Has anyone had scoliosis surgery?

Hi @me75 , welcome to Connect. How are you doing? I know prepping for this procedure can be overwhelming, but the feeling of standing tall afterward was so worth it for me, and I hope you'll be as excited as I was! My scoliosis surgery was from T3-L1, and the hospital stay was basically a cycle of napping and walking (can't emphasize enough how much walking helped). Some patients use a walker at first. I tried it, but it felt kind of awkward. If you do use one, just remember not to bend over like you might be used to seeing people do when using one.
Pain was moderate for the first couple days and usually mild after that. I recommend setting a pain goal, the threshold level where you want to be taking something for it, so you've got a plan for keeping it nice and stable and won't have a cycle of highs and lows; my nurse had me do that on day 1. Meds made me sleepy, but they were effective. The physical therapy sessions were short and basically involved a little walking, learning to stand up and sit down, and after a few days, stair climbing. (Your upper leg muscles get a workout with everything after this surgery.)
Best wishes for a successful procedure. Let me know if you have any questions. I'll be praying for you.
Hugs,
geekygirl9

Thank you so much for responding your information helped a lot now I don't have to be so afraid . how long did it take you to recover ? Im 75 years old I don't know if it will take longer .doctor Quinn said I will be in hospital for maybe seven days and two of those days in ICU and have to have blood transfusion .

Hi Me75,

Not sure how much help I can be, but I had a Harrington rod placed 47 years ago when I was 15. I recall I had to be in a plaster cast for a few weeks and eventually graduated to a fiberglass 2 piece mold of my torso that was attached with Velcro that I had to wear a few months while the fusion “took”. As far as physical therapy I was just told to do a lot of walking and to not ride horses and to not get pregnant for 10 years (thought that was funny… but I took it seriously and waited 20). Good luck to you !
Rachel

Your information is very encouraging , I'm feeling much more confident about the outcome of this surgery thank you for your help.

I had my scoliosis surgery at the age of 14 in 1977. The surgery itself has changed in so many ways since I had it completed. My curve was °62 and they were able to get it down to 35° which has stayed that way for 46 years. I had a revision to my lumbar in 2021 and I was amazed at the changes!! My advice is to keep up with your pain meds, icing if needed for any swelling and exercises/walking. Once your doctor gives you the ok, water exercises are great! Ensure you have someone to help you for a couple of weeks. Everyone's recovery may be different and so important for you to follow your doctor's orders for recovery. You will love gaining height! I am fused T2-S1 since 1989 and have lived a full life.

Thank you for your information .I hope I will have a very successful story to share too after it's all over .right now I'm 5'4" was 5'8" and I'm hoping I will gain that height back or most of it I will make a medication plan and keep up with the exercise and therapy . I have plenty of support and help from my husband he's such a sweetheart and lot of prayers from my church family , friends and family but most of all my Father God , again thanks for your information

My Son is special needs. His diagnosis is called 22-q-13. He has a 40% curvature of his spine. Does anyone know of an exercise or non surgical solution? I'll travel anywhere for him to see a qualified Dr. Thank You. John Frunzi

Yes, The Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan, NY is the absolute best. I would contact them about your situation

Please let us know how it goes for you. Updates along would be great. I battle pain from this every day/minute. Sure will follow any comments or suggestions anyone has. I am 74 and was afraid I was too late for help. I have already has C4-C5 fused - 40 years ago and C7-C8 blew out 20 years ago then spine really began its movement. Wish you well on your surgery!

@jodess John, here is a short video that explains scoliosis in children doesn't always need surgery. It may be treated with a back brace if caught early. This doctor, Jeremy Fogelson, is my spine surgeon at Mayo who is an expert on scoliosis in adults and children.
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-minute-scoliosis-screening/