[Rehabilitation / Postoperative Spine Surgery Publications] What to expect as we age, spine wise?

[Katie]

While thrilled that I was able to have surgery that gave me back my life, it is always in the back of my mind that the aging process will drag me back down at some point.

Has anyone investigated the probability of serious degeneration in other levels because of the inevitable aging? I certainly have more than the 'worked on' bad levels...we just addressed the ones that were giving me grief.

But my new family doctor, who didn't know me pre-op, said he would have thought that I was eighty years old when he looked at my CT scan that I had done to send to my surgeon. "Your spine is a mess", were his exact words...and I responded with "you should have seen me before I got fixed!"

So I don't think I am being pessimistic with having the expectation of future problems...the question is when and how bad...and how long with Dr. Pimenta keep working???

Just how careful are people post op? Do you avoid any and all activities to try and offset any future problems? I've overdone it the past few days, since spring has sprung and there is sooooooo much to do, especially after years of neglect around the homestead And yes, I am getting lots of lectures to slow down

[KanRunMo]

Katie,
You've been such a help on SPS. I'm sure our spine is going to continue aging just like the rest of our body. However, where you have had it repaired with ADR and fusion it may last longer than other parts of the spine which have not had any repair. Doctors give up on older people much faster than they should. There are now "seniors" who have taken care of their bodies with good food, exercise, prescriptions and vitamins. These people have a good chance of fighting off aging for a longer time. My osteopenia has improved with more vitamin D, Calcium and Fosamax.

[ajj1001]

the future is a big worry if I let it be but I'm choosing to live in what is happening now and the future will take care if itself. I followed surgeons advice post both ops so there is little more i can do than deal positively with what I come against day to day.

[KBear]

I'm careful with myself, but not living in a shelter either. I don't do stupid stuff, like lifting heavy stuff and I use proper body mechanics. I'm not stopping living to protect myself, because what's the point of being fixed then? But I also realize what I have now and take care of it. I'm sure with me being young with my spine problems starting, odds are I'll have more issues down the road. Like Allison said though, just take the here and now and 'cross that bridge' when/if you get there.

[Katie]

I keep getting lectures to slow down, but it is so hard. I lost five years of my life and want to recapture some of the things I missed. Unfortunately I don't have body friendly hobbies...big gardens and horses Once I start working on the garden for example, I can't drag myself away from it...those endorphins are raging when I get digging We have decided to keep the hired barn help on forever, or for as long as we have horses. I just can't do the wheelbarrow & shovel work anymore, although I tried for a few days. See what I mean....

I agree wholeheartedly about the doctors giving up on 'old' people much too soon. My dear friend needs a lung transplant because of a nasty disease, and even though she has been borderline for several years, now that she just turned 65 they refuse to put her on the list as she is too old. Why should a few months matter...if 64 is OK, why not 65 or 67?

Thankfully Dr. Pimenta has no such issues. One of his patients was ninety-two when he did surgery! She was a yoga instructor and still active. I should be so lucky anywhere near that age. I am just worried that he will have retired by the time I may need him again.

I was just checking in on all you other spineys to see what you are doing for preventative measures, how careful you are being with everyday activities. Thanks for the feedback, and the complement KanRun