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Being patient after back fusion from T-10 to my pelvis

Posted by lilypaws @lilypaws, Jul 31, 2020

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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luann505 | @luann505 | May 14 10:05pm
In reply to @nlback22 "@luann505 Hello Luann, I had a T10 to Pelvis surgery 1 year ago. It sounds like..." + (show)
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@luann505
Hello Luann,
I had a T10 to Pelvis surgery 1 year ago. It sounds like you have taken all the right steps.

If you haven't already try using heat on your back before going to bed.
I take magnesium glycinate before going to bed. It is suppose to help you sleep. See the attached link to a Mayo article.
https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/living-well/magnesium-for-sleep-what-you-need-to-know-about-its-benefits/
I also apply "Wise Men" Healing Balm to my back. I am not certain how much it helps but I continue to use it. ( It's available on Amazon)

May you find some relief.🙏

Nadine

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@nlback22
Nadine,
Thank you for the suggestions, I will definitely purchase and try them. Also, I appreciate the article, I’m anxious to read it.

Wishing you good health!

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luann505 | @luann505 | May 14 10:10pm
In reply to @lisalucier "Hi, @luann505 - I moved your post here so you could chat with others who have..." + (show)
Profile picture for Lisa Lucier, Moderator @lisalucier

Hi, @luann505 - I moved your post here so you could chat with others who have talked about a similar surgery, T10-pelvis:

- Being patient after back fusion from T-10 to my pelvis https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/being-patient-after-a-big-and-long-surgery/

Hoping that other members in this discussion will have ideas for you on how to improve your sleep after this surgery. Please meet, if you've not already, @migizii @babette @wisco50. @jenniferhunter also may have some thoughts for you.

So, if I understand you correctly, you are sleeping through the night, but awakening with considerable lumbar pain that lasts for some time, and you are hoping to sleep through the night and also awaken pain-free?

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@lisalucier
Hi Lisa,

Thank you for moving my post. I have difficulty falling asleep because of pain, but the pain upon waking is significant. I haven’t been pain free in over 35 years, so that would be an unrealistic expectation, but pray for manageable pain.

Thanks again Lisa, others have responded with suggestions!

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luann505 | @luann505 | May 14 10:27pm
In reply to @jbr "I am facing the exact same fusion of T10-S1 in the near future so this is..." + (show)
Profile picture for jbr @jbr

I 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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@jbr
Best of luck with surgery and recovery. Recovery is a long and difficult process mentally and physically. You will make it through and be better in that year’s time. Again, I wish you much luck!!

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luann505 | @luann505 | May 14 10:30pm
In reply to @koneil "Good morning. Exactly how many levels did you have fused?" + (show)
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Good morning. Exactly how many levels did you have fused?

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@koneil
Hello. I had 9 levels fused. It could be worse, but not a simple surgery or recovery.

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koneil | @koneil | May 15 1:32pm

Thanks. It seems as if no surgeon wants to do a complicated surgery as that. I went to see a neurosurgeon today, and she did want to see more imaging and a bone scan. She also said I would need spinal stenosis surgery on my cervical spine initially. Then after all the preoperative testing,she would plan surgery on my thorastic and lumbar spine. She said she thought she could help me. Those words made my day, or my year even. It will be a long process, but I am so ready. The proposed surgery would take about seven hours and over 6 months to heal. Maybe I can look forward to the retirement I have dreamed of.
Thanks for your post.

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