Welcome! Thanks for sharing that with us. I'm wishing you luck with your surgery. It takes a lot of bravery and courage to go through with it!

I had my fusion surgery many years ago, when I was 11. I'm not quite sure how the recovery would compare based on age, but I was in the hospital for less than a week. I went through physical therapy in the hospital room - which I hated, and I actually refused to sit up on the first day - and learned how to walk again with the help of a nurse. It felt very strange...just numb, like I couldn't feel anything, but it also felt like my back was really heavy and weighed a ton! I stayed home from school for about a month to recover.

You will be able to wipe yourself. It will feel very uncomfortable at first to move around. You might feel stiff, and won't be able to feel what's going on for a few days. But as long as you eat and drink water, you should be okay during that time.

It's really nice that your husband will be off from work to be with you. That will help a lot. You'll just need to be careful getting up, sitting up, and things like that for the first few weeks. Call upon your husband when you need something, whether it's something to drink, something to do, or just someone to talk to.

It felt a little strange to be back at school. My back still felt heavy when I walked around. It will be a different feeling for you, something you will grow into, and eventually you won't even feel it. Again, maybe this will be different because I was a kid when I got my surgery, and maybe it will be a bit easier for you since all the growing is finished, height-wise and all that! It becomes part of you and your story, and it makes you stronger.

You're strong, and you'll do great with this!

I am a 63 yr old woman. I have a double curve scoliosis. I don't know what surgeries are like now because I had a Harrington Rod laced on my top curve when I was 12. I did very well, had 2 children by C-section and no pain until I reached age 52. I worked as a nurse for 30 years. I am having terrible pain now. I am sure that surgery is much more advanced now than it was then. I am sure you will do well. You will possibly need a lot of help for the first 2 weeks after which you should be able to do your bathing,/ bathroom business by yourself. Just don't get in a hurry to do things. You will need lots of rest for at least 5-6 weeks. Then you will gradually start to do things. Do what the doc says. Hope things go well for you. I will keep you in my prayers. Bye from verihappyone.

The surgery now is drastically improved from many years ago. Both of my kids have been fused T1 to L1 and they are doing awesome. I might be next, however I'm 54 and looking at potentially a T1 to L4 fusion. I'm uncomfortable and in some pain but not horrible. Still very active. It progressing though the curve, the pain and my age. Anyone out there that has had the surgery about my age.
Thanks!