1. < Spine Health

Surgery for progressive scoliosis and severe spinal stenosis recovery?

Posted by clairemcl @clairemcl, Apr 10, 2024

I am expecting to have spinal surgery for progressive scoliosis and severe stenosis at L3-L4 where the curve is sharpest. I am not questioning the decision to have surgery. I am 67, female, and short with normal weight. If you have had something similar, how were your outcome from surgery and/or and recovery? I am hoping to be able to walk more easily, with or without a cane. Five or so years ago I took my last hike and I have difficulty accepting the decrease in mobility at this age.

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clairemcl | @clairemcl | Apr 13, 2024
In reply to @reneeksmith "clairemcl Good luck to you and blessings! I am facing similar surgery soon, stainless steel rods..." + (show)
@reneeksmith

clairemcl Good luck to you and blessings! I am facing similar surgery soon, stainless steel rods on either side of my spine and pins in the vertebrae for severe, sudden-unset scoliosis. I lost 7” in height in 3 years. I am 72 years old and although this surgery is risky with an 40% failure rate according to my surgeon, my life without surgery will be stronger and stronger opiates and a wheelchair, which is not an option for me. I wish you the best of luck and you will be in my prayers!

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Goodness! Best wishes to you! My surgeon has said the success rate is 85-90%, so 10-15% failure rate. As I found out I have osteoporosis as well, he will not do surgery until I have been on Forteo for at least 3 months. I just started that last week. I don’t know if I will need 1 or 2 rods yet. I am 67, and like you, it is getting worse with time. How soon do you expect to have surgery? We should keep in touch and support each other.

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2 replies
reneeksmith | @reneeksmith | Apr 16, 2024
In reply to @clairemcl "Goodness! Best wishes to you! My surgeon has said the success rate is 85-90%, so 10-15%..." + (show)
@clairemcl

Goodness! Best wishes to you! My surgeon has said the success rate is 85-90%, so 10-15% failure rate. As I found out I have osteoporosis as well, he will not do surgery until I have been on Forteo for at least 3 months. I just started that last week. I don’t know if I will need 1 or 2 rods yet. I am 67, and like you, it is getting worse with time. How soon do you expect to have surgery? We should keep in touch and support each other.

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@clairemcl I am delighted to have found a friend and support buddy in you! Yes! Let’s definitely keep in touch. Will send you a private message in the next few days with details of what’s in store for me in the near term. Hope you will respond with the same.

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jenatsky | @jenatsky | Apr 20, 2024

@clairemcl I had my fusion L4-S1 in 1990 with stainless steel plates and screws, which are no longer used. Once you’re postop get a good home exercise program from PT and don’t ever stop it. Even if you’re totally healed and forget about your surgery. Continued exercise for your core strength is what will keep you safe. Your body will continue to breakdown like everyone else and good luck with your surgery.

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jbcdg | @jbcdg | Apr 7 6:51pm

I saw a surgeon today. Complex, lumbar stenosis with scoliosis. female, 70, in good health. He wants to wait and see me again in 6 mos. I'm ok with that but then I need a decision (and maybe second opinion) I am concerned that this thread is a yr old. How is your outcome? Best wishes

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1 reply
sherrym25 | @sherrym25 | Apr 8 10:40am
In reply to @jbcdg "I saw a surgeon today. Complex, lumbar stenosis with scoliosis. female, 70, in good health. He..." + (show)
@jbcdg

I saw a surgeon today. Complex, lumbar stenosis with scoliosis. female, 70, in good health. He wants to wait and see me again in 6 mos. I'm ok with that but then I need a decision (and maybe second opinion) I am concerned that this thread is a yr old. How is your outcome? Best wishes

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Hi, what is your degree of curvature and is it affecting your day to day activities? In December 2024 I had a T 11 to L4 fusion. My scoliosis had me in constant pain day and night and it was just getting worse. My scoliosis pain is completely gone now and all I have is the post-op pain which is getting a little better each day.
I think second opinions are a good idea. It was a second opinion that led me to the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix and to an amazing surgeon.

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clairemcl | @clairemcl | Apr 9 4:40pm
In reply to @clairemcl "Goodness! Best wishes to you! My surgeon has said the success rate is 85-90%, so 10-15%..." + (show)
@clairemcl

Goodness! Best wishes to you! My surgeon has said the success rate is 85-90%, so 10-15% failure rate. As I found out I have osteoporosis as well, he will not do surgery until I have been on Forteo for at least 3 months. I just started that last week. I don’t know if I will need 1 or 2 rods yet. I am 67, and like you, it is getting worse with time. How soon do you expect to have surgery? We should keep in touch and support each other.

Jump to this post

Hi! This was an old post. I had surgery 9/16/24 after being on Forteo for more than 6 months.

Surgery name or description:
- [ ] T9-pelvis posterior spinal fusion with L 4/5 S1 inter-bodies

My surgery went extremely well and now I’m almost 7 months post op. I do still have some limitations but now I can stand up for a very long time and walk at least 3/4 miles without any assistance, cane or walker. I would love to tell you more and try to support you through the process, and let you also know my limitations.

I have to stop for now. We can continue through this platform, which might also help others or we do direct email if we figure that out.

I’m now 68 and located in Chicago.
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