Posted by Walker
on 3/13/2005, 7:43 pm, in reply to "Surgery in 1 week"
66.25.48.84
Kat
Well you seem to have a great sense of humor about all of this. You also have some great questions. Before my surgery, I had discomfort from my scoliosis but not exactly pain. I do/did get pain from sitting or standing for long periods of time, which makes sense for you since you are a lawyer. You aren't the only person who has pain. I used to question my doctor all the time about why I was having pain/discomfort. It's something I got used to but hopefully the surgery will help you. All of the doctors I have gone to say that scoliosis doesn't cause pain but I tend to disagree. Think about it--your body is out of line and off balance because of the curvature. If you sit for a long time, then your pain makes sense.
I think I gave 3 units of blood, which was awful. They didn't end up using any of it. Plus, maybe you have some relatives who could give for you. Otherwise,it's up to your doctor's discretion.
People usually do not wake up throwing up and feeling nauseous. I have an intolerance for narcotics and I was given anti-nausea medication. I didn't throw up in the hospital but I did once I started eating solid foods, which you shouldn't rush because your body isn't used to it.
You don't have to be on your back for 2 months. I had a more intrusive surgery (anterior) and I went back to school in 4 weeks. I would give yourself a month to recover and expect yourself to take it easy for another month. Make sure you have people ready to help you carry heavy things etc back at work. You can take pillows to sit on and you should be ok. If you have your own office, then maybe you can lay down on the floor if you need to rest. If people care, then show them a copy of your x-ray!
Being afraid is totally normal but think about how much better off you are going to be in the end. You won't ever have to worry about your scoliosis crippling you. I saw a woman in Wal-Mart the other day and she was totally bent over to the right and forward because her scoliosis was so bad. Truly a horrible site.
You will get through it and in the end feel so proud of yourself for what you accomplished. I love it when people are in awe of what I went through. They gain a whole new respect for me. I hope my thoughts help you. Where are you having your surgery? Please let us know how everything turns out. Write again with any other questions.
Best of luck.
Walker
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