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Surgery for progressive scoliosis and severe spinal stenosis recovery?

Posted by clairemcl @clairemcl, Apr 10 11:42am

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 10:01pm
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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reneeksmith | @reneeksmith | Apr 16 10:45pm
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 7:48am

@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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