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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!!

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kwright41175 | @kwright41175 | Oct 2 12:36am

Hang in htolan, I was 58 when I had my surgery T4 - L5. I have the same 20 in scar. But it is well worth it.

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kwright41175 | @kwright41175 | Oct 2 1:08am

Hi Sherry,
I saw you had your surgery last Dec. How are you doing ?

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kadeoh! | @karenoharmon | Oct 2 12:06pm
In reply to @htolan "@rwdixon4 The first three weeks there were a lot of times when I felt I was..." + (show)
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@rwdixon4 The first three weeks there were a lot of times when I felt I was at a 8 to 10. Week 4, I had some tough nights. Trying yo sleep on a healing incision that is over 20 inches long is tough. Now I am more likely to be at a 4-5 during the day. I’m better when I am walking.
One of my big problems is lack of appetite. I have no weight to lose.

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@htolan Thank you for putting this in perspective. A really good question and one I think we are afraid to ask, but it's helpful to know! Praying for a strong, healthy healing!

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rwdixon4 | @rwdixon4 | Oct 2 2:09pm
In reply to @htolan "I am a 72 year old female who had the surgery 5 weeks ago. Because I..." + (show)
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I am a 72 year old female who had the surgery 5 weeks ago. Because I am older and have heart, lung and other issues you would not, it’s been rough. I love looking at my straight body with out an ‘S’ curve. I knew it would be tough. It is.
I hate the brace , I start the spine stimulator tomorrow.
I need a lot of help, but I expected to lose my independence for a while.
My deformed spine neurosurgeon at Northwestern say my patients hate me for the first 6 weeks, then they love me. My scar is over 20 inches long, but is healing well.
Hang in there. Bless you.

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@htolan This has got to make it all worth while~
"I love looking at my straight body with out an ‘S’ curve"
For me it would be just to "Stand up straight" ~ I'm 6'2" ~ & no pain ~ would be A + .

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2 replies
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htolan | @htolan | Oct 2 4:15pm
In reply to @rwdixon4 "@htolan This has got to make it all worth while~ "I love looking at my straight..." + (show)
Profile picture for rwdixon4 @rwdixon4

@htolan This has got to make it all worth while~
"I love looking at my straight body with out an ‘S’ curve"
For me it would be just to "Stand up straight" ~ I'm 6'2" ~ & no pain ~ would be A + .

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@rwdixon4 It does bring me joy!

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sherrym25 | @sherrym25 | Oct 2 9:25pm
In reply to @kwright41175 "Hi Sherry, I saw you had your surgery last Dec. How are you doing ?" + (show)
Profile picture for kwright41175 @kwright41175

Hi Sherry,
I saw you had your surgery last Dec. How are you doing ?

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@kwright41175
Hey there, thank you so much for asking😊
I am doing so well. Still dealing with nerve pain in the surgery area, but that is to be expected. It’s amazing how God made our bodies to heal and the nerves will reconnect and the pain will go away. I don’t dread school and meetings that my daughter is involved in. I can stand and sit for long periods of time and not be in excruciating pain
It breaks my heart to see when people are in pain and struggle, and I feel guilty that I am doing so well.
That being said, I have so many of us in my prayers that we will have successful surgeries and successful outcomes.
Thank you again for checking on me, that means so much❤️
Sherry

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sherrym25 | @sherrym25 | Oct 2 10:28pm
In reply to @rwdixon4 "@sherrym25 I am so appreciative to have them & I remember what you told me !..." + (show)
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@sherrym25 I am so appreciative to have them & I remember what you told me ! "The most difficult thing I would have to overcome is to find a surgeon that is willing to do the procedure". I am grateful for you saying that as I know how difficult it is and how demanding! That's not even to say how many people there are that are in need this. It is not sustainable! I am ashamed to to admit I am scared ~ frightened of the pain I will endure. But given my quality of life ~ I have to move forward.
Thank You so much for all your input, comments and prayers. You are truly appreciated.
Sincere Thanks,
Bob

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@rwdixon4
Hey Bob, I love your tenacity!!!!
As I’ve said to others…. you have to be the advocate for your own health and push for everything you can do to make yourself feel better! You have shown this to be true.

You are so very welcome for anything that I did to help you on your journey to feel better!😊
Prayers and best wishes, Sherry

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sherrym25 | @sherrym25 | Oct 2 10:44pm

Hey everyone, I feel so bad that I don’t remember the call sign for Ken who had surgery yesterday. It was something like Ken or Ken heal. Does anybody remember?
Sherry

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kwright41175 | @kwright41175 | Oct 3 12:43am
In reply to @rwdixon4 "@htolan This has got to make it all worth while~ "I love looking at my straight..." + (show)
Profile picture for rwdixon4 @rwdixon4

@htolan This has got to make it all worth while~
"I love looking at my straight body with out an ‘S’ curve"
For me it would be just to "Stand up straight" ~ I'm 6'2" ~ & no pain ~ would be A + .

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@rwdixon4
I agree just being able to stand up straight, and walk more then a few feet is worth it.

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htolan | @htolan | Oct 3 5:18pm

I could walk a quarter mile on an indoor track and stand less than 2 minutes. I hope to se improvement.
I quit having Shetland Sheepdogs about 6 years ago when my last one died. There is hope for the future!

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