1. Radiographs show no change in the last six months (1.5 to 7.5 months post-op). So she's still at ~5*. Said it looks very good. Done growing so 5' 9" is going to be final height.
2. Will be released from all restrictions (except bungie jumping ) in two weeks (26 November) which is 8 months post-op.
3. Excused from gym for another two months because she is likely out of shape from restrictions and gym teacher might ask her to participate at peak level. She should use these two months to get back up to speed. Savannah was very glad to hear this because she goes to the art room instead of gym and helps the teacher there. She wanted to continue that for the rest of the semester. She got her wish. Small mercies in exchange for her scoliosis journey.
4. I asked about what Savannah can do to avoid stress/strain/whatever on the spine and discs above and below the fusion to minimize injury and the need for future revision/extension. I had assumed that maybe 30, 40, 50 years from now she might need a revision or extension of the fusion.
He said she has nothing to do... she is back in the general population and will have no higher likelihood of spine/disc/whatever pathology/pain/whatever than an unfused person. I had to have this repeated because I couldn't believe it. He was insistent that because of where the fusion ended (L1), she is back in the general population in every respect with the same odds of back issues.
So Savannah really is done with her 15 month journey with scoliosis. Literally. When I realized that, my happiness was tempered with the thought of Willow's journey and that the most likely scenario at this point is failed bracing followed by fusion. With her identical twin needing fusion, it was always very likely I think.
This surgery is easily the most amazing thing that has ever happened in my life. I can't get over how good these surgeons are. Not a miracle; rather the scientific method in action.
I asked for the digital radiographs. When I get them, I post them.
sharon
2. Will be released from all restrictions (except bungie jumping ) in two weeks (26 November) which is 8 months post-op.
3. Excused from gym for another two months because she is likely out of shape from restrictions and gym teacher might ask her to participate at peak level. She should use these two months to get back up to speed. Savannah was very glad to hear this because she goes to the art room instead of gym and helps the teacher there. She wanted to continue that for the rest of the semester. She got her wish. Small mercies in exchange for her scoliosis journey.
4. I asked about what Savannah can do to avoid stress/strain/whatever on the spine and discs above and below the fusion to minimize injury and the need for future revision/extension. I had assumed that maybe 30, 40, 50 years from now she might need a revision or extension of the fusion.
He said she has nothing to do... she is back in the general population and will have no higher likelihood of spine/disc/whatever pathology/pain/whatever than an unfused person. I had to have this repeated because I couldn't believe it. He was insistent that because of where the fusion ended (L1), she is back in the general population in every respect with the same odds of back issues.
So Savannah really is done with her 15 month journey with scoliosis. Literally. When I realized that, my happiness was tempered with the thought of Willow's journey and that the most likely scenario at this point is failed bracing followed by fusion. With her identical twin needing fusion, it was always very likely I think.
This surgery is easily the most amazing thing that has ever happened in my life. I can't get over how good these surgeons are. Not a miracle; rather the scientific method in action.
I asked for the digital radiographs. When I get them, I post them.
sharon
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