I am dissappointed

[jrnyc]

when was the last time you saw your doctor, Janet...?

jess

[jsully]

2 weeks ago.

[naptown78]

Janet,
I think as long as your doctor is aware of your problem and is concerned and treating you for it that you should be okay to just wait to see what your PT does for you. It is interesting to know that pain pills help you to stand straighter and that you can make yourself stand up. When I was having these problems, I could in no way make myself stand straight. It felt like there was a board in my back preventing me from standing up and I just couldn't get there. Good luck in figuring out what is going on...my thoughts are with you.

[jsully]

Thanks, that does make me feel better that I can do it with much persistence. I appreciate that. My insurance may cut me off soon. I have had 20 visits. Hopefully not. I do think I can do everything myself at home or in the gym, however.
Janet

[jrnyc]

i would see him at end of this month...or at least at 4 months time...so would that be by October 11th...?
i think you wrote in your other thread that he wants to see you in 2 months...but i would go sooner...because it sure sounds as if you are up at night worrying about this...and what you need is some kind of peace of mind!

jess

[jsully]

I am relaxed at times and upset at times. I have a lot of nurse friends which helps keep my insanity. Actually posts on here get me going and I am hoping for some positive ones from more people who have been through this and are better. That would be super! I have not seen much improvement in the last few weeks also which is also discouraging. I have returned to work this last week also and had a lot of pain today so I am depressed.
Janet

[babyboomer16]

I am relaxed at times and upset at times. I have a lot of nurse friends which helps keep my insanity. Actually posts on here get me going and I am hoping for some positive ones from more people who have been through this and are better. That would be super! I have not seen much improvement in the last few weeks also which is also discouraging. I have returned to work this last week also and had a lot of pain today so I am depressed.
Janet

jsully-what kind of work do you do? I don't think I could stand to work at this point. I can pull myself up, but it's painful and my balance is bad.My posture looks bad, unless I really pull myself up and back---which doesn't look natural, and is also painful!! When I walk, all pulled up and stiff, my pelvic bone seems to be pushed forward a little. Well, we will see what the surgeon I see tomorrow has to say. I am discouraged-but we just have to deal with what life throws at us,and have faith. jsully, I'll try to be brave and you do the same. Prayers for you....babyboomer16

[jsully]

bboomer, you sound exactly the same as me. I don't think my pain is quite as bad as yours because I can work (I am a nurse and am up and down all day but I do get to sit a good bit). I think maybe I am a little stronger due to my age (36) and the PT I have had. I felt really good this am. Then at PT, the manager was there and really helped me work on my gait, FINALLY. I am excited to work these ideas into my every day life and I think it will help. Of course now I am pretty sore and starting to hunch over. My hips tilt forward and my left foot turns out when I begin to do this. I strongly recommend you get the Dr. to order you some PT. I have definitely had some improvement along the way and now think I will continue to improve some more.
Good luck at the MD!!
Janet

[babyboomer16]

bboomer, you sound exactly the same as me. I don't think my pain is quite as bad as yours because I can work (I am a nurse and am up and down all day but I do get to sit a good bit). I think maybe I am a little stronger due to my age (36) and the PT I have had. I felt really good this am. Then at PT, the manager was there and really helped me work on my gait, FINALLY. I am excited to work these ideas into my every day life and I think it will help. Of course now I am pretty sore and starting to hunch over. My hips tilt forward and my left foot turns out when I begin to do this. I strongly recommend you get the Dr. to order you some PT. I have definitely had some improvement along the way and now think I will continue to improve some more.
Good luck at the MD!!
Janet

Thank-you for responding. It encourages me to know that you are feeling like PT helps. I really don't think I could handle another surgery. As I said, I see one of the surgeons tomorrow. So I am hoping they will go for the Physical therapy. I don't feel I can wait till 6 mo. is up. And I am probably more tolerant to pain meds. than you. I have most likely been on them longer since I'm 58yrs. old and have been dealing with chronic pain for yrs. Darn! I so hope we get through this and look back on it someday as a little bump in the road.!! Hang in there --I will be thinking of you. bboomer

[KathK]

Janet,
You said that you can sit a lot during your shift, but remember that sitting is tougher on your spine than standing or walking (at least I remember reading that in one of my surgery tutorials). Would you be able to lie down during your breaks at work? Maybe that would really give your muscles a rest. Just a thought.

[jsully]

KathK,
I am actually happiest sitting. Even lying down I have low back pain.
Janet

[Radiogirl]

I think leaning forward after surgery is something that happens to a lot of us on here. I know I had the same thing. Now at 6 months, I don't do that at all. It started going away at about 3 or 4 months post op and gets better all the time. I started PT at 3 months post op. I also started yoga about 4 months post and do it now, but am careful not to bend or twist too much just yet. Our muscles are all in new places and it takes time to get used to it.

[babyboomer16]

Bad news at Dr. appt.

Hi, I saw my surgeon last Friday like I said I would. He had talked to the other surgeon at length. And they discussed the xrays from my last appt. and my complaints about leaning and walking and pain. Anyway, Dr. Alvine(the surgeon that comes to my town), and the surgeon that helped the specialist told me that they don't feel like they pulled me back far enough and also I have a flat lower back. And this is causing me to pitch forward. I said is this saggital imbalance and he kind of stumbled over that question without an answer. Now, he said there is a surgery to correct this--a very invasive one again! And I said no more surgeries. I can't take anymore. He prescribed me physical therapy for gait training . Then I will see them in 3 months.(both surgeons together)I have never seen the one that accually specializes in spine deformaties, that worked on me. Seems like a long time,(3 months) but I guess they want me to excercise for a while. I am scared of my future! I feel like this surgery was suppose to be the answer to my problems. But at least he was honest about it. Well, has anyone had this type of correction? I would consider it maybe in a couple yrs. But I have had two surgeries this year. An abdominal one for an old ulcer surgery(very invasive). And this one for scoliosis. But in all honesty, I have had around 20 surgeies in the past 15 yrs. My body is tired. So thats why I would be scared of another surgery. But if PT doesn't work-what then? I need some support. I am soo scared. My age is 58. So I know I can't wait very long for a surgery. Thanks--- bboomer16

[Confusedmom]

Bboomer,

Naptown 78 had revision surgery for saggital imbalance, and she is doing very well. There is also another woman on this forum having it around now, I think.

It is not ideal, of course, but it sounds like it can help. I'm glad your doctor suggested you try physical therapy first--maybe you will get lucky and work things out on your own. Do you have a special medical condition that has caused you to have so many surgeries? I'm so sorry you've had to go through all of this and possibly still not be done. But you're right, it's good that at least your surgeon is leveling with you.

Best wishes,
Evelyn

[JenniferG]

I am so sorry this has been such a bitter disappointment. After your 20 surgeries I can't say I blame you not wanting another surgery but if, down the track and after gait training, you are still unable to stand or walk upright, you might be able to get your head in a place where you might start to consider further surgery. Yes, this surgery has been performed on other members here and I am sure they will come on and chat to you about it. As far as I can remember, it was successful in correcting the problem and not nearly as big a surgery as your first scoli surgery.

You've had a shock and it takes time for the shock to pass - you may yet come round to thinking the surgery will be worth it. Meantime, I hope the gait training will help. Let us know, won't you?