Life After Scoliosis Surgery Scoliosis

Overview

People who have had fusion surgery are usually back to school or work within 2 to 4 weeks. And the best part is they can often resume the things they love to do within a few months.

After Surgery

After the operation, you will be brought to the recovery room or intensive care unit (ICU) for observation.

Members of your surgical team may ask you to respond to some simple commands, such as "wiggle your fingers and toes" and "take deep breaths." When you awaken, you will be lying on your back, which may seem surprising, given that scoliosis surgery is often performed through an incision in the back. However, lying on your back is not harmful to the surgical area.

During your hospital stay, you will get additional instructions from your nurses and other members of your surgical teams regarding your diet and activity.

In most cases, your surgeon will want you to get out of bed on the first or second day after your surgery. Nurses and physical therapists will assist you with this activity until you feel comfortable enough to get up and move around on your own.

Daily Living

Before you are discharged from the hospital, your doctor and other members of the hospital staff will give you additional self-care instructions for you to follow at home – a list of "dos and don'ts," which you will be asked to follow for the first 6 to 8 weeks of your home recovery.

Follow up with your doctor on a regular basis during this post-operative period. Make sure to call your doctor if you have any concerns or questions.

With recent advances in technology, most patients are released within a week of surgery and do not require post-operative bracing. Most patients are able to return to school or work in 2 to 4 weeks after the surgery and are able to resume all pre-operative activities within 4 to 6 months.

After the recovery process, most patients return to leading their normal active lives.