Hello,
After months of struggling, fear, denial, I have faced the fact that I need surgery. I have a 70deg. left T1-6 high thoracic curve and a 105 deg. right T6-L2 thoracic. Also a 45 deg lumbar to L5. 7 yrs. ago in 1998 the thoracic curve was 92, so it's clearly getting worse.
I am currently experiencing pain only in my right SI. I am seeing a body worker who has helped to decrease the intensity and frequency of this pain. If I lie on my love seat, with my head on 1 arm rest and my calves on the other, I apparently put myself into a sort of traction and it relieves the pain when I have it. At least for now- things keep changing. I have a kneeling chair that helps for extended work at my computer. I have no pain in the rest of my back, altho I do notice a twisting sensation in my left ribcage and sometimes it feels like it's squeezing together in back.
I am a dancer/instructor- although I can't do much dancing these days due to the back pain- when it goes out I can barely walk, can't bend, etc. But I still try to do as much as I can to stay in shape.
My surgery is tentatively scheduled for Feb.7 at HSS with Dr. Boachie-Adjei. I realize that every situation is unique, and it's hard to compare ourselves, but I was wondering if there was anyone who was in a similar situation who has had the surgery?
Dr. Boachie warned me that I may end up with new symptoms of pain after the surgery; this concerns me- can any of you enlighten me/ share your experiences on this?
Also, I was wondering what I can do to prepare for the surgery. I know I should eat a high protein diet, try to gain weight, and keep up my pulminary function (which is currently not significantly compromised). But what about preparing the house for when I come home? I find myself wondering "Will I be able to do this?" as I brush my teeth, comb my hair, reach into the cupboard for a glass.... I did go to the "Resuming Acxtivities After Scoliosis Surgery" which was very helpful, but there are so many little everyday things that will most likely be affected.
Also, I run a dance school and do everything from scheduling, accounts receivable, accounts payable, etc, etc, myself. I am lining people up to take over while I am out of commission, but can anyone suggest how long that might be? I know it's be quite awhile before I can go in and teach again, but what about doing things at home at the computer?
Sorry for the length- the questions just keep coming! Any input, advice, suggestions will be greatly appreciated!
Rosella
After months of struggling, fear, denial, I have faced the fact that I need surgery. I have a 70deg. left T1-6 high thoracic curve and a 105 deg. right T6-L2 thoracic. Also a 45 deg lumbar to L5. 7 yrs. ago in 1998 the thoracic curve was 92, so it's clearly getting worse.
I am currently experiencing pain only in my right SI. I am seeing a body worker who has helped to decrease the intensity and frequency of this pain. If I lie on my love seat, with my head on 1 arm rest and my calves on the other, I apparently put myself into a sort of traction and it relieves the pain when I have it. At least for now- things keep changing. I have a kneeling chair that helps for extended work at my computer. I have no pain in the rest of my back, altho I do notice a twisting sensation in my left ribcage and sometimes it feels like it's squeezing together in back.
I am a dancer/instructor- although I can't do much dancing these days due to the back pain- when it goes out I can barely walk, can't bend, etc. But I still try to do as much as I can to stay in shape.
My surgery is tentatively scheduled for Feb.7 at HSS with Dr. Boachie-Adjei. I realize that every situation is unique, and it's hard to compare ourselves, but I was wondering if there was anyone who was in a similar situation who has had the surgery?
Dr. Boachie warned me that I may end up with new symptoms of pain after the surgery; this concerns me- can any of you enlighten me/ share your experiences on this?
Also, I was wondering what I can do to prepare for the surgery. I know I should eat a high protein diet, try to gain weight, and keep up my pulminary function (which is currently not significantly compromised). But what about preparing the house for when I come home? I find myself wondering "Will I be able to do this?" as I brush my teeth, comb my hair, reach into the cupboard for a glass.... I did go to the "Resuming Acxtivities After Scoliosis Surgery" which was very helpful, but there are so many little everyday things that will most likely be affected.
Also, I run a dance school and do everything from scheduling, accounts receivable, accounts payable, etc, etc, myself. I am lining people up to take over while I am out of commission, but can anyone suggest how long that might be? I know it's be quite awhile before I can go in and teach again, but what about doing things at home at the computer?
Sorry for the length- the questions just keep coming! Any input, advice, suggestions will be greatly appreciated!
Rosella
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