Connect
t5 to pelvic fusion surgery fears and recovery questions
my neurosurgeon is planning on a t5-pelvis fusion on february 9. I'm terrified of the surgery and worried about the recovery. I had orthopedic surgery for stenosis several years ago and the orthopedic surgeon tells me he can decompress my thoracic spine then do a lumber fusion later, when I'm healed. These sound much less invasive than a 10 hour surgery . Any thoughts especially about the body trauma of the t5-pelvis fusion on my 73 year old body?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Spine Health Support Group.
Connect
It depends how much it affects your life, and the pain you are suffering. If you don't have surgery what will happen to you? I have had replacements on my knees, hips, lumbar spine, shoulder and neck (both sides). Some were easier than others, I'm 78 still walking and doing the best I can. These surgeries span a 21 year period. Most of these are due to arthritis, some to birth defects. I'm not sorry I did this, I'm still better than I would be without surgery. I know you get pretty weary and the pain wears you down; whatever you decide, Good Luck!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThanks so much for your kind words. They are deeply appreciated.
-Rich
@morkat
I'm another multi-surgery case. Two knees, one shoulder, three back surgeries, one hip. Yes, osteoarthritis. At 85 I'm now in pain (again) from lower back, but a fusion is not possible because it would be a failed fusion - I'm already fused as low as they dare go. S-I fusion, maybe, but unless a SPECT scan shows active arthritis at the R S-I, I'll go for a Spinal Cord Stimulator first. Good luck. I've been essentially pain free for the last 20 years because of the surgeries. Yes, there were times of pain before and immediately after the surgeries. Whatever you decide is right for you. Get the best info before, and good luck!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions