Belly

[Doodles]

Yes, I had the hair loss. Washing my hair became a great emotional moment. I used Biotin too and it definitely helped. The first 2 weeks or so nothing--then the health food lady at the store said she had the same problem and took huge doses. It seems like I was taking 3 or 4 of Biotin 10,000 mcg. But it really did work. This summer it seemed like I was suddenly losing more than usual again and I take a very modest amount now. Janet

[mbeckoff]

My hair while always dry is very extra. Has any one else found this as well? My Hair is falling out also

Melissa

[jsully]

My hair has been dropping like flies the past 2 days. Glad I have a lot of it. I also am on thyroid medication so this is not too abnormal.

[jsully]

Swelling is normal post op. I didn't have it this time but did with both c-sections. It is all the fluids they pump in you.. or it could be severe constipation or/illeus. How are your bowel movements. You may need Mag Citrate if it's hard to go. Works wonders!!
Janet

[Confusedmom]

in the end, my waist size increased by 2 inches due to the change in shape from my construct. I had to buy all new jeans and slacks 2 inches larger.

What! Is this typical? I had been hoping that scoli surgery would actually give me a waist again, since I currently don't have one because my ribs are sitting on my hips on the right side (waist actually sticks out). I was hoping this surgery would help get rid of that sort of all-squished-up look in the abdomen, esp. if it lengthens me by stretching out curves. Is this not the case?? Need to know, thanks!!

Evelyn

P.S. I understand about post-op swelling; I'm talking about when recovery is complete.

[Radiogirl]

Don't panic people! The bloating is so common..it goes away in a few weeks. Don't worry. I only wanted to wear sweats the first few weeks anyway..and sleep a lot. I am approaching 6 months post op and am thrilled I had this done. It does help your figure and stretched my torso. People can't get over how much taller I look. And side benefit - I weigh about 5 pounds less now than before surgery. I had originally lost about 10 pounds, but was too thin, and have gained back some to fill me out a little. I will add some updated pictures to my after link below. Hang in there people!

[JenniferG]

Evelyn, it does give you a waist, you will be amazed. The bloating disappears gradually. I didn't have the surgery for cosmetic reasons, but the cosmetic result was as stunning as the absence of pain. Perhaps I should add my before and afters to my signature for reassurance purposes.

[JenM]

Hi Evelyn-

The surgery DOES give you a nice waistline. I was wearing a size 8 in jeans before surgery and am now wearing a size 4. My waistline was all screwed up before the surgery (my lumbar curve was a 58) and now it looks totally normal. My curve on the bottom is now 27 degrees. Even though 27 degrees is still a low to moderate curve, I don't see a visible hump on my lumbar spine anymore. Let me tell you, it is SO nice to be able to wear the correct size pants. Before, I had to buy them bigger just to fit over the "rib hump." This is one of the best positives about the surgery. Before I looked all shrunched up and squished. I went from 5'6 inches to 5'3 inches during my twenties (and I am only 31 years old) and now up around 5' 3/4 inches! My abs even look alot more flat after the surgery. Because of the reasons I listed above I am sooo glad I had the surgery.

My problem is now I am standing so tall and straight that the shoulder doctor explained this week that that is the reason my left shoulder and left side of my neck are having problems currently at 3 months post op. They are going into complete spasm because they are now aligned correctly and aren't used to that position. Before the surgery my neck was alot closer to my right shoulder so the left muscles of my shoulder, neck and back were overstretched for the past 15 to 20 years. I just hope these spasms go away over time. The doctor prescribed me flexeril and told me to take it 3 or more times a day since the spasms are so bad. He said the spasms are what made my neck and shoulder atrophy (since I wasn't using my left arm for the past 3 weeks bec. of the bad pain) and they are causing me to have pinched nerves in the area of my shoulder. This is the worst pain I have ever had (even worse than the back pain I had before surgery!) I'm just trying to think positive and hope that it will go away with time. Anyway, thanks Evelyn for thinking of me in my post about my shoulder. I'll keep you updated! Just trying to take it day by day.....

JenM

[naptown78]

What! Is this typical? I had been hoping that scoli surgery would actually give me a waist again, since I currently don't have one because my ribs are sitting on my hips on the right side (waist actually sticks out). I was hoping this surgery would help get rid of that sort of all-squished-up look in the abdomen, esp. if it lengthens me by stretching out curves. Is this not the case?? Need to know, thanks!!

Evelyn

P.S. I understand about post-op swelling; I'm talking about when recovery is complete.

Evelyn
Don't panic! I am all stretched out now after my revision. I have a waist, I wear a smaller pant size and I just generally feel more even now. I even look better in a swimsuit! Except for the scar, but that's ok. I did not have problems with swelling outside of the hospital. Right after surgery I did, my face swelled up and my eyes were so swollen I couldn't even open them. This was just because of the 6 units of blood and fluids I received during surgery. But by the time I got home, I looked fine. You will be fine!!!!

[Confusedmom]

Thanks, Kristy. You are very inspiring!!

Evelyn