Scheuermann's kyphosis surgery this Xmas

[rosemary]

My son is almost 18 and having surgery this Xmas. We're relieved to finally go ahead...He has 85% curvature. The problem is that he's starting college this fall. His doc says that he'll be back to school in the Spring. Can anyone give us advice on how he'll be doing 4 weeks post-op? I'm worried because he'll be living on his own in the dorm and I won't be there to help him.

[nikyergen]

Rosemay,
There is no correct answer to you question. Everyone has a different pain tolerance. And, each individual has their own rate of healing. My 17 (almost 18) year old daughter had surgery on March 15, 2005, for Scheuerman's Kyphosis and back to school the week after Spring Break. She has an 88 degree curve. She was at her prom at 4 weeks post op and hasn't really slowed down since. When I asked the surgeon about when Crystal could go back to school, his answer was when she feels like it. Some kids are out of school for weeks on end, it just depends on the individual.

I'm not sure dorm life is exactly where he should be so soon after surgery. Is he going to be on a three term year or a two term year. He won't be able to carry his books to class for quite a while. He will be limited to no more than 5 lbs. to carry for quite a while. He may want to check into taking his Spring term through the Distance Education Department.

Nikki

[kell]

Monday Surgery

Dear Rosemary,
My 15 year old son is having the same surgery this Monday. I will keep you posted to let you know how he is doing afterwards. My help you with some planning. I've been told he will be able to return to school 4 weeks afterwards.
Take Care,
Kel

[Snoopy]

Hi Rosemary,

My daughter had surgery Dec. 04 to correct her Kyphosis and Scoliosis. At her 2 1/2 week post-op visit, her doctor gave her permisison to return to Middle School at 3 weeks. She returned at 4 weeks (part time) as she was on Christmas break at 3 weeks. She was back to school full-time at 6 weeks, but she was very limited--she had to have an extra set of books at home and one in each classroom; had to change classes when the halls were empty to avoid crowds; wasn't allowed to ride the bus and wasn't allowed to take gym.

Like Nikki said, every person recovers differently and I know my daughter and Nikki's were fast healers. Some kids are out of school for weeks and weeks and other are still taking pain meds at 4 weeks post-op. So, all that said, I would say you know your son best, so trust your instincts. Nikki and I both found out very quickly that once the kids feel better, it is very hard to keep them from doing things they aren't supposed to do. Like running, jumping, bending, lifting/carrying things, etc.

Mary Lou

[kell]

Son just had surgery

Rosemary,
My 15 year old just had the Kyphosis surgery(t3-l3) on August 14th. He is doing well. He is unable to return to school until Sept 25th. However we will be seeing the doctor the week before that and I'm going to see if he can return to school sooner. Cody had done very well. His room is in the basement of our house 16 stairs down. He has been able to get himself up and down the stairs with no problem. He is able to reposition himself in bed since the 3rd night home. Infact since day two at home he has been home alone for atleast 5 hours a day while I've been at work. He has some really good days and a few bad days. Yesterday was one of those. He just hurt all day long. He is still on pain meds, but only about 2 a day if needed. He always get one at bed time. Take care,
Kelly

[rosemary]

Scheuermann's surgery for my son...

thanks for your support. My son opted not to have the surgery in December. He needed to work out a few things...and was pretty scared. We told him at that point that it was his decision since he was 18 (one of the hardest things I've had to do as a mom). It took some time, but now he's schedule his own surgery for May 22, 2007. I'm anxious, but after reading all the posts I feel much better. ...rosemary