Timeline, expectations on healing, quality of life after long fusion?

Thanks Calo for your response. I think we need to start being more honest with others who are facing surgery. There are alternatives but doctors get paid a lot of money to do these big, long fusions. So they’re reluctant to steer you away. And now with DEI and other government influences, I don’t believe everybody who’s doing these surgeries are necessarily qualified. I’m angry. My surgery has ruined my life at present. I pray that it changes but for now I’m angry. I will pray that things change for you. By the way I think you look great in your photo, I don’t think you aged 10 years at all, you actually look quite young!

@jksawyers No doubt it is very easy to fall in to anger when something changes our life and not for the best…..so it often appears. For me, and hopefully others, our faith that everything is designed and for a better reason, helps, and is more often than not, not understood except in retrospect. It totally sucks no doubt about that! For the suffering, faith is a must, or a pretty miserable life. Our spiritual abilities are very powerful! Blessing to us all!

@jksawyers
Thanks, Jack, for your kind response. I agree that the changes to DEI will place us in a worse position than before. Diversity has always been our country’s strength, bringing new ideas and broadening friendships and understanding that make us better than we ever could have imagined.
Praying for you; for both of us that we can arrive at acceptance of our new normal.

@singer2026 pain and limitations..sleep as well.

You will eventually improve.

@jksawyers Im 63 & had Spondylolisthesis. At age 13 had operation to fuse lower back and they added Harrington rods as support. A year later went back to remove the rods. Amazing to me so many years have passed and I had no major problems. I get what you are going through. Be patient as recovery takes a little time.

Jack a lot of it comes down to you and your body. If you are debilitated prior to surgery recovery may be more challenging. If you are pretty active and relatively stable and healthy your chances improve. Also rehab is important and maintaining your PT home exercise program (HEP) long term is more important. Don’t become complacent post-op but continue your HEP. Since we all heal differently the healing process can be widely variable.

Has anyone had a long fusion all the way up the spine from the pelvis? I'm almost 50 and this is to correct scoliosis and other disc complications. It will need to be done in 2 surgeries, one surgery 2 days after the other. I have about 15 minutes of walking time in me and it is getting worse, but I'm so afraid of what this does to my spine mobility long term. Thank you for any comments about quality of life after surgery.

@lwallenfeldt this is a challenging surgery. I had t10-s4 almost 5 months ago. Recovery has been a bear, but I’m not in pain! I’m working on my walking length and time - currently I’m clocking a 25 minute mile! I’m sleeping through the night and my stamina is increasing daily. This is a physical and a mental challenge daily. I would encourage you to consider your support system because they are crucial to your success. Best to you as you make your decision.

@karenoharmon Thank you for the positives! I can't even imagine walking a mile anymore - way to go! I do have a great support system at home and among friends. I'm quite grateful for that. Wishing you well as you heal!