twisting

[Guest guest]

I have a question about twisting. I am fused from T4-L5 now. Twisting

is not something I have been about to do since before Harrington Rods.

If I have the revision surgery how much more will I be limited? I

already can not turn to look into the back seat of the car or rear when

backing up, can not shave parts of my legs and have trouble wiping when

in the washroom. What more can I expect post-revision?

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I was fused at the same levels you are now prior to my revision.

Currently I am fused T4 to sacrum. I honestly don't really recall

feeling all that limited in the twisting department prior to surgery so

my experience may mean nothing at all.

Both my surgeon and consult doctor told me I wouldn't really notice

much difference...but for me, particularly in the first year post op, I

noticed in a very signifigant way times where I had to approach any

maneuver requiring turning to look or deep stretch/bend to accomplish

like shaving legs or attending my feet. I didn't have troubles in the

wiping department but found it more difficult to insert tampons..for

some reason that works best now in a standing position....don't know

why.

Anyway...I was very motivated seeing Ellen Kiley;'s scoliyogi site (see

our links section)and sensing that at least some of my restriction was

really due to shortened and tightened hamstrings and other ligaments

from the period of relative inactivity leading up to surgery....and

then the subsequent post surgery period where I did nothing that would

pull or tug on the spine for a year. Of course there are very few able

bodies adults that spend the proper time necessary to stretch on a

daily basis and that too has consequences for them.

It has been a slow but steady progress for me since surgery, and as

stength and stretch has come back, leg shaving and nail clipping is not

a concern. While driving, if I need to look behind me to back up, I now

just place my right arm on the back rest of the front passenger seat

and lift my left hip and turn my whole torso. It is second nature and I

don't think about it anymore.

To make a long story shorter...everyones timeline is different...but I

think I would count on at least 12-18 months of no twisting...and then

a general return to more function as your fusion solidifies and your

doctor lifts restrictions. Still..you will never really twist again

except up in your shoulders. The way I felt 2 weeks post op, 6 months

post op, even 1 year post op is not how I feel now at all....but it has

taken work on my part to get here.

If I had one piece of advice for you (and anyone) prior to surgery it

would be to get whatever resources you need from your doctor to get to

a good program to stretch every part of your legs everyday. The better

condition you go into surgery might just mean the difference of better

days after surgery. It seems to me like a " nothing to lose - everything

to gain " proposition! Same with good cardio conditioning. And they both

help take your mind off what lies ahead and make you feel like you have

at least done what you could to help you body prepare.

Take Care, Cam