Spinal fusion w/pelvic fixation (T-3-pelvis), having trouble. Ideas?

Yes, I would like to know, too, how old you are? I am 71. And, where did you have your surgery and the surgeon? I'm on the fence about spinal fusion from T-10 to my pelvis. Several neurosurgeons say don't do it unless you are having a lot of pain, so much so you'd rather die. I really do not have pain, per se, I just am no longer able to walk any distance without a grocery cart, etc. And I heard that the morbidity rate is 30% (not mortality, morbidity) so that was discouraging. Thanks.

@richstein52 60👵

@bassetmom 68M here and I have committed to T10-Pelvis, to be done after 1/1/27 (I'll be 69 by then). I simply don't want to live like this... I am so restricted that it is getting in the way of everything I want to do.

@kennys1957 are you in pain or are you like me, you just cannot walk far or stand for long? And, if you don't mind my asking, who is your surgeon and where are you having it done? thanks.

It's both... standing is the worst, and walking is not much better. For the most part, if I am at rest, I am not in much pain. My big concern is how quickly the problems are advancing. I am in Phoenix and am working with Dr Turner here at Barrow Brain & Spine,

I sympathize with your trouble and am sure you are going to do well. I was wondering if anyone has had successful outcomes from a longer fusion (t-6 to pelvis ) and that indeed improved quality of life. And that they felt they got their life back ,after such a long fusion .I feel ground down from constant pain and numbness in my legs. I'm sure recovery is going to be a marathon I would just like to hear a positive account. Thanks

I'm having a pelvis to T3 fusion next week and am afraid of the 2 day surgery and that it won't work. I currently have scoliosis in my lower back and neck and terrible sciatica. Neurosurgeon is confident he can help me but I'm scared

@kennys1957 I’m hoping for surgery as you in the near future. Standing and walking any distance is not possible anymore. Numbness in lower legs but the worst is the pain around my midriff and lower belly is the worst. It’s like someone has a wire around me and is twisting it tighter and tighter. I do exercises every other day for my back in bed and also flossing exercises daily (these help to keep the nerve loose) which does help. If this surgery doesn’t give me relief from pain I’m going for MAID! Will keep updating.

I know this fear and this pain so well! I'm so sorry you guys are walking through this! Tues I will be 9 months post op. I turned 60 this year and prior to surgery the pain was getting the best of me. I could not walk more than a mile without having to stop. Standing for lengths of time was getting difficult. Sitting for any length of time and I could not sit still. Sleeping through the night had not happened for a couple of years~. Chronic pain was the constant. It was eating away my life. So surgery was the option I chose after trying every other conservative treatment. I knew it was going to be a doozy, but I didn't plan for a year of recovery. Get that through your mind that you are going to be recovering for a full year. That means put off any plans that you are going to rush through this, or pass Go and collect $200 before a year is up. I know we all read about the people returning to their pre-surgery routines of lifting, running, dancing, climbing mountains, etc. - those are nice and wonderful to think of, but I think that ended up sabotaging my need to rest, recover and plan for the light recovery my body needed. I pressed too hard too soon and that is not what my body needed. Strengthen lightly, walk conservatively, and protect the fusion at all costs. Switching to this plan has felt better mind, body, and spirit. This is going to be a long year. Get through your brain and allow for it to be a year of healing. 365 days of you caring for yourself in such a way that you heal in ways you had not imagined. My surgeon was wonderful, but did not convey this idea to me. I wish he had. I wish the mental aspect of this process would have been tended to as much as the fusion part. Or even the pain part. This is the area I would stress more. All that to say, if you move forward with the surgery, prepare your mind for a year of recovery. This surgery is a mind, body and spirit experience. Wish you all the best.

@skg1160 I am also scheduled for T3 to pelvis surgery and would love to hear about your journey to what I'm sure will challenging but successful recovery! Thinking about you!