Is this fusion from L5 to S1 or how many levels does it cover? I think we need more information before anyone can share more information with you.

Hope you are feeling OK. Usually around three weeks people start to feel slightly human again.

Lysee, I am fused from T4 to pelvis. My flexibility is reduced. There are some things that will always be a struggle such as putting on socks and lacing up my joggers. Since I don't have any "bend" in my body I have to use my knees a lot more as in "crouching" to reach something low. I shave my legs with a razor attached to a long handled wooden spoon. Various other things that may not ever affect you, I find more difficult, such as swimming on my front, and trying to climb out of the sea into a boat! But there's actually nothing I can't do, with a bit of effort. Does this bother me? Absolutely not. The fusion was the best thing I ever did for myself. I live a pain-free life, am very active and my future looks bright again.

I realise not everyone has such a good outcome as I've had but from my reading on the subject, it seems the vast majority are very happy with their scoliosis fusion surgeries even if some are left with some sort of residual pain. It is usually much, much better than pre-op. I think I've only read of one person who considered her scoliosis fusion surgery a failure, which is very sad.

Please don't try to cut back on your meds too early. If you take the correct dosage, you will be able to sleep better and that's vital to your healing. Sleep, eat healthily and try to walk a couple of times a day (doesn't have to be a long way) and you will have the best possible recovery. At three weeks, it's still very early days so don't expect too much just yet.

Regarding walking. I don't know where you live, it may be too icy for you to get outside, but if you possibly can, get out into the fresh air to walk. In these very early days, it's best to take someone with you in case you feel a bit weak and wobbly. I know I did till at least 4-5 weeks. But the fresh air lifts your spirits which in my view is as important as other aspects of your healing. Good luck!

Hi NaptownGirl. Yes, I had the pelvic fixation. I am now 17 months post surgery and life has just gone on as if I never had scoliosis. I've been lucky. I have none of the old pain and no new pain. My flexibility is improving all the time. I can now tie shoelaces (with a stretch!) shave my legs and cut my toenails. At first, I didn't think I'd ever be able to do those things. It just takes a while. By 12 months post op, I was doing everything I could do pre-op. I can work in the garden, I regularly power-walk, I care for my three grandchildren under 5, go kayaking and nothing seems to bother my back. The old arthritis I had in the lumbar area has gone beause arthritis needs movement and now I have no movement in that area. I take care of my unfused upper portion of my spine - above T4 - because it now takes extra wear and tear and my surgeon told me not to lift heavy loads or run. So, to avoid future surgery in that area, I try to take care of it.

It's a scary road but for most of us, it pays off. I don't come here often so any questions, you could send me a pm if you wish. Good luck!

In March 1999 a syrinx was found in my T3 level about 5 months after a fall while working offshore in the Gulf Of Mexico as a Mechanic. By 2003 scoliosis bagan setting in and by 2009 it was Reeeal bad or extremely severe with rotation; several disc herniations;tears; stenosis; and internal organ smashing. On June 3rd 2009 I had corrective surgery performed by LSU in Shreveport,Louisiana Neurosurgeon and Instrumentation Specialist Dr. XXX who is Dr. YYY's associate. They did a great job straightening me out and giving me my lost height of 3-1/2 inches back. BUT, I developed a staph infection that turned into MRSA and had to go back and be cut open again to do a washout. I was put on IV antibiotics for 6 wks. Two & 1/2 weeks later my son brought me to our E.R.very sick and dillusional and the doctor sent me home. Next day OCTOBER 1st, 2009 my local FP did a direct admit and my Temp. was 105.6 degrees. Ice baths,a CTscan was negative as now my Family Practioner, my Internist, a Cardiologist, and a surgeon were zeroing in on possible Hardware induced infection. Another CT with Contrast was negative. They ordered some type of special contrast that shows up hotspots and it was negative. I was Septic(blood infection throughout body) and they were in consult with Chief of Neurosurgery at LSU XXX and the Infection Control specialist there also. I don't remember Anything from several days before hospitalization till a few days after I was in ICU.Infection hit one of my heart valves and I nearly had to have Heart surgery. I kept losing use of One Arm & One Leg but on OPPOSITE Sides and it would switch side to side until it stayed with Right arm & Left Leg. Thanksgiving Day they transfered me back to Shreveport where I had my surgery .They did more tests and thought I had an infection of sort in my neck but said it was a naturally occurring fusion. On December 14th I was transfered closer home to an LTAC for remaining 6wks of IV Antibiotic therapy and intense PT & OT. I could Not put any weight on either leg until early January and on January 22nd as I ran out of Medicare days I was transfered to another hospital where they had swing beds and therapy. Istayed there till I was out of all and any Medicare days on April 11th 2010. They got me walking with a walker some which was a Big thing for me. I began Outpatient therapy here 2 blocks from my home at the hosp. outpatient. I am getting some use back in my Right arm (even though I was told by local Ortho. I never would). I have a BUMP at L4-5 level on my left side that is getting BIGGER and causing stiffness, some pain but lots of Nerve pain down left leg with numbness and severe stiffness. Had it X-Rayed again last week and it is Not a screw backing out and not Calcium buildup. Radiologist thinks it is SCAR TISSUE forming. It is a little bigger than a Quarter and pokes outwards about 1/2-3/4 inch. It is very hard to touch. ANYONE have any Ideas??? OH! I have No problems bending down to tie shoes or anything. I have severe problems straightening up like in standing up straight.

EDITED - Doctors Namess

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Post Edited by Moderator Dave

You've been to hell and back Bobby. I can't help with the bump, but suspect it is scar tissue but I would definitely follow up on it just in case. I would say that about any lump that is growing. Do you have problems walking and standing, as in holding yourself upright? Didn't quite understand that last line. But suspect you mean as in going from bending to upright, not walking upright.

Saggital imbalance is something that happens after fusion surgery in some patients. It has to do with the amount of lordosis you are given in the surgery. Patients feel they cannot hold themselves upright and their muscles aren't strong enough to hold them upright. Unfortunately, in the case of saggital imbalance, further surgery is required. But first, you would need to see a scoliosis surgeon skilled in revision surgery in adults. I am going out now, but if you want to send me a pm, I will give you some names and more information and I will reply when I get home. Meantime, you could Google "Saggital imbalance" and see what you can find out about it and whether it fits your problem. Patients who have revision surgery for saggital imbalance seem to do very well.

Oops I've spelt it wrongly! It's Sagittal Imbalance.

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Please note that Spine-Health reserves the right to edit any messages posted or submitted or e-mailed to the Company and use them for content on the website or in other company materials. No e-mail solicitation or advertising of other companies, products, services, or web sites is permitted in the Spine-Health.com forums.
Post removed by Authority Member Liz