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Adult Scoliosis: What is surgery like? Outcomes? Recovery?
Spine Health | Last Active: 11 hours ago | Replies (76)Comment receiving replies
@nlback22
Nadine, I’m so glad to hear how you are doing!!!😊
I remember when I was around 3 months post op. I had just started PT and I described the muscles that ran next to my incision as “slabs”. They were extremely hard and rigid and and just trying to heal from the trauma of surgery. PT has been wonderful in loosening them up and letting them engage in my day-to-day activities. I would say for me at about month 7 things really turn the corner and the main thing I’m dealing with now is nerve pain across my back. A couple weeks ago my surgeon bumped up my gabapentin dosage during the day and it has made a world of difference! My only regret is that I did not talk to him about it months ago. Are you taking gabapentin? My surgeon said the same thing. It’s going to take a long time for the nerves to heal.
I can totally relate to your driving a car! 😀 Do you happen to have the rearview camera for backing up? That has been a lifesaver for me.
How about putting on socks and shoes? I had a long handle shoe horn that I used for quite a while and I definitely worked on making my legs more flexible to keep from bending my back!
I look forward to seeing how you heal.
Wishing you the best!😊
Sherry
Replies to "@nlback22 Nadine, I’m so glad to hear how you are doing!!!😊 I remember when I was..."
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Hi Sherry,
Thank you for the good wishes and for sharing your experiences!
I did try Gabapentin, but it made me feel like I couldn't think clearly. With the guidance of my Pain Management Specialist, I switched to a combination of drugs each at a very low prescribed dose as I seem to be sensitive to medications. I am taking Pregabalin 25 mg., (Lyrica), in the morning, Duloxetine 20 mg. at lunch, and Low Dose Naltrexone 4.5 mg. (a compound drug) at bedtime. The combination seems to work for me.
My main nerve related issue is the varying degrees of numbness I feel in my right calf, and, occasionally, in my right foot. I had a similar situation prior to my spine surgery, but it was more severe. The surgeon freed up all my nerves so with time, he and I are hopeful that it will go away. I also have some numbness in my very low back (below my waist) and upper portion of my buttocks. It doesn't bother me though and I will see what happens over time.
The tools at home definitely make life easier! Yes, those socks can be a challenge. I purchased a device that helps me put my socks on, but it does stretch out the socks a little. I am still at the long shoe horn phase. Plus, I have elastic shoe laces in all my sneakers. And thank goodness, my car has a rearview camera for backing up.
PT is so important and such a benefit! Glad you are getting good results.
Sherry, now you have me looking forward to the 7 month milestone!
Best Wishes for your continued improvement!
Nadine
ps. Let's stay in touch!