I just wanted to report that I have a beautiful, straight, new spine as of 5/8/2012!.
12 hours of surgery, but my spine is healing up just fine. I can walk without the aid of a walker, but I do become fatigued easily and have to take naps sometimes. I do my own chores and enjoy not being crippled anymore. I have skin pain on my buttocks, hips, and outer thighs, but it will vanish in time. Also, without my brace, the top of my back fatigues easily. I only have to wear it for 3 more weeks. Other than that, I know this surgery was the one I have waited for and needed all my life. I was so deformed!
On this post, I can only add one photo, so I will show you the new spine.
They fused everything from T10 to my ilium (bottom of hips.)