Who has had a T9 to Pelvis fusion with scoliosis correction or similar

I had T 4- S1 55° curve. 2 years ago. Maybe I can help?

@kwright41175 -

Thank you Kwright. I’ll start with just a couple questions. First, do you walk normal now? Can you describe what your walking looks like?

Can you describe your pain immediately after surgery, 3-4 days after surgery, a week, month, etc.

Why can’t I find any videos online of people who have had long fusions/ scoliosis correction?

Sometimes I feel it must be so horrific that no one wants to talk about it.

Lastly for now. I have been living with my failed fusion for so long (4-5 years) that I’m not sure how bad the pain is. My posture is terrible, I can’t walk around in a grocery store without a cart to lean on. But I don’t think my pain is that bad with my pain meds and rest. I am not sure how to accurately evaluate it anymore.

Thank you in advance.

Hi,
I walk normal I have been for about 2 years. 3-4 days after surgery you be on oxy, you'll sleep a lot. I went to rehab after about a week. Pain was manageable. I had more pain before. The Sharpe nerve pain down both legs etc. About the last 18 months before surgery I had to use an electronic cart at the grocery store. I was home after 2 weeks. I had oxy a lower dose and tramadol. Most of the time I just used tramadol. The pain before surgery was increasing as I was getting worse. After surgery your getting better so less pain day by day. You still could have a bad day after PT. About 6 months after surgery I flew to visit my sister, had a plane change and didn't need a wheelchair first time in 3/4 years. Try YouTube for videos. Most of the ones I found were young people like 18-20. I had my surgery at 58. Never had scoliosis as a child. It started at about 48. Hope this help. Let me know if you have other questions.

Hi there. I’m 6 weeks out from T10-s1. No real back pain. No pain meds. I walk upright. Slower than I’d like but I’m gaining speed! I intentionally focus on walking upright and have no problem doing so.

I ran into the lack of videos as well. It was really a challenge for me to realize this is major surgery. Everyone is going to have a unique experience, but it would have been nice to have more information.

The surgery recovery as far as my back has not been as bad as I thought it would be. My challenges have been building up my iron and keeping my bp up. That continues to be my challenge.

I am walking daily, moving my legs when I’m sitting, marching, pumping and ready to see what lies ahead.

Any pain I’ve had since surgery does not compare to what I had before.

It was totally worth it to me - at this point.

Wishing you the best! K

I’m due to have T10-Pelvic done. I’ve had three prior surgeries all of which went well. L4-5 laminectomy, fusion 2013, 7 years later, dr. Undid 4-5, laminectomy 2-5, rods, screws and two cages. 2022 L1-T12 laminectomy. Also had scoliosis corrections. I’m 79 and can tolerate a lot of pain but it’s bad now. Also get nerve pain around my waist and around my abdominal area. I came through surgeries very well and by week 3 feeling pretty good…walking straight with minimal pain. I do back exercises every other day to keep my muscles in shape. I too walk leaning on the shopping cart! You do what you have to in order to get some relief. Don’t do too much at once, small amts then rest and a bit more later. I’ve learnt that some things can wait a bit! Wishing you well!

Hi, I agree with k, it wasn't as bad as expected. I think we can't find any videos because it is a rare surgery. I read something like less then one percent of adults with scoliosis need surgery. I think I might have the record for the longest haha at lest the top 5.

@karenoharmon Hi k your doing really great 6 weeks no pain meds. I think the lack of videos are because adult scoliosis surgery is rare. I agree the pain was worse before surgery. I also was expecting recovery to be a lot worse then it was.
Keep walking you'll get faster. All the best Kathy