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

Posted by kjones612 @kjones612, Apr 17, 2024

I am 59 years old and just met with a neurosurgeon at Mayo who is recommending scoliosis surgery from T10 to S1. I would love to hear from anyone who has either had scoliosis surgery or decided to not. I have end stage degenerative disc disease complicating things. Surgery would also address structural issiwa feom that
Outcomes? How and why you made decision. Recovery? Anything you might be willing to share. Thank you.

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jlssurplus | @jlssurplus | Jun 11 7:04am
In reply to @leeman25 "@dmash3 Sorry to hear about your situation. There should be reason to hope if you can..." + (show)
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@dmash3
Sorry to hear about your situation. There should be reason to hope if you can get a qualified opinion from a surgeon who handles spine issues.

I am recovering (3 weeks out) from having a 3-level lumbar fusion, which was done to correct an emerging scoliosis resulting from my leaning for months in daily pain, day and night. The Surgeon recommended this (my second) fusion to alleviate the aching lower back and left leg pain, and to restore my ability to stand up straight (eliminate the bend in my lower spine). I had 2 levels of discs that were nearly gone. This was my fourth spine surgery in past 25 years.

Pain relieving medications can be essential in the short run; but comes a point where a surgical procedure may be called for. Maybe you can look into that, with a Board-certified Orthopedic and/or Neurosurgeon.

Good luck--

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@leeman25
How are you doing with your recovery?
What type of fusion did you have?
Curious, as I also need a 3 level lumbar fusion L2-L5 from adult scoliosis.
Both Dr. opinions have been a PLIF, I am researching if I might be a candidate for a less invaise lateral approach.

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Leeman25 | @leeman25 | Jun 12 1:40pm
In reply to @jlssurplus "@leeman25 How are you doing with your recovery? What type of fusion did you have? Curious,..." + (show)
Profile picture for jlssurplus @jlssurplus

@leeman25
How are you doing with your recovery?
What type of fusion did you have?
Curious, as I also need a 3 level lumbar fusion L2-L5 from adult scoliosis.
Both Dr. opinions have been a PLIF, I am researching if I might be a candidate for a less invaise lateral approach.

Jump to this post

@jlssurplus
Hello

I have a skilled surgeon; but have concluded that with each succeeding surgery, the chances of complications increases. It appears the body will tolerate a couple surgeries; but not 4 or more, as scar tissue forms and can impact nerves. It accumulates over time.

That said, my 4-level lumbar fusion now allows me to stand up ramrod straight, only way to avoid pain at this moment. Xray indicates the 8 screws and 2 rods are intact. Pain in lower left spine is excruciating when I get up from sitting. I can't sit in a chair or drive without constant pain 5/10 level. surgeon going to schedule another MRI; but hospitals are 1-2 months out, while I writhe in pain.

Hope you have a better outcome.

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kwright41175 | @kwright41175 | Jun 13 2:00am

Hi I was 58 when I had surgery T4 -S1. The out come has be Great! I'm almost 3 years post surgery. There was pain after surgery but its controlled. I was in the hospital for 1 week, then inpatient rehab for a week. I really think rehab helped me recover quick. When I went home I started PT right away. No bending lifting twisting for like 3-4 months. I was getting out of bed by myself in rehab. I used a walker for about a month. I was thing the other day, how I don't feel much anymore. I feel like I was 10 years ago and doing everything again. I know there are people that still have a lot of pain. I was one of the luck ones. my only regret is not being able to get it done sooner. I wish you the best. And ask about inpatient rehab. If you have any questions let me know.

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kwright41175 | @kwright41175 | Jun 13 2:06am

I wanted to add by the time I was able to get surgery my scoliosis was very bad. I was only able to walk about 30 feet. I couldn't stand up straight. I didn't think twice about getting surgery. I told my Dr. I just didn't want to be worse.

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jlssurplus | @jlssurplus | Jun 13 6:02am
In reply to @leeman25 "@jlssurplus Hello I have a skilled surgeon; but have concluded that with each succeeding surgery, the..." + (show)
Profile picture for Leeman25 @leeman25

@jlssurplus
Hello

I have a skilled surgeon; but have concluded that with each succeeding surgery, the chances of complications increases. It appears the body will tolerate a couple surgeries; but not 4 or more, as scar tissue forms and can impact nerves. It accumulates over time.

That said, my 4-level lumbar fusion now allows me to stand up ramrod straight, only way to avoid pain at this moment. Xray indicates the 8 screws and 2 rods are intact. Pain in lower left spine is excruciating when I get up from sitting. I can't sit in a chair or drive without constant pain 5/10 level. surgeon going to schedule another MRI; but hospitals are 1-2 months out, while I writhe in pain.

Hope you have a better outcome.

Jump to this post

@leeman25
Sorry to hear about the pain. Hopefully you will get some more improvement with time. I agree with the nerve damage and scar tissue.
My wife has had 4 fusions. The last 2 open from T9-Pelvis. There is just no way to cut through that much real estate and not have residual effects.
I am lucky in that I can sleep at least in 1 position as rest really helps me.
I know surgery is coming just have to find the right Dr. and plan and then the work and home logistics. Good luck

REPLY
1 reply
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Leeman25 | @leeman25 | Jun 13 6:18pm
In reply to @jlssurplus "@leeman25 Sorry to hear about the pain. Hopefully you will get some more improvement with time...." + (show)
Profile picture for jlssurplus @jlssurplus

@leeman25
Sorry to hear about the pain. Hopefully you will get some more improvement with time. I agree with the nerve damage and scar tissue.
My wife has had 4 fusions. The last 2 open from T9-Pelvis. There is just no way to cut through that much real estate and not have residual effects.
I am lucky in that I can sleep at least in 1 position as rest really helps me.
I know surgery is coming just have to find the right Dr. and plan and then the work and home logistics. Good luck

Jump to this post

Thank you.

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