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One month after surgery

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  • One month after surgery

    Hi,
    This week will be a month post-op for my daughter's double fusion. She is doing well just some pain in her shoulder blades mostly. She doesn't want to go anywhere or do much of anything yet though. She still is afraid to take a shower on her own and I have to make her go outside for walks. The surgeon said let her go at her own pace but I'm worried I'm not pushing enough. I don't want her to just lay around and watch tv all day but I don't want to wear her out either. I know some of the kids that have had double fusions are back to school in like 5-6 weeks so she seems to be slower than some. She also still fights wearing her brace. Complains that her back hurts worse with it. I make her wear it when she is up and around which makes me wonder if that is why she doesn't want to go out or do anything. She knows that means wearing the brace so she ops out. For those of you who have had the double fusions, how long did it take you to get back to activities, trips out, etc? Thanks, I'd just like some comparisons.

  • #2
    post op

    If she was on some narcotic pain meds she might be having a little withdrawal manifested as depression. That's what happened to me. I also was lethargic and had hot and cold sweats. I consulted a pain specialist to ease my way post-op and he treated those symptoms. It was the kind of thing I could not snap out of.
    Karen
    Original scoliosis surgery 1956 T-4 to L-2 ~100 degree thoracic (triple)curves at age 14. NO hardware-lost correction.
    Anterior/posterior revision T-4 to Sacrum in 2002, age 60, by Dr. Boachie-Adjei @Hospital for Special Surgery, NY = 50% correction

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    • #3
      As I remember my 1st couple of months, everything made my back hurt! A wrinkle in the sheet was like laying on rocks! Ouch!!! Depression happens after major surgery, and she probably has it. Withdraw it hard too, I had a hard time getting off the pain meds too. Talk to her doc about weaning her off slowly, that should help. While right now almost everything causes back pain, eventually you might have to insist that she wear the brace. I can't think of anybody that age who would wear a brace willingly!!

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      • #4
        i wouldnt be to woried about her rate of recovery, i was out of school for 3munths for recovering enuph to go all day and not get worn out... and as for her not wanting to go anyware, you might try to get her friends to come by and hang out with her, and make sure that they know that she needs to ware the brace, this might get her willing to put it on, but make sure she wares it, it dose REALLY help.

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        • #5
          Hi Moondancer,
          How long did you have to wear your brace post-op? In what way did it help your recovery? Thanks.

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          • #6
            My daughter Amber had a double fusion 10 days ago, they also removed large pieces of 5 ribs as well as taking bone from her hip. Her surgeon said she would not have to wear a brace as it would be pretty solid. He wanted to know why I asked, I told him about this site and that a lot of people seemed to have a post-op brace. He said that it was just for support and comfort. If your doctor says wear it, do it. But maybe you need to talk to your doctor about the need for it some more, and maybe get some suggestions as to ways to help ease discomfort. My daughter seems to be having an amazing recovery I hope it is as it seems and she has no set backs. The downstairs area of our house does not have much room for walking, maybe this is why she wants to get out of the house. Her doctors told her to give a few more days before she tries the stairs, ours are very steep. But she can't wait. Everyone recovers physically and mentally at their own pace just as babies do. It's hard to encourage without pushing and your the one that has to live with her. She'll get there just don't give up. Where my parents live they have "street parties" all the time, for the slightest reason. If you get on well with your neighbours maybe you could organize one with the people she likes from the street and her friends. It will get her outside and maybe that will help encourage her. Especially if her friends ask her to do stuff with them since she's 'out & about'. Best wishes I hope all goes well for your family.
            Cheryl.

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            • #7
              Peggy,
              I just wanted to let you know that you remind me so much of my mother. I am soon to be 23 years old, and I had My Fusion on November 2, 1995, I was 15 years old. I was scared beyond belief! I remember being so upset with my mother before and after surgery. If their is any grief with your daughter It will Pass, I had to wear a Brace for 4 years Prior to Surgery and 8 months After. I had to have home schooling for the following 3 months. I look back now, and could not even begin to think what would I be like without having that done when I did! I still see my surgeon because I did not have my whole spine done. It scares me to think I will have to go thru the pain and suffering all over again some day. I was told about 2 weeks ago, that as early as 8 years from now, I could develop a disease with my back, due to the problems I've had. Im crossing my fingers! I do have to say that there is only a few things that I can still today not do....Lifting is the #1, I was told that to be safe, I should never lift over 25 lbs (on an ongoing basis). Amusement parks-(the signs that say back problems do not ride) I have a season pass to cedar point, I do not let My Back Interfere with it, allthough I did stay away for the first year. I wish the best for you and your daughter and its always nice to have someone to talk to who has been through it and can help get you through it! Kristin!!
              Kristin Morelock
              Surgery November 1995

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              • #8
                Hi Kristin,
                I hope that you don't have to go thru any more surgery. Once is definitely enough! Can't believe you have a season pass to Cedar Point and you live in Nashville! We live about 90 minutes away and only go twice a year! My daughter is lucky in the fact that she doesn't like the rides. Hates height and the speed. So she won't miss much this summer by not going. I love the coasters but the older I get the rougher I feel after a day at Cedar Point. But I still ride . Did your doctor say why he kept the brace on for 8 mths after surgery? Mine says it is for support and comfort but so many doctors don't prescribe wearing the brace that I wonder sometimes. Though I feel better when she has it on for safety. When she lays around the couch I don't make her wear it. I hope that is ok. He doesn't make her wear it at night so I figured as long as she isn't walking around she is safe. Did you have a tough time wearing it? I dread the start of school in the fall. I got her to go a couple places today but she was ready to go home after two stops. Keeping my fingers crossed her attitude gets better. She is fine at home. Seems happy and content. Feeling good physically. Just hates the brace and gets all bummed out. Good Luck with your back!

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                • #9
                  Hello Again Peggy...
                  On the cedar point thing, i guess it works well that you are so close and at least one of you like it! I am originally from there, cant seem to stay away, i try to go as much as possible.....As to why I had to wear the brace 8 months, Im not to sure, I guess just to be SAFE (so i would guess), I remember my first day back to school after it was all said and done, I dont want to scare you, but I dont think I was ready, I had passed out at my locker and was rushed to the hospital....everything was fine, I guess i just over worked myself, rushing to fast....I had to wear mine for 18 hours a day before and after surgery, I chose to not wear it to sleep, I remember not wanting to do things afterwards either, I think within time, she'll be back up doin stuff, just gotta bear with her! Hope all is well! Kristin
                  Kristin Morelock
                  Surgery November 1995

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                  • #10
                    Hi Peggy,
                    I just wanted to check in and how things are going. Have you had any more outings? I hope things are still going well.
                    Cheryl.

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                    • #11
                      Can someone please explain what is single fusion and double fusion...I ask the doctor and he thought I was nuts
                      CONNIE


                      Surgery June 28th 2004
                      fused T4 -L3
                      Hip graft
                      Grown 1 1/2 inches
                      25/o upper T 15/o
                      53/o T 15/o
                      37/o L 6/o
                      Dr. Micheal Nuewirth
                      New York City

                      August 6, 2004
                      Pulmonary Embolism
                      complication from surgery

                      January 2007 currently
                      increasing pain at the T4/5
                      point irratation heardwear

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                      • #12
                        A single fusion is where only one curve is fused (ie there is only one curve in the back), therefore it is termed a "single fusion". A double fusion is where there are two or more curves in the back, and the fusion covers both of these, therefore it is termed a "double fusion". For example you can have a curve in your thorasic vertebrae and one in you lumbar vertebrae, this is an example of a double curve. Hope this helps

                        Alison

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                        • #13
                          Just to add on to Alison's definition: it is also possible to have a double curve, but a single fusion. I have a double curve, but the lower one is very minor. So, I only had a single fusion performed for the upper curve because the lower curve didn't need to be fused.
                          Charlotte

                          48 degree upper curve
                          L2 to T4
                          Braced for 4 years
                          Surgery 2/4/04

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