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Spinal Fusion T10 - S1
age 79, lower back issues started 2017 with first MRI - Pain management started 2020 with numerous shots, vertiflex implants, nerve block which are no longer effective for any length of time. 2023 MRI indicated a L2-L5 fusion would help when issue affected daily activities. 2025 MRI shows continued lower back deterioration, scoliosis, stenosis and spondo? Current pain high when standing for extended periods or walking any distance- minimal when sitting, laying or stationary exercises. Now recommending T10-S1 fusion with appointment Nov 21 to discuss details, procedure, what to expect, recovery, expected results. Any suggestions from anyone having similar procedure?
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@rchris1964
You may want a 2nd and 3rd opinion on such a dramatic surgery and fusion. It seems extreme and will significantly change your body mechanics with the ability to twist your body when bending, turning, lifting, etc. I have had c5-c6, c6-c7 and l3-l5 decompressed and fused and it restricts my movement in some ways. I have spinal stenosis and neurogenic claudication plus degenerative disc diseases and 56 years old. My standing/sitting/walking and doing stairs has been affected and improved after surgery but have new issues with a higher level of my lumbar spine and spinal canal compressed due to adjacent segment disease.
Recovery from this surgery is significant and the pain off the charts so make sure you fully understand the risks and benefits of this surgery and if it has to be so many levels or if it could be fewer levels.
Take a look at the T10 to Pelvis Fusion, experience, comments..
on today Mayo Clinic Connect site. Once there, you can scan back and look at what was previously stated.
Best Wishes!🙏
I had severe rotoscoliosis as well as degenerative changes. I had 2 surgeries to fuse T8-S1 with contoured rods and a stabilizing structure transfixing lumbar spine to the pelvis. It was a life saving surgery for me. I was hospitalized for 2 weeks with some gastrointestinal complications. Otherwise I did great. I also have fibromyalgia and Psoriatic arthritis. Multiple doctors in the Dallas area declined to do my surgery due to mainly fibromyalgia. I went to the Mayo clinic in Scottsdale Arizona and Dr. Matthew Neal performed my surgeries. He was a gift from God. He healed me. The severe pain is gone. I highly recommend him. Especially if you are complicated. God bless you and good luck.
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4 ReactionsHi I was 58 when I had T4-S1 fused. I really had no option at that point. I was unable to walk more then a few feet or stand. Its been just over 2 years and I am doing great. I can walk stand etc. With very little pain. You'll have pain after surgery but it gets better. Before surgery I just kept getting worse. I had terrible leg pain. After surgery it was gone. I wish I had it done sooner. But well worth it.
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4 Reactionsthank you - best of luck down the road
@cyndigarrison Hi. Just wondering how it works at Mayo, do you contact Mayo and they then assign a doctor / surgeon to you, based on your case? or did you specifically request Dr. Neal? And if so, I assume someone referred you to him?