Katie's Scoliosis Surgery

This is a movie of my journey through scoliosis from the four years I wore Boston braces throughout my spinal fusion surgery and recovery. Endless thanks to my amazing family and friends who never left my side and to my fantastic surgeon whose expert skills have gifted me with the best future I could every ask for. I learned so much from my surgery and now greatly value every day. If I could go back and make the decision to have surgeon again, I would. Good luck to scoliosis patients and families! Never give up!
Please send me a message if you have any questions, or just want to talk. I would love to support you!

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Scoliosis
• Surgery
• Spinal
• Fusion
• Back
• Journey
• Recovery
• Braces
• Hospital

[mckennamillsap]

I will be having it done in December! I am very worried about the pain. Did you have to get a chest and back drain? Or even a catheter (eww) just asking not trying to be gross thanks!

McKenna

[ScolioGirl13]

@mckennamillsap Hi McKenna, Good luck in December! The pain is very tough but communication is key. Tell your nurses and doctors how you are feeling and what kinds of pain you are having and they will help you be as comfortable as you can. I did not have a back drain that I remember but I had had a catheter. I know it sounds really scary but it really isn't as big of a deal then as it seems like it would be know. Believe in yourself and take care, ~Katie

[yrkt27]

my daughter will be 12 next month, and we found out she had scoliosis when she was 8 we have had numerous surgeries. She had a growing rod placed in her back and had to have it lengthen every 6 months the rod was recently removed in June because it was working anymore, on Aug 17th she will have a spinal fusion and I pray she will have a good outcome, I enjoyed your vid and will let her watch it, I will do a video of her journey also You will be encouragement for her she wasnt able to do a lot

[ScolioGirl13]

@yrkt27 Thank you so much for your sweet comments. I am really sorry your daughter has gone through so many surgeries already and I really hope this surgery will be her final so she can return to the active and energetic girl she deserves to be all throughout the rest of her middle school experience!. Thank you for your kind words about my video; I will be sure to look out for the one you make. Good luck in your journey, stay strong with her and never give up, ~Katie

[Tunachew]

Congrats on your surgery!

I have scoliosis 8 degrees and i have physical therapy for my back.

one leg is longer than than the other, and my hip is slanted. they say theres like a 40% for surgery, but im horrified. you are a strong girl, and i pray for you and your grown back. <3<3

[ScolioGirl13]

@Tunachew Hi! Thank you so much for your prayers. I'm sorry to hear you are in physical therapy but I hope it will keep your curve from progressing. I have actually been told that a curve of the spine isn't considered "Scoliosis" until 12* so I hope that makes you feel a little better... Take care and good luck with everything! :) ~Katie

[MeeMaia]

@thedevilisevil123 no they give her anesthesia so she falls asleep during surgery so she won't feel it.

[thedevilisevil123]

did it hurt during the surgery?



[pleasentjada70]

@cocobear134 Wow you've actually made me feel kinda better about getting surgery.:D and that's good that you can do what you've done before. I don't have to worry so much now thanks!

-Jade-

[cocobear134]

@pleasentjada70 No problem. :)

Don't be afraid. The pain isn't all that bad-- that's why the Lord invented epidurals. :D

I can bend down but only too a certain extent before it starts to hurt a little. You'll be off of gym and other things for about a year, anyway. I've pretty much done all I've done before. I'm in marching band playing tuba (the heaviest instrument) and play varsity golf. My Dr. said I could even play football if I wanted. It's just based on pain tolerance.

~Cocobear134~

[pleasentjada70]

@cocobear134 Thank you :) and im getting my surgery on February 10th but im afraid..are you aloud to bend down anymore i usually have to bend down during P.E. for warm ups and i down want to fracture any part of my body..are you able to do what you were able to do before the surgery?

-Jade-

[cocobear134]

@pleasentjada70 Don't feel sorry to ask questions - I love to answer them!

I did not have a double surgery; I only had a posterior spinal fusion with metallic instrumentation back in May of 2008. The only thing I was stressed about was that I didn't have anyone to talk to about the surgery. Then I met my 8th grade science teacher who has scoliosis and has had a spinal fusion, and she answered my questions. When is your surgery?

~Cocobear134~

P.S. feel free to ask as many questions as you need!

[pleasentjada70]

@cocobear134 Mine is going to take 10 hours too! and did you get double surgery dont i have to so its gonna be alot more pain than one surgery and i have to get double surgery as well. Were you stressed about it? sorry to ask alot of questions

Thanks -Jade

[pleasentjada70]

@CheerGymMusicJB how did your surgery go and how did it feel after? I am getting surgery soon and i am 13 and Very stressed about it and scared and worried..I just want to know your opinion on how it felt after surgery. Mine might hurt more because i am getting double surgery

Thank -Jade

[pleasentjada70]

@KoolCuz3 aww i have my last opperation on January 24th then on February 10th im getting the actual surgery..Be safe I will hope for you to be ok. I too have scoliosis itwent from 45 degree curve to 90 degree curve..:D