I've recently turned 60 and have always had a 'bad' back from a car accident at 30. I was diagnosed with slight soliosis at 12 and told not to worry about it. I've always complained of back pain, but hey, you dig in and deal with it. I lost 2.5 inches but was tall anyway and told shrinking is a 'natural part of aging.' I finally was referred to a specialist for a newer issue with the neck and periodic intense pain and weakness in my arms. After reviewing my mris and xrays, the doctor didn't discuss my neck but gently explained the more urgent issue of my crumbling back, his suggestion of fusing from T5 all the way down, and to think sooner rather than later. wow---was I blown away!
It took 3-4 weeks for me to get the image of the xray out of my mind, grasping what each pain reflected in the xray and start to feel 'normal' again rather than vulnerable.
So now that I'm 60, a new prime for me in my new 'retired' life with many expectations and hopes and I'm facing surgery that will impact my life.
I'm scared....and I need your help.
I've been reading the forum but only recently had 'permission' to post. Through reading others, I've increased my understanding as well as more educated questions.
I've had 2 other opinions since January, the second a well known orthopod who completely threw me off in discussing my deterioration due to arthritis and having no 'magic ball' to predict whether it would get worse. The third was a highly reputable neurosurgeon in a top instituion who I liked, had great creds, manner, and experience. He would also put in iliac screws (posts?) to stabilize further as well as decompress 2 discs that are shifting out of place. The first doctor was also an orthopod, and while I liked him, I didn't feel his office had enough experience in deteriorating scoliosis to do the surgery.
So, why are most of the surgeries discussed done by orthopods and not neurosurgeons? is there a benefit one way or other? My healthfield friends all say neurosurgeon obviously because of the nerve center, but I'm curious about orthopods.
The rest of my (current) questins have to do with recovery and recuperation. I understand the first week is 'the worst'. exactly what should I expect right after surgery? How mobile and how well do you feel 2-3 weeks out? Do I need to have caretakers around me? can I take care of myself? Told I would be walking a mile in 3 weeks sounds incredible...but what does it mean? Does that mean I will be almost back to 'normal' living?
I also recently read about a dressing tool to aid in putting on socks and pants. Are you not able to do this easily otherwise? How flexible can you be with a totally fused back? I keep trying to imagine what it will be like for an otherwise very healthy, active---and flexible---person and am looking for some insight.
thank you for any help. I know this isn't new to many of you, but it is where I'm at now.
...have I mentioned I'm scared?
Judy
60 years old
59 lower
58 upper
It took 3-4 weeks for me to get the image of the xray out of my mind, grasping what each pain reflected in the xray and start to feel 'normal' again rather than vulnerable.
So now that I'm 60, a new prime for me in my new 'retired' life with many expectations and hopes and I'm facing surgery that will impact my life.
I'm scared....and I need your help.
I've been reading the forum but only recently had 'permission' to post. Through reading others, I've increased my understanding as well as more educated questions.
I've had 2 other opinions since January, the second a well known orthopod who completely threw me off in discussing my deterioration due to arthritis and having no 'magic ball' to predict whether it would get worse. The third was a highly reputable neurosurgeon in a top instituion who I liked, had great creds, manner, and experience. He would also put in iliac screws (posts?) to stabilize further as well as decompress 2 discs that are shifting out of place. The first doctor was also an orthopod, and while I liked him, I didn't feel his office had enough experience in deteriorating scoliosis to do the surgery.
So, why are most of the surgeries discussed done by orthopods and not neurosurgeons? is there a benefit one way or other? My healthfield friends all say neurosurgeon obviously because of the nerve center, but I'm curious about orthopods.
The rest of my (current) questins have to do with recovery and recuperation. I understand the first week is 'the worst'. exactly what should I expect right after surgery? How mobile and how well do you feel 2-3 weeks out? Do I need to have caretakers around me? can I take care of myself? Told I would be walking a mile in 3 weeks sounds incredible...but what does it mean? Does that mean I will be almost back to 'normal' living?
I also recently read about a dressing tool to aid in putting on socks and pants. Are you not able to do this easily otherwise? How flexible can you be with a totally fused back? I keep trying to imagine what it will be like for an otherwise very healthy, active---and flexible---person and am looking for some insight.
thank you for any help. I know this isn't new to many of you, but it is where I'm at now.
...have I mentioned I'm scared?
Judy
60 years old
59 lower
58 upper
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