My Scoliosis Scar

I know alot of people are really interested in what their scoliosis scar will look like post surgery so I thought I'd share mine with you through the different stages of recovery.

Scoliosis Scar -2 weeks post op

Scoliosis Scar - 2 weeks post op

Here is my scoliosis scar about 2 weeks post op after I first removed my dressing. I remember being shocked (and pleased!) at how thin and neat the scar was.

Scoliosis Scar - 6 weeks post op

Scoliosis Scar - 6 weeks post op

Scoliosis Scar - 5 months post op

Scoliosis Scar - 5 months post op

Scoliosis Scar - 1 year post op

Scoliosis Scar - 1 year post op

As you can see it's faded nicely and you can hardly see it now! I thought it would be alot more noticeable before I had the surgery.

A tip:
Bio Oil can be really helpful for improving the appearance of your scar. I use it on my scar and I think it really does help. Although I would say wait until the scar has healed fully before using it :-)

Memory Foam = Bliss!!

I remember the day I discovered memory foam. 

It was before my scoliosis surgery and I was looking for anything to help with my pain. I bought a memory foam mattress topper and I can honestly say that it was the best thing I ever did. After sleeping on memory foam I remember waking up for the first time without pain and stiffness, it was amazing and in my opinion, well worth the money.

At the time they were about £90 for a single topper but they've come down in price considerably now and are widely available. 

Now I can't sleep comfortably without my memory foam topper, I usually wake up in pain if I go on holiday and have to sleep on a hard bed. I usually can't wait to get back to my own bed and my memory foam! It's like bliss when I lie down on it after a long day.


If you suffer with back pain from scoliosis memory foam is well worth a try, it's really helped me and has truly been a life saver since my surgery.


I am not sure what the best memory foam mattresses are but I bought mine from Dunelm Mill.

There are also many available on Amazon at good prices and
Memory Foam Warehouse have a huge choice of memory foam mattresses and toppers.


There is also a good blog article here on memory foam mattresses and scoliosis.

I know everyone has different preferences when it comes to mattresses and I won't say that memory foam will get rid of all your pain but it has helped me. 

I really just want to share things that help my pain and keep me comfortable with others suffering with the same condition :)




Louise xx

My Weekend in London

Ok so I'm now 1 year and 3 months post scoliosis surgery and I'm (almost!!) back to normal! I really can't believe all the things I can do now, I work full time and study for a Marketing diploma in the evenings as well as doing my exercises. 

Despite that though, this weekend was a huge milestone for me and a bit of a  challenge!

I went to London to visit a friend and it was the first time I have been away for a weekend by myself on a train/public transport since my surgery and I was worried how I'd cope. 


I won't lie, I DID find it difficult as I took a small case with me and it was awkward carrying it on and off the train, dragging it round the underground and up and down steps (HOW many steps in the London underground?!). Luckily my friends helped me and carried my case for me up the steps but there's no way I could have done it alone. 


I also found the amount of walking difficult as we spent most of the weekend walking (HOW big is London??!) and rushing about on the busy underground. After a full day of walking on Sat I just had to lie down when I got back to my friends flat and after that I stupidly put heels on to go back out on the Sat night. Heels + the tube + hours walking = not good!

Anyway, after the weekend was over I started feeling a bit down that my back was so sore and that I felt like an old woman not being able to walk around all day, needing to sit down etc - a nightmare train journey home with no seats was the final straw!! I ended up sitting awkwardly on my case for over an hour which did not help my pain.

I hate the fact that I can't stand for long so can't really do nights out in busy clubs (i.e London where it's ALWAYS busy) unless I get there really early to get a seat and stay in the same place all night, so bar crawls or going out later on are out of the question. It's hard cos in London and alot of cities all the bars are spread out so you have to walk quite far to get from bar to bar. Also most of the time when I do get a seat they are horrible hard wooden chairs (WHY are these everywhere?!) which are uncomfortable or stools with no backs which are nearly as painful as standing. I don't like saying anything either as I don't want to ruin anyone else's time.

Other people just don't realise how hard it all still is for me and just because my op was a year ago doesn't mean I'm "cured" and the fact that I look "normal" and also young is hard as I can't exactly ask people to move so I can sit down on busy trains. I will say this now - it is STILL hard.

I don't know where I'm going with this just that I was kind of happy that I'd been as it was an achievement for me. But it made me realise there's still a way to go.. I mean I work full time now but I drive to work and it's only a 10 minute journey. 

I'm not sure I could work full time if I lived in London, had to get the tube and rush about all day. 


I don't think I can do a journey like that again for while! But at least I did it and have come such a long way to get through the weekend :)

A few months ago I don't think I could have even gone, which is what I need to remind myself...so onwards and upwards I guess! :-) xx

Song for anyone post scoliosis surgery!

Have a listen to the lyrics of this song when you feel low, remember you are strong.. you are titanium!! :-)

Scoliosis Surgery - The Truth

The truth is there is sooo much rubbish and so many horror stories on the Internet about scoliosis surgery, it's enough to put anyone off having the surgery. 

I know because I believed alot of it myself when I first got diagnosed with scoliosis and was researching the surgery. I was truly horrified and worked myself into a right state after reading certain statistics.

I just need to say this....please be very cautious about what you believe online about scoliosis surgery. 

I'm not 'pro' surgery just because I've had it, it's a huge surgery and the decision to have the surgery should never be made lightly. 

However, there are some websites out there promoting alternative treatments that purposely try to scare people off the surgery rather than concentrating on producing proof that their advertised "alternative treatment" actually works. It's just completely unethical. These websites often use out of date statistics that are just not relevant. 

They also base alot of their 'research' and statistics on patients that have had scoliosis surgery using Harrington Rods. These rods are no longer used and so the statistics do not apply to anyone having the surgery now, which alot of these websites and articles fail to mention, surprise surprise.

I'm saying this because it makes me SO ANGRY and preys on vulnerable people. If you have fears about the surgery, please speak to your consultant, please do not believe out of date information and incorrect statistics on the Internet.

There's a great blog here which I recommend you read if you are facing the surgery:  

http://scoliosistruth.blogspot.com/2...mongering.html 

It basically states the many incorrect facts that are often used on these scaremongering websites and articles and states the truth in response.

Hope this helps someone.

Louise x

Physio this week - Gym Ball Exercises for Scoliosis

Scoliosis Exercises - Post Surgery 

This week I saw my physio and she gave me some exercises to use on my gym ball. 

I bought a gym ball a few weeks ago as I've been getting alot of lower back pain after walking or sitting and my lower back generally feels very weak. 

I think because I have three discs that aren't fused at the bottom of my spine they're really feeling the pressure!! 

I feel a bit sorry for them actually, suddenly having to do all the work...

My physio thinks that doing the simple exercises she has given me on a gym  ball will really help to strengthen my 'core muscles' which will help support my lower back and help my pain. 

A six pack would also be a nice benefit hehe..

If anyone is interested, some of the exercises I have been given are:

• Just sitting on the gym ball and maintaining good posture - this sounds simple but your core muscles have to work really hard just to keep your balance! 


• You can do this whilst watching TV, or even sit on the gym ball instead of a chair when you're at your computer - even half an hour a day sitting on it can make a huge difference!


• Sitting on the gym ball and raising one leg outwards and replacing - this is incredibly difficult for me and I can hardly balance! Just shows how weak my muscles are really...:/


• Sitting on the gym ball and raising one knee up and replacing.


• Sitting on the gym ball and lifting one arm above my head.


• Standing, holding the gym ball in front on me and lifting the gym ball above my head, without arching my back.

These exercises may sound incredibly simple but they are quite difficult for me, which just shows how weak my core muscles really are!  

 

Once I've mastered the basics I can then move on to more advanced exercises.   

 

Remember, you should always check with your physio/doctor before attempting new exercises when you have a spinal fusion. 

 

The gym ball I bought for example, came with a DVD but the exercises on it are way too advanced for me so you have to be careful!! I've also noticed there are a lot of gym ball exercises available online but there's no way I could do them just yet. 

 

Also, I'm just over a year post scoliosis surgery now so I'm ok now to do these type of exercises, you should check with your surgeon if you are under a year post op before you attempt any new exercises.  

 

How to choose the right size gym ball...

It's important that you have the correct size gym ball for your height.

       When sitting on the gym ball your legs should be parrallel to the floor.

Many are 65cm but my physio advised me that a 55cm one would be more suitable for my height (5ft 5). 

Apparantly if you have the wrong size your muscles may not benefit the same, as you'll be sat in the wrong position - so bear this in mind! 

 

Generally speaking:

If you are 5ft 5 or under - 55cm gym ball. 

If you are over 5ft 5 - 65cm ball.

If you are over 6ft - 75cm.

However this is just a guide - it's better to get a bigger size and not inflate it fully than getting one that's too small.

Where to buy a Gym Ball...

If anyone is interested, this is the gym ball I use (below) it comes in 55cm, 65cm and 75cm and is from Reebok. It comes with a dvd but I wouldn't attempt any of the exercises on the DVD unless you are at least a year post op and feel comfortable with them. If it hurts - don't do it!

This gym ball is great quality and value for money and I would highly recommend anyone suffering with low back pain to try using a gym ball - it's a great and low impact way to strengthen those core muscles!

 

        55cm               65cm                 75cm

 
 

Scoliosis Surgery - Extended Recovery

I really wanted to write this blog when I was actually going through my recovery to document my thoughts and feelings. I haven't gotten round to it until now but I found some forum posts that I wrote whilst going through the extended recovery period and just thought they might be interesting to read....

 Scoliosis Surgery Recovery - 3months post op check up

Just got back now and everythings fine - phew! I got to see my surgeon himself which I was pleased about and only waited about 5minutes - must be a first! He said he can see it's fusing well on the xray I had today, he showed me the xray I had done just after surgery and I could see about 4 broken ribs on it from the costoplasty - no wonder I've been in such pain lol. The xray from today shows the ribs have nearly healed but there's still a way to go yet, he said I should expect to get pain from them for another 3months at least.

I told him that I was a bit unhappy with how my right shoulder blade protrudes and he said that I need to build the muscles up around it which should help to improve the appearance of it, so he's referred me to physio. Hopefully this will work....

I also told him that I was expecting a bit more of a correction than I've got, as the first time I saw him he said he thought my spine was flexible and that he could achieve about a 70-80% correction (instead I got about 50%) but today when I asked him about it, he said that it wouldn't have been safe in my case to go any straighter than he did, apparantly my curve was stiffer than he first thought too.

But the rib hump has completely gone which is a plus so my back looks good. He showed me some xrays from the side and the difference is amazing.

I don't have to wear my brace anymore which is good and he said I can start going back to the gym again now but only to do walking on the treadmill and maybe cycling - he said definitely no to the cross trainer yet...! I don't think I feel ready for the gym just yet, but it's good to know I could if I wanted to I guess.

4 months post op: My first Physio Appointment Post Surgery

Today I had physio for the first time after my surgery (on the NHS) and I actually found it really good! Except for the fact I nearly slipped over on the ice outside the doctors - they havent gritted outside the drs, how annoying!!I didn't really hurt myself but jolted my muscles - my poor back..

Anyway, my surgeon referred me for physio as he said I have a 'weakened scapula' which makes it stick out more than it should as the muscles around it are really really weak.

So the physio has given me some exercises to help strengthen the muscles and she said it should make my shoulder blade appear much flatter over time - which makes me happy as I'm quite self concious about it.

She's also given me some gentle exercises to strengthen my lower back. She was really nice and kept saying what a good job they'd done on my back.

So I'm glad I went even though the weather is so bad I nearly didnt risk it!!

Scoliosis Surgery Recovery - 4 months post op: Tramadol Addiction

I've been taking Tramadol now for about 4months, and I don't want to take it anymore, as my pain is not as bad as it was.

For the past couple of weeks I've only been taking 1 tablet (50mg) per day (in the afternoon usually) to try and cut down, which isnt alot I dont think?

If I miss this 1 tablet, I feel really weird.. lightheaded, sweaty and feel like I'm getting the flu or something, it's really hard to explain but it's not nice!! Then, as I can't bear the feeling anymore, I take 1 tablet and I start to feel 'normal' again within an hour or so.

I cant take this any more, I just want to not have to take it! How do I cut down from 1 a day? I mentioned to my GP a few weeks ago that I was worried about getting addicted and she said I wouldnt be, so what's going on then?!

Scoliosis Surgery Recovery - 4 months post op: Post Surgery Blues

Today I was supposed to go into work for a couple of hours for a meeting to discuss going back to work and a few other things, my boss said he'd pick me up (I'm still in too much pain to drive) at 1pm.

So I take all morning getting ready which is a real struggle at the moment, it took me about 20 mins to just get my tights on this morning! Then when i'm sat in my coat all ready to go he rings me and says he's running late can we do it tomorrow! By which point I just burst into tears on the phone, now I feel stupid !!

But it was just the fact that it took so much effort with the amount of pain I'm in and I'm gonna have to do it all again tomorrow now!! I don't think he realises how much effort it takes just to get dressed atm. Also I spilt milk All over the floor earlier and can't bend down to clean it up - this again made me get all upset. I just feel useless and emotional right now :(

Scoliosis Surgery Recovery - 6 month post op check up:

Just a quick update on me. Today I had my 6month post op check (even though I'm nearly 8months post op but never mind..) and all is ok in terms of metalwork etc... phew..

Am a tad disappointed though as I ended up seeing a registrar and had to wait hours. He seemed to know what he was doing but would have liked to have seen my surgeon really. My surgeon was there but was running really behind and by the time I'd been to xray and came back think he had gone...! 

Just wish I could have gone to xray as soon as I got there instead of waiting aages to be told I needed an xray...... well I could have told them that lol. Just a bit annoying after waiting ages for an appointment, having it cancelled and rearranged etc...

Anyway at least all is ok, I feel like Im finally getting back to myself again now after 8 months and starting to get my life back - I started going back to the gym at 5 months post op and I even went out dancing on Saturday night! ;-) yay!

Preparing for Scoliosis Surgery

I thought I'd write a post about preparing for scoliosis surgery, as I know that before my surgery it was something I was worried about. It was difficult to know what I should be doing and how to prepare.

Firstly, I recommend that anyone facing this surgery, as well as their close friends/family members should read Scoliosis Surgery: The Definitive Patient's Reference (3rd Edition). It's a really easy to read book that is written from the perspective of somebody who has been through the surgery. It contains loads of information on how to prepare for scoliosis surgery, what's involved in the surgery itself, recovery tips and more. 

It really helped me and my family to understand what I would be going through and I think even my surgeon was surprised at how much I knew about scoliosis and scoliosis surgery having read this book! 

I also recommend that you get talking to others who have been through the surgery, join a support forum and ask as many questions as you can think of. 

I spent a lot of my time during the months leading up to my surgery emailing and chatting to others who had been through the surgery. The amount of help, advice and support I received was invaluable and inspirational. I found that the people I spoke to had had amazing results and lived a normal life post surgery, which reassured me that I was doing the right thing.

So remember, you're not alone in this. It's good to talk about what you're going through with others who understand. If it wasn't for the help and support of others going through the same thing, I doubt I would have been able to go through with it myself.

Some practical ways to prepare in the months leading up to scoliosis surgery are: 

• Exercise - I got myself as fit as possible as I thought the stronger I was, the better chance I'd have of a quick recovery. Post surgery it's important to have strong 'core' muscles and strong leg muscles to support your back. Leading up to the surgery I did alot of swimming, Pilates and I went to the gym about 4 times a week. I guess getting super fit was my way of regaining control of a situation that was out of my control. Exercise also helped me to "de-stress" and forget about the surgery for a while.
• Diet - I tried to eat as healthy as possible, I ate lots of fruit and vegetables, drunk plenty of water and I also took vitamin tablets. Again, I just wanted to give my body the best chance possible (remember you should always check with your doctor before changing your diet - places like Holland & Barrett offer a huge range of vitamins and supplements).
• Get a haircut - I had my long hair cut into a bob before surgery and I'm glad I did! I couldn't wash my hair for a good few weeks and it looked a right state in hospital all matted from lying down for days on end. It's really difficult to wash your hair once you are home recovering too, as you can't get your scar wet and it's impossible to lean over the sink or bath. It's alot easier to manage with short hair believe me - and don't forget to stock up on dry shampoo!
• Quit Smoking - If you smoke, you should try and quit straight away! This is because smoking can actually interfere with a fusion and stop it fusing properly. If you're worried about this, speak with your surgeon.
• Check what equipment your hospital will provide you with post surgery - you will need some equipment to help you cope around the house post scoliosis surgery. Such equipment includes a good chair, a raised toilet seat, a grabber (to pick things up off the floor), a bath/shower chair (useful to help with shaving your legs!) and anything else you can think of that will help you to stay as comfortable as possible - i.e. lots of cushions! The hospital should provide you with most, if not all of these things. So make sure you check with them before you buy anything!
• Stock up on DVDs - or books or magazines or anything you think will help keep you busy whilst at home recovering. The first couple of weeks you will feel too ill to do much but after a few weeks at home with daytime TV - believe me, it can get boring! 
• Prepare your meals in advance - if you live alone you will need a bit of help making meals your for a while. If this isn't an option, a good idea is to make some meals before you go into hospital and freeze them so that you can just heat them up. You could also stock up on ready made meals, tinned and easy to prepare food.
• Stock up on toiletries and anything else you may need for when you get home, as you won't be able to leave the house for a good few weeks. Even after then it can be daunting venturing into busy shops immediately post surgery - I know it was for me - I was scared in case anyone bumped into me! Of course you can always send other people out to get what you need, my mum was great at picking up my prescriptions for me. :)
• Stop taking Ibruprofen (if you take it) about two weeks before surgery. I was told this at my pre-op - if there are other meds or supplements you shouldn't be taking you will be told at your pre-op. The best thing to do is check with your Dr/surgeon if you are concerned about anything you are taking.
• Pack what you need for hospital - in plenty of time so you can get everything you need without getting stressed. Take a look at my hospital list that I created before I went in for my surgery for ideas on what to take with you. :) Travel sized toiletries are ideal.
• Pamper yourself - Don't forget to pamper yourself a bit leading up to surgery - this can help you relax and take your mind off things which is very important. Plus you deserve it after what you are about to go through! I would recommend having some fun with your friends or (for the women!) getting a leg wax (as it's difficult to shave your legs after surgery for a long while!!) and it just makes you feel alot better in yourself, which is important.
• Relax - I know it's difficult but you really do have to relax. I really stressed myself out before surgery and suffered with insomnia, anxiety, palpitations, panic attacks - the works! Try to get a good night sleep before the surgery if possible (I didn't - even with sleeping tablets) and try relaxation techniques such as hypnotherapy or listening to some relaxing music. Exercise such as pilates or swimming can also help you to relax, whilst strengthening your back muscles at the same time! 
 

I hope this post has been useful, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about preparing for scoliosis surgery and I'd be happy to share my experiences with you. :)

Raising Money for Scoliosis!!

Please help me raise money for the SAUK - The Scoliosis Association! 

Now and again I may recommend products that have helped me deal with my scoliosis in order to help others suffering with the condition.

If you buy any products after clicking on the links/ads in this blog, half of all commissions will be donated to the The Scoliosis Association.

 So if you like the look of any product featured on this blog, please feel free to shop and share with your friends as it's for a fantastic cause! 

Thanks, Louise :)

  

Post Scoliosis Surgery... Physio

I've been having physio ever since my scoliosis surgery just over a year ago but I'm still not 100% there. 

My lower back feels very weak and starts to hurt at the end of the day or if I've been standing or sitting for some time, although lying down provides relief.  When I'm at the gym or walking I often feel like holding my lower back for support. My surgeon has said this is normal as I have such a long fusion as the last 3 remaining discs are taking all the pressure, he said over time it should improve as my back gets stronger.

I've been having physio to strengthen my lower back and also my right shoulder over the past 6months or so, as the muscles were cut through to get to my ribs there is very little muscle there now which has caused my right scapula to 'wing.'


The exercises I was given initially were very gentle 'pilates' type exercises to avoid damaging the fusion and also some exercises using a resistance band for my shoulder issue.


Today I discussed with my physio the possibility of using a pilates ball to strengthen my 'core' muscles, as the core muscles effectively support the lower back. So if these are strong this can help keep the lower back strong (which is important for me as I only have 3 unfused discs at the bottom of my spine) and reduce pain. She said she can give me some gentle exercises to use with the pilates ball at my next appointment but that just sitting on it can really help. 


So, I'm going to get one and see if it helps just sitting on it for half an hour a day while watching TV. Watch this space!