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

@sherrym25 I still count myself incredibly blessed! If this is the worst that we have to go through as a result of this surgery - I'll take it! I heard about something called PEMF therapy that improves blood circulation, stimulates osteoblast activity, reduces joint pain and inflammation as well as accelerates healing in soft tissue injuries. My PT has suggested that maybe once I am at the one year mark - and if the sensitivity is still an issue, this might be a good treatment. I'm planning to message my surgeon about it to see if he has any thoughts.

My sensitivity rises with activity. If I'm working all day - where I sit a lot - it's there, but not extreme. If I'm on my feet and busy, working in the yard, or traveling - the angry cat jumps on board.

Thanks so much for your well wishes! You are an inspiration through this process. I'm so glad that you are back to wearing snug clothes! That must mean that you are back in jeans? Oh the day!!!!

Many blessings! k

@karenoharmon
Hi Karen! I am so behind on responding to my friends here. I remember you reached out to me asking about the nerve pain that I have across my back that you’re also experiencing.
So we are going on about six weeks or so that I finally identified scar tissue is creating the problem. My physical therapist is digging deep along my incision line on both sides and wow, it has made such a difference. I can now feel my back better, the numbness is going away and that tingling burning prickling sensitivity is going away. When they stitch us back up, scar tissue is created. Everything I have read says you can break it free and regain normalcy. It’s not your main spinal column that’s being affected. It is pressure being put on the nerves at a much more superficial level.
I’ve have used a tens unit and of course still use ice and heat when I overexert my back, but it is wonderful to be breaking free the scar tissue.
Please let me know how you are doing!
Wishing you the best, Sherry

@sherrym25 I don't know if it was scar tissue but rather the reengagement and activation of the nerves re-establishing themselves after cervical spine surgery. I used a lot of topicals. I also saw an MFR therapist regularly who massaged and stimulated the healing. I totally forgot about it - so it must have healed! But it eventually goes away when your spine heals. Took me about 2 years. Seeing an MFR therapist about 9-12 months after the spine surgery for 1.75 years promoted healing and resolution.

@loriesco I think you are right! It healed. It’s crazy what a long process this is but when you turn around and look back, you’re like what? I don’t feel that same pain anymore.
So happy you are doing better! 😊

@sherrym25 In my case, I didn't get as much of a result as I had hoped. The first cervical spine surgery was AMAZING. Unbelievable. But my bones were too soft to hold the screws. So they had to go in from the back and stick a rod in from C2 to T1? I forgot. It was a big surgery. I have to get back into rehab but I am working right now (at 69!) But, the worst of the pain is gone from the compression. Now its myomuscular because I have work related overuse (because I work too much!) Ah well, it is what it is. And I feel blessed that there is some improvement. My lumbar surgery was AMAZING. But it was 8 years ago and I probably will need more soon. At least I am doing what I want albeit slower. 😉

@loriesco Oh my gosh, you sound like a strong lady!
It really makes me happy to hear how well it worked for you and how many great years you’ve had after surgery. Prayers that you will have many more in the future!
Take care of yourself girl!!
Sherry 😊

@sherrym25 it’s not always roses. The hardest part is having no close partner, family or friends to help me through the surgeries. But I figure it out somehow. Well, maybe the universe pinch hits for me in the background! Happy Mother’s Day weekend, Sherry!