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Being patient after back fusion from T-10 to my pelvis
I had a back fusion from T-10 to my pelvis on June 9th. I'm doing pretty well with that, but depression has set in and it's a long recovery. I had a degenerative spine which caused a scoliosis and also had stenosis and other problems. Now I have screws and rods in me. I have to be very careful because my bones are very soft. I wear a brace, but can't bend, twist, or lift any thing over 7 pounds. I was in the hospital for seven days because I had low blood pressure where I would almost pass out. They did find out why and it was one of the meds. I also had to have a red cell blood infusion. I have to inject myself everyday with Lymlos, which is to increase my bones. It doesn't hurt because it's a very small needle into my stomach.
I have been having depression. The only vacation we have is going to Mayo at Rochester MN, a 31/2 drive, which has been hard on my back. I also have anxiety, which upsets my husband. He's almost 70 and works full time down in our basement for Wells Fargo on there security. He is very smart and wouldn't be happy not working, but cuts down on fun things we could be doing. This recovery has been hard and I need patience and prayers. I do get out and walk, which is required. But only a short ways, several times a day. It's a long recovery and be prepared if you have it, but please have it if it is needed. I am in less pain now than I was before the surgery. Take care my friends.
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@htolan Thanks so much for the details! My surgeon at Jax Mayo knows my situation. I live in a rural small town in north Florida near Tallahassee. He's already said he'd have me stay at rehab at Jax for at least a week after a week in the hospital at Mayo. So, that is definitely a plus. Its the coming home with 3 dogs to care for that is the challenge, that and wondering whether the results will be worth it. You know, the devil I know v. the devil I don't know yet. I don't have children either so I can't guilt them into helping! Mayo has also told me that my surgery would be at least 7 hours. It's a hard decision. And, I want to make sure the best surgeon is doing the work. Thanks again for your information. Very helpful.
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1 Reaction@jenniferhunter Thanks, Jennifer! My surgeon at Mayo Jax is Dr. Abode and I have full confidence in him and hear he is one of the best so I am lucky in that regard. And, I'm so glad to hear about other excellent spine surgeons. Since I am in north Florida, Mayo Jax seems to be the best option for me unless I hear someone somewhere has developed a brand new way to fix my spine without having to fuse it!!
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1 Reaction@htolan One more question please: before you had the surgery, what were your symptoms? My main issue is that I cannot walk far without using a grocery cart or something or I'm all hunched over. I'm not in pain all the time so I think that is preventing me from rushing ahead and having the surgery. But not being able to walk far has limited what I can do, like travel or walk my dogs. Thank you
@bassetmom I was in pain. I had developed scoliosis and used a walker. I had great pain because I had flat back. With the walker, I could walk pretty well. I don’t know how you would walk dogs with a walker.
I quit having dogs a few years ago because I am a fall risk.
Good luck.
@htolan I can't walk dogs regardless and with the weather down here, there's not many months when it's tolerable. I have had scoliosis since I was a teen. Ruptured a disc in my lower lumbar when I was 18 so had that surgery but no metal was needed. Now they say I have flat back along with my scoliosis. I'm ok as long as I'm sitting. Hard decision. Thanks so much for your information.
I have had four spinal fusions most recently from C1 to T7 so I know what you’re dealing with. I also am in less pain postop so I’m happy that it was successful in that way.. don’t worry about having time to do fun things together that will come as you get better you’ll be able to do more and more. Good luck with the rest of your recovery and hang in there it gets better as each week passes.
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2 Reactions@lisalucier
Hello
I am recovering from a 3-level lumbar fusion. Post surgical pain is less than what I suffered going in to surgery.
I have found:
-Pain meds of your choice;
-Try to find a sleep posture that works for you; and vary it as needed through the night;
-I sleep on a high quality mattress; but it seems my new sofa with pure latex cushions allow more compliance with my body;
-My Surgeon’s advice to me…walk frequently, don’t over do it, rest as needed;
Everyone’s situation differs; I needed instrumentation to restore spine alignment and relieve pain. Go slowly!
Be optimistic. Think positive thoughts! Things will improve!
Best—
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3 ReactionsI am facing the exact same fusion of T10-S1 in the near future so this is very helpful! I was told by the surgeon that total recovery takes about a year. Dr Justin Smith at UVA will perform the operation, and according to research on the internet he is supposed to be one of the 18 best neurosurgeons in the US. He was partially trained at Mayo. I am holding off until the pain gets too bad to bear because I can still walk about 100 ft before the sciatica sets in, and can therefore function OK around the house.
When I had a laminectomy 10 years ago in WA, they had a great pre- and post- operation orientation program so you knew what to expect. Every hospital should have that! But that surgery caused my left leg to become numb, which most of it still is, so that was not exactly a success! They also told me I would need more extensive surgery 10 years later which is the point I am at now.
Based on the last experience I am familiar with long recoveries and am definitely not looking forward to more surgery.
I do hope it will have been worth it for you and would love to hear about your future recovery.
I am 77.
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3 Reactions@htolan
Hang in there, recovery can be long, but the body takes time to heal especially after all you have been through. Good luck!
Thank you for the air mattress idea, I didn’t think about that. I will give it a try.
Best to you.
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1 ReactionGood morning. Exactly how many levels did you have fused?