Looking for success stories from T3-Pelvis fusions

I had T10-pelvis fusion with L4-L5 transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion and L5-S1 transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with S2AI screws for pelvic fixation. In short, I had spinal fusion surgery that took place on March 23, 2026. Yes, you're right it's a huge spine surgery (not just "back surgery") and recovery is challenging. I don't know that pre-surgery I actually realized the depth of mobility limitations of a spinal fusion. I'm 79 yrs old, female, and have always been active--running, hiking, biking, walking, gardening. I gave up running a few years ago due to knee issue. Giving up gardening nearly breaks my heart because, as you will find, bending over isn't possible anymore. However, I can still walk, and in a post-surgery meeting with doctor this week, I can continue to hike as long as it is a mild rated hiking experience. Full recovery from surgery is expected to take 2 years. By that time, my goal is to be able to complete a daily (pre-surgery) 4-mile walk. I recently began driving to grocery store, church, appointments. For now, I'm avoiding highway driving until I'm very confident about re-learning how to drive. You must learn to rely on rearview mirrors because of limitations in looking backwards for approaching cars. My neurosurgeon appointments are 40 minutes during good highway traffic, so I take an Uber or Lyft. I've been contemplating taking local streets instead of highway travel but not sure that I want to spend an hour or more to get to doc's office.

Just to let you know, immediately after surgery there's a lot of pain and walking to the bathroom is excruciating. Going to the bathroom is a humbling experience. You have to rely on someone else (male or female) to clean you because you cannot do it for yourself due to mobility issues. It took me 35 days before I could clumsily clean myself while in rehab. I was in a hard body brace that could only be taken off while lying flat in bed--it had to be on at ALL other times. There's a lot more but maybe this will somewhat prepare you for what's to come. In my opinion, people who call this "back surgery" are not fully comprehending the intensity of spinal fusion. After surgery, I was sent a questionnaire as to whether or not I was glad to have had the surgery. I couldn't answer with a simple yes or no. In my mind, there were consequences for having the surgery and consequences for not having the surgery. I had to decide which type of consequence I was willing to live with. Full disclosure, I was born with scoliosis and never had any problems until about 1-1/2 yrs. ago when my head, neck, and right shoulder began leaning to the left. I was experiencing difficulty in swallowing food and liquid and had pain in my right shoulder.

You will have OT and PT after surgery. Do what you can in these areas but don't push it. You'll get to a point of comfort in these exercises, especially if you're faithful in doing them.

I don't know if the above is TMI or not enough, but I wish you well. Post the date of your surgery and I will pray for you before and during surgery, and as you recover.

@memuno1stborn I cannot thank you enough for the information you provided. I do not think anyone can give TMI on this format regarding spinal fusion. I am 71, female, live alone, I too have scoliosis all my life, and of course, other spinal issues now. My current neurosurgeon has recommended fusion from T10 to my pelvis. I have seen 2 other neurosurgeons and they suggested that I not have fusion unless my current pain is so severe that I would rather die. I would not say I am having pain, per se, so much as, I can no longer walk very far without a grocery cart or some support. So, I have delayed the surgery. I hear recoverin is at least a year and since I live alone, finding someone to come in and help in a rural area is almost impossible. So, I thank you for the details you have provided, and on driving afterwards. Anything at all. Where did you have your surgery?