I am a 65 year old female that is 5 weeks post op from a T10 to pelvis surgery at Mayo. I had not found a surgeon willing to fix all my back issues in one surgery until I got to Mayo. I am very healthy and was active prior to surgery but was experiencing pain during many of my activities. Sciatic nerve pain was making it difficult to travel by car or plane as well. I did not want to give up my hobbies and travel. My neurosurgeon who did the fusion did not have to do the two cages he thought he would and only did the fusion. Recovery will still be still the same, one year for full healing. I thought pain was fairly well controlled in the hospital (don’t want to do it again but was expecting the worst). Drove 8 hours home on day 7 after being released from the hospital. Used the oxy till home but used Tylenol and muscle relaxers after that and quit all pain medicine by 2 weeks post op. I am walking every day and gradually increasing my stamina. I have mild pain from the incision when laying on my back and muscles that were cut, I have discomfort/mild pain when walking I think from the screws in the pelvis. I have significant numbness and sensitivity to touching my skin in low back hip area but I’ve read that’s from cutting all the nerves. Luckily I have a spouse who has been able to help me until I was able to care for myself ay home (showering, cooking, laundry) etc. He will continue to do most housework for quite a while. I would not have been able to go home alone for 2-3 weeks I don’t think and some things would still be hard.
I was in pretty good shape prior to surgery as I did core work and stretching and walked 3 miles a day (unless back was flared up) which has probably helped my recovery. I have none of the pain I had previously.
I have been so impressed by everything at Mayo in Rochester. I am glad I held out having surgery till I could have it done there. I can’t give any long term updates yet but so far I am glad I did it now and am optimistic I will have many more years of enjoying my hobbies (golf, kayaking, hiking, biking, racquetball, travel, gardening) and grandchildren.