T5 to pelvic fusion surgery fears and recovery questions

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!

Thanks 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!

My case is a little different in some ways. Due to severe Scoliosis, when I was 19 years old I had a T2 to L2 Spinal Fusion with a Harrington Rod implant. That area is still fine, but in my later years, I had a multitude of problems with my spine below that area.
At 67 years, I had corrective surgery and a spinal fusion from my T10 to Pelvis, plus Sacroilliac joint fusions. The surgeon used a 3 rod construct, connecting one of the new rods to my old Harrington Rod.
All said, it was the best thing I have ever done. Yes, it is a long recovery, but I no longer have my chronic constant pain. (My surgery was in May 2025.) Restrictions: no bending, lifting, or twisting. Full Healing can take 1 1/2 to 2 years.

My preference is to have a Neurosurgeon operate rather than an Orthopedic surgeon given all the nerves in the area.
It is also key that you find the best neurosurgeon you can--one that focuses on cases like yours with good results.
My surgeon was Jeremy Fogelson, at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
Another concern is bone health. I was placed on a generic version of Forteo to build up my Osteoporotic bones for months before and after surgery.

I've attached a link, below, to an article that poses questions you might ask the doctor.
https://www.spine-health.com/blog/40-questions-ask-your-surgeon-back-surgery
Best Wishes!

Nadine

Hi I had T4-S1 fusion. Done 2 1/2 years ago and wish I had it before. I had shots and other procedures for disc bulges (ozone discolisis) and 2 micro discectomies. Nothing really helped I had scoliosis that developed quickly. I am so glad now I am able to walk again. I would differently go to a spine surgeon. The best one in the world is in Houston. I'm partial. I was 58 when I had my surgery and there was pain in the hospital and after but the pain was manageable. I had more pain before surgery. If you get decompression. Could you still have to have fusion above lumbar? Up to T5? I would get another opinion and ask. My feeling is one surgery and done. Do what you are comfortable with.

Over the last 25 years a fusion has been suggested to me. They would go in from the front (can’t remember why). It sounded scary and “no guarantee” plus pain might get worse. So I have not gotten any spinal fusions. However I have been following an endoscopic spine surgeon on instagram (@nycspine). Their surgeries are so much less invasive, patients often WALK out of the hospital the same day! Not really knowing your situation and I’m sure it’s very different from mine, maybe it’s worth getting a second opinion? I wish you the best of luck with whatever option you choose. 🍀

I'm going to go with an orthopedic surgeon who insists I'll get relief with bilateral T-9-12 and L-1-2 micro decompression . And while I know it wont be a "magic cure" it will at least let me leave the hospital in 24 hours
and if it worsens I can then go to the neurosurgeon for t=5 to pelvis fusion.
This has all been super stressful .
Thanks for all the input it is much appreciated.