12-Week Appt.

[Doodles]

For some reason this is my 4th time trying to post. It keeps disappearing on me--very strange. This will be the short version.
I saw Dr. Lenke in St. Louis last week and got a good report. I've updated my signature with degrees of curve--I didn't realize they were that bad before surgery--and the correction. Actually had a 3rd one at the top most doctors never mentioned. That was 60 down to 42. All my aches and pains--shoulder blades, right side, neck were completely normal, I guess.
My main concern was my left side that tilts from the hips up. It isn't very noticeable in back but is from front. He thought it wouldn't get worse and might possibly correct somewhat. He said since my ribs were so deformed--mostly into right side of back--it had to essentially go if I understood correctly. I just haven't heard of anyone on here who has this lean thing. Anyone??
He was mystified as to why I can't walk outside without side of hips hurting. Said use treadmill. Went to gym and went 22 minutes! So feel pretty good about everything. There are better days ahead for those just starting this journey. Janet

[JenniferG]

OMG Janet, that is a fantastic correction!

[debbei]

WOWIE!! Congratulations on your wonderful correction. How much height did you gain from all of that correction?

[Jo 71-09]

Hi Janet,
I'm glad everything is going so well. That truly is an impressive correction! I am eight weeks post surgery and my left hip often hurts after a time when I walk outside. My dr suggested jell inserts for my walking shoes to help with the impact, and not trying to walk too fast. Both suggestions are working for me. I can walk further with the jell inserts before the pain begins, and if I slow my pace for a a minute or two when the pain begins my hip stops hurting and I am able too resume a more normal walking pace. Hope this helps.

[jrnyc]

wonderful

dear janet
how wonderful!! CONGRATULATIONS! what great news...

continued good luck & good healing!! you're an inspiration! i am "still considering"...

jess(jrnyc)

[Doodles]

Thanks everyone! And Jo thanks for the walking advice too. I actually did come home and purchase better running-ha!- shoes. And I did buy the special inserts but don't think they are gel. They may be helping a bit.
When measured it was just 1-1/2 inches more. Our own measurements were more like 2 inches. But considering how much I was losing I'll take it. He said he had to do 6 osteotomies in the big curve to be able to manuever the spine. Ouch! Also have 2 cages. He didn't want me to start p.t. until 6 months to let the muscles heal. I do just "bed" and a few standing exercises that I was given early on. That and aqua p.t. is still OK. I was sort of hoping to start with land p.t. but I understand it is too soon. Is 6 months about when most start? Janet

[loves to skate]

I was sort of hoping to start with land p.t. but I understand it is too soon. Is 6 months about when most start? Janet

Hi Janet,
6 months is when I started land PT.
Sally

[CHRIS WBS]

i am "still considering"...jess(jrnyc)

While you’re still considering, keep in mind that if Obama succeeds in universalizing our health care, scoliosis surgery could very well become one of those procedures that the beaurocrats decide is too expensive. Universal healthcare is rationed healthcare. Just ask our neighbors to the north.

[Doodles]

Chris--
Won't get into details but afraid we'll have to agree to disagree on this one. I do appreciate your view and concern though. Janet

[LindaRacine]

While you’re still considering, keep in mind that if Obama succeeds in universalizing our health care, scoliosis surgery could very well become one of those procedures that the beaurocrats decide is too expensive. Universal healthcare is rationed healthcare. Just ask our neighbors to the north.

Rather than "hijacking" this thread, how about starting a new one? It's a great topic.

--Linda

[pilar]

oh Janet,
Congrats! you have exactly the same curves that I have. (I think we talked about this before) I really whish I could get the same correction that you have! My surgery will be anterior and posterior though...
They gave me the official dates August 24th and the 27th. Ahhhh now I just have to wait! It's the worse...Also I'm so stressed out about my insurance not authorizing my surgeries. uufff
But I'm so glad about your corrections!!! good job!

[Susie*Bee]

Janet-- it's great to hear you are doing so well. Hooray!!!

Other than very basic PT immediately following my surgery (as in walking, etc.) I wasn't released to do any PT until 6 months-- and that was for arm and leg strengthening. My surgeon didn't release me to do any core strengthening until 11 months post-op. Everyone is different-- both with our abilities, strengths/weaknesses, and how our surgeons view the post-op period. And I'm pretty sure they take that on a case by case basis with many of their patients.

Best wishes as you continue down the recovery road.

[dolores a]

Hi Janet,

I know I'm not ready for physical therapy yet, but what is land PT?

[asccbodypro]

Janet's great correction

that is an awesome Janet! yaaaaa for you :O) I found I fatigued very quickly outside walking but for me I think the heat was the culprit. My elliptical is working great for me though and no impact. I have been more stiff at night in bed but I think that the muscles are just getting back into the grove. I have been told by my husband and mother in law to slow down that I am doing to much. Today I would agree, I am feeling sluggish........going to rest! I just want to get well fast so I can take care of my darling baby myself!

[Doodles]

Hi--
Land p.t. is just as opposed to water/aqua p.t. I didn't know either. Had never heard the term. I'm having a couple sore days too. Last week after appt. etc. I was on a roll and now I'm paying for it. Also yesterday my overall p.t. guy said oh but it's OK to do some leg strengthening which I thought was probably true and then had me try to lean over an exercise ball on one of the tables. I didn't do any but for short times and I didn't think the ball thing was a good idea.
I'm confused since Dr. Lenke and later his nurse said it's OK to start doing a little bending. The lady who reviewed my exercises said NO bending. I've noticed such varied advice on here too. My p.t. guy said if you don't start slightly now you'll never have any bending ability at all if you wait a year. I originally thought that's what it was.
Also besides the tilting issue I'm noticing more the deformity of my ribs that is still there. Still much more pronounced on one side and pretty caved in on the other. Yes, it's tons better since I'm not squished down anymore but I guess I didn't realize it was like this until recently. I'm sure it has a lot to do with swelling. I guess I'm being too picky but I wanted it almost all OK after all of this! Janet