I underwent spinal fusion on sept 5, 2011. T5-8. I was in a boating accident crushed t5-6 broke 3my ribs and collapsed lung. I am able to walk slowly and am wondering about recovery times. I know its a long process and do not want to rush it just looking for some possible feedback. I am also experiencing a lot of numbness all ovr my back. It has gotten worse since surgery and although its numb and tingling it is extremely painful to the touch. Anyone with knowledge on any of my issues i would greatly appreciate your input. Thanks.

Tony -

I don't have 1st hand experience with fusion (yet) but have t-spine problems. My aunt had 5 vertebrae's fused in her t-spine. It was an extremely long recovery. For any major surgery, it takes a good year to 1.5 years to fully recover and possibly longer. Spine fusion, especially the t-spine is very major surgery. I've had my 1st rib removed for nerve compression issues and it easily took ~ 1 to 1.5 years before things really settled down.

When you see the doctor(s) and/or the physical therapist next time, mention the pain to touch. It can be from the surgery and will recover in time or it can be a sign of something else. They should be aware of the situation.

Have they put you on Lyrica to help with the nerve pain? I had throat/neck surgery in September and they put me on Lyrica after surgery to decrease the chance of developing nerve problems from the surgery.

Hi Tony -- It hasn't been very long since your surgery. ALOT of nerves were involved in this injury & surgery, and alot of what you're dealing with is the nerves trying to heal, as well as other tissues that experienced alot of trauma. Healing can be painful! It's hard to say when you will begin to feel better, as everyone is different. Nerves heal at an AVERAGE rate of one inch per month -- so it's going to take time.

I've had 2 open spinal surgeries, and with both of them, I didn't BEGIN to feel better until about the 4th month. Then things seemed to get better quickly. I wasn't able to go back to work full-time until the 6th month.

I hope you start improving quickly. I know this is a painful surgery -- and I hope your doc gave you some medications to help deal with the pain. Best of luck & God bless. Hugs, Lee

I had full spinal fusion surgery (T1-L5) in 2006. The recovery time is approximately 9 months, though it might be slightly less for you because your fusion was more minor. Numbness and tingling are actually good signs that your nerve pathways are being restored. Extreme itchiness is next.

Hi Toni,
I am new to all this forum discussions... I was 14 when I had my first spinal fusion. They fused me half way down my back in hopes to correct the lower curve. 4 years later I underwent another fusion, this time leaving only L4 and L5 open..(not fused).

I married 9 months later and got pregnant a month after we married. I have been in pain since I was 5. I don't know any different. I went in for another surgery but was supposed to get all the hardware removed when a Dr decided that it was too much to take it all out and wasn't convenient for him, so he fused one more vertebrae and added more hardware. I never recovered and had surgery 2 years later due to a hook coming loose from the previous surgery.

That was the best thing I have ever done, was to remove the hardware. It is not needed after 3 months of recovery from surgery.

I have since had one more child and they were all a miracle. I am in constant pain. Some days I can barely get out of bed. I am 34 now and I wish that someone would have explained to me the trade offs from spinal fusions. I never would have gone thru with it. There is ALWAYS an alternative to everything....now my L5 and S1 and both SI joints are fusing on their own. It has been a year now and it can take up to 8 years to complete. The pain is debilitating and excrutiating! Because the rest of me is fused, the pressure from the fusions is causing damage to lower spine and hips. Joints all over my body are over worked. If anyone were to ask whether they should have spinal fusions, I am against it. We are too young for this. All I can do is keep my chin up and do the best I can. Good luck to you and I will pray for you.

JellyfishJam,
My husband is facing spinal fusion from T-2 through S-1. He is afraid of loosing all mobility, but he is in terrible pain requiring constant pain medication. He has such weekness that he has frequent falls. You are the first person I have found who has had spinal fusion to this degree. Would you be willing to talk with him about the abilities and disabilities following this surgery?
Thank you, Mjrtist