Hi, so it has been almost a year since the post you responded to. I hear you ...it is daunting to consider a lifestyle with significant mobility restrictions. Even more so, because I am quite active, social, still work part time. For myself, I have continued to deteriorate in abilities and pain is now restricting my life to the tipping point. I am scheduling a fusion from T 12 - S2.

I have been trying diagnostic nerve blocks and epidurals ( no more steroids...do not work and cause significant hair shedding). I did not find any temporary relief.

I have consulted other orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons and looked into lesser remedies. I wish I was a candidate for lesser fusions, disc replacement etc., but have decided that the long healing time, a chance of other nearby segments being destabilized from surgery (I will face more surgery in the future), I am scheduling this fusion for hopefully December if we can secure a surgical room or in January.

I am finding good advice on what to expect and how to set up my home to function best with the "new me"! I have gone through my home room by room, drawer by drawer. NO ONE pretends this is a cake walk and will require patience and persistence for a year or more. I have decided when one door closes another can open. I am finally going to spend time with painting classes and other pursuits.

I am finding very specific advice for how to set up my home, what to take to hospital, on a facebook spine group. Most are having surgery soon or have recently had surgery.

Please feel free to reach out to inquiry on my progress. I will try to post down the road as well.
What I know for sure, if I am not alone in this journey and am grateful each and every post I read here! Tamra