Spinal fusion with pelvic fixation (T-3 to pelvis).

Try MFR there’s a great section on it here. Try a couple different MFR therapist and find some good ones go a couple times a month. Your insurance will cover it. You might have to work with the political situation in place that is to get it all covered, but you will need attention for the rest of your life like I do. Good luck.

Here is the discussion that @loriesco recommended.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/

I'm looking for a hopefully positive opinion about the outcomes of others who have had T-3 to pelvis fusions . The challenges and the quality of life improvements (if any)

Hi, @richstein52 - You may notice that I moved your post and combined it with this existing discussion on spinal fusion, because I thought it might be beneficial for you to be introduced to members who have discussed the same:

- Spinal fusion with pelvic fixation (T-3 to pelvis) https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/spinal-fusion-with-pelvic-fixation-t-3-to-pelvis/

If you are replying by email, click on VIEW & REPLY so that you can read through some of the earlier messages and meet some of the other members talking about their or their or their loved ones' experiences.

Fellow members such as @allison49 @jenniferhunter @loriesco may have some input for you on a spinal fusion, including challenges and quality of life improvements, like you are describing, T-3 to pelvis. @dawnj and @mrmacabre also may have insights to share.

While awaiting their replies, you might check out this Mayo Clinic article on this spinal fusion:

- Spinal fusion https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/spinal-fusion/about/pac-20384523

richstein52 - was this a procedure your doctor recommended for you? Do you have any specific concerns in mind about challenges and quality of life?

@lisalucier I didn’t have a surgery that attaches my spine to my pelvis so I can’t speak to what @richstein52 is asking for advice on. However, I can say that both of my fusion is my cervical and my lumbar are 100% successful and I attribute that to having an amazing orthopedic surgeon so my biggest suggestion is to get multiple opinions more than two and Dan don’t have surgery unless you’re in love with your surgeon.

@lisalucier Hi Lisa ...yes it is what my neurosurgeon is recommending ...upper thoracic to pelvis (Dr. Alexander Tuchman, Cedars=Sinai Los Angeles) I am extremely interested in hearing about positive quality of life changes Of course I realize there will be huge challenges. I would like to know about some of the challenges too. Actually anything that could enlighten me about what I can expect would help. I am pretty terrified of this procedure.

Tagging a few other Mayo Clinic Connect members who've talked about pretty extensive fusion surgeries in other Connect discussions. These fellow members may also be able to share the challenges and the positives of a surgery similar to what you described, spinal fusion with pelvic fixation (T-3 to pelvis).

Please meet @jksawyers @nlback22 @morkat @sully101. They may know more about what you can expect and empathize with your feeling terrified. @cjboo @sherrym25 @karenoharmon and @rashida also may have thoughts to share with you about the surgery your neurosurgeon recommends.

@richstein52 what part of this surgery feels most terrifying right now?

Hi. I was wondering if your issues have resolved and hoping you're feeling much better. I am going to have a long fusion as well, and am concerned about the length of recovery and what I can expect. Thank you for any input

@richstein52 good morning! I feel like I had a mostly positive experience with a t10-s4 fusion. I am 8 months post-op and gained back my speed and ability to walk more than a mile without pain. I can also sleep through the night without pain! I really don't experience much pain at all. My challenges currently are: feeling the hardware when I sit down - doesn't hurt, just feels icky the first few seconds, and then I forget about it; I sleep best on my back, but long to be able to "waller" around in the bed. Again, that doesn't hurt, it's just not as comfortable to sleep on my sides or stomach like it was pre-surgery; skin sensitivity around my waist to the top of thighs. This means certain fabric textures really irritate me, or tightness of any kind. Again, not pain, just not liking the way it feels; I feel great most of the time. I have a tendency to pile up activities and push myself, which I've had to learn the meaning of self-care is not to press myself so hard and learn to take it easy when I first start feeling tired. One of the goals I had - even before the surgey - was to get back on my kayak or paddle board. Both the surgeon and the PT have discouraged me from doing that until we get the images at the year point. This is due to the impact of being hit with a wake, or falling and jerking my body in a way that could harm the fusion. So... I sit the summer out and patiently wait, believing my bones are being reknit together and I am working on strengthening my core, and building up my muscles around the fusion. I'm really glad I had the surgery because the pain had taken enough of my life! I hope this helps. Please reach out if you have specific questions!