Back to the Beach and Gym After Scoliosis Surgery

Graphic artist Nadia Watts was diagnosed with scoliosis as a young child, but the pain and discomfort rapidly began progressing over the past decade. At 41, the Russian native and Newport Beach resident said that her scoliosis had progressed to 54 degrees and she knew she needed medical attention to address the condition and pain.

“I was referred to Dr. Lee at Hoag Orthopedic Institute by a trusted friend who spoke highly of his exceptional surgical skills, attention to detail, and unwavering ethical standards,” Nadia shared.

After meeting with Richard Lee, MD, Nadia said she was impressed by his thorough approach to her case and his commitment to achieving the best possible outcome.

“He was upfront with me about the limitations of surgery, explaining that complete correction wasn’t possible due to the severity of my scoliosis and my age, but he was determined to achieve maximum improvement and prevent further deterioration. I appreciated his honesty and straightforwardness, which gave me confidence in his abilities and led me to choose him and the HOI for my surgery.”

So, in late 2023, Nadia underwent spinal fusion to correct her scoliosis. Nadia said that due to the complexity of her case, the surgery was over 18 hours divided over two days, and that despite Dr. Lee’s “initial modest expectations,” the results far exceeded everyone’s hopes.

“When I saw my post-surgery x-ray for the first time, I was overwhelmed with emotion- my spine looked straighter than I ever thought possible. My 7-days hospital stay was equally impressive, with a caring and kind staff making every effort to ensure my comfort and recovery,” said Nadia.

Now almost a year out from surgery, Nadia said that she continues to take it slow and follow the detailed instructions given to her by her doctor and HOI team.

“My post-op recovery was slow and gradual, but smooth. The pain eventually went away, and I am excited to report that I am now completely free from constant dull pain that had been my reality throughout my life before surgery - it’s a truly liberating experience,” she said.

Nadia shared that she is excited to be back walking the beach and working out at the gym, starting with light lower body exercises with hopes to increase over time, following her surgeon’s guidelines as she continues to check in every 3 months.

“I’ve learned to be extremely cautious and patient with my body, avoiding any actions that could compromise my surgery results. This newfound patience has been the most challenging aspect of my journey so far.”

Nadia’s advice to those considering spine surgery is to find a highly qualified and experienced surgeon.

“It’s important to have clear and realistic expectations about the outcome, understand the potential risks involved, and think carefully whether your current condition is severe enough to justify taking on those risks. If you decide to proceed, take ownership of your recovery, following your surgeon’s guidance, and being mindful of your body’s limitations. Remember, our back is the foundation of our physical health, and making an informed decision is very important for a successful outcome.”