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T10 to S1 Fusion Pre-Surgery Medical Treatment Plan
I have been a frequent visitor to this forum for almost 2 years when an orthopedic and neurosurgeon both told me that I was inoperable. I was reffered to physical therepy and pain management.
During this period, I had no relief so I turned my search to surgeons who specialize in spine deformities. My scoliosis is MILD, it says so on the MRI's. But this mild condition has caused a tumbling affect all the way down my spine.
Finally, a year ago I found an orthopedic surgeon who fits the criteria, and he proposed the fusion from T10 to S1. That lead me to a neurosurgeon in the same specialized field who recommended the same surgery with a couple of differences. Neuro Doc wants to perform two surgeries over a two day period that involves three cages and rods, but he also wants me to take tymlos for three months prior to performing the surgery.
This is a lot to comprehend, but please stick with me a minute longer. Prior to Neuor Doc proposing this entire surgery plan, I provided him a copy of my Dexa scan, that was rated very very good with no osteoporosis, and one mention of ostepenia on my femer that barely qualified as osteopenia. I then went to an endochrinologist to review the dexascan and she provided her notes from that visit with the Doctor stating that no treatment plan was necessary and my bone health would not compromise the surgery.
The doctor gave no credit for the endochrinologists report, and insisted that a begin a treatment plan of Tymlos for at least three months before he would schedule surgery.
Has anyone else been confronted with this type of dilema? There have been studies on strengthening bone health prior to surgery that supports better outcomes with this (one was done by MayClinic). But those studies were done on patients who were full blown osteoporosis and would automatically be deemed a very high risk patient for this type of surgery.
I would also like to hear from anyone who experienced failed or revision surgery due to osteopenia or osteoporisis.
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Hi 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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5 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?
@ccchang hi there. I contacted them and I got Dr. Neal. Im on Medicare due to disability. Just the regular kind, so I self refer to doctors that accept Medicare. Im sure that you can do the same and request him. Good luck and God bless you. It was the best thing for me and I hope you have the same success.
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1 ReactionWould appreciate any comments positive and negative about my upcoming 2-day S1 to T10 lumbar fusion surgery. It's scheduled for 8/24-8/25 this year.
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1 Reaction@daddydar
Hi! You’ve got a big surgery in a couple days, but know that there are a lot of people here to support you.
I had a T11 to L4 fusion to correct a significant scoliosis curve, Dec 2024.
What is your surgery for? And where are you having it done?
I remember feeling starved for information about what to expect after surgery, but there are so many people on this site who have different experiences and you will benefit from them sharing.
Please feel free to ask if you have any questions. I started a thread on this site that began with me in pre-op getting IVs put in me…and then after waking up…and then days and weeks after getting out of the hospital.
This site is great and had a it of historical information and you just need to use the right words in the search bar.
Wishing you the best!
Sherry
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3 Reactions@sherrym25
Hello Sherry,
I have severe spinal stenosis, spondylitis, and one other with saddle numbness and weakness/numbness in both legs. The symptoms came fast and hard. Had MRI, also had spinal shot that didn't help. Having surgery at Memorial Hospital in Modesto and Dr. Capua is my surgeon.
Thank you for your wisdom and well wishes!
Darold.
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2 ReactionsHello Darold,
I had a 2 day surgery in May 2025. On Day 1 my Sacroilliac Joints were fused--that was very easy. On day 2: I had 11 hour corrective surgery and fusion from T 10 to pelvis. (I have been dealing with Scoliosis for most of my life--i had my first spinal fusion T2 to L2 when I was 19)
It's a long recovery and I am still in that process but it is well worth it!
Since the surgery, I no longer have my chronic back pain. 😊 I am 68 years old now, and it does take a longer time for older bones to fuse. Even at this point, if I sit too long my back will hurt--but it is modest and it is completely different than my former pain. I also am still using ice packs periodically. My back feels best when I am walking. I walk 2 to 3 miles a day.
As both Sherry and I have posted quite a bit on this site and much of our experience and suggestions are chronicled, I suggest you take a look at the posts. There are many others on this site that have provided a wealth of information and support.
To find them: on the Mayo Connect page, go to the top search icon and enter the person's user name.
Mine is: nlback22 and Sherry is: sherrym25
Sherry had her surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix and I went to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.
A key factor in one's success is choosing a surgeon that has done the type of surgery you will be having many times with good outcomes.
I am sure you did your homework. Be calm and know that you are in good hands
Best Wishes!
Nadine
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8 ReactionsI had a 7 hour T-2 to the base of my spine revision and fusion at Northwestern with Dr. Koski exactly one year ago this week. My pain was always at a 9 before surgery. Now the muscles get a little sore but I have no pain in my spine. Awesome!
I had scoliosis and flat back.
It’s been a tough year. No bending or twisting for the whole year. It’s inconvenient, but it was worth it.
I hope a get a good report from the doctor this week.
Good luck!
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6 Reactions@sherrym25 what was your recovery like? Am facing a correction soon