T10 to pelvis fusion

@rwdixon4
I imagine everyone is different.
While in the hospital (6 nights), I experienced pain but I don't remember it! Unfortunately, I had an ileus due to the pain medications and an electrolyte imbalance (due to 2 days of sugery --2 hours on day 1 and 11 hours on day 2). Because of the ileus, I had to go off the opioids for a few days, and was just on Tylenol, Baclofen, topical agents, ice, heat, and meditation. My husband said I was 10/10 pain levels--but I don't remember it!! Amazing how the mind works. Once my bowels started moving again, I was placed on low dose oxy along the other treatments described above and my pain was well managed.

During inpatient rehab ( 10 nights), I tapered off the oxy, and by the time I left, I was only taking Tylenol daily. I requested an Oxycodone refill for breakthrough, and only took 3 of the pills after my stay in the Impatient Rehab facility. Pain levels were very low at the time I was discharged-- probably a 1-3 at the surgical site, and that weird hypersentivity, in my back for 1 -2 weeks where I would have a flash of intense pain for a few seconds and it would disappear. Pain 8-10).This only happened when I was laying in bed and my husband either layed down causing the mattress to slightly move or he pulled the sheet. Thankfully, the hypersentivity disappeared as quickly as it came!

I have continued to take Tylenol and I do take other drugs to help with a residual radicular issue with my right leg. The nerves are no longer pinched and the hope is that, with time, the issue will disappear as it continues to improve.
As a side note, I highly recommend inpatient rehab as I had 3 hours of therapy every day-- split between physical therapy and occupational therapy.

Don't let any of this scare you. My chronic pain was immediate gone, The surgical pain did not last very long. I don't have pain now, but at times I feel like my back feels likes it needs to relax and I either use ice heat a few times a day and I still watch how long I sit.

Best Wishes!
Nadine

Hello Nadine @nlback22
I don't think you said what type fusion you had or you told me before? Where is the Impatient Rehab facility and how do I get referred there?

Thank You for your reply.
Sincerely,
Bob

@rwdixon4
Hi Bob,
In 1977, at 19 years old, I had a T2 to L2 fusion due to Scoliosis.
In May 2025, I had 2 surgeries, back to back. On Day 1, I had Bilateral Sacroilliac Fusions, and on Day 2, i had an 11 hour T10 to Pelvis Fusion with a 3 rod construct. My back had many issues--DDD, buldging disc, Lateral Listhesis, Spondylolosthesis, Stenosis, Nerve impingement, Bertolotti's, Flat Back Syndrome, and Tarlov Cysts (but only 1 cysts was a problem), etc.

Fortunately, my surgery resolved those issues. Additionally, the surgeon took wedges out of some of my vertebrae so now my hips have better alignment and I no longer lean forward--improving my sagital balance.

I went to Mayo Rochester for my surgery.

I just did a quick Google. Mayo Phoenix, along with Brooks Rehab, are constructing a new facility for rehab to be completed mid 2026. But there must be existing Inpatient Rehab options.
Best Wishes!
Nadine

Nadine @nlback22 Thank You so much for this reply it was very helpful. I am now looking for an Inpatient Rehab facility.

Thank You again for all your help.....

Sincerely,
Bob

@rwdixon4
You're welcome!
It's almost like we are all in this together.🙏😊💞