Having Scoliosis + Spinal Fusion Surgery

How am I now?

The picture above is of half of my scar as of today - as you can see, it's changed a lot in two years. I want it back, I love it.

I am now 36 months post op and feeling great!

The only complication I had was nerve damage in my left thigh. Before surgery I was told that occasionally it can cause one leg to feel hotter than the other, however whilst I was in recovery my left thigh felt completely numb! Like when you get a dead leg.

My surgeon monitored it and said it should go after a while, but after a few months we concluded that it was nerve damage - however because these nerves grow outside of the spinal cord they will grow back, but that could take a lifetime.

As time went on the numb feeling wore off and it began to feel painful and very sensitive to touch. I would walk downhill and as I slapped my foot on the ground it would send waves through to the nerves in my thigh and hurt!

I was put on the antidepressant amitriptyline which helps nerve pain and I gradually increased the dosage until it managed the pain successfully, 50 mg every night. I think I'll be on it for the rest of my life.

My thigh is still sensitive and it would hurt more than usual if it got hit, but in day to day life it's completely fine - although sometimes I do get this itch deep inside that I have to pummel out (I'm hoping that's nerves growing!), it's hard to explain.

Other than that my back is no more achey than the average persons after a long day walking around and I never feel anything out of the ordinary. I've never felt any metal work clanking around in there and have been giving the 100% all clear.

I can do yoga, go on roller coasters and have a natural birth. I'm just like any other unfit, lazy, 17 year old.

If you're debating whether or not to have surgery, I'd say do it sooner rather than later if it's the best option for you. You heal better and quicker the younger you are. I can only give advice based on my experience, but the pain of surgery was worth it for the long term benefits for me, and believe me there was a lot of pain!

If you have ANY questions, please don't hesitate to ask. I'd be flattered. (Even if it is about nurses changing your sanitary towels!)

Be strong. You're not alone.

~C