Additional Surgery facts-updated at post-op appt. Jolene

[Guest guest]

I'm 4 weeks post-op from S-1 to T5 fusion and a wedge. Okay, now I can

correct my misinformation and confusion. Dr. P showed me my x-rays containing 5

(I'm assuming pedical screws'-right ?). 4 of those are paired on each side

of my tailbone with short rods. Below them in the middle is the 5th screw

holding a wedged-shaped cadaver bone that was inserted from the front after the

L-5 disk was removed. That insert made me perfectly straight on the side (if

you ignore the rib hump). I no longer lean forward.

He found osteoporosis to our surprise and could only do that much of our

plan. He'd like me to build up the bone with Fosamax for 18 months and return

to

finish our plan of posterior fusion to T-4. Osteoporosis never showed up on

any bone density x-rays. I have a previous 46 year fusion as a 13 year old. It

appears to be solid. It was my own hip slice that was placed in my biggest

curve. It was too short to stop my curving spine and it continued above and

below the t-5 to t-10ish.

I feel great. I feel balanced. I feel more upright. I can walk easily.

I'm supposed to use a cane outdoors, but I don't need it. I can get myself out

of bed with a bed rail, dress, toilet. My appetite is returning. I have lost

25 lbs since I ballooned with fluids after surgery. At least 10 plus of that

was fluid. My edema finally drained after 3 weeks.

I'm almost off the pain med. (every 12 hours today). I cannot sit for more

than 30 minutes, no lifting over 10 lbs, no bending, no twisiting. I did not

get a TSLO brace as planned. Maybe, the area was too small. I kinda wish I

had for reminder purposes.

I have no regrets about what was done or who did it. I was in great care in

the Kaiser hospital. I feel terrific. Jolene 59

Fibromyalgia, high bp, hip neuropathy, plus Curve approx 95-55