Proposed Spinal Fusion T-10 to pelvis

@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

@jenniferhunter
Hi Jennifer!
Thank you. I am in the middle of packing for my first vacation. I'll connect with you after I return.
Best Wishes!
Nadine

@karenoharmon thank you, Karen. Dr. Abode is my neurosurgeon as well. I have full confidence in him. I did do a LOT of research and hear he is highly respected and one of the best for spinal surgeries. So, I am confident in his skills. I'm glad you mentioned the help your husband has been. I don't have that kind of support system so that would certainly be something I would have to make plans for. And that is yet another obstacle to going forward with this. I do not have pain, per se, and I don't know why. But my physical limitations in not being able to walk far are preventing me from doing things I hoped I could do in my retirement, like travel or even walk my dogs. I may need to delay this. But, if I don't do it soon, at 71, I could develop some other medical problem that would keep me from doing this. It is a tough call but as you say, I too, will pray for some direction. And this forum is helping a lot. Please keep posting how you are progressing.

I am a 65 year old female that is 5 weeks post op from a T10 to pelvis surgery at Mayo. I had not found a surgeon willing to fix all my back issues in one surgery until I got to Mayo. I am very healthy and was active prior to surgery but was experiencing pain during many of my activities. Sciatic nerve pain was making it difficult to travel by car or plane as well. I did not want to give up my hobbies and travel. My neurosurgeon who did the fusion did not have to do the two cages he thought he would and only did the fusion. Recovery will still be still the same, one year for full healing. I thought pain was fairly well controlled in the hospital (don’t want to do it again but was expecting the worst). Drove 8 hours home on day 7 after being released from the hospital. Used the oxy till home but used Tylenol and muscle relaxers after that and quit all pain medicine by 2 weeks post op. I am walking every day and gradually increasing my stamina. I have mild pain from the incision when laying on my back and muscles that were cut, I have discomfort/mild pain when walking I think from the screws in the pelvis. I have significant numbness and sensitivity to touching my skin in low back hip area but I’ve read that’s from cutting all the nerves. Luckily I have a spouse who has been able to help me until I was able to care for myself ay home (showering, cooking, laundry) etc. He will continue to do most housework for quite a while. I would not have been able to go home alone for 2-3 weeks I don’t think and some things would still be hard.
I was in pretty good shape prior to surgery as I did core work and stretching and walked 3 miles a day (unless back was flared up) which has probably helped my recovery. I have none of the pain I had previously.
I have been so impressed by everything at Mayo in Rochester. I am glad I held out having surgery till I could have it done there. I can’t give any long term updates yet but so far I am glad I did it now and am optimistic I will have many more years of enjoying my hobbies (golf, kayaking, hiking, biking, racquetball, travel, gardening) and grandchildren.

I posted a while back. Considering L5 to S1 fusion. Just want your takes on my experience of consultation (not Mayo) experience. If I am unreasonable or the situation was maybe a little “wanting”. The consultation with surgeon felt rushed to me, lacking time for me to ask all my questions. Description of surgery left much unsaid and unclear. Eg. for instance screws were mentioned but nothing about rods; nothing said about decompression w laminator, and more. No time to ask if the lack of mention was oversight or means these would not be part of surgery. Eg. although the surgeon said he did not mean to recommend surgery, it wasn’t clear whether he actually meant don’t do it. Eg. No mention of possible risks in outcome in contrast to benefits in outcome. These are the kinds of matters I would have expected surgeon to volunteer or be forthcoming about, but here I am on this chat string trying to understand from others fusion sufferers. Am I expecting too much?
Another question: As the nurse/PA took my blood pressure and etc. to prepare me for the consultation, she referred to my spine as “garbage”. Her word. I shook this off, thinking she was just tired. And agreeing that the mri image did reveal a complex and difficult situation. But I now realize the reference to “garbage” had an impact on my outlook and I struggle now with more despair than before. This particular clinic has an “attitude” I think. A different PA a few months ago responded to my questions about the possible efficacy of PT by saying, “maybe that would appease you” with a very angry and impatient face and body language. I try not to be “sensitive” but I am a bit vulnerable from pain and fear and need a reality check from my peer patients. Thanks

-not laminator— spell check

Sorry. I am considering L1 to S1. I really am feeling discombobulated.

I wouldn’t do it if your pain isn’t so bad. At least I’d try hard at every other option!!I had a fusion from L4-S1 about 3 and 1/2 yrs ago. Last year in May I suddenly was not able to walk! No pain, no fall, nothing at all to bring this on! So I went to the ER and they did X-rays and tried to get an MRI scheduled but it was like 6 wks till I got the MRI! It showed problems in the L4 -5 area. So I had a small surgery to clean out stenosis but I used a walker to get around until about a month ago and I’m using a cane now. The Dr said that nerves recover very slowly!! Amen! It seems that my brain isn’t getting the messages across! Another thing quite upset me after fusion … when I realized that I leaned forward at my waist when I walked! Really looks old and crippled!! So I’m wishing you the best outcome of whatever you do!! I haven’t had a lot of pain now but it’s a pain not being able to walk!!!002scared

@jwgard thank you for your input. WOW. You were walking 3 miles a day before?! You should be in great shape to heal.

@aoidhne I cannot believe professionals spoke to you that way. If you think your back is "garbage," fine. But that's not professional for them to say that. I have referred to my spine as "a train wreck" but no one says anything about that. I would suggest you get a consult at Mayo or some other well-ranked hospital. I've used US News and World Report and looked under the particular illness to find a top doctor in that area and not too far from my location. So far, I have been very pleased with my method of finding good surgeons/specialists. Think positive. Dont swell on your experience with those very unprofessional medical people. And yes, the surgeon should have mentioned those things but they get busy so best to take a list with you and ask