I had spinal surgery T11 thru S1 has anyone had this major surgery?

Good evening I had a laminectomy of four vertebrae in my back doctor said it was very extensive it's been about 6 months since the operation I am still gimping around very frustrated and depressing one day I feel half good the next day I'm completely unable to hardly walk I was told it would take maybe up to a year to fully recover if that I wish you the best of luck keep up with the therapy that's the only savior

@heavens12 Welcome to Connect, Catherine. After spine surgery, life will be different. It is a compromise you make to stop a problem from getting worse, and if you have had an extensive multilevel fusion where the discs are removed, a fusion locks those vertebrae together forever as bone grows into those spaces. I'm guessing this may be what you had because or so many levels that were operated on. Your surgeon should have explained how your ability to move would change after surgery. I know perhaps this isn't what you wanted to hear. Also consider what your life would be like if you had no surgery. Perhaps that may have lead to a lot of disability as nerves were increasingly compressed over time. It is a loss, and sadness and grief in adapting to that is normal. I have had those feelings too and had some personal losses to asthma, a serious ankle fracture and a cervical fusion. I have learned to adapt and to do some things I've learned in physical therapy to improve my functioning. I do have long term concerns about my ankle and mobility as arthritis from the injury progresses. I do the best I can, and I wanted you to known you're not alone.

@heavens12 Hi Catherine, I am scheduled for a T11 to L4 fusion next Wednesday at the Phoenix Mayo Clinic. I have a very small idea of what to expect based on what I have read from others’ experiences. I plan to journal my experience and recovery with the hope that it will help someone else.
Prayers for your continued recovery and more mobility. I have yet to find a physical therapist who is experienced at post spinal fusion surgery but I am going to keep at it until I find one. I know this is critical for the healing process. Are you doing physical therapy regularly?

helped

Thank you for your kind wordds. I also wish you the best!

I had only l3-l5 decompressed and fused and still recovering (surgery was in August 2024). Dealing with limitations in bending and twisting and nerve pain in hips/hip flexors which makes standing, walking and going up stairs difficult. Doctors seem to say that 1 year is the full recovery time but they really didn’t tell me that before surgery (told I could not drive for 2 weeks and really could t for almost 2 months and 3 months would be when I am healed from the fusion). Surgeons don’t really talk about the full year and what potential limitations to expect after 3 months. They should also recommend PT before and after surgery and even occupational therapy to learn how to do things post surgery. There are many gaps in care in my opinion when it comes to spine surgery and post surgery recovery, PT/OT, mental health and pain management.

Hi Catherine,
I had a lumbar fusion, my second and not nearly as extensive as yours, in January 2024. I was told a year is what to expect for the spine to be healed/fused. Bending, lifting and twisting may resume at about the 1 year mark as well but verify that information with your surgeon/ medical team.

Hi Catherine, I am a active 68 year female will be having the same surgery in January, the 14th. T11-S2. I am in the process of revamping my home and purging as I expect I will not be able to access lower cabinets or lift for some time -- maybe ever. I am already grieving the loss of mobility. Gave away my golf clubs and hopeful I will bike again. Praying the trade off is I can walk and stand without pain. My understanding is patience is what will be required. Another person, reached out to me a year ago on this support group and said not to give up....she is going on year two (post surgery) and is beginning to get back to a normal life (abiet adapted for the mobility restrictions. ) She said she gave up a few times and now is mad at herself for giving up. All this is to say, don't give up. Maybe we can support each other through this next year! Tamra

Catherine, YOU have my HUG empathy... I thought I was facing a similar surgery including the T5-S1 joint. Upon my questioning the Surgeon, 'I' decided that joint being fused would greatly reduce my flexibility... I likely will not get that fusion. I'm being assessed for a low-back E-stim.
Hopefully, via possible modalities like E-stim and more Phys Therapy, perhaps even hypnosis... YOU're pain management will help make your life 'better' !.... Sending blessings and HopeS ~
~ Greg, St Pete, FL

Hi! I am fused T4-L5! About 7 years now. It is so hard to get used to life after fusion. I am dealing with terrible pain in my back and now my neck. It’s so frustrating. I am having shortness of breath, chest pain and all kinds of problems. My dr even had me get a stress test to make sure it wasn’t my heart. My spine dr told me yesterday my muscles are all so tight that my shoulder blades are dug into my chest cavity and my ribs are not expanding and contacting correctly. So I’m needing physical therapy.
I don’t tell you this to scare you because everyone is different and you may recover and be fine. It is a long recovery though I do remember that. I’m 42 now but again I had my surgery 7 years ago. You aren’t alone. Ask me anything you want. I’m here.