My journey with a T11 to L4 spinal fusion - 40 degree scoliosis curve

@sherrym25 It's those normal chores that help you feel normal about the situation and help pass the time until your procedure. My facebook feed just brought up the picture of my kitty welcoming me home after my spine surgery 8 years ago. He was up in the bedroom and an only cat at the time. I came in and rested on the couch and my husband let him out. He ran down the stairs and got in my lap purring. 3 months later, it was toward the end of my healing in a neck brace that I adopted 2 kittens, and I have pictures of them with me in the brace. Pets can help make everything better.

Update…..The nurse called me today and we went over my medication‘s and health history. I can’t believe how fast time is flying by these past couple weeks! I also completed my online pre-check in for all of my pre-surgery appointments on Tuesday.
Everything is moving forward, and my sister and I fly to Phoenix next Monday. Labs and photos and meet with the anesthesiologist on Tuesday and then surgery on Wednesday.
Praying for a future of less pain🙏

We are at the Mayo Clinic today, doing the pre op bloodwork and anesthesia check.
Surgery scheduled for tomorrow….I will receive a text or phone call this evening, letting me know what time to arrive at the hospital.
I’m getting nervous but also excited!!!

@sherrym25 When I had my surgery at Mayo, I had to report at 6 AM. I think surgery was scheduled for 8 AM, but there is a lot of getting ready and meeting with anesthesia and team members. It's a big exciting step for you. I hope you can sleep tonight. If not, don't worry because tomorrow everyone else will carry the day, and you will have permission to rest. The night before my surgery, I was listening to music and I brought one of my paintings with me to look at and stay calmly engaged. That was part of my plan on coping with the situation.

Did you enjoy all the artwork? I'm sure the clinic must be decorated for Christmas. Did you have a favorite? Personally, I love the Chihuly glass in the Gonda building.

Good luck tomorrow. I will be thinking about you and your journey ahead. Don't feel like you need to update everyone on Connect right away unless you feel up to it. Rest as much as you need to do.

Jennifer

I wish you the best today, and know the Mayo staff will take good care of you.
Who is your neurosurgeon at Mayo?

Dr McClendon is my surgeon. They just put my IV in and I’m waiting for the anesthesiologist. The staff is wonderful!!

I saw Dr. McClendon when I arrived into Phoenix in 2016.
Good Luck to you.

Can you post a copy of the exercises, please? Like to see what others are doing and maybe incorporate into mine. How often do you do them? How often does anyone do back exercises to help combat pain from stenosis? 😊

Hi Sherry—
Archie here— I’m reading this on 12/11. I hope that all went well and you’re on your way to recovering. I would love to follow your Progress. You probably grew 4“ getting straight. I also have scoliosis in low back and neck—,so I used to be 6‘ and now I’m 5‘8“!! But I’m 80so allthis huge surgery doesn’t feel like an option. But I wish you well, and hope for an update! Archie

Just seeing this post too! By now, you are through surgery and beginning your recovery. Wish you the best! Tamra