Spinal surgery

[nostoppingnow]

I am due to have a T9 to sacrum fusion shortly. This is to treat degenerative scoliosis (58 years young) and multi level stenosis. Has anyone here had this done? I am keen to find out how it went, tips for coping post op etc.

Hi, I had spinal surgery 7 years ago - discectomy and fusion at C6 and 7. I had a spinal fracture which was unstable and causing nerve pain down one arm. All went well and I have made a full recovery. I had to wear a neck brace for several months but obviously your operation is different. I had some physio and also found pilates really helpful (still do) for improving neck and upper back strength and mobility. Also did lots of walking, building up very gradually at first.

Practical things I did that helped:
I couldn't sit or lie down for long at first, had to pace myself and split the night into parts, getting up for a cup of tea and time standing, walking round, sitting, just changing position really.
Lying on 2 yoga bolster cushions was great for easing back muscles. Or lying on a foam roller.
Sitting at a table on a dining chair, with book propped up on a cookbook stand worked well for reading.
Having the food shop delivered and getting in some ready prepped simple food at first. Getting essential pots and pans out at worktop level before the op. I'll see if I can think of any more.

Fifteen years ago in America I had the same surgery as @southchinasea , even the same two levels but they did it anteriorly (from the front) so the recovery was much easier. I spent one night in hospital. No neck brace and no activity restrictions as it was securely screwed together with titanium plates. Within a week of the operation I was lifting my toddlers in and out of the bath and within two weeks I was back to work (desk job but frequent driving to different clients). The only thing the doctors told me was to move as much as possible. I had some pain the first week or two but I did lots of short walks and stretching at home, and before too long I was back to fitness walking and 3-4 mile hikes with my dog. I didn’t have to do any PT afterward but I’d had lots of PT before and I kept up with the exercises to maintain my muscle strength. I definitely second the recommendation for Pilates. A strong core helps take the pressure off of your spine.

I’m pretty sure thoracic surgery is way more involved than what I had and it sounds like you are having a pretty extensive operation so you will probably need more time to recover than I did. But hopefully it won’t be as bad as you think. During your recovery you will be tempted to lie on the sofa all day but (assuming it’s ok with your doctor) you will get better faster if you keep moving, gently at first and building up within your comfort level. Make sure to hydrate, eat nutritious food, and don’t be afraid to push yourself a little bit, within the doctor’s restrictions of course. Your body is an amazing machine and it is made to heal. Good luck and let us know how it goes!

Thank you all. All helps. Hoping someone with a long construct will chip in too. I can’t work out how I can wipe my bum post op! Also wondering about bras, waistbands etc. Will be in hosp for about two weeks and the hosp is a long way from home so I want to take everything I will need…but can’t have much in ITU so need to be super organised. Not really my skill!