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Proposed Spinal Fusion T-10 to pelvis

Posted by bassetmom @bassetmom, Mar 20 6:39am

Surgeon at Mayo says he can help me with a spinal fusion of T-10 to the pelvis, a long 7+ hour surgery. I have seen other surgeon elsewhere, orthopedic and neurosurgeons, who advised against surgery saying not to have it unless the pain I am currently experiencing makes me want to die. I am not really having pain, per se, rather, I cannot walk very far at all. This is limiting my retirement plan to travel and I cannot walk my dogs. So I am debating whether to have this surgery. I was also told that this surgery has a 30% morbidity rate, i.e. additional medical issues in the future due to the surgery. I wondered if anyone else has had this extensive a fusion at Mayo and what their experience was. I am a 71 year old female.

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aoidhne | @aoidhne | Mar 23 8:13pm
In reply to @bassetmom "@aoidhne I cannot believe professionals spoke to you that way. If you think your back is..." + (show)
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@aoidhne I cannot believe professionals spoke to you that way. If you think your back is "garbage," fine. But that's not professional for them to say that. I have referred to my spine as "a train wreck" but no one says anything about that. I would suggest you get a consult at Mayo or some other well-ranked hospital. I've used US News and World Report and looked under the particular illness to find a top doctor in that area and not too far from my location. So far, I have been very pleased with my method of finding good surgeons/specialists. Think positive. Dont swell on your experience with those very unprofessional medical people. And yes, the surgeon should have mentioned those things but they get busy so best to take a list with you and ask

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@bassetmom Thank you so much for your encouragement. I am surprised at how much I was affected and I guess it partly feeling worn and discouraged already that those comments bruised. So wonderful to see your response. Thank you again. And I will definitely seek Mayo second opinion. Also really like your research approach. Thanks for that! Too

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jwgard | @jwgard | Mar 24 8:51am

I completed n online referral to Mayo. They called within a few days and give you information on how to send all medical records. Then a team reviews your records. If they accept you as a patient you get another phone call. If you are denied you get a letter but no explanation of why they won’t take you. Fortunately I was accepted.

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bassetmom | @bassetmom | Mar 24 9:50am
In reply to @jwgard "I completed n online referral to Mayo. They called within a few days and give you..." + (show)
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I completed n online referral to Mayo. They called within a few days and give you information on how to send all medical records. Then a team reviews your records. If they accept you as a patient you get another phone call. If you are denied you get a letter but no explanation of why they won’t take you. Fortunately I was accepted.

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@jwgard GREAT! Start making your list of questions.

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jwgard | @jwgard | Mar 25 8:09am

That was how I got into Mayo but that was a year ago. Had my surgery in February and excited to have my 6 week follow up X-rays March 30th and hopefully start PT. I feel like I’m doing well and my husband thinks I’m doing great! He’s probably the better judge😂

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Mar 25 4:27pm
In reply to @cjboo "Following" + (show)
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Following

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@cjboo, welcome. Are you considering spinal fusion?

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LizzieB | @cruncher | Mar 28 1:08pm
In reply to @karenoharmon "I was super pleased with my neurosurgeon - Dr. Abode at Mayo in Jacksonville. Having my..." + (show)
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I was super pleased with my neurosurgeon - Dr. Abode at Mayo in Jacksonville. Having my husband to be my caregiver was instrumental in my recovery. I could not get myself into and out of bed for the first 4 weeks. The surgery - anesthesia part was the hardest part for me. I struggled with anemia and low bp that limited pt while in the hospital. Our friends provided meals for us the first 6 weeks and that was the sweetest thing! This forum is a wealth of support!

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@karenoharmon Thanks for sharing about Dr. Abode! So glad you are happy with him. I am scheduled for T2 to Pelvis fusion on April 14th with him.

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bassetmom | @bassetmom | 6 days ago

Yes! I did a lot of research and learned he is one of the best on spinal deformities. T2 to pelvis. That's a lot! One of my biggest hesitations is figuring out how to handle life at home afterwards as I live alone, have dogs, etc. And the horror stories that some people have had but to my knowledge, they did not have Dr. Abode.

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bassetmom | @bassetmom | 6 days ago
In reply to @cruncher "@karenoharmon Thanks for sharing about Dr. Abode! So glad you are happy with him. I am..." + (show)
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@karenoharmon Thanks for sharing about Dr. Abode! So glad you are happy with him. I am scheduled for T2 to Pelvis fusion on April 14th with him.

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@cruncher do let me know how it all goes!

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LizzieB | @cruncher | 1 day ago
In reply to @bassetmom "Yes! I did a lot of research and learned he is one of the best on..." + (show)
Profile picture for bassetmom @bassetmom

Yes! I did a lot of research and learned he is one of the best on spinal deformities. T2 to pelvis. That's a lot! One of my biggest hesitations is figuring out how to handle life at home afterwards as I live alone, have dogs, etc. And the horror stories that some people have had but to my knowledge, they did not have Dr. Abode.

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@bassetmom Thanks for the feedback. I'm keeping the horror stories out of my mind and I'm focusing on a positive outcome.

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