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Started By
Message
Spinal fusion surgery (severe scoliosis)
Posted on 9/21/19 at 5:54 am
Posted on 9/21/19 at 5:54 am
Anybody have experience with this? Or maybe friend or family? Daughter is a couple of months away from having this done. Watched a video of what’s involved and... 
19
Posted on 9/21/19 at 6:22 am to LSU Fan SLU Grad
The scoliosis may present unique challenges I’m not aware of, but my experience with a fusion is it doesn’t affect quality of life whatsoever. Just as athletic and even more so now compared to before the surgery as a teen.
Posted on 9/21/19 at 6:25 am to LSU Fan SLU Grad
I had it when I was 13. Recovery was tough but after about a year, I was back to normal. I can work out and do anything.
The only things the doctor will say no to is bungee jumping and sky diving. They jar the spine. Good luck!
The only things the doctor will say no to is bungee jumping and sky diving. They jar the spine. Good luck!
Posted on 9/21/19 at 6:27 am to Proximo
Was your surgery along the entire spine (thoracic and lumbar), or was it just one section?
Posted on 9/21/19 at 6:33 am to LSU Fan SLU Grad
Lower thoracic, 3-level fusion. Just be sure she is active in sports and teach her about lifting as well because that keeps the back and core strong, which helps with lower back pain.
Posted on 9/21/19 at 6:41 am to LSU Fan SLU Grad
Is she a pediatric patient or adult?
Posted on 9/21/19 at 6:48 am to saderade
Pediatric
Posted on 9/21/19 at 7:23 am to LSU Fan SLU Grad
I had this surgery when I was 15. Just a small section was done (lower thoracic/upper lumbar). Mind you, my surgery was done like 21 years ago, but the recovery for me was BRUTAL. Wasn’t able to get out of bed on my own for awhile. My grandmother had to bathe me (could there be anything worse as a teenager?) I had to wear this huge, hard plastic brace for an entire year after. As a teenage girl that was pretty embarrassing.
Since the surgery I’ve had on and off periods of back pain, varying degrees of severity.
I was able to carry and deliver (with epidural) two baby’s, with essentially no back problems through out either pregnancy.
About a year and a half ago I started having significant pain/issues. Finally saw a specialist in Houston and apparently I now have arthritis around my hardware.
I guess some back pain is preferential to my lungs eventually collapsing though.
Hope everything goes well with her surgery and recovery!
Since the surgery I’ve had on and off periods of back pain, varying degrees of severity.
I was able to carry and deliver (with epidural) two baby’s, with essentially no back problems through out either pregnancy.
About a year and a half ago I started having significant pain/issues. Finally saw a specialist in Houston and apparently I now have arthritis around my hardware.
I guess some back pain is preferential to my lungs eventually collapsing though.
Hope everything goes well with her surgery and recovery!
Posted on 9/21/19 at 7:31 am to LSU Fan SLU Grad
quote:
Watched a video of what’s involved and...
Yeah. I sometimes wonder if these surgeons are medical doctors or auto mechanics.
Posted on 9/21/19 at 7:33 am to CoCo311
quote:
About a year and a half ago I started having significant pain/issues. Finally saw a specialist in Houston and apparently I now have arthritis around my hardware.
Damn. This is the stuff I’m worried about. Sorry you’re having to go through this now. Worried for my daughter.
Posted on 9/21/19 at 7:34 am to LSU Fan SLU Grad
Tiger had spinal fusion and then came back and won the masters
Posted on 9/21/19 at 7:38 am to LSU Fan SLU Grad
(no message)
This post was edited on 9/21/19 at 7:41 am
Posted on 9/21/19 at 7:38 am to LSU Fan SLU Grad
I had to do trigger point injections and took pain pills for about a year, but I’ve actually been great for the past 9-10 months? No injections since last December, no pain medication since January. I do sleep on a wedge pillow every night.
Again, my surgery was sooo long ago! I’m guessing they’ve made significant medical advances in the last 21 years, lol!
Again, my surgery was sooo long ago! I’m guessing they’ve made significant medical advances in the last 21 years, lol!
Posted on 9/21/19 at 7:43 am to CoCo311
My sister had it done in the 70s. She was quite young. She was a prima ballerina, and this ended her career,
She's had three children and no major problems, however.
She's had three children and no major problems, however.
Posted on 9/21/19 at 7:45 am to CoCo311
The most important thing imo is go to a surgeon that is very experienced with this type of surgery and does this regularly.
And the good news is the technology has changed drastically over the years from the hardware to navigation/robotics etc. Recovery will suck but she should be able to live a fairly normal life after she recovers.
And the good news is the technology has changed drastically over the years from the hardware to navigation/robotics etc. Recovery will suck but she should be able to live a fairly normal life after she recovers.
Posted on 9/21/19 at 7:53 am to LSU Fan SLU Grad
Never had back surgery but I took care of a bunch of teens in the ICU after a PSF with instrumentation and it was tough for them. If you think about it the whole back is filleted open. However, a lot of the recovery will depend on their pain tolerance, mental toughness, and determination to recover. As a CRNA I’ve done the anesthesia for many of those cases. Let me tell you, do your research on surgeons bc it could mean the difference in hours of surgical time and more blood loss. Good luck to y’all. What’s the degree of the curve if her spine?
Posted on 9/21/19 at 8:04 am to magicman534
quote:
What’s the degree of the curve if her spine?
Approaching 65, and has steadily increased even with the brace.
Posted on 9/21/19 at 8:06 am to LSU Fan SLU Grad
My sister is an orthotist and prosthetist that has done research and kind of specializes in this with surgery vs bracing etc. Email me bonjournotd@gmail.com and I can put you in touch.
Posted on 9/21/19 at 8:15 am to Bonjourno
quote:
Email me
Sent
Posted on 9/21/19 at 8:17 am to magicman534
quote:This can’t be repeated enough when it comes to complex spine surgery. There are some surgeons out there that really shouldn’t be doing surgery (luckily this is a small minority)
. Let me tell you, do your research on surgeons bc it could mean the difference in hours of surgical time and more blood loss. Good luck to y’all
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