My journey with a T11 to L4 spinal fusion - 40 degree scoliosis curve

@gently that is such a great idea! Thank you for that!

@sherrym25 I just got off the call to Dr McClendon and he informed me that the best way to accomplish the spine fusion I need is with an "OPEN" procedure. I was reluctant when he first told me as I was thinking all along these were minimally invasive Nero Surgery's after he explained how he needs to adjust my spine so it is in symmetrical it makes sense and I want to move forward with it but I didn't say so.
I left a message for Mary Ellen that Dr McClendon wants me to go over dates for surgery and I need someone there at Mayo and at home to help me thru recovery. Working on that next!
It's all feeling like it's real & going to happen now! A little overwhelming.

@rwdixon4
Bob, that is wonderful!!!! I’m so glad you were able to talk to Dr. McClendon. Didn’t you post an x-ray of your back in the past? I’ve been looking and can’t find it. Even though I’m pretty good at navigating around Mayo connect, I still struggle with a lot of things like this!🤣

Anyhow, I will tell you one thing and that is Dr. McClendon will do the minimally invasive surgery if possible. If he believes the open surgery is the best then I would trust him. It offers him so much more ability to access and align your back. Mine was pretty straightforward C curve.

I’m so excited for you! Let me know when you get your surgery date and I can tell you about the hotels that I researched/Uber versus rental car, etc. since I flew back home into Sacramento too.

Dr McClendon definitely wanted me to fly home versus drive.

Wow!! It’s really going to happen! You are in my daily prayers along with several other people here.

It’s so amazing how much better I am doing today compared to how I was doing a year ago.
Wishing and praying for you through your journey to a better life! 😊🙏
Sherry

@sherrym25 I uploaded a couple X rays the full spine immages were to big site would not accept them.

@rwdixon4
OK, yes I remember this! He is going to need to get in and access all of your spine.

So amazing that you have these two amazing surgeons who will be working on you!!!

Best, Sherry

@sherrym25 I am so appreciative to have them & I remember what you told me ! "The most difficult thing I would have to overcome is to find a surgeon that is willing to do the procedure". I am grateful for you saying that as I know how difficult it is and how demanding! That's not even to say how many people there are that are in need this. It is not sustainable! I am ashamed to to admit I am scared ~ frightened of the pain I will endure. But given my quality of life ~ I have to move forward.
Thank You so much for all your input, comments and prayers. You are truly appreciated.
Sincere Thanks,
Bob

I am a 72 year old female who had the surgery 5 weeks ago. Because I am older and have heart, lung and other issues you would not, it’s been rough. I love looking at my straight body with out an ‘S’ curve. I knew it would be tough. It is.
I hate the brace , I start the spine stimulator tomorrow.
I need a lot of help, but I expected to lose my independence for a while.
My deformed spine neurosurgeon at Northwestern say my patients hate me for the first 6 weeks, then they love me. My scar is over 20 inches long, but is healing well.
Hang in there. Bless you.

@htolan How long did it take for the BAD pain to go down ? On the pain scale of 1 to 10 what was the worst?

@rwdixon4 The first three weeks there were a lot of times when I felt I was at a 8 to 10. Week 4, I had some tough nights. Trying yo sleep on a healing incision that is over 20 inches long is tough. Now I am more likely to be at a 4-5 during the day. I’m better when I am walking.
One of my big problems is lack of appetite. I have no weight to lose.

@htolan You are an inspiration Thank You so much! I hope I'm not asking to much ?
You said "I’m better when I am walking" could you walk any distance prior to the surgery? How long could you stand.
I can't stand for over a minute or walk for a half a block ! I have a Golden Doodle that's 12 yr old and I want to take him on a long walk before ~ I would like to travel to Spain & Italy and be able to take cooking lessons ~ Standing up without pain ?