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 nearly three months traveling through mostly 3rd world countries - Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, then went over to visit a son in the UK followed by time in Morocco. 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.
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 nearly three months traveling through mostly 3rd world countries - Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, then went over to visit a son in the UK followed by time in Morocco. 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.
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