Adult Scoliosis: What is surgery like? Outcomes? Recovery?

@rwdixon4 I completely agree with you and I'm in the exact same place. I have lost probably 85% of my former ability and I so want to get it back - even 50% would be life-changing. Sending you hugs and strength to move forward bravely and be so happy in the future that you did it. I pray that for myself also!

@judyhendricks1959 I do know how frightening it is. Trust in your surgeon and that you can do hard things is imperative. Does the doctor believe the surgery will reduce your pain by half? Do you believe you the surgery will work? If those are yeses, trust the process.
For me, the pain from the surgery lasted about 3 weeks and it wasn’t worse than before the surgery. Plus the team I had behind me helped me manage it and reduce the meds quickly as I wanted to.
I watched YouTube videos of people who had fusion surgery and the journey they shared. I learned everything from what to take to the hospital, what to expect while in the hospital, to what to start purchasing to provide for my success when I got home. This forum also provided the support that increased my confidence and squelched my fears. Plus I’m a firm believer that I can cast my fears upon the Lord and He was faithful to fill me with His peace. I’m praying the same for you.
Keep a pen and paper with you and write down your fears, thoughts, and questions and reach out. You’ll find someone who has probably shared that thought and they are ahead of you on this journey.
Best! k

@kwright41175 Did you fly home after 1 week in rehab and start PT? Pain was much better mostly taking tramadol when you went home, were you alone & did you have help, What did you need help with? When did you go back to Mayo to have stiches removed and check that all hardware was in place. How long was the incision?

It's been over two years when were you able to drive again?
Thank You for all your help with what to expect & how to prepare for this. It is greatly appreciated.

Thank you all soo much for taking the time to share your pre AND post op journeys. I know that the biggest fear in me was triggered 2 yrs ago when I had a small neuro procedure done for horrible trigeminal neuralgia I'd been living with for 20 years, it was called a "balloon rhizotomy" and I woke up in recovery feeling like I'd been shot in the head! I'm nearly 2 years out and still deal with terrible (worse than before) pain in the entire right side of face every day. The surgeon was dismissive 5 days post op and basically turfed me to a pain management botox group. Epic failed procedure. That experience is obviously stuck in my head so badly, I'm afraid to trust that this huge surgery will help and not cause more harm. Please know I'm NOT going to that surgeon for this.
I've been dealing with worsening spine issues for 39 years! ESI's were my go to management but have stopped working. My MRIs and x-rays are a fright at this point. Severe DDD, disc desication at multiple levels, osteophytes, nerve root compressions, 39° levoscoliosis, lordosis, hump back (I think called kyphosis?) Basically, I don't have any other choices anymore. Strong faith but reality is kicking my butt after the above experience. Keeping my trust in Him - for myself and ALL in this forum.

@karenoharmon
Yes, my surgeon does in fact believe this will help much. He said, "you will probably have some lumbar pain the rest of your life - but your legs will come back to functioning. My bi-lat leg weakness and pain is pretty much constant. Fearful I'll need assistive device(s) very soon. Should prob be using my cane already. I'm stubborn and a determined person. I know I can channel that into the healing. My faith is in our Lord also. He's guiding me but I think I'm still trying to wiggle out of this against His promise that He WILL be with me. Sounds awful, I know, but I'd do anything to not have to need this.
I'm feeling stronger and brave today. Hopefully I'll feel that tomorrow too!
FYI, I'm giving a lot of weight to the second opinion from Barrow Institute. Right now I'm booked at Mass General hospital in Boston MA. A very good and kind surgeon. We'll see... Thank you K!

@rwdixon4 Hi I had a 3 hour drive home. Took an oxy just before leaving the hospital. I only needed help with laundry bending over , feeding the dog. I was able to shower ( I had a chair)get dressed. Shoes were a bit of a challenge but it was summer. (sandals' ). I didn't have to go back for stiches. I guess there were stitches inside and the glue steri strips. I got xrays here and we did telehealth. My incisions was long about 3in below my neck all the way to my but. I was driving about 3 1/2 months. Short trips and I live in a small town. I just wanted to be able to stand up straight and walk just normal day to day things. I am so much better then I expected. I did a little prep like I moved my cloths the ones you wear make sure there in the top drawers or hanging up. So you don't have to bend. Same in the kitchen and bathroom put things so there easy to get to. Clean everything good.
Good luck hope this helps.

@rwdixon4 You can do this!

81year old male. I have left leg pain when I walk very much or far. I can walk about 1/4 mile. By then I have to start bending over to put space in my vertebae. This is especially true in the afternoon or evening. Can't tour a museum, can not shop long, my wife has to carry almost everything. BUT I get up and move well. I am around the house, up and down stairs. Sit, play cards, go visit friends, go out to meals and kids ball games all fine as long as I don't have to walk far. Neurologest says T 12 to S1 fusion and reconstruction of my scoliosis spine is really all that can be done. I my understand how big an operation this is, how my bending will be limited. Can't wipe butt, etc. So- at my age- good health otherwise. Is this surgery and recovery and limited movement worth it ? I am really torn about this. I know 2 others who had this surgery- but they were so much worse than me- constant pain. None were as old as I am.
I do have confidence in the surgery. Great medical center. Good outcomes by him. Am I bad enough for this?

I would not do it. I have very bad scoliosis and have never considered surgery before or now (I am 83). At this age, things do not heal like when you were young. An infection could put your life in jeopardy. Make adjustments to your present life and just go on with what you have now. I know younger people who have tried this surgery and have come out with very bad limitations and much more pain than before. It's a gamble and you may not win.

Thanks. I appreciate the input.
My age does concern me.