If anyone has any questions, please feel free to pm me.
Good luck to Debbei and everyone else due to have their op – it really is good to be the other side!
Louisse
x
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