Hello inkyfingers Hello Mollyc1i Hi again ineptwill Thanks for the notes
I'll be going back to the orthotic guys again for another bug, the screws on my leg brace are coming loose. A longer screw thread is needed so I can use a lock washer. My other adjustments have eliminated the excess rubbing and yes extra padding just increases the burden. One of those interesting ideas they give you. Sleeping with the TLSO on is still a restless experience. The doctor did give me a script for Valium, seems to help if I take one before bed. Stopped the pain meds 5 days ago, surgical pain is gone and I am reclaiming my body back. They really mess with the elimination systems and mental thinking. I am discovering this is really a cool place to be.

Quote: "They really mess with the elimination systems and mental thinking. I am discovering this is really a cool place to be."

Yes, takes a while for the whole body to get back to its basic rhythms. As for the 'mental thinking' that will be the anaesthesia side effects - your ops were both of em very loooooong...lots of anaeshtesia. After an hour's procedure it takes about 7-10 days for the effects to wear off and drain out of the body, your marathans...help man! Probably take a three month odd!! So, don't be surprised or too concerned, though do mention to your consultant - possibly a whiff or two of pure oxygen might help? (Just a suggestion.) Or, an hour or two in one of those divers oxygen chambers, so the 'whole' body absorbs pure oxygen. But this only under due medical advice

Hope the 'tweaking' procedure goes well. Always a lot of tweaking around to get the best results.

As for the padding - can't think 'why' it was suggested. Curious. Like trying to make a badly fitting horses' too-tight saddle fit by padding it out - seen that happen all too often - and poor horse ends up with real nastier rubbing sores and soft tissue damage, which of course, in a horse, can lead to underlying muscle damage in the back as well as. Sigh.

Great to hear the surgical pain is now gone. Terrific results. Good surgeon and team effort - allied with your own good reahb abilities and determination. Well done - continue to go well -

Molly C (France)
Keeping on Keeping on (as one does, innit?)

Thanks Mollyc1i for the helpful words. The cool place is here where
I can air the experience and find response.

July 29, 2010 I am 5.5 weeks out from surgery. I been off the powerful pain meds about 1.5 weeks and my elimination systems feel normal again. Feel stronger every day. TLSO w/ leg brace finally adjusted to a livable position. Using four wheel walker to be safe
and the leg brace forces me into moving slowly without twisting and bending. I see the surgeon Sept 17, three months post, I think the TLSO comes off, not sure. My new perspective on the world keeps opening new experiences. Drink my no caffeine coffee cup empty while just standing up. Shave my face for the first time in front of my bathroom mirror. Stand close to someone and look them in the eyes. Kissing is really cool. I do not feel like the deformed one in the room, which is interesting. The way I have viewed myself seems to have stopped me responding in a positive fashion to my feelings. My self judgment days over.

Phannu - brilliant news indeed. Continue to enjoy all that kissing - Yea man! Good on ya - and sending you a

That is amazing, Phannu! I'm so delighted for you.

KA just generates the most disturbing mixed emotions - while I'm grieving for Michelle's lost boat, I'm rejoicing in your new found freedoms.

Like Molly said... keep on kissing!

Reporting in. Just saw my surgeon last Friday for my 3 month check.
Xrays plus a consult. The xrays show good fusing. I got to hear about my surgery with a clear head. Turns out that I had a 43 degree correction at L4 and I still could have a 17 degree correction at the base of my cervical spine. I can start to ween my self off the TLSO over the next 3 weeks. I am cleared to drive again, freedom. He advised those special large mirrors for seeing backwards and to the sides and a rear camera on my next car purchase. He advised me to take it still very slow, weight restriction still 5 pounds. As my bones are soft and still the danger to pulling screws out. I played music 09/10 and felt the musical energy increase by double. Exciting. I am going to wait on the second surgery idea, it is higher risk. I am so pleased with the correction I have gotten so far.

I'm very pleased for you phannu hope it continues to improve.

Kevin

Wow phannu, I bet you are pleased! How nice that you've reached this point of being able to begin getting out of that brace. How wonderful, that is just terrific. 43 degrees is incredible. It must have been so good to learn that your xrays show good fusing is well under way. Thank goodness.

Your excitement really comes across in your words. I can only imagine how your new freedoms must feel. It is so inspiring to read of your success!

Thanks for reporting in!
mig

Thanks for the neat vibes. I picked up a 18" wide angle rear view mirror. It cost under $20. It sure is helpful.