1. < Spine Health

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

Posted by sherrym25 @sherrym25, Nov 7, 2024

Hi, I am scheduled for an L4 to T11 spinal fusion for my 40 degree scoliosis curve on December 11 2024.

Looking for feedback or advice for recovery from anyone who has had a similar surgery!!

I very active, with an “almost” teenager, and I ride horses.

Thank you!!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Spine Health Support Group.

sherrym25 | @sherrym25 | May 29 5:55pm
In reply to @jenniferhunter "@sherrym25 Hi Sherry. How is your recovery going? I just wanted to check up on you..." + (show)
@jenniferhunter

@sherrym25 Hi Sherry. How is your recovery going? I just wanted to check up on you since your surgery. I hope you're ready to enjoy your summer!

Jennifer

Jump to this post

@jenniferhunter Hey Jennifer! Thank you so much for checking on me! Yesterday was six months post surgery and I am really doing well. I had my fourth or fifth PT session today and I was telling my therapist how every day can feel like Groundhog Day 🤣 but if I look at it from a weekly perspective, I am really improving so much.
I’m excited for summer as I am going to be a counselor at church camp and then my daughter has her horse and a bunch of other things entered into the local fair and then we are going for a week long camping trip at Bodega Bay.
Hey, I know you have horses like I do….My next Zoom appointment with my surgeon is in August and I’m going to talk to him more about a future of being able to ride and if the extra rocking motion in my hips and lower spine will put more wear and tear on my L4 L5. I’ve been doing a ton of research, but apparently there has not been a lot of research done on that.
I hope you’re doing well and really appreciate how you support people who are entering the system and have questions. I remember when I first signed up last year and felt kind of lost, and you were so kind.
Sherry

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | May 29 11:07pm
In reply to @sherrym25 "@jenniferhunter Hey Jennifer! Thank you so much for checking on me! Yesterday was six months post..." + (show)
@sherrym25

@jenniferhunter Hey Jennifer! Thank you so much for checking on me! Yesterday was six months post surgery and I am really doing well. I had my fourth or fifth PT session today and I was telling my therapist how every day can feel like Groundhog Day 🤣 but if I look at it from a weekly perspective, I am really improving so much.
I’m excited for summer as I am going to be a counselor at church camp and then my daughter has her horse and a bunch of other things entered into the local fair and then we are going for a week long camping trip at Bodega Bay.
Hey, I know you have horses like I do….My next Zoom appointment with my surgeon is in August and I’m going to talk to him more about a future of being able to ride and if the extra rocking motion in my hips and lower spine will put more wear and tear on my L4 L5. I’ve been doing a ton of research, but apparently there has not been a lot of research done on that.
I hope you’re doing well and really appreciate how you support people who are entering the system and have questions. I remember when I first signed up last year and felt kind of lost, and you were so kind.
Sherry

Jump to this post

@sherrym25 You're doing great! I like your Groundhog Day comparison. As long as you look at the big picture, you can measure progress. I like the square in Woodstock where that was filmed and it's not far from where I am. It's got an historic opera house and I like to go to shows there. You've got a lot to look forward to this summer. Thanks for your kind words. I am doing well. I hope that you will be able to ride. At least for me, the rocking motion is very therapeutic and strengthening for my core muscles which strengthens my spine. I avoid bouncing in the saddle, but walking is great.
Jennifer

REPLY
sherrym25 | @sherrym25 | Jun 10 6:46pm

Tomorrow is 6 1/2 months post op! Woo hoo!!!

I’m really feeling so much better!! I love that I can stand and sit for long periods of time and not have all the pain I had before surgery.
For anyone looking to have back surgery, I encourage you to go to the search window and use different terminology to search, and you will find countless conversations detailing personal experiences regarding preparation for surgery and healing after surgery. There really is a wealth of information here, you just need to use different words to search.

And of course, if you don’t find what you are looking for, just ask! There are so many wonderful people ready to help you with what they know 😊

REPLY
3 replies
Mentor
Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | Jun 11 2:30am
In reply to @sherrym25 "Tomorrow is 6 1/2 months post op! Woo hoo!!! I’m really feeling so much better!! I..." + (show)
@sherrym25

Tomorrow is 6 1/2 months post op! Woo hoo!!!

I’m really feeling so much better!! I love that I can stand and sit for long periods of time and not have all the pain I had before surgery.
For anyone looking to have back surgery, I encourage you to go to the search window and use different terminology to search, and you will find countless conversations detailing personal experiences regarding preparation for surgery and healing after surgery. There really is a wealth of information here, you just need to use different words to search.

And of course, if you don’t find what you are looking for, just ask! There are so many wonderful people ready to help you with what they know 😊

Jump to this post

@sherrym25 congratulations on your recovery! That is such a positive change in your life and I’m glad you are sharing your journey here and helping others. Good for you!

REPLY
1 reply
sassytwo | @sassytwo | Jun 11 7:41am
In reply to @sherrym25 "Tomorrow is 6 1/2 months post op! Woo hoo!!! I’m really feeling so much better!! I..." + (show)
@sherrym25

Tomorrow is 6 1/2 months post op! Woo hoo!!!

I’m really feeling so much better!! I love that I can stand and sit for long periods of time and not have all the pain I had before surgery.
For anyone looking to have back surgery, I encourage you to go to the search window and use different terminology to search, and you will find countless conversations detailing personal experiences regarding preparation for surgery and healing after surgery. There really is a wealth of information here, you just need to use different words to search.

And of course, if you don’t find what you are looking for, just ask! There are so many wonderful people ready to help you with what they know 😊

Jump to this post

Wonderful!!!! So pleased to hear this! Thanks for your support and posts. Tips for maneuvering site excellent too… I struggle with threads!😜.

I too am walking and standing without pain and am thrilled! I am still definitely healing but if I progress no further at 4 months , I consider my surgery a success!

Just home from my 1st trip to Savannah where I walked an average of 3-7 miles a day!!

Feeling blessed!

REPLY
2 replies
vikkitennis | @vikkitennis | Jun 11 10:48am
In reply to @sherrym25 "Tomorrow is 6 1/2 months post op! Woo hoo!!! I’m really feeling so much better!! I..." + (show)
@sherrym25

Tomorrow is 6 1/2 months post op! Woo hoo!!!

I’m really feeling so much better!! I love that I can stand and sit for long periods of time and not have all the pain I had before surgery.
For anyone looking to have back surgery, I encourage you to go to the search window and use different terminology to search, and you will find countless conversations detailing personal experiences regarding preparation for surgery and healing after surgery. There really is a wealth of information here, you just need to use different words to search.

And of course, if you don’t find what you are looking for, just ask! There are so many wonderful people ready to help you with what they know 😊

Jump to this post

We tank you for the update post-surgery.
You are such a native person, and I know that has a lot to do with the healing process.

REPLY
2 replies
sherrym25 | @sherrym25 | Jun 11 11:20am
In reply to @jenniferhunter "@sherrym25 congratulations on your recovery! That is such a positive change in your life and I’m..." + (show)
@jenniferhunter

@sherrym25 congratulations on your recovery! That is such a positive change in your life and I’m glad you are sharing your journey here and helping others. Good for you!

Jump to this post

@jenniferhunter Thank you Jennifer! This really is a great community to share and learn.
It’s like having a group of friends who can relate to what each of us are going through. 😊

REPLY
sherrym25 | @sherrym25 | Jun 11 11:30am
In reply to @sassytwo "Wonderful!!!! So pleased to hear this! Thanks for your support and posts. Tips for maneuvering site..." + (show)
@sassytwo

Wonderful!!!! So pleased to hear this! Thanks for your support and posts. Tips for maneuvering site excellent too… I struggle with threads!😜.

I too am walking and standing without pain and am thrilled! I am still definitely healing but if I progress no further at 4 months , I consider my surgery a success!

Just home from my 1st trip to Savannah where I walked an average of 3-7 miles a day!!

Feeling blessed!

Jump to this post

@sassytwo Wow! Tamra I’m so happy to hear how well you are doing! And taking a trip and doing so much walking is wonderful😊
When I look at where I’m at now, compared to where I was at 4 months, I’m excited for you to feel even better!
We truly are blessed!

REPLY
sherrym25 | @sherrym25 | Jun 11 11:45am
In reply to @vikkitennis "We tank you for the update post-surgery. You are such a native person, and I know..." + (show)
@vikkitennis

We tank you for the update post-surgery.
You are such a native person, and I know that has a lot to do with the healing process.

Jump to this post

@vikkitennis Thank you for the kind words😊
Did you get your SCS removed? If so, how are you doing?

REPLY
1 reply
vikkitennis | @vikkitennis | Jun 11 11:54pm
In reply to @sherrym25 "@vikkitennis Thank you for the kind words😊 Did you get your SCS removed? If so, how..." + (show)
@sherrym25

@vikkitennis Thank you for the kind words😊
Did you get your SCS removed? If so, how are you doing?

Jump to this post

The SCS was removed mid-March.
I have felt well, with sitting in a car, driving the worst. I do realize, sitting in a car has improved.
I also am trying myofascial release PT.

REPLY
1 reply
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.