January 2026 spine surgeries - Let's hear the positive outcomes!

@sherrym25 I am in Phoenix at Mayo now I have my blood test EKG and other test tomorrow morning. If everything goes well,
Thanks for checking in. I’ll watch my email as I’m able to. I appreciate your . Thoughts 🙏🏻 prayers.

@rwdixon4 Bob, saying prayers that you are not anxious and that everything goes smoothly for you today!🙏
Sherry

@sherrym25 the more I read the more. I am sure that I will need all the prayers that I can get the pain is going to be severe.

Hello to all who are having upcoming spine surgery at Mayo and looking for positive stories. I suffered with severe spinal stenosis at multiple levels and I also so had extremely painful neurogenic claudication. I requested a specific surgeon at Mayo Clinic in Rochester and was fortunate to be accepted by Dr. Paul Huddlesto With so many levels effected he did not recommend rods but rather just a lumbar laminectomy. My surgery was successful! As soon as I got to my room my leg pain was totally gone and my back pain so much better! We are all different in how our bodies recover, but I was able to go home the next morning. I did have a friend I hired to stay with me for 3 weeks to care for me. Couldn't have done it alone. Because you do need help. For me the pain wasn't ever that bad during recovery, but the restrictions on movements are many. I was able to shower by myself sitting on a seat and my friend outside the shower just in case I needed her. My surgeon had me up and walking every hours through my home using a 2 wheeled walker and standing straight. My family and friend were there to make sure I did it like clock work. The friend left after 3 weeks but I still needed to use 2 wheeled walker and different size grabbers for some time. You get used to it, and start to think of all you are accomplishing that you couldn't before. As for pain, my knee replacement was much more painful. Spine surgery was scarier and movement limiting for some time after but well worth it! I did use youtube to practice getting in and out of bed before surgery, and did light weights to build my strength up before surgery also. Good luck. And don't compare yourself to anyone else. It's your journey.

@rwdixon4 Yes but remember everyone is different and they process pain meds differently.
If you are in pain then you need to tell them that they need to up your dose or switch you to something else. I was rotated between dilaudid, fentanyl, morphine, and go figure, it was oxycodone that worked the best and for the longest period of time. My body processed the other drugs very quickly.
Also, make sure your pain is controlled by mid day for them to make changes because after day shift goes home, the on call night doctor usually won’t make any changes.
I believe you are going to do well.

@rwdixon4 Yes but remember everyone is different and they process pain meds differently.
If you are in pain then you need to tell them that they need to up your dose or switch you to something else. I was rotated between dilaudid, fentanyl, morphine, and go figure, it was oxycodone that worked the best and for the longest period of time. My body processed the other drugs very quickly.
Also, make sure your pain is controlled by mid day for them to make changes because after day shift goes home, the on call night doctor usually won’t make any changes.
I believe you are going to do well.

@sherrym25 thank you so much for your support unfortunately I just contacted Sutter health in Sacramento and I was told unless one of my surgeons in Phoenix license in California also will submit a order or request to dispatch a Home Health nurse or any support after surgery unless I can find a doctor licensed in California I won’t have any coverage at home ?

Sorry, I’m doing this on my phone and I’m not used to it. Hopefully, you understood what I tried to say. ?

On my way back over to Mayo for EKG

@sherrym25 I think I read I know I read this and your journal about the pain medication not working properly and having to try different ones.

I just don’t think I’m gonna have anybody. To try the first one much less changed to a different one.?
They was pretty clear that they can’t prescribe pain medication’s for me across borders!!!

@sherrym25 Thank you so much for this reminder and encouragement to share the positive results - or just update on what recovery is like. It was hard to find any information and this forum was the hope and help I needed.
I am Day 62 po from T-10 thru S1 due to scoliosis, 48 degree curve. It was my first surgery at the age of 59. My surgery was done in Jacksonville's Mayo with Dr. Adobe. I was in the hospital for 9 days and able to go home, though in patient rehab was suggested, but not necessary. I had wonderful support from my husband - which was absolutely needed. Overall, I have had an "amazingly positive" recovery, but have had to learn what that means in context. I am not sure I understood that I was having a major surgery. I spent a lot of time preparing for back surgery - I did squats and lunges; worked on my core; walked every day; lots of isometrics. About 4 weeks prior to surgery I was mindful about adding more protein and electrolytes. This is an area I wish I had spent a little more time and effort on. My recovery from surgery has been more challenging than the actual back surgery - if that makes sense. I have battled anemia and low blood pressure since the surgery. I think I am rounding the corner but it has been a lot of work to regain ground. I was discharged with low numbers with the hope that being home I would have a better appetite and food choices. In hindsight, I could have prepared better by being more intentional with my diet that would have helped me manage the impact of anesthesia. I should have been a little more proactive while in the hospital about why these numbers were so low, as this limited the physical therapy and occupational therapy that I received while in the hospital.
I am excited to see how healing continues. The pain that led to my surgery is nonexistent. I can sleep through the night without waking up in pain - and that's without any medication! I am still in recovery from this surgery, and this forum has helped me so much in knowing what's the next milestone I can anticipate, or is ? this normal?
@rwdixon4 praying for you as you make this journey apart of your story. Press in on those questions you have and make sure that you feel heard and supported. Wishing you the very best! Happy New Year and happy healing everyone!

@karenoharmon -
Karen, I am very limited on what I can do physically. I can walk more than about 50 yards before the pain and out of breath makes it too difficult to accomplish. I ride my recumbent bicycle each night but never push it REALLY HARD. I do what stretches I can do. I have lost weight and dialed in my diet. I do some isometrics. I still don’t feel like I’m doing enough.
Could you please give me more ideas of how to prepare for surgery?
Also, can you please give me a more specific description/details of your pain and limitations since surgery please.
Lastly, how long did it take until you could use the restroom alone, fix your meals, etc? Or can you yet?
My surgery, full spine fusion plus SI fusion is in 2.5 weeks. Like you, I want to go into it feeling like I prepared the best I could. Thank you.
Could