SPINAL FUSION SURGERY TESTIMONIAL SCOLIOSIS

[grevejp44]

for what it looks like the first year sucks, but after that you are a little stiffer and you feel healthier. Obviously it's not going be as good as when you had minor scoliosis, but it's better than just letting it be serious. I am going to get the surgery in college and after looking at all the videos this is what I got out of them, would you agree?

[gazzzaaa100]

hi i had spinal fusion in 2007 when a was 17 for Scoliosis i was wondering if you could tell me more about your recovry and that as im very intrested and i have a lot of questions about it could you please email me at gary__o9@live.co.uk thanks

[caspar1011]

hey i got surgery almost 3 months ago now for an 80 degree curve and im still in a lot of pain. howlong did it take before it went away for you?

[Dilsere1]

I love your testimonial it helped me, decide on surgery

I have 50 degree curve

[Jfoo111]

Hi, abletonreason, first of all, thanks a lot for sharing this info about scoliosis. I'm 22 and I have a 55 degree curve and such a coincidence, I also skateboard. you sure you can skateboard after the surgery? No pain doing ollie, kickflip and other tricks? cuz the doctors advice me to quit skateboarding if I wanna do a surgery. They say skateboarding could damage the rods and hurt your back. How pain is the surgery? Is it more painfully than having a fractured wrist? Thanx again...

[abletonreason]

@Jfoo111 Hey man. I'm not going to lie the pain after surgery is uncomfortable at best. You'll be on plenty of meds so you won't care however, don't expect to turn yourself in bed for about 2 weeks post op and, get used to sponge baths.

My surgeon told me that it would take a mac truck to knock these suckers loose. He pretty much said no full contact football. I fell far from a tree with no damage. Your body will let you know what it doesn't like. No pain skating though for me. GOOD LUCK!

[Jfoo111]

@abletonreason thanks for the advice, I'm gonna do this operation in 2 weeks time, hope it'll all go smoothly... btw, the spinal fusion they did on you is a full upper and lower region of the whole spine or just the upper region? I heard if they only fuse the upper spine, ur lower spine still be able to move freely

[headswim7]

Hi there my name is Nina, i came across your video today and might i add how brilliantly informative it was dude. I'm now 38, had my surgery when i was 13 years of age. Like you, my scoliosis condition was severe and i agree with you, surgery was the best solution. We stand straight :) all is cool. And thanks for sharing your story with the world. Peace.x

[abletonreason]

@headswim7 Sorry for the late reply! Rock on Nina!! I've had my rods for almost 10 years now and with exception of feeling creaky from time to time I feel pretty good. There should be a club for people who've had spinal fusions. You already have a slogan for us haha.

[sammysamgirl1]

Great video! This was one of the most informative videos I have ever seen! I actually started a video series on my scoliosis and I making lots of videos for every part of my journey as well :) I am 14 (turning 15, tomorrow is my birthday haha) I am getting the surgery for my 70* and 50* curves(i actually am weird i have 3 curves haha but I don't know the degree of the small third one in my neck area) Awesome video once again!! :D

~Sam~

P.S my surgery is November. 30th :)

[abletonreason]

@sammysamgirl1 Sorry for the late reply Sam. How are you feeling now that it has been 3 months? I was already back in school and acting a fool by that time. I bet you are doing great! Thanks for the comment.

[DamienMearns01]

There is an effective alternative to surgery we have here in the UK call Theraflex.

My spine ued to be hidden behind my right shoulder blade, 8 sessions wiht Theraflex and you could see my whole back I've done 3 videos to show people what it's like :

1) v=jL8DjJmdtUk

2) v=2ybApXsFeIU

3) v=mjYU_fWhjU4 - search You tube for these codes

Hope this helps

Damien

[emerica2394]

thanks so much for posting this video, ive been told by my doctor that surgery isnt necessary but i do have the hip and ripcage twisting as you mentioned and my shoulder sticks out, im in constant pain and i have to stretch and work out my back every day. you already answered most of my questions as in being active and lifting and all that but im curious, have you lost alot of flexibility, can you still play sports or are you limited to what you can do? thanks again

[abletonreason]

@emerica2394 Sorry for the late reply man. I have lost a lot of flexibility however yoga helps tremendously. I touch my toes and hold for about 10 seconds and then repeat 5 times. Doing this every day really helps with the stiffness. I still do play sports with the exception of football. Repeated bashings aren't a good idea. Although I've never been hurt while boxing. Just the full body contact stuff.

[katscratch18]

I had the surgery when I was 15, and I'm now 22. My thoracic curve was 65 degrees, and lumbar was 45. Recovery was pretty good, considering. I also got a little hooked on the pain killers. I do worry a lot about feeling fragile, like you say. I started to fall down my stairs the other day and thought I was going to have a heart attack. I also worry about degenerative defects later on. It's depressing, but worth it. Haven't looked at other testimonies until now. Thanks for the video

[abletonreason]

@katscratch18 Sorry for the late reply. The only thing I have to say to you is that we've all been dealt hands in life, some fair and others not. Play your cards to the fullest and don't be afraid to fall. In fact, your spine is stronger than people without fusions! Not as flexible but we are still like cyborgs. I'm 27 and going strong! One more thing.. degeneration starts in the mind.

[katscratch18]

I had the surgery when I was 15, and I'm now 22. My thoracic curve was 65 degrees, and lumbar was 45. Recovery was pretty good, considering. I also got a little hooked on the pain killers. I do worry a lot about feeling fragile, like you say. I started to fall down my stairs the other day and thought I was going to have a heart attack. I also worry about degenerative defects later on. It's depressing, but worth it. Haven't looked at other testimonies until now. Thanks for the video

[katscratch18]

I had the surgery when I was 15, and I'm now 22. My thoracic curve was 65 degrees, and lumbar was 45. Recovery was pretty good, considering. I also got a little hooked on the pain killers. I do worry a lot about feeling fragile, like you say. I started to fall down my stairs the other day and thought I was going to have a heart attack. I also worry about degenerative defects down the road. It's depressing, but worth it. Just now thought to look at other testimonials. Thanks for the video

[ScolioGirl13]

Hey my name is Katie and I had spinal fusion for scoliosis in January 2009. I am so glad to hear you are still doing well and just have to applaud you for making such an honest and encouraging video. I am sorry to hear you still have pain but I hope you are able to stay positive about it and keep the edge off the pain. You do a very good job explaining the recovery too-I totally know what you are talking about! Take care and never give up!

[abletonreason]

@ScolioGirl13 Hey Katie! God bless you.

[Phedecks]

Hey man, just wanted to make a quick update. I commented on this video almost 1 year ago and I would like to say I'm hanging in there. My major curve hasn't progressed that much and I'm in a really good back brace. I just have one more question that popped up in my mind;

How strong were before you had the surgery? Was your back muscular?

Were you experiencing any pain? If so was this one of the reasons you decided to get the surgery?

And again thanks for the useful information.

[abletonreason]

@Phedecks Hey man, good to hear that the brace is working for you. I was actually a very fit 17 year old before the surgery. I worked in a stock room at a pet store and, my back was muscular thanks to trucks full of 40lb dog food bags. I knew I had scoliosis and rib rotation but, it never caused me pain. I started experiencing electric shocks down my back and finally, my whole right leg would go numb without warning. I saw the orthopedic surgeon and he told me that the rotation was pinching

[abletonreason]

@Phedecks nerves. I was already too far gone for braces so the only options were surgery or being in constant danger of paralysis. Almost 9 years later, I still feel tight around my neck but, Yoga has helped me so much. I'm actually in the best shape I've ever been. I wish I would have started a stretching regimen earlier so, the best advice I have to give is work on flexibility before trying to bulk up again. Good Luck!

[butane1245]

I don't want surgery. I'm literally crying right now. Im a 15 year old male and have to have surgery, and im scared. I don't know what to do. I hear it hurts and you can't do anything like sports anymore, what am I going to do?? just sit down and do nothing all day?!?

[abletonreason]

@butane1245 Relax man!! I won't lie to you, the first couple of months will be weird and you'll have to get to know your body again (balance especially). You'll be on so many pain pills that month no.1 will seem like Disneyland. No more sports is total bull. My surgeon (who is the best in the south) said no "High Impact" sports. You won't be a linebacker but you can still do so much more ( Basketball, Soccer, Baseball etc.) FYI I fell 30 feet out of a tree 4 years after surgery.

[abletonreason]

@butane1245 No damage!! They put the rods in really good! You'll be fine buddy, I went though all the feelings you're having now. You'll be scared right before the operation but they will give you some good stuff to calm you down. I literally was waving to my mom and dad as they wheeled me in. Be a Man, Be Brave, Plus the chicks dig scars :)

[butane1245]

@abletonreason Oh man, thanks! I was worried bad! Thank ou so much dude. I really needed that.

[desertrose2002]

My 17 year old son is having surgery in a month in a half. His curve sounds very similar to yours. It's nice to see a video with a guy--seems like they are all girls. Thanks for sharing.

[abletonreason]

@desertrose2002 You're Welcome and best wishes to your son!! He'll be a new man afterward and probably a couple of inches taller. It's pretty rare for males and, that was my primary reason for posting this video.

[abletonreason]

If your curves are that severe I would get the surgery for sure. There would be a lot of risk for nerve damage later on if the curves get worse. My back still hurts but, the surgery kept my curves from getting worse.

[EmmaT6]

Iv'e never met a man who's had scoliosis before, and it's comforting to know youv'e had surgery, your back looks amazing! my thoracic curve is 60-65 and lumbar 70-75, so iv'e decided surgery is the best option, do you suggest it's good for the pain? is it the best way to go?

[EmileeeNicole]

I had a spinal fusion surgery done when I was14...I got one rod and two screws...it didn't work out quite as well as my doctor thought it would.

I had s shape too...but they only did surgery on the lower one...they had to go through my side and around the front of my spine. and Im really glad I got it done! I do worry about my top curve,but I def am better.

[cspeak08]

i had the surgery and 6 months later i am ok, but the last couple years it hurts everyday...i feel you man we are rare

[happyface4444]

how far can you bend without bending your knees?

and is there a risk of becoming paralyzed from the surgery?

thanks for the video, i like seeing other males with scoliosis besides me.

[abletonreason]

Bending from the waist I can touch my toes. Yoga, Tai Chi, and Pilates will help with flexibility. There is a risk of paralysis but, It's worth the risk to have a straighter spine. It's rare for males to get it since it is passed from the mother's side (Mom,Aunt and G'Ma all have it.) Yoga,Yoga,Yoga is the best way I've found to decrease pain and stretch myself. Hope this helps and Good luck!!

[scarfaceXtc]

Hey abletonreason, i have a question for you man i have scoliosis aswell and im going back to my doctor to see if it got worse or not and then i might need surgery.Ya im 18 and im a guy,the question is,how long after the surgery can i go back to bodybuilding.Because at this moment im in the gym everyday and it will be a shame if i wouldnt be able to jump back to it.

Thanks alot Chris

[zanespn]

ya i had it done like in april...i had a 82 degree rotation it was terrible....but they were able to fix it and get it down to a 14 degree rotation.....the surgeon was awesome....i was 16 at the time......

[scarfaceXtc]

actually thank my good graces that i went to see my doc and he said that it actually improved by 4 degrees so that means im out of the margin for surgery.

[zanespn]

if u hav any questions i will answer

[abletonreason]

Sorry for the late reply, I would ask your doctor this question. In my case, I didn't feel like doing a damn thing for a month. If I had to take a guess, I would say light weights after 6 months. Remember though that stretching and posture exercises to increase range of motion should be your focus at first, you don't wanna bust a rod or something!

[ExNihiloJimmy]

Damn, I need to get this op very soon. I am 28.

[skatey80]

Thank You..That lessen my worries.. I'm hoping for a speedy recovery... My operation day is fast approaching...

[skatey80]

hi... im having my operations in one week time... is the pain tolerable??

[abletonreason]

It will be tolerable because you will be doped up heavily for at least a couple of weeks. Good luck on your recovery!

[Emilysmith667]

very informative. I guess its something u can only get as a teenager

[ExNihiloJimmy]

No, I am 28 and am getting it very soon.

[PinkCandyBabe01]

hehe some of your comment are preety funny ! But anyway i liked your video and everything and am having same surgery next wednesday on a 40degree and 50 curve. thanks for your video

do u have any advice for pain relief after surgery???

[Phedecks]

I would like to say thanks for taking time to make this video. I too currently have scoliosis, (43 degree's. 15 years of age.) My family and I chose to wait until next year to see if I have stopped growing or not. I have a few questions that I would like to ask?

Did you fear the risk of something going wrong during the surgery? (Paralyzation, death)

Do you fear of future complications, health problems that might be caused by the fusion?

And about flexibility, can you touch your toes?

[Phedecks]

Did you do any exercises to help reduce the curvature?

Does the curve increase even AFTER you've stopped growing?

Sorry for the immense amount of questions, and it's good to know your doing well now.

[abletonreason]

The questions are quite alright!Glad to answer them.

I was very worried about paralysis but not so much death. These days the doctors have technology that will keep you very safe, In fact they don't even have to make an incision all the way down your back anymore like they had to do with mine. They can do the fusion with two small cuts on the top and bottom of your back. As far as future health issues, just drink milk and don't smoke cigarettes and you should be fine. I'm not aware though of

[abletonreason]

any common health problems after spinal fusion surgery. Flexibility.. I feel stiff but I try to stretch every day and it helps a lot. Once you are fully recovered, stretch to the full limits of your range of motion to stay flexible. And yes, I can touch my toes. Exercise: Get a chin up bar. It feels good to stretch the spine and you build up back muscles which is important. YOGA is great for reducing curves. Try out some basic poses. As far as curves increasing after you stop growing,

[abletonreason]

that is a question for your doctor because I honestly don't know. Thanks for watching though and good luck with your surgery. You'll be fine and if you get scared just remember that it MUST be done ( if you have bad scoliosis) and you'll look and feel SO much better. I'll take the stiffness over nerve damage any day.

[Phedecks]

Thanks so much for answering all my questions.

[kristenshoc]

I totally agree with everything he says! Make sure you have an EXPERIENCED surgeon. Mine was Dr. Crawford at Cincinnati Childrens hospital... Also ALWAYS get a couple of opinions from specialists.... and yes i can tell when its about to rain too!

[abletonreason]

My surgery was performed by Dr.West at Providence Hospital in Mobile, AL. My FIRST doctor told me that just wearing a brace would correct my curves but if I would have taken his advice I would be "all bent out of shape." You're right by always getting a few opinions when something as important as your back is at stake.