Questions for anyone who has had a full spinal fusion

. I am scheduled for a two‑day spine surgery at Baylor in Houston. My surgeon, Dr. Roper, will be removing all of my existing hardware and perform a full spinal fusion from C2 all the way down to L5. My pain now is unbearableIt’s a major surgery, and I know the recovery will be long, but it’s necessary. I’m ready to get this done so I can move forward with my life. I’ll post more details as I get them. Thank you to everyone who has been supporting me — it truly means a lot.Obviously I'm very anxious1 How was recovery2 How do you handle picking things off floor3 How long was you in ReHab4 After all these would you do it again

Sophie, I'll keep you in prayer. What's the date of your surgery? I'm 79 yrs. old and had a spinal fusion in March 2026 to correct scoliosis from birth. No issues until about 1-1/2 yrs ago. My surgery scar is from the shoulder blade to the bottom of spine which is now permanently fused to pelvic bone. Your surgery is more extensive. Doctor stated full recovery will be 2 years. My goal is to return to daily 4-mile walk by the time I reach 2 years. Since bending over is no longer an option for me, I use "grabbers" and keep them in several different areas at home. They come in 2 lengths. They usually do the trick but thin objects that fall on the floor can be difficult to pick up and it's a matter of trial and error (multiple times) with this type of item. Heavy or bulky items can also be somewhat difficult because the grabbers aren't made for this purpose. I find the most difficult thing to do each day is putting on socks. I use both a grabber and a dress tool to spread the socks apart to allow my foot to go into the sock. Even this is difficult on some days. I learned this past weekend that I can no longer buckle shoes because I can't twist to bend over enough to get the buckle attached. An aunt suggested taking buckle shoes to the shoe repair for transition to elastic or velcro straps. I've tried tying shoelaces and can fumble enough to get the job done but it's awkward at best. My guess is that you'll experience difficulty going to the bathroom. I was in rehab for 45 days and required someone to clean me because I couldn't reach to take care of myself. I also was wearing a hard shell brace 24/7 that required someone to assist me after going to the bathroom. About the 40th day in rehab (45 days total), I was able to awkwardly do the job myself and no longer require assistance. This experience in rehab was humbling because it required strangers (men and women) to help with this very personal task.

Bending, lifting, twisting (BLT) were no nos during early recovery. No BLT is still the case because mobility issues are now a lifetime consequence of extensive spine surgery. Speaking of consequence, there are consequences if a person chooses not to have surgery; and, there are consequences for having the surgery. I think it all comes down to which consequences we choose to live with. I'd rather have mobility limitations the rest of my life than be crippled and in pain. Most days are more or less "normal" although it's now a new definition of normal.

I don't know whether or not you had any mental/emotional fall out to deal with after your 1st surgery, but I certainly did. I've overcome the mental funk, but it took a while before feeling like myself again. So, be prepared to know what steps you can take to overcome depression in case it happens. I live alone and didn't have anybody to rely on to help me which didn't help with the sadness, loneliness, and feeling of isolation.

BTW: I only became confident enough to start driving in late July. Working up the courage to drive on the highway. You likely won't be able to turn your head left or right to view any oncoming cars if you want to change lanes. I have to rely on my rearview mirrors to judge if it's safe to change lanes.

If there's anything you want to ask, I'm happy to help in any way I can. Going through this recovery journey and using this chat forum can help others to know they are not alone.

Get a grabber, stick with tongs on the end for grabbing stuff that falls.
Good luck I will pray for you and you are a warrior. Medical supply store or perhaps a pharmacy.
Good luck with surgery and you are a warrior too!!

Sophie, I'll keep you in prayer. What's the date of your surgery? I'm 79 yrs. old and had a spinal fusion in March 2026 to correct scoliosis from birth. No issues until about 1-1/2 yrs ago. My surgery scar is from the shoulder blade to the bottom of spine which is now permanently fused to pelvic bone. Your surgery is more extensive. Doctor stated full recovery will be 2 years. My goal is to return to daily 4-mile walk by the time I reach 2 years. Since bending over is no longer an option for me, I use "grabbers" and keep them in several different areas at home. They come in 2 lengths. They usually do the trick but thin objects that fall on the floor can be difficult to pick up and it's a matter of trial and error (multiple times) with this type of item. Heavy or bulky items can also be somewhat difficult because the grabbers aren't made for this purpose. I find the most difficult thing to do each day is putting on socks. I use both a grabber and a dress tool to spread the socks apart to allow my foot to go into the sock. Even this is difficult on some days. I learned this past weekend that I can no longer buckle shoes because I can't twist to bend over enough to get the buckle attached. An aunt suggested taking buckle shoes to the shoe repair for transition to elastic or velcro straps. I've tried tying shoelaces and can fumble enough to get the job done but it's awkward at best. My guess is that you'll experience difficulty going to the bathroom. I was in rehab for 45 days and required someone to clean me because I couldn't reach to take care of myself. I also was wearing a hard shell brace 24/7 that required someone to assist me after going to the bathroom. About the 40th day in rehab (45 days total), I was able to awkwardly do the job myself and no longer require assistance. This experience in rehab was humbling because it required strangers (men and women) to help with this very personal task.

Bending, lifting, twisting (BLT) were no nos during early recovery. No BLT is still the case because mobility issues are now a lifetime consequence of extensive spine surgery. Speaking of consequence, there are consequences if a person chooses not to have surgery; and, there are consequences for having the surgery. I think it all comes down to which consequences we choose to live with. I'd rather have mobility limitations the rest of my life than be crippled and in pain. Most days are more or less "normal" although it's now a new definition of normal.

I don't know whether or not you had any mental/emotional fall out to deal with after your 1st surgery, but I certainly did. I've overcome the mental funk, but it took a while before feeling like myself again. So, be prepared to know what steps you can take to overcome depression in case it happens. I live alone and didn't have anybody to rely on to help me which didn't help with the sadness, loneliness, and feeling of isolation.

BTW: I only became confident enough to start driving in late July. Working up the courage to drive on the highway. You likely won't be able to turn your head left or right to view any oncoming cars if you want to change lanes. I have to rely on my rearview mirrors to judge if it's safe to change lanes.

If there's anything you want to ask, I'm happy to help in any way I can. Going through this recovery journey and using this chat forum can help others to know they are not alone.

Get a grabber, stick with tongs on the end for grabbing stuff that falls.
Good luck I will pray for you and you are a warrior. Medical supply store or perhaps a pharmacy.
Good luck with surgery and you are a warrior too!!

Hi,
Spinal fusion strongly recommended for my husband - from L1 down into pelvis.
We have little info as to what to expect. Can you help? Also success stories would be good as alternatives are not on the horizon.

He had a burst L3 two years ago and has had to have several surgeries since. The last was a sinovial cyst in S1/L5 area pressing on his nerves that caused painful sciatica. It had to be removed - then 3 months later grew back 400% due to too much pressure.
So we are told he now needs a full on fusion into his pelvis (into sacrum won't work, bone too soft.) We really like his highly respected surgeon.