When I was searching the forum before my 2008 surgery, I wanted to see outcomes DOWN THE ROAD. There wasn't much available. Now, I try to post annually AND share the good word about FOCOS, the organization helping scoli children in Africa get their spines straightened. (If you want to help a child without means, go for it -http://www.orthofocos.org/. I do this each year at Christmas time.)
Anyhow, my curve was 65*, taken down to 26*. I was fused from T4 to L3.
I am not pain-free, but my quality of life continues to be much better than it was before my surgery. This year, I spent two months traveling through India, Sri Lanka and Nepal. I bring a lightweight air mattress made for back-packers since I can't manage hard beds. I am an independent traveler who can do everything on my own except lift my bags and I always manage to find some kind person to do that for me.
I pro-actively work on my spine, doing 30 minutes daily of stretching and mild yoga AND as much walking as my body will allow AND strengthening through mild Pilates or other gym equipment. I highly recommend stretching and strengthening!!!!
When I go through a tough time, I have found relief through acupuncture, PT, and recently a procedure called 'dry needling' which is done by both chiros and PTs. Dry needling requires a practitioner with experience - only do it if you are working with a professional who has years of experience.
At least three times a week, I hike the canyon behind my home which has a mildly steep grade and I average two miles of hiking. I could not hike AT ALL before my surgery and found that my pain was restricting my activities more and more.
Surgery is not a panacea, but it WILL stop the progression of your curves and that's the critical thing. For me, it has greatly improved the quality of my life. However, I have experienced increased pain in my lower lumbar spine during the last year and I consider getting fused through the tailbone. My surgeon told me that it might be a possibility and I might need additional surgery. I'll take the coming year to make that decision. In the meantime, I'll stretch and strenthening as much as possible.
Best Wishes to All My Scoli Friends!
Ginger
65* curve at age 55
T4 - L3 Fusions on May 20, 2008 by Dr. Boachie, NYC
Curve corrected to 26*
Blog specifically about my recovery =
http://gingerinrecovery.blogspot.com
Anyhow, my curve was 65*, taken down to 26*. I was fused from T4 to L3.
I am not pain-free, but my quality of life continues to be much better than it was before my surgery. This year, I spent two months traveling through India, Sri Lanka and Nepal. I bring a lightweight air mattress made for back-packers since I can't manage hard beds. I am an independent traveler who can do everything on my own except lift my bags and I always manage to find some kind person to do that for me.
I pro-actively work on my spine, doing 30 minutes daily of stretching and mild yoga AND as much walking as my body will allow AND strengthening through mild Pilates or other gym equipment. I highly recommend stretching and strengthening!!!!
When I go through a tough time, I have found relief through acupuncture, PT, and recently a procedure called 'dry needling' which is done by both chiros and PTs. Dry needling requires a practitioner with experience - only do it if you are working with a professional who has years of experience.
At least three times a week, I hike the canyon behind my home which has a mildly steep grade and I average two miles of hiking. I could not hike AT ALL before my surgery and found that my pain was restricting my activities more and more.
Surgery is not a panacea, but it WILL stop the progression of your curves and that's the critical thing. For me, it has greatly improved the quality of my life. However, I have experienced increased pain in my lower lumbar spine during the last year and I consider getting fused through the tailbone. My surgeon told me that it might be a possibility and I might need additional surgery. I'll take the coming year to make that decision. In the meantime, I'll stretch and strenthening as much as possible.
Best Wishes to All My Scoli Friends!
Ginger
65* curve at age 55
T4 - L3 Fusions on May 20, 2008 by Dr. Boachie, NYC
Curve corrected to 26*
Blog specifically about my recovery =
http://gingerinrecovery.blogspot.com
Comment