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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 | Apr 19, 2025
In reply to @michelle1974 "I have rods and screws in my lower back they had to cut me in front..." + (show)
Profile picture for michelle1974 @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 | Apr 19, 2025
In reply to @sassytwo "Oh my, I looked to purchase a duplex prior to Covid in Lewes! Sadly, I didn't...." + (show)
Profile picture for sassytwo @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 | Apr 20, 2025
In reply to @sassytwo "Hi Catherine, I am post surgery 2.5 months and feeling more like myself. I am able..." + (show)
Profile picture for sassytwo @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 | Apr 20, 2025
In reply to @heavens12 "So you have a new spine all titanium. I didn't know that type of procedure existed...." + (show)
Profile picture for heavens12 @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 | Apr 20, 2025
In reply to @heavens12 "Hello, I am happy to hear about your progress. It's almost a year now 4/25/24 and..." + (show)
Profile picture for heavens12 @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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Profile picture for nlback22
nlback22 | @nlback22 | Apr 20, 2025
In reply to @michelle1974 "I have rods and screws in my lower back they had to cut me in front..." + (show)
Profile picture for michelle1974 @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 | Apr 21, 2025
In reply to @michelle1974 "I have rods and screws in my lower back they had to cut me in front..." + (show)
Profile picture for michelle1974 @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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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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3986 | @3986 | Apr 24, 2025
In reply to @3986 "Hello, Sending prayers for continued healing…A bit nervous about what’s in store for me down the..." + (show)
Profile picture for 3986 @3986

Hello,

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

Jump to this post

Hello,

Am feeling the same way and my journey has just started. Surgery a year out. One has to think positive, remember you have an incredible team taking care of you. Also sending 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

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gregd1956 | @gregd1956 | Apr 24, 2025

Dear @heavens12
You wrote that a year and a half.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
My Surgery #1 - decades ago
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I had a surgery number-2 from my lower back a year-ago. The 1st one had a surgery that “fixed” years before. That was my lowest back and that doctor fixed it - a small one. That was great. After that, no more running, but ridding in a bicycle was fantastic.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
My Surgery #2 - a year ago
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
That fixed my pain from my rear-ends to the bottom of my feet. But 3 years ago, I feel done on my rear-ends. As months went, every thing hit inside my body… that took 3 mths after falling down hit everything - no more cutting the yard; no more walking; no more standing; no more fixing my outsides.
I couldn’t find a doctor of that was happened.

Finally, my doctor - still no help a few years from falling down on my read-ends - understood and gave n\me the other doctor. That doctor gave me a choice: keep it with drugs or give it a surgery that he could work it. Well, he gave me pictures of the problems that he could fix it. He did it!

He put a Linder, thicker under my bottom on my lower back. He added the #1 surgery years before and added over it with new parts inside my back-body. Well, all pain got rid of these. I can stretch and pick-ups but on my lower right-foot is less-feeling. To easy of falling down. Today, my ability is better of my balance, but it’s still here.

Thx,
GREG D. @greg1956

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rabnok | @rabnok | Apr 25, 2025

Hi Catherine, I’m RB, 65 yo male, sending my empathies regarding your recovery. Stay the course, it is not an easy rehab from your extensive surgery & unfortunately, it is a long, slow recovery. I’m 3 years past a T11-L5 fusion with a couple of 26” rods, 14 screws & 2 inter- body cages at L4-5. Am I back to where I was before all the “trouble”? No, I’m not but don’t expect to be & constantly adjusting to/accepting of my new normal. Being prudent, limited, restrictive bending at the waist, no twisting nor lifting ANYthing >15-20lbs. Stay as active as you can. Most every day, I walk outside with my dog & also by myself, 20-25 miles a week. The sun, fresh air & meditation-time are important to me. I also stretch on a Precor Stretch Trainer, 25-30 mins, again almost daily. Keeping my weight in the 175-180 range is also critical. (6-2 prior to back issues, now 5-11, from disc space loss as well as post-op thoracic kyphosis.) Learn from & adjust when you over-do things. Compare your progress to where you were just before surgery, NOT to where you WANT to be. Medication-wise, I use NSAID’s (naproxen, ibuprofen), cold packs, heat & lidocaine topicals as well as medical marijuana/ THC. I wish you the best & hope for even better, rb

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