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← Return to T10 to pelvis fusion
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Spine Health | Last Active: 10 hours ago | Replies (5)
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Hi Nadine,
I’m scheduled to get pelvis to T10 / fusion in January by Dr. Sebastian. I’m worried now that I read you’ll need 1.5-2 years to heal completely. I’m 62. I’m in good physical shape but have diabetes and CKD. I know I can’t keep living bent over, but I hate the thought of using 2 of my 5-8 years (?) of life healing. What more can you share? Your doctor’s name? Any more wore positive things to share, like your chronic pain is gone, that’s great!
Dr. Sebastian said I should be riding motorcycles and horses in a year.
I would like to hear all about your post surgery experience.
Thank you, Jack
Replies to "Hi Nadine, I’m scheduled to get pelvis to T10 / fusion in January by Dr. Sebastian...."
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@jksawyers
Hi Jack,
I am glad that you are seeing a Mayo surgeon. My doc was Jeremy Fogelson, a neurosurgeon at Mayo Rochester.
Everyone's back is different and healing time will vary. I had a T2 to L2 spinal fusion due to Scoliosis at the age of 19. At the time of my May 2025 surgeries, my back had many problems-- DDD, Stenosis, pinched nerves, lateral listhesis, spondylolosthesis, herniated disc, Bertolotti's, Tarlov Cysts, etc. The day before my spinal surgery, I had bi-lateral Sacroilliac Joint Fusions due to arthritis in the joints.
As far as the healing time, I imagine that as time goes by, I will be able to do more and more. I will learn more when I have my 6 month follow-up next month.
At this time, I am walking 2 miles a day, enjoy the beach and social outings. Life is really good compared to pre-surgery.
I have the BLT restrictions--no bending, lifting, or twisting. As far as bending, PT will teach you how to bend at your hips. Standing and walking are no problem, but I am not walking really fast-- my right calf numbness and occasional tingling slows me down. (The right leg issue was there before my surgery and will hopefully go away with time as my nerves are no longer pinched,)
I do have to watch how long I sit and use a goose down pillow behind my back. As days go by, I am sitting longer and longer durations--up to 45 minutes depending on the chair and situation.
Jack, after your surgery and hospital stay, I highly recommend Mayo's Inpatient Rehab Center, in the Generose Building. I believe their care and therapy really propelled my recovery. ( 3 hours of daily therapy split between physical therapy and occupational therapy, You will also have a team guiding your recovery there.
I suggest you let your surgeon know that you want the inpatient rehab. He may state that you need to request it in the hospital and that it will be determined there based upon your needs.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Best Wishes!
Nadine