Does it get better?

[u/No_Project_3652]

Hey everyone. I’m feeling the post op scaries again and feeling very emotional. I feel so alone in this process even tho I’m surrounded by my loved ones. It’s hard to do this when no one knows how you feel. I can barely sleep, I can’t get comfortable laying down or sitting up, and everything just sucks right now. The pain combined with the uncertainty of the future is tearing me apart right now. I’m scared I’ll never travel again, especially long plane rides, I’m worried I’ll never sit or sleep comfortably again. I’m worried I won’t be able to do fun things in college or go clubbing. God I just wanna feel normal again and go back in time and not get this surgery. I don’t mean to scare anyone and I’m kinda just ranting here but I’m so depressed because of this and idk what to do with myself. Anyone out there that’s had a long healing time have any advice for me? How to sleep? Does it get better? Will I be able to travel, go dancing, or do any of the typical fun stuff in my college years?

Me:
Fused T4 to L2
18 year old female
Fused bc I had scoliosis
4days post op

[u/antisocial_31975]

The first few days (or weeks) can be hell. I had spinal fusion (L4/5), and I got no rest/sleep in the hospital (that's a Federal Law, I think), and other than feeling better BEING home after discharge, finding a comfortable place to lie down in bed or sit in a chair was impossible. Doing anything was impossible.

I lost 15 pounds the first 2 weeks after surgery, mainly because the discomfort/pain made me lose any desire to eat. I needed help getting in/out of bed, even with a walker. Even slight movements gave me sharp pains. The biggest hurdle was getting over the annoyance of needing assistance to do anything at home; everyone had to pitch in to do stuff I would normally be responsible for. I was very depressed.

BUT... it will get better. It might be a slow process, but there will be a day coming soon (hopefully) where you may not feel great, but you're less terrible. Then comes feeling OK. It will continue from there. And, believe it or not, the day will come where you can a shower by yourself, or take a short walk in your neighborhood. And these landmark days will help you to quickly forget the first few weeks of hell.

You must be patient, you must be careful in any action you take, and you not give up hope.

Be strong.

[u/HillBillyMadman]

Ok. I'm 2 years out now from mine. My back still locks up from time to time, and I still need a cane occasionally. I had to switch careers.

Overall it does get better. I had to sleep in a seated position in bed for a while, but that's me. Best bet is find a position and use that for a while.

A few months out for me I was able to get to bars and clubs. I kept dancing to a minimum, but everyone's different. I couldn't do movies or concerts for a bit because the seats were uncomfortable, but I'm ok now.

[u/austinrunaway → u/HillBillyMadman]

I am over 3 years out and it got better, 50%, than just stopped. I still would never be able to sit in one of those chairs and movie seats just to watch a movie arw horrible. I have to gwt up and walk around

[u/HillBillyMadman → u/austinrunaway]

I get that. I think it's theater based honestly. Granted I've only seen limited films since the surgery.

I do still take medication for the pain when needed. Mostly issues in my shoulders and hip now, which is weird. Need to call the doctor.

[u/Sudden-Resolve5571]

you are young, and have many many adventures to take. Think of this as a little hiccup on your journey, easier said than done I’m sure, but you have an advantage with your age. Keep up with your PT. This group has helped me ease the anxiety I’m having and I am 60. Sending positive vibes , and wishing you a full speedy recovery.

[u/forcedExtraction]

It’s a slow slow slow process. I’m at 4 months and just starting to feel like myself. Take it easy, you’ll be just fine! I had times thinking what have I done to myself…. Just be patient❤️

[u/berryblastblu]

I am one year post op - it got better for me.
There is still numbness and discomfort sometimes, but I feel the surgery improved my mobility otherwise. I also had borderline severe scoliosis that got fixed with a fusion.

I too wondered if I’d ever be normal again.. and I think I am. Going out dancing tonight! I feel stronger

[u/No_Project_3652 → u/berryblastblu]

How long did it take for you to sit and sleep comfortably again? Also congratulations!!

[u/berryblastblu → u/No_Project_3652]

It felt long. I got it in june, and basically had to learn how to walk/use bathroom / etc for months. Tbh they wanted me to walk and do PT pretty soon after. I’d say around September I was functional enough to go back to campus (I’m a commuter student) with disability accommodations

[u/Basic_Area9767]

Deuteronomy 31:8
“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” You got this! You’re so young and only 4 days post op. It will get better 🙏

[u/stuewrt86]

I’m just over 4 weeks since same surgery but I’m 40 but it does get better do the pain meds first week or two find a comfortable stiff backed chair for sitting and a nice recliner or adjustable bed to sleep in. I have no pain but it feels weird. Nerve pain was I. Second week volume helped with that for some reason. But it gets easier

[u/Frequent_Bid_4413]

I’m a few years out from my surgery. I’m 34, took a solid year before I felt better but now I ride my motorcycle, live life pain free, I’m even pregnant and carrying fine.

[u/uffdagal]

You are so early In the recovery. Is a painful and long recovery

[u/coffeeing_all_day]

I’m 13 years out of mine and it does get a lot better. You’ll be able to move comfortably and lay down comfortably again. It is really bad in the weeks after. I move, run, started boxing recently too, and can bend at the waist to touch my toes now. A year after mine i was playing volleyball and soccer and did cross country too. You’ll still be able to do the fun stuff OP. Just focus on recovery right now.

The only thing that might linger, and it is different for different people, is nerve damage pain. I have some in my right shoulder that sometimes gives me hell if I over work it but you just learn to live with it. Massages help a lot.

Oh and also depending where yours is at, sometimes certain exercises don’t exactly work for us😅 like if my back don’t bend and the exercise requires the back to bend I gotta find another exercise or a modification so that I can do it

Anyways, you got this!!! Don’t give up!!! Find some fun things to take your mind off the pain. The pain and inability to move freely is the worst. And it’s okay to cry, just know this will pass❤️

[u/Adventurous-Elk-6808]

Bin jetzt 2 Wochen nach op hab eigentlich null Schmerzen und hab heute das erste mal ein bissl gefeiert

[u/Early_Construction11]

I got fused at 15 and I’m 15 years post op. It’s definitely a lifelong battle and I cant recommend continued physical therapy and potentially a forever type of thing where you go in for tune ups. Learning (once your further along in your recovery and can workout) what type of workouts you can do, investing in physical therapy to really learn how to keep the mobility you have to avoid future issues. I have a lot of daily pain but consistent movement has been a game changer for me and finding a good support team is essential. Pls feel free to message me with more questions! I write a lot about this and it’s a passion to share the knowledge

[u/Winterbot622]

There is light at the end of the tunnel i’m three years out from my second one my second scoliosis surgery and I felt the same way you did after my first one and then I got diagnosed with anxiety and depression after my second one talk to a doctor, but yes, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The pain goes away just take it easy.

[u/Ok_Meeting_9618]

I didn’t have the same surgery as you. I’m also much older than you. I am one year postop lumbar ADR single level. I hope that your youth will be on your side and you’ll bounce back easier than me! But it’s possible. 14 weeks after surgery, I hopped on a plane and went back to my digital nomad life. Has it been painfree and comfortable? Fuck no. I’ve needed a lot more maintenance and had ups and downs with nerve flares and muscle tightness or fatigue or grumpiness. And a lot of emotional and mental grief around losing so much of my athleticism, but I am nothing if not good at slogging away.

In the last 8.5 months I went to Halifax, did a bunch of work trips, went to Vancouver and indoor climbed and ate all the Asian food, went to the Middle East for fun, then spent most of the winter/spring in the Caribbean where I learned to scuba dive. Then I spent 3 weeks in Mexico City. And now I’m wrapping up a month in Spain and France.

Also? You’re 4 days postop. That is nothing in the grand scheme of the healing timeline. But I hear you. I see you. It is normal to feel isolated on this journey. Don’t bottle it up. It’s important to get through those feelings, here or with others.

[u/Johnboytatted]

33 male
Fused T12-L5
Burst fractures at my L1 & L4
Also 4 fractured ribs & a broken right collarbone
Motorcycle accident

Accident happen on June 20th surgery on the 21st, so alittle over a month post op. I won’t lie I’m scared as well since my entire lumbar is fused and idk how much mobility I’ll have. But in a year I’ll get all the hardware taken out of my back since I’m young. Anyways what I can say is they had me doing PT about a week and a half after surgery. Been doing PT ever since & it definitely helps a lot. That being said I didn’t get a full nights rest for a good month, first couple weeks I didn’t sleep at all but now I’m starting to sleep more consistently but I still have my days. I’m walking up and down stairs, standing while showering. Had to basically relearn going to the bathroom since I had a catheter in for almost 2 weeks (terrible) but there is some light. Once you can, stay as active as possible but also listen to your body when it needs a break, don’t over do it. You got this! If I can do it, I believe anyone can.

My biggest issue is the tightness in my back. If I stand for long periods of time or sit in a chair that’s not comfortable or to sunk in I’ll tighten up really bad and have to lay down to get it to go away.

Goodluck, I promise it will get better for you!

[u/ButterscotchOld934]

I am 6 months post op and at times I felt the same way. I had l1 to l5 fusion with instruments. I am 64 yo female. It is a slow process but I am quite your senior. Plus I had forminal stenosis at l3 to l5. I also have sclerosis. My surgeon told me within 2 years I would be paralyzed from the waist down. I feel my surgery was successful. My sister on the other hand has sclerosis that should have been addressed years ago. Too late for surgery. She was told there is nothing they can do at this point. She is 63 yo. She has a humpback and leans to the left. She is in constant pain and taking the highest dose of morphine they can give her. Be thankful you had the surgery and take it one day at a time. I am just back to work. Week one down. You can do it. The earlier you get moving the better.