Toughing it out

After feeling like taking the drugs made little difference, today I decided not to take any. I honestly can't tell any difference! I'll take them for overnight, because I wake up in a lot of pain from lying on my back all night (despite drugs), so I'm not ready to try without.

My new back feels weird, the stretching sensation at my waist (where most of the curve was centered) has gone now... that was a strange feeling! But I still have really sensitive skin in places, and numbness in others. The hypersensitivity is awful, because even my hair brushing against it feels like sharp nails. I had that last time too, and it all settled down after a few months. The numbness from the last surgery is still there now though (on my front lower ribs where they cut in), so I'm not expecting the sensation to return. It's just surface skin numbness, but I'm going to have to be careful in the sun cos I won't feel sunburn!

The technology that is involved in this surgery is amazing, and in many ways is in it's infancy. The physio at the hospital was telling me how when she started work in the 70's, the treatment at the time was to literally stretch the patient on a rack... for months on end, and then operate. The operation was a spinal fusion, like I've had but without the supporting metalware, followed by 6 months in a body cast. I have talked to a lot of people on the american forum that I visit that had this done. People still are treated regularly using braces, however my curve was too severe to consider bracing... thankfully. Being in a brace for your entire growing period would not be pleasant, especially because it is for 23 hours a day.

When I originally was scheduled to have surgery in my teens, the technology being used was still 'harrington' rods. These are only anchored on the spine at top and bottom, like a splint... and have many complications and frequently require revision. The method that I had is much newer, and time will tell whether or not it's going to hold. But hopefully I'll be able to keep fit and well, and that will help prolong the life of my rods.

Even though having two scoliosis surgeries is rare, I am grateful that I am in a position where I can have this done by a reputable surgeon. People often ask me if this is the last surgery that I will need. I can't honestly answer that question, because the first time I had it done I never imagined that I would need it again, especially not so soon. In researching this operation, I have found a lot more information, and realise that there is no certainty... stuff can go badly wrong. But I am choosing not to focus on those aspects, and instead work on rehabilitation and maintaining my health. I'm looking forward to starting pilates again, and building up those laps in the pool. Looking after myself hopefully will extend the life of my rods, but it can't stop progression of any curves that might be remaining.

It's only two day's until Christmas, and I'm feeling like I'll really enjoy the day. I'm going to try and eat dinner at the table, which will be another milestone. I've been sitting upright for longer periods now, so I think I'll manage. Maybe Bryan will take me for a ride in the car as a present.