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My journey with a T11 to L4 spinal fusion - 40 degree scoliosis curve
Spine Health | Last Active: Nov 29, 2025 | Replies (189)Comment receiving replies
@glassart youtube has video blogs from people who have gone through similar surgeries. There are also videos by occupational therapists and physical therapists that have good information about the skills you will need to adjust to. That really helped me get my mind ready for post-op. You can search once you are on the youtube app for scoliosis surgery recovery videos, back surgery recovery videos by ot; EquipMeOT is really good! You can also search for your specific surgery.
I can't remember who, but someone in the forum recommended doing lots of squats prior to surgery, so I did them all the time! Squats and lunges; getting up and down from a chair using my legs only; deep belly breaths; lots of walking; lots of swimming was recommended but we didn't have access to that.
You are wise to being careful about this decision. For me, i asked myself would my life be better a year from now because I chose to have the surgery, or would it be worse because I did not? The pain was making everything challenging for me. Post-op pain has not been anywhere as bad as pre-op. I also asked people that knew me. Not one person in my life thought I should continue suffering as I had been the last 12 years.
I really hope this help.
Blessings, k
Replies to "@glassart youtube has video blogs from people who have gone through similar surgeries. There are also..."
@karenoharmon This was soooo helpfullll to me you answered so many questions I had and some I didn't even ask yet. Thank you so much for this! ! ! ! ! ! These are just some of my takeaways from your post ~ ~ ~
youtube app for scoliosis surgery recovery videos, back surgery recovery videos by ot; EquipMeOT is really good! You can also search for your specific surgery.
Squats and lunges; getting up and down from a chair using my legs only; deep belly breaths
Would my life be better a year from now because I chose to have the surgery, or would it be worse because I did not?
The pain was making everything challenging for me.
I asked people that knew me. Not one person in my life thought I should continue suffering as I had been the last 12 years.
Post-op pain has not been anywhere as bad as pre-op.
This is so MAJOR it may be the thing that helps me make my decision to move forward ~ all of these combined will do it 💕
It is definitely a time like this when you learn who your rock steady friends are. Some are not going to be able to handle the level of need you might require. They aren’t bad friends just not the kind of friend that can help at the level you will need. WOW this is so well put everyone that is about to go forward with this type of surgery should hear this! ! ! 💕
Thank You so much for all your input it is truly priceless !
Bob
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@karenoharmon thank you! I’ll be doing research diligently.