My 12 wk follow up appt

[foofer]

Laura and Melissa,

I do love reading great news in the morning!!

I feel a bit motherly towards "the girls". You have many mothers, aunties, sisters, and a few awesome brother/uncles on this board.

Here's a little cybertoast to you all as I think of you riding bikes, going to the beach, nice long walks....all standing tall.

Congratulations and Happy Summer!

[Radiogirl]

Awwwww Foofer....thanks "mom"! HahAHAH!!! But you couldn't be my mom cuz you would have had to been 5 yrs old when you had me!!!

[KathK]

Laura,

You're x-rays are amazing! What an encourageement for those of us who have not yet had surgery. I'm so happy for you!

Had Dr. Lenke predicted that much correction for you prior to the surgery (was your spine flexible) or was it just a wonderful surprise?

[golfnut]

braces

Laura & Kathy & Janet & Rita (Dr. Lenke's patients)
I know Kathy hasn't had her surgery yet, but did Dr. Lenke have any of you wear a brace post surgery? Kelly said that I wouldn't have one and I didn't realize at the time she told me that so many people on this forum wear a brace a long time after surgery. I didn't even question it. I'm a worrier anyway and it just seems that the brace would keep me from moving in a way I'm not supposed to (especially at night when I'm half asleep) I totally trust Dr. Lenke, but I'm just curious what the reason is for not wearing a brace temporarily after surgery. Do you know?
Laura, I am so impressed with your pictures. You have to be thrilled! I'll be 60 when I have the surgery, so I'm a littled worried I won't get the cosmetic results that you did, but I'm sure hoping.

[Vali]

Laura, congratulations on an amazingly awesome correction. The pictures look great!

[Doodles]

Laura--Somehow I had missed looking at the before and afters--those are fabulous!

Karen--No I didn't wear a brace and there wasn't really a reason for or against it that I recall. I guess I was just glad I didn't have to. My roommate in rehab had one. Her doctor was Bridwell. She was about 10 years older than I. Janet

[fashionista]

Hi Everyone! Yesterday was my 12 week followup with Dr. Lenke. I was just amazed when I saw my before and after x-rays. The curve went from 62 down to 11 degrees. I added the xrays to my signature line below, so you can see them. He told me I should be doing more activity, like even gentle yoga, and stretching. That surprised me, but he said as long as I am in control of my movements, I can't hurt myself. So, starting today I did 30 minutes of gentle stretching and easy yoga moves. I was sooooo not flexible! Need to build that up slowly. My back doesn't "hurt" anymore like before the surgery...but now it just "burns", which I am guessing is the nerves and muscles healing. Just wanted to check in to let you know I am happy I went through with this at even just 12 weeks out! Can't wait for a year anniversary!!! Thanks again for eveyone's support here!

Hi, your back looks amazing. don't have anymore rib hump whatsoever. how much heigh did you regain?

[Radiogirl]

Hi Fashionista! Thanks for the compliment! My rib hump is gone and I gained 2 inches in height!!! That was an awesome side benefit! It's so funny when people see me for the first time since surgery and they can't get over how tall I look!!! I'm now 5' 5" and was 5' 3". My left shoulder is a tiny bit higher than my right shoulder and my physical therapist (who I went to for first time yesterday) said that will most likely stay that way...but it's a great trade off for the curve and rib hump! Good luck to you!
Laura

[Radiogirl]

Karen, Vali and Janet....thank you guys for the compliments! It sure makes me feel good to see my before and afters. Sometimes I look at my befores now and just say "WOW"...was that really me??? It realllly makes me glad I had the surgery. I recommend everyone take before pics so you can see how far you have come! Karen, no I didn't wear a brace. For some reason I don't think Lenke uses them...and I was glad to hear that! I didn't feel that anything would come apart or anything because you really are not all that mobile after surgery for a while! Just walk very carefully and use a walker or something to hold on to if you feel unsteady. Best of luck to you in January Karen. It seems like a ways away but will be here and gone before you know it! Let me know if you have questions!
Laura