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

Posted by heavens12 @heavens12, Dec 3, 2024

My name is Catherine and I am 69 years old. I was having problems with my back for over 25 years. I finally gave in and got surgery, however, I think I waited too long and as an result the surgery was extensive. I had to have surgery from T11 thru S1, that was major. My surgery was Aprl 25, 2024, and my doctor said it would take a year to recover. However, I am not sure if I will be able to be functionally again. I cannot twist, turn or bend. I can twist if I turn my entire body around and I can turn if I turn my entire body around. As for bending that's definitely out of the question. I don't mean to jump the gun but I am concerned about my recovery period or if I will ever recovery to the point where I can use my body the way I did when I didn't have the surgery. I need support and [people to talk to who has similiar experiences. Because, I feeling alone and I am becoming depressed. Please reach out.

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3986 | @3986 | 4 days ago
In reply to @michelle1974 "I have rods and screws in my lower back they had to cut me in front..." + (show)
@michelle1974

I have rods and screws in my lower back they had to cut me in front and back, do to all my bones in my body are deteriorating I have had a total of 3 surgery in my back and still in alot of pain( it's been almost 5 years) I wish you the best, I never was able to do my therapy after surgery I ended up with mersa so had a stomach vacuum for 6 months, now this is just me I have alot of medical issues and take alot of medication, And that could have possibly been a factor. But it's a long, slow healing process. Do what the Doc says and you will heal faster. Good luck sending prayers for quick recovery.

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Hello,

Sending prayers for continued healing…A bit nervous about what’s in store for me down the road.
🙏🙏🙏

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heavens12 | @heavens12 | 4 days ago
In reply to @sassytwo "Oh my, I looked to purchase a duplex prior to Covid in Lewes! Sadly, I didn't...." + (show)
@sassytwo

Oh my, I looked to purchase a duplex prior to Covid in Lewes! Sadly, I didn't. Could of should have.....I took the fairy to Cape May last year, but just for the day.

Keep in touch. My friend/client has a place at Rehoboth and are there this weekend. Great weekend!
Tamra

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Ok. I will keep in touch.

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nlback22 | @nlback22 | 3 days ago
In reply to @sassytwo "Hi Catherine, I am post surgery 2.5 months and feeling more like myself. I am able..." + (show)
@sassytwo

Hi Catherine, I am post surgery 2.5 months and feeling more like myself. I am able to stand and walk. Walked 3 miles today.

I do not bend or twist intentionally as I need to wait for at least a year for the back to fully fuse. I start PT in May and for now am doing light strengthening and movement. I am very encouraged.

How are you doing?

The most disappointing thing is I believe my rectus abdominals were separated from surgery. More typical is surgery is supine ( I was prone) and happens with pregnancies. Has anyone else delt with this??
Tamra

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SassyTwo,
Thank you for sharing. And, I am happy that you are doing so well with your walking at this time. I am scheduled for surgery in a few weeks. Your progress is really encouraging.😊
Sorry you are dealing with the abdominal issue.
Prayers for your continued healing and recovery.🙏🙏🙏
Nadine

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nlback22 | @nlback22 | 3 days ago
In reply to @heavens12 "So you have a new spine all titanium. I didn't know that type of procedure existed...." + (show)
@heavens12

So you have a new spine all titanium. I didn't know that type of procedure existed. My surgery consisted of two rods and 18 screws. I really don't think I will be able to bend, twist or lift anymore because of the length and where those rods and screws are. It's been almost a year this coming April 25, and I am still wearing a brace and can't sit in a bath, or wipe my behind without the help of aides I purchased online. The pain is gone but I am still a work in process. That neurosurgeon you had sounded like something I would have considered if I knew I had another option. Thanks for sharing and I wish you the best

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Thank you for sharing. I will be having a similar surgery next month.

My doctor's recommended that I get a bidet as I will never be able to wipe without the aides. We purchased the Toto Washlet S7A Bidet Seat WITH AUTO FLUSH. It can be installed on a regular toilet. I love it, all sorts of settings to get you clean. Also, since I can't bend to flush now, and will not be able to do so in the future, we got one with Auto Flush. I love it and it makes my life so much easier. Our plumber was able to purchase it through his supplier at a lower price than the retail stores that sell Toto products.
Good luck as you continue to recover.🙏🙏🙏🙏

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nlback22 | @nlback22 | 3 days ago
In reply to @heavens12 "Hello, I am happy to hear about your progress. It's almost a year now 4/25/24 and..." + (show)
@heavens12

Hello, I am happy to hear about your progress. It's almost a year now 4/25/24 and I went to see how I was progressing. Took new xrays and they was ready. The doctor said everything looks good and that the doctor who performed my surgery did a beautiful job. I am riding the stationary bike I had been working a week after the surgery. I had my surgery in Miami at University of Miami Hospital and I moved to Delaware. I knew that I would not have mobility in lower back because of all the screws and rods. 18 screws and two rods. I am adjusting and most of all the pain is gone and that is such a relief. I am blessed, thankful that I can live again pain free and do the everyday things that I was unable to do while living in pain before the surgery. It's take a little more effort to do things but that's a small price to pay. I am 70 years old and I have traveled, jumped from airplanes , and enjoyed by life so I am going to keep on living and will be enjoying the next chapter of my life. Thanks for reaching out and I wish you nothing but the best. Oh, I am at Lewes Fairy getting ready to go to Cape May. Happy Easter!

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Thank you for sharing your experiences. It is encouraging.😊
Best Wishes!

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nlback22 | @nlback22 | 3 days ago
In reply to @michelle1974 "I have rods and screws in my lower back they had to cut me in front..." + (show)
@michelle1974

I have rods and screws in my lower back they had to cut me in front and back, do to all my bones in my body are deteriorating I have had a total of 3 surgery in my back and still in alot of pain( it's been almost 5 years) I wish you the best, I never was able to do my therapy after surgery I ended up with mersa so had a stomach vacuum for 6 months, now this is just me I have alot of medical issues and take alot of medication, And that could have possibly been a factor. But it's a long, slow healing process. Do what the Doc says and you will heal faster. Good luck sending prayers for quick recovery.

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Hello Michelle,
I am sorry you have gone through so much. Sending prayers for pain relief and healing.🙏❤️

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patanger43 | @patanger43 | 2 days ago
In reply to @michelle1974 "I have rods and screws in my lower back they had to cut me in front..." + (show)
@michelle1974

I have rods and screws in my lower back they had to cut me in front and back, do to all my bones in my body are deteriorating I have had a total of 3 surgery in my back and still in alot of pain( it's been almost 5 years) I wish you the best, I never was able to do my therapy after surgery I ended up with mersa so had a stomach vacuum for 6 months, now this is just me I have alot of medical issues and take alot of medication, And that could have possibly been a factor. But it's a long, slow healing process. Do what the Doc says and you will heal faster. Good luck sending prayers for quick recovery.

Jump to this post

Wow you are not alone Mike. I have had similar spine surgeries and feel your pain You are not alone! Pat

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