Let's hear the positive outcomes from anyone who had spine surgery

Posted by sherrym25 @sherrym25, Dec 30, 2025

Hey everyone, I know we have several people scheduled for spine surgeries in January.
Looking to hear how each of you are doing and what your current situation is. So many people are in this group and it’s so easy to get lost unless we keep up with what is going on with you.
I am one year post op T11-L4 fusion at the Phoenix Mayo Clinic for a 40 degrees scoliosis curve.

I recently read a statement someone made on a Facebook spine surgery page from a person answering a question. The question was, why don’t we hear positive results from surgery. The other person answered and said because those who have positive results have moved on and are living their lives. I really believe this is true. My surgery was amazingly positive, but I still feel the need to hang in here and cheer others on. I hope those of you who have positive results will do the same in the future.
We are all here for you.❤️🙏
Sherry

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Spine Health Support Group.

My first experience with a back issue began in 1993 with partially herniated discs in L3-L-5 and I spent 5 months on bed rest until it healed enough to resume some normal activities. My orthopedic doctor at the time believed that surgery was a last resort. The issue recurred in 1998 and after a month of bed rest and two cortisone injections, I told him that it was time to discuss the surgery options. A few weeks later I had an L3-L-5 laminectomy and although it bothers me from time to time, it doesn't last more than a few days. I'm 73 now and I'm very happy with the results of my surgery. My limitations are age and PMR related. My doctor retired years ago and although I have more than a few cervical spine issues these days, I remember his reluctance to perform surgery and so I will save it for a last resort.

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Profile picture for loriesco @loriesco

@dit09 ucsd the Spine orthopedics department. I also have a ton of arthritis and I’m sorry to say I can’t recommend the arthritis doctors and I’m sorry to say I can’t recommend the neuropathy department. But I definitely can recommend the orthopedic spine doctors. And everybody that I speak to has had a genuinely great experience with them as well. They take their job seriously and they are training the next generation of doctors. It’s not always perfect and people don’t understand that it’s an art form as much as it is a science.

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@loriesco I also live close to UCSD and am looking for the best orthopedic spine doctor. Could you share the one or ones you recommend? It would be so helpful. Thanks so much

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Profile picture for susiesmith @susiesmith

@loriesco I also live close to UCSD and am looking for the best orthopedic spine doctor. Could you share the one or ones you recommend? It would be so helpful. Thanks so much

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@susiesmith, you'll notice that I removed your personal email. Connect is a public forum. We recommend sharing personal contact information using the secure private message function. I might also add that by sharing here in the forum, you are connecting with several people where all can benefit from group support.

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Profile picture for susiesmith @susiesmith

@loriesco I also live close to UCSD and am looking for the best orthopedic spine doctor. Could you share the one or ones you recommend? It would be so helpful. Thanks so much

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Justin ... but I don't want to share in public! (then I will have to wait even LONGER for my visits! 😉 (naw, I shared!)

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