Spinal Revision NOT Like Any Other Surgery

January 18, 2008

I just read 's post and I wanted to add my opinion. is so

right, this surgery is not like ANY other surgeries. I have had 13

major surgeries in my life. Besides a Tonsilectomy & Appendectomy in

my childhood, I have had 7 other back surgeries, Open Heart surgery,

and Abdominal surgery, NONE prepared me for the Spinal Revision. I

am finding it hard putting my experience into words. There is so

much more to it than just the actual operation. I had no clue to

what walking around bent in half for 5 yrs & then becoming straight

in one day would do to my body or my psyche. I guess I should have

thought about this, but I was so afraid of having yet another

surgery on my back, plus worried it wouldn't help. The last 4

surgeries I had on my back, were no help at all. All I know is I

never thought of these things before. I really had to learn to walk

all over again. My legs hurt me so much after the surgery. If the

back of my knees touched the bed I would get like electric shocks

going through me. I can only think it was from my knees being bent

for 5 yrs. The muscles, tendons & ligaments in my legs really

reacted, they had to stretch all out again & this took a long time.

This surgery is a hugh adjustment mentally, emotionally, and

physically. For up to 2 yrs after the surgery I noticed changes.

For the 1st yr & a half I felt like I was walking like a ballerina,

not on the balls of my feet but almost like tip toening. My stomach

stuck out alot. I also noticed how gravity had affected my

breasts...........they went way south. Being bent in half your

breats just hang down & it was not until I was straight again could I

see what age had done. Now if I had not been bent over I would have

noticed it gradually like most women. It was sure a big shock.

I think there are like milestones after this surgery. Many times

after I had thought I am finally back, I would notice yet another

improvement. I am posting this so hopefully all the people who have

yet to have the Revision will be more prepared than I was.

Diane B

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