u/Used-Maximum-1220

I Am currently fused from c2-6. I just finished a series of ct scans with contrast and full body x rays. I am with a great surgeon at Columbia university. I had my first fusion at Yale.

I’ve know since February that I need to get O-2 fused. Large subluxation and basilar invagination. I have to stop pressure on brain stem and be able to hold my head up. This is a given.

I’m not going to go into Cobb angles etc. new ct shows severe Dextro and Levo curvature of thoracic and lumbar spine respectively. It will get worse because I have severe degenerative disease and it is pulling the curves. Also, my spine is rotating. Not sure if that’s the right wording.

I’m terrified about my entire back being fused. What does everyday life look like ? How bad is the recovery. Waiting on my MRI results. Both surgeon and I think correcting both in the same surgery would be too much. I’m 68 and have other health issues. Possibly only fuse O-t6 and that’ll help lumbar curve. Unfortunately I have neuro symptoms in my legs

This has really thrown me. I knew it was bad , but not this bad.

Thank you for reading. I’ve never been afraid of surgery and I’m trying not to panic

I’m 68 and knew I had some degree of scoliosis All imaging reports have either just mentioned it in passing or saying moderate. I have 40degree thoracic curve and 30degree lumbar curve.

I’ve had c2-t2 decompression and fusion. It stopped at the apex of the 40 degree curve.

I have a dream team of doctors now. I’m facing

Occipital-c2 fusion due to gross instability.

Surgeon thinks a lot of my leg problems are coming from lumbar spine but won’t be sure until more imaging.

What is a t2-l2/s1 fusion like. How do you get around. Are you unable to bend at waist. Doctor told me not only is it risky surgery but is brutal and recovery is also brutal.

How is your life before to post fusion. I’ve never been worried about surgeries before and I’m terrified of this.

I’m floored right now and all of this is

Pending more advanced imaging. All along doctors thought were only dealing with a o-c2 decompression and I am already fused c2-t2. Now I’m with very high level surgeons. Prior imaging did not include thoracic and lumbar spine.

My scoliosis was mentioned in passing when I had my fusion 8 years ago. Now the question is do we fuse t2-l5/s1 and see if that corrects o-c2 problems. So we do neck surgery and wait a few months for other surgeries if neck issue isn’t solved. Do we do the whole surgery and be fused from o-l5/s1. My surgeon was very candid about how brutal and risky both surgeries are. I know I need to do something because I’ll face paralysis and breathing issues if I don’t. I’m 68 and I doubt they’d want to keep me under anesthesia for both surgeries for that long.

Has anyone experienced this type of fusion. It’s overwhelming. Pending more advanced imaging my surgeon feels that the scoliosis is a big driving force of what’s going on with neck too. My curves aren’t that bad. 40 degree thoracic curve and 26 degree lumbar but could really be a huge factor.

Thanks for reading. Any input is welcomed