Scoliosis Support Group

My surgery was so long ago, it will be 30yrs on Nov 1st, but I do know recovery is so much quicker and easier than it used to be, I couldnt get up for a week and I had to wear a body cast for 9 months. They will give you pain meds to keep you as comfortable as possible. You should have no problem driving at all. Its normal to be anxious about it, but you are going to be fine. I wish you the best-Bonnie

Thank you bonnie.

My surgery was a year ago in Jan 2008. You are a lot younger than me
it will be easier. 7 days is about right, they will have you up walking and also probably a week or so of physical therapy which is very important, teaching you how to do things without bending and walking alot to get your strength back. You will have a brace a
few months. Its not bad. You just need to put the brace on every time you are up for support and healing. I also had a hump, it is completely gone, I don't know if you try to hide it by buying clothes bigger, I did. You will be amazed, you will have a new body and have to get new clothes. You want be able to drive until he tells you to after a fewe visits. I am thinking I didn't until 3 months. You will have pain but they will keep youwith strong pain meds and I also had a morphine pump. You will do fine, and think of the outcome. I was very bent over, lost my height to 4'11, now I am straight and 5'5. Keep a positive attitude and you will do fine. Linda

I had my surgery when I was 14 in 2004. I think I ended up in hospital for about 9 days because of low iron levels that left me a bit weaker! But 7 days tends to be the standard. They'll get you up and walking pretty quick - don't be scared if you feel dizzy and faint, it's normal. I remember at the start I felt like I'd never be better again, never be normal, but of course each new day comes and you get closer to full strength again :) Take things as you can though, tell them if you're in too much pain or too faint etc.
I was too young to drive when I had mine done but I remember feeling a bit sensitive being in the car, ie if we drove over a bump or something it'd feel a bit jarring - it doesn't really matter but just so you know!
Also one thing I don't know if others experienced...after my op it took me a while to get my balance back!! Don't know if it was to do with a new weight in the body or something...but yeah, just in case!
All the best, my surgery was amazing and I am so glad I had it, I am sure it will be the best thing for you as well :) Wishing you the best!! :)

thank you all for your advice

Afterwards, can you keep us posted on how things went? Mine's in august and I'm excited about it, lol.
Where is your curve(s)?

My daughter was in the hospital for 6 days. Up walking a few steps the next day after surgery. No brace, nor did any of the other
people I've talked to with kids having the same surgery require a brace after surgery either. Do take your pain meds at first even if you feel you're doing OK without them. It's easy to feel fine one minute and have it ahead of you the next! Stay on a schedule with the meds for a couple weeks or more. Sitting will be a little hard at first. Each day that passes things get better. 2 weeks made a huge difference for my daughter.
Lots of rest and lots of help for the first weeks.
Best of luck and ask any questions you may have.
My daughter is 1 year post surgery this Friday June 19th!

I, like Bonnie, had my surgery about 30 years ago too, and it was the waaaay different than these days. My daughter, 13, had surgery February 5th. She was in the hospital 5 days, and was up walking the day after surgery. She did INCREDIBLY well. She wasn't required to wear a brace. She was out of school for 6 weeks... was supposed to be 8, but she couldn't wait to get back and she was doing so well, the doc okayed it. The only limitation was no gym for a few months. It is hard to believe she is only a little over 4 months post-op... she has never felt any pain or had any problems and if you didn't see her scar, you would never know she even had surgery! Good luck with your surgery, and please keep us informed!

I had Scoliosis surgery in 1980 I had the Harrington Rod Procedure. I was 16. I am now 45. I am so glad I did. I volunteer as a CERT and CART, (County Emergeny and County Animal Rescue Teams). I am a full time Paralegal. The advances that have been made are incredible. (after surgery I was in a body cast for 9 months) I am sure you will get through it just fine. If I could do it at 16 you can especillay with with all the advances that have been since then. After surgery try to remember to have a sence of humor... it really helps to get through the rough time. But remember, once through the hard part... you will have the rest of your life to enjoy! Best wishes! Denise

thanks so much for all your kind words, I am starting to get really, really nervous. I just hope everything goes okay.