
Originally Posted by
WLB1
I am so glad I have found this forum. I have learned so much just from reading what is here already. My surgery is a week from today, and I am frightened...I really wasn't told anything about restrictions or preparations. I didn't even know I had scoliosis until two years ago when I went to a chiropractor and said "I think I have scoliosis." That is when I got my first scoli X-rays ever. My curves were 17 left thoracic and 33 degrees lumbar, with a twist at L2 and L3. I did pt and exercise and it got ok but then I started with fecal incontinence...just a bit, but it progressed to a lot. Tests showed nerve insufficiency, got an MRI that showed nerve compression in all lumbar vertebra. I had to travel to Duke, three hours away, to find a surgeon. Dr. Bagley will be fusing t6 through my pelvis. A lot, but my symptoms of nerve problems are progressing rapidly. I can feel my back changing every day, I have numbness and weakness in both legs when walking and stinging twinges when lying down.
I have not had a lot of time to prepare or get my head around the enormity of what is to happen, my first visit with my surgeon was two weeks ago. So my question is what do I need to do to prepare me and my house for this? Is there something you would have done better or different if you had known before surgery what you know now. I am 62. I have kept up my exercise and do two miles a day. Will recovery and surgery be the nightmare I am thinking it will be?
Thanks so much!
Hi and welcome! You've had a huge shock and must still be absorbing what's happened so in that respect, you're a bit different to most of the folks on this forum, who often have years to come to terms with the need for surgery. I feel for you.
Your ability to do 2 miles per day walking will stand you in good stead. I believe being fit is the best thing you can do for yourself before fusion surgery, and many people can't because of their pain. So you have a good chance of having a great result and smooth recovery. At this late stage, organizing someone to help you when you come home, is important if you can.
I'm sure others will have suggestions of things you an do in the short time before surgery. Personally, all I could think about is getting myself TO that date, and fully expected everything else to fall into place. It did!
I hope you'll let us know how it all turns out. Good luck!
Surgery March 3, 2009 at almost 58, now 63.
Dr. Askin, Brisbane, Australia
T4-Pelvis, Posterior only
Osteotomies and Laminectomies
Was 68 degrees, now 22 and pain free