Proposed Spinal Fusion T-10 to pelvis

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I am not going to be any help to you, except to commiserate. I have also seen numerous surgeons, and the best I can get has been either, “you’re balanced, so you’re not a candidate,” or “Are you okay more days than you’re not?” I can’t walk 2/10 of a mile without pain. I can’t cook a meal, shop, or wash dishes without pain. Forget vacuuming or mopping. Yet I am told that I will still have pain, even if I have surgery. And doctors won’t give me a prognosis for not having surgery. I’m 71 also. How do I plan for my future?

@bentrn Thanks. Just knowing I'm not the only one out there "in limbo" is helpful. If I could lose weight, I am sure that would help but with such limited mobility, that's almost impossible. I'm wondering about other people who have had fusions that long, how they are doing and do they regret it?

T10-S4 almost 5 months ago and I just turned 60. The surgery is brutal on your body. I have none of the pain I was having prior to surgery. So grateful for that! My pain sounded similar to yours and was progressing negatively every year. I had tried all the conservative measures and surgery was my last resort. This surgery is a mental booger as well as a physical one. You know the saying the devil you know is better than the one you don’t ? That comes to mind. It’s too soon for me to determine if I am glad I’ve had the surgery. Recovery is hard work. It consumes my days. But I’m trusting it won’t always be like this. Pain is not a problem, just learning how to accommodate for my limitations. It’s a really big decision. I tried not to spend too much time or effort researching it because I would have likely backed out. On the plus side, I’m sleeping through the night without waking up in pain, and that had not happened for a very long time! Praying you find peace and direction with this decision.

@karenoharmon WOW. I am so glad you responded! I wanted to get someone's opinion who has "been there." I really don't have pain so much as I just cannot seem to stand up straight or walk further than a few feet without a cart. It's hard to explain. One doctor asked, "then it must be pain?" Not like I've experienced with a ruptured disc when I was 18. Also, I live alone with my 3 dogs so I don't have easily accessible in-house help. I hope you keep us posted on your recovery. Hopefully, with time, you'll see a lot of progress and be glad you did this. Did you have your surgery at Mayo and was it a neurosurgeon or ortho?

I had a T10 to pelvis fusion, along with bilateral sacroilliac fusions 10 months ago at Mayo Clinic --Rochester. My situation was complicated because I had a previous T2 to L2 fusion with a Harrington Rod. My surgeon was Jeremy Fogelson. Dr. Fogelson is amazing and my experience at Mayo was wonderful.
After surgery, I spent 10 nights in the Mayo Clinic's Inpatient Rehabilitation Center, where I did 3 hours of therapy a day--equally split between physical therapy and occupational therapy.
If you have surgery at Mayo definitely request Inpatient Rehab. It did a lot to propel my recovery.

I was 67 and I am so happy I had my surgery. I agree with everything Kadeoh/Karen said.

My previously chronic pain is gone. Initially, you will have pain from the surgery, but it is well managed.
I was at the point where I moved away from ice and just occasionally used heat. But unfortunately, I tripped and fell a few weeks ago and I am back to using ice periodically.

I feel best when I am walking and standing. My back does get sore if I sit too long. You will have limitations--no Bending, Lifting, or Twisting. It can take a long time --1 1/2 to 2 years to completely fuse when you are my age.

For success, one needs to be committed to physical therapy and walking.

One issue for me was that I had and have Osteoporosis. I was on Forteo for 14 month before my surgery and 10 months post surgery. Evenity is a newer drug that builds more bone than Forteo and I know several back patients on it.
Good luck in making your decision.
Nadine

@nlback22 I’m glad you are doing well, Nadine. You have committed to working towards your success and that matters. You have to fully understand and believe in your success and have an excellent surgeon. Dr. Fogelson is one of the best and he was my surgeon for a much simpler cervical fusion.

@nlback22 Thank you, Nadine, for replying. My surgeon is a Mayo Jax, also a very good neurosurgeon so I have full confidence in him. I'm just concerned about me and, of course, the fact that other surgeons have said, "if it were me, I wouldn't do it" tends to color my judgment. Really glad I posted my note so I could hear from others who have had experienced this. I have scoliosis on top of other things, like arthritis, so I am sure it will be a challenging surgery. Thank you again.

I was super pleased with my neurosurgeon - Dr. Abode at Mayo in Jacksonville. Having my husband to be my caregiver was instrumental in my recovery. I could not get myself into and out of bed for the first 4 weeks. The surgery - anesthesia part was the hardest part for me. I struggled with anemia and low bp that limited pt while in the hospital. Our friends provided meals for us the first 6 weeks and that was the sweetest thing! This forum is a wealth of support!

@bassetmom
I've been dealing with Scoliosis for many years--first diagnosed at age of 9. My prior rod and fusion were due to idopathic Scoliosis. The surgery last year was performed to take care of numerous issues, including the repercussions from my adult scoliosis.
I am glad you are seeing a neurosurgeon.
Best Wishes!
Nadine