Typical Post-Up Process?

Hi Everyone,

I had my first post-up appointment today with my surgeon. He was so happy with the way everything went - great correction and he was able to fuse one less vertebrae. He said I look like I'm standing up straight and said I would likely continue to get "straighter" as the compensatory curve decreases. I had some concerns about my wound last week but they said it is healing well now, which was great news.

I explained my on-going hip and tailbone pain and he gave me muscle relaxers to try. I am hoping that works because sleeping has been tough the past few nights. Otherwise my back feels good - stiff of course, but I'm not taking a lot of pain killers by any means.

He wants to see me in January for xrays. I thought that was a little long - 4 months post op. Don't people normally get xrays much sooner?

Of course I left there forgetting to ask a few questions so I'll have to call in a few weeks. I hadn't even asked him when I will be ok for physical therapy, etc, as I want to get working on straightening out my shoulders.

Thanks everyone! Will keep you all posted!

[golfnut]

JamieAnn,
I'm glad you got a good report. It sounds like you are doing well!

[debbei]

I went back 10 days post op for a incision check, 6 weeks post op, and then 4 months later.

Sounds like you're doing great! Do you have your corrected curve numbers?

[JamieAnn]

Thanks Debbe! That's the thing - since I won't have xrays until 4 months post op, I won't know my correct curves . I was hoping to know that sooner, just out of curiosity!

[titaniumed]

JamieAnn

For 2 weeks, you sound like you are doing quite well! You are going to have surgical pains for awhile, they should work themselves out.

On the PT question, many surgeons just want their patients to take it easy, and walk. No lifting, no bending, no twisting, no falling. Just walk.

Walking stimulates the soft tissues and muscles in your back, improves blood oxygen circulation which helps the fusion process, and helps with staying regular, which is very important.

Its most logical to believe that the most important time period in the healing fusion process is immediately after having your surgery. You don’t want to be jolting or stressing things right now. Just walk. The worst thing you can do is stay in bed. Its funny how I was warned about this, but I couldn’t sleep! LOL

My shoulders actually reversed where my left side was higher right after my surgeries. I was told that they would eventually settle in and they did in time.

Funny how after my shoulder surgery, my shoulder surgeon wanted me in PT right away to keep the shoulder from freezing up. That is not the case with scoliosis, most surgeons really want patients to take it easy so the long (12 month) fusion process gets off to a good start.
Ed

[Mojo's Mom]

Okay, now I want to jump in and ask about these post-op limitations. I had been reading the no bending, twisting or lifting stuff, but then I read Dr. Neuwirth's book and he states there that he puts no specific limitation on his patients post-operatively. And when I had my consult with Dr. O'Brien, he said the same, and remarked that the hardware was very strong and that pain would let me know where my limits were. But he said that anything I could do comfortably, within reason, was fine.

So does this vary from surgeon to surgeon, or what?

[LisaB]

JamieAnn-you're doing great! I had to stay in St Louis at a hotel for a week after being released from the hospital. On my 9th day post op I had an incision check and they took x-rays. So I had x-rays fairly soon. I go back to see Dr. Bridwell Oct 25th which will be 8weeks post op. I don't know if I will have more x-rays then to see how the fusion is going or not.

About limitations, I was told no bending, twisting or lifting more than 5-10 lbs until my next appointment. I was told to walk, walk and walk. Dr B wanted me walking a mile a day by the end of the first month post op; 2 miles by the end of the 2nd month and 3 miles per day by the end of the 3rd month and continue 3 miles per day indefinitely. He said good for your spine, good for your Cardio and gastro systems. This second month I am adding 1/4 mile per week to get to 2 miles by the end of Oct. So this week I am doing 1 1/2 miles per day. It's been easier since they started allowing me to walk on the treadmill. Good luck with your recovery!

[JenniferG]

I wasn't given any limitations either. Just walk, walk, walk. I was never told to have physiotherapy and I never have. I saw my surgeon at 6 weeks when x-rays were done, then 3 months, 6 months and 12 months, when I was released.

I didn't bend, lift or twist, until about 3 months, simply because I'd read it here.

I didn't log roll after the first day. Surgeon had a handle attached to the side of the hospital bed and I pulled myself up with that. At home, I steadied myself on the bedside table when I got out of bed.

When I told him at 6 weeks that I was walking every day, he said, "Now do it twice a day."

It seems to have done the trick. That, and a life-time's worth of good luck.

[JamieAnn]

Thanks so much everyone! It's so odd how every surgeon seems to have their own take on what you can/cannot/should do after surgery. The nurse told me no bending/lifting/twisting, but the surgeon didn't say anything at all. My problem is that I didn't even think to ask - I was too focused on discussing my hip pain. I will continue to keep walking!

[Ryy]

Hey JamieAnn,

Looks like you're doing pretty good, as am I. To everyone, JamieAnn and myself had the surgery on the same day! Around 3 wks post op now. My doc said to walk walk walk and take it easy. He said to start some weights @ 6 months post op. My first post op appt is in a few days. Gd luck to the both of us on an excellent recovery