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I had spinal surgery T11 thru S1 has anyone had this major surgery?
My name is Catherine and I am 69 years old. I was having problems with my back for over 25 years. I finally gave in and got surgery, however, I think I waited too long and as an result the surgery was extensive. I had to have surgery from T11 thru S1, that was major. My surgery was Aprl 25, 2024, and my doctor said it would take a year to recover. However, I am not sure if I will be able to be functionally again. I cannot twist, turn or bend. I can twist if I turn my entire body around and I can turn if I turn my entire body around. As for bending that's definitely out of the question. I don't mean to jump the gun but I am concerned about my recovery period or if I will ever recovery to the point where I can use my body the way I did when I didn't have the surgery. I need support and [people to talk to who has similiar experiences. Because, I feeling alone and I am becoming depressed. Please reach out.
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Thank you for the information it gives me hope. I wish you all the best with your recovery period.
Thank you. I wish you all the best also
Thank you so much for caring. You know the dr's really do not tell you about the long term issues that may happen. As you know, my surgery was 4/25/24, so its hasn't been a year yet. But I can tell from my healing process that it will be more then a year, I don't know how long but I am certain it's more then a year. You are not scaring me I really needed to hear that because the truth is reassuring for me. Not knowing just makes the process worst. Thank you so much for caring and sharing. I wish you all the best with your recovery.
Thank you so much for your concern and truth. I feel the truth is better to handle then not knowing. You are right about the problem getting worst. My reason for surgery was because the problem was extremely bad and if I had not got surgery I would have loss the ability to walk. The pain that I was experiencing for excruciating and know all the pain it gone. I am grateful and blessed for that. However, I will patient and know that my life will be different and the healing process with be longer then a year. I will have to adjust and move and do things differently now because I don't want to have to repeat that surgery. Thank you so much for your honesty.
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2 Reactions@heavens12 You're welcome. You will find your way and an inner strength in being one who has overcome a big spine issue. That is a big mountain to climb, so to speak, but it is a victory. Sometimes that victory comes in smaller pieces. Celebrate those when you can with gratitude. That will help you heal both physically and spiritually.
Catherine please know that you are not alone. I can only imagine how you must feel. I will keep you in my prayers.
My husband had pain in his lower back for years also his leg then one day he woke up with his right leg completely paralyzed. We saw a Dr. said he needed surgery right away (Laminectomy Foraminotomies with Microscope (T11 & 12). When he left the hospital he had nothing but pain from the top of his hips through the groin down his legs and feet he did therapy they gave him all sorts of pills, pain killers and opioids. Nothing helped after a year he went back they said they needed to to the same operation but on L4 through S1 now the pain is from his knees down on both legs. He can stand for a while and sit but for him to walk well that's a different story. Now we are back to square one trying to figure out what we can do for him to have some type of normal life. No one should have to live in constant pain and on top of everything this 2nd operation he got a Drop Foot. Catherine stay positive and I will pray for you.
I had the same surgery on January 19th of ‘24. T11 thru S1. I’m 70. I had this done at the University of Iowa. The surgeon is one of the finest in the Midwest. I was told the recovery time would be at least one year or more. My biggest issue is lower body strength. I have a difficult time walking without using a cane. I do physical therapy along with daily stretching and I have improved, but, this is going to be a long road. Just keep working hard. That’s our only choice. I’ll be happy if I can get back to 80%. Hang in there.
I had all lumbar discs and some S ones, too. It takes a long time for nerves etc. to heal. My surgery was 2005 and it relieved some of the pain. I was able to walk and perform light duties afterward. Don't overdo it and follow Dr's advice. The recovery for extensive disk surgery I had seven, is different than 1 disk. The reason surgeons don't predict the outcome is because every recovery is different. After 7 joint replacements in seven areas of my body each was different. Some turned out better than others. By this time, you probably have endured a lot of pain and the choices we face are less than ideal, I have battled DDD, stenosis, scoliosis and almost anything else for 24 years. My friend who has RA and I with OA always say, you don't make the decision, the pain does. Hope your outcome is great!
hey… I am an Iowa girl and active in my ISU alum club here in the DC area. Appreciate your sharing your journey. I considered coming home to Iowa to be near my son but decided to be here is best.
May I ask who your surgeon was/is? Tam
Dr. Pugley. I was referred to him by my surgeon who performed my first fusion in 2005. My first surgery was a fairly common L4,5, S1. Two small rods and 5 screws. Recovery was maybe 6 weeks before I was moving fairly well. Healing time still takes a year before everything is locked in good.