Results of surgery from T1 to pelvis scoliosis

How old ru ? U said ur not sure ?
I’m 76 and seeing my scoliosis doctor In 2weeks to discuss surgery. I’m trying to find out who had the scoliosis surgery my age and how is the recovery. But so far no one has answered my question.

Hi @franpat1950 and @francine498

I had T4 to Pelvis fusion along with SI joint fusion for my severe scoliosis. The first surgery (anterior- ALIF) on 12/30/2025 and the posterior surgery on 1/2/2026. I am 65 years old. No other exacerbating health issues….pretty active….but the scoliosis had worsened to where I felt my insides “squashed” and got out of breath quicker and could feel my right lower rib bone bounce off my hip bone when trying to jog. The worst thing was the nerve pain. I would get this searing pain from my left back & through my left pelvis and down my left leg to the extent of which I could not sit for more than 5-10 minutes without squirming, yet could not stand in a grocery store line without wanting to sit after a few minutes or give up and leave. Sleep each night was a matter of turning over from back to side to back to other side every 20-30 minutes. I knew it would only get worse with age.
I am now 6 months post-surgery. I am not gonna’ lie. The 1st 6 weeks were pretty miserable with my lower back, then the next 8 weeks were very uncomfortable for my upper back (like mid spine & radiating through my shoulder blades). The best relief I got was walking as much as possible, sleeping in a recliner for the first 6 weeks, being able to rest in the recliner & take naps in between my walks, and taking lower doses of Oxy, muscle relaxers, & 300 mg Gabapentin. Weaned off all but Gabapentin by 3 months & off the Gabapentin at 4 months. Physical therapy is the best thing ever…I go twice per week & do home stretching & assigned exercises 5 times per week.

My back can be frustrating….always has a “pins & needles” feeling for now and feels like a 2x6 board down my back. I use a grabber tool to pick stuff up off the floor because I cannot squat low enough yet…and I use a sock aid & extra long shoe horn to put on shoes & socks.
Other than that, I can breathe soooo much easier, that searing awful nerve pain is gone, & I think I am a total of 2 inches taller (according to my best friend’s measurements of before & after), so I actually look rather “normal” ….lol!!!… and my clothes fit! That is even nice for a 65 year old!
I know I still have a long way to go …a year for general recovery & 2 years for full recovery, but I feel like I’ve given my life a chance at better quality & more active living. Had my surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Dr. Sebastian specializes in spinal deformities, and he also works with a team of doctors….vascular surgeons and those who do nerve monitoring during the surgeries. Best post-surgical hospital care afterwards….far more encouraging & attentive than any hospital I’ve ever seen….and I can say that as a former med-surg nurse. So, anyway….best of luck….feel free to ask any further questions….and “enjoy” my before & after pics.
You’d best feel very confident in your surgeon….go for someplace that has a world-renowned reputation…..and that is why I went to Mayo (although I know there are some other great hospitals & surgeons, too,)

@elainep I see..It sounds awful
...now I'm super scared

@francine498 i feel like postponing it

Hi @franpat1950 and @francine498

I had T4 to Pelvis fusion along with SI joint fusion for my severe scoliosis. The first surgery (anterior- ALIF) on 12/30/2025 and the posterior surgery on 1/2/2026. I am 65 years old. No other exacerbating health issues….pretty active….but the scoliosis had worsened to where I felt my insides “squashed” and got out of breath quicker and could feel my right lower rib bone bounce off my hip bone when trying to jog. The worst thing was the nerve pain. I would get this searing pain from my left back & through my left pelvis and down my left leg to the extent of which I could not sit for more than 5-10 minutes without squirming, yet could not stand in a grocery store line without wanting to sit after a few minutes or give up and leave. Sleep each night was a matter of turning over from back to side to back to other side every 20-30 minutes. I knew it would only get worse with age.
I am now 6 months post-surgery. I am not gonna’ lie. The 1st 6 weeks were pretty miserable with my lower back, then the next 8 weeks were very uncomfortable for my upper back (like mid spine & radiating through my shoulder blades). The best relief I got was walking as much as possible, sleeping in a recliner for the first 6 weeks, being able to rest in the recliner & take naps in between my walks, and taking lower doses of Oxy, muscle relaxers, & 300 mg Gabapentin. Weaned off all but Gabapentin by 3 months & off the Gabapentin at 4 months. Physical therapy is the best thing ever…I go twice per week & do home stretching & assigned exercises 5 times per week.

My back can be frustrating….always has a “pins & needles” feeling for now and feels like a 2x6 board down my back. I use a grabber tool to pick stuff up off the floor because I cannot squat low enough yet…and I use a sock aid & extra long shoe horn to put on shoes & socks.
Other than that, I can breathe soooo much easier, that searing awful nerve pain is gone, & I think I am a total of 2 inches taller (according to my best friend’s measurements of before & after), so I actually look rather “normal” ….lol!!!… and my clothes fit! That is even nice for a 65 year old!
I know I still have a long way to go …a year for general recovery & 2 years for full recovery, but I feel like I’ve given my life a chance at better quality & more active living. Had my surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Dr. Sebastian specializes in spinal deformities, and he also works with a team of doctors….vascular surgeons and those who do nerve monitoring during the surgeries. Best post-surgical hospital care afterwards….far more encouraging & attentive than any hospital I’ve ever seen….and I can say that as a former med-surg nurse. So, anyway….best of luck….feel free to ask any further questions….and “enjoy” my before & after pics.
You’d best feel very confident in your surgeon….go for someplace that has a world-renowned reputation…..and that is why I went to Mayo (although I know there are some other great hospitals & surgeons, too,)