I'm a 59 year old woman with scoliosis. I had my back fused from T4 to S1. My surgery was done over three days, an 8 hour surgery through the abdomen, a rest day, and a 10 hour surgery through the back. My surgery was May of 2022. I was also scared of not being able to be active again and it was hard to find anyone that had a long fusion to give me perspective.

My restrictions of no bending, lifting, or twisting were in place for one year. All I was allowed to do was walk. Within 2 months I was able to walk over 3 miles and after 5 months I was able to walk 6 miles, pain free. Prior to the surgery, my back would have started to hurt after about 2 miles. The only thing now that prevents me from long distance walks is time. I also went snowshoeing. That's walking, right?

After one year my restrictions were lifted. I'm now in the rehabilitation stage. This past summer, I was able to ride my bike again. The longest ride was 20 miles. Not as far as before, but it is improving. I didn't have back pain, but I was struggling a bit with shoulders aching and my seat not hitting me correctly. I'll be riding more next summer after I have some adjustments made to my bike. I'm not yet willing to get an e-bike.

I was also able to hike in the mountains (I use hiking poles to help with stability), I'm starting to jog (slowly for short distances), and I'm back at the gym. I also played a few rounds of golf this summer. I can't hit far because I can't twist, but I hit straighter. I've purchased a season pass for downhill skiing, but haven't tried yet...waiting for snow! I'm confident I'll be able to ski, but I know I'll need help getting my boots on and getting up if I fall....don't fall, right?!?

This is a long way of saying, anything is possible. I'm determined to do everything I did before, but it may look a little different. This has been the most difficult and frustrating thing I've ever experienced. Those around me keep telling me I'm doing great. Personally, I'm disappointed that I let the frustration take over at times and I didn't progress as fast as I thought I should.

I have no back pain. I have some discomfort and still feel a little like a spine patient and my shoulders get a little achy and tired.

If you move forward with the surgery, set realistic goals....walk a little more than the day before. I set a goal of walking a 5K under an hour at three months, riding my bike for at least a 20 mile ride, and hiking. I did it!

My goals for the next 5 months are downhill skiing, cross country skiing, jog a 5K, and do 50 pushups the day of my 2 year anniversary.

I wish you luck and encourage patience...something I lack.

Kelly