5 years post op
So this week it is five whole years since my scoliosis surgery.
My life is very different from this time five years ago and it got me thinking about how far I’ve come since my surgery. If anyone reading this is currently facing the prospect of scoliosis surgery, or are in the early stages of recovery, I just want to reassure you that it DOES get easier and you WILL be able to achieve things post surgery you never thought were possible. It just takes time and patience.
I continue to push myself, and this week I graduated from University for the second time, with an MSc in Digital Marketing Communications (with distinction), which I have been studying towards for the past three years.
In the few months since finishing my MSc, I have also really got into running and I feel fitter and healthier than ever. In May this year year I completed my first ever 10K race for Cancer Research, in June I completed a 5K fun run (Run or Dye – really fun!) and I’ve just signed up to complete a 5K run in Manchester in September to raise money for Breast Cancer Care.
I am surprised that running doesn’t hurt my back and in the past I have always avoided it for fear of causing myself damage or causing pain. When I first started it did feel a bit strange – but now it feels fine and my fitness has improved immensely over the past few months.
I’m not saying everyone with scoliosis can / should do running (you should always check with your doctor/specialist) BUT I’m saying that having scoliosis should NEVER hold you back, or stop you from trying something, and that you should always feel like you can do anything you put your mind to.
After 5 years, yes I get the odd bad pain day, but on the whole I feel better than ever and my flexibility has also continued to improve, which after surgery I didn’t think would be possible.
I don’t know how long this will last and whether I’ll get more pain in the future but as a result, I am determined to enjoy my life while I can and I will always continue to push myself to achieve for as long as I am physically able to.
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| Taking part in Run or Dye 5K in June 2015 |
Here’s to the next five years!
Louise xx
I had scoliosis surgery in 2010 and blog about my experiences living with scoliosis. My aim is to raise awareness of scoliosis and help and inspire others with the condition.
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Read your blog about sitting after spinal fusion, glad you are doing well. How is sitting and standing now like 5 yrs after, it seems you were having issues 1.5 yrs post op with sitting on hard chairs and standing like on your commute and at the hairdresser. How is it like now, and sitting for long hours? Do you still need cushions support when you sit? Is lifting objects like suitcases still a trouble?
How is exercising as well? before it would’ve been detrimental as you mentioned you use more of your lower back muscles straining them eventually since the mid back muscles don’t work like they normally should.
Keep up the healing…
Hi Jin
– thanks for your message 🙂
Sitting now is fine, I sit around 8 hours everyday at work (not good for you I know!) but I have absolutely no problems now and no pain sitting / standing or at the hairdresser. I guess that is all part of the recovery process as it is a long process!! I still do have cushions behind me most of the time, but I can also sit unsupported if necessary – I just prefer having a cushion. I have a lumbar support cushion at work.
Exercising is fine also, I try to go to the gym several times a week and can do most activities. I do things like swimming, cycling, jogging, aerobics/zumba, spin classes, cross trainer etc. The only things I struggle with are things that involve flexibility such as Pilates – I can do it but some of the stretches I struggle with as I can’t bend my back. Hope that helps!!
Louise :-)