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Hi folks,
It’s been a little more than four months since my surgery and I’m doing exceptionally well. I returned to my full-time job this week and surprisingly have experienced no pain or fatigue. I can sit all day and perform my work responsibilities with no problem. Two weeks ago I attended a benefit dinner and had a 40-minute wait standing in line. To my delight I was able to stand the entire time without feeling like my back was going to give out on me. Before my surgery I could not stand in place beyond five minutes and found myself having to either sit down or lean against objects for support. Everyone here at work has told me how great I look. I’m taller, straighter, and slimmer and look so much better in clothes. BUT the best benefit I received from this surgery is the complete cessation of a very serious problem I had in the making. For the past few years I had experienced a change in bowel habits. I was alternating between constipation and diarrhea which had progressed to periods of bowel incontinence. Two years ago I had a colonoscopy to check for anything serious. When nothing showed up, I began to suspect my scoliosis was to blame. I had constant grunting and growling noises in my lower abdominal area, but when I would lift my torso, they would stop. My big lumbar curve was literally squeezing my intestines and bowel. Since my surgery, I have had a return to normal bowel habits, no more grunting noises and no more embarrassing episodes. What a relief! Yes, severe scoliosis can impair other internal organs besides the heart and lungs.
I know it’s been stated so many times before but I’d like to echo it again. The key to a good surgical outcome is a great surgeon. Fortunately, living near Chicago, I had access to several top-quality specialists affiliated with the major teaching hospitals in the city. I have high accolades for my surgeon Dr. Purnendu Gupta and am grateful for what he was able to accomplish in salvaging my horribly twisted spine.
I hope I can give my support to any of you older gals who are contemplating surgery. I had first-time surgery in June at age 59. If I can do it, so can you.
Regards,
Chris
It’s been a little more than four months since my surgery and I’m doing exceptionally well. I returned to my full-time job this week and surprisingly have experienced no pain or fatigue. I can sit all day and perform my work responsibilities with no problem. Two weeks ago I attended a benefit dinner and had a 40-minute wait standing in line. To my delight I was able to stand the entire time without feeling like my back was going to give out on me. Before my surgery I could not stand in place beyond five minutes and found myself having to either sit down or lean against objects for support. Everyone here at work has told me how great I look. I’m taller, straighter, and slimmer and look so much better in clothes. BUT the best benefit I received from this surgery is the complete cessation of a very serious problem I had in the making. For the past few years I had experienced a change in bowel habits. I was alternating between constipation and diarrhea which had progressed to periods of bowel incontinence. Two years ago I had a colonoscopy to check for anything serious. When nothing showed up, I began to suspect my scoliosis was to blame. I had constant grunting and growling noises in my lower abdominal area, but when I would lift my torso, they would stop. My big lumbar curve was literally squeezing my intestines and bowel. Since my surgery, I have had a return to normal bowel habits, no more grunting noises and no more embarrassing episodes. What a relief! Yes, severe scoliosis can impair other internal organs besides the heart and lungs.
I know it’s been stated so many times before but I’d like to echo it again. The key to a good surgical outcome is a great surgeon. Fortunately, living near Chicago, I had access to several top-quality specialists affiliated with the major teaching hospitals in the city. I have high accolades for my surgeon Dr. Purnendu Gupta and am grateful for what he was able to accomplish in salvaging my horribly twisted spine.
I hope I can give my support to any of you older gals who are contemplating surgery. I had first-time surgery in June at age 59. If I can do it, so can you.
Regards,
Chris
Big hugs, Susie
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