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Fusion of T10 to L4 - Laminectomy L1 -L3 - One year on? Will I feel normal?

Posted , 4 users are following.

Terry_the_Tumor
Terry_the_Tumor

Just asking if anyone has had a similar operation.  I have had this done a year ago to make room for a Haemangenoma on my LI, wrapped around my spinal chord.  They operated to try and remove it, but left the benign tumor there as it was too risky.  They just took some bone away and then fused me to create stability, as the tumor had compromised 2 levels.  That being said the operation was done in Australia and I am alive and can feel my legs and have continence so I am grateful.  Is there anyone else out there that has had a similar tumor, and or a big op like this?  I just want to know how long it takes to get back to me again.  Or if there will be improvement in my ability to do stuff like go to the gym.  I can walk freely, but only about 3 to 5 km in one stint.  Thank you.  I really hope someone is out there.

1 like, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • richardA54
    richardA54 Terry_the_Tumor

    Posted

    Terry,

    I have not had such a procedure, but what I wanted to comment on is the tremendous amount of recovery you have already made. I wish I could do what you can as far as walking. Mine was a "simple" L5-S1 Fusion that went horribly wrong and has left me with severe nerve damage and chronic pain for the last 11 years. Keep your chin up. It sounds like you have already made tremendous strides considering your situation.

    Good Luck!

    • Laura3333
      Laura3333 richardA54

      Posted

      Mine was l5-s1 as well Terry, over thirty years ago, have been disabled ever since, cant walk far or sit or stand for long.

      Terry, you are doing brilliantly for such a big surgery. I have a haemangioma as well, mine is on my liver. Strange things.

    • Terry_the_Tumor
      Terry_the_Tumor Laura3333

      Posted

      Thank you so much.  I really appreciate the feedback.  It is a big journey, I just get down, and feel so when I cannot sit for long periods and still am taking painkillers.  I sincerely appreciate the response.

       

    • Terry_the_Tumor
      Terry_the_Tumor richardA54

      Posted

      Thank you I am doing well, but still very debilitating.  I know that I am lucky to be alive.  
    • Laura3333
      Laura3333 Terry_the_Tumor

      Posted

      I know how awful it is when you just want to be normal, nothing special, just normal. Everyone else seems to be doing things and enjoying their lives, and you are just stuck, not knowing when or if you will do it. I guess we just have to make the best of what we do have. I can’t feel thankful for it though, because the pain is constant, and I haven’t been normal for so long, I wouldn’t know what normal feels like.
  • allaroundanne
    allaroundanne Terry_the_Tumor

    Posted

    I am surprised your surgeon didn't send you off to a rehab specialist or a physical therapist after your recovery from the initial surgery.  That's where you need to start.  I wouldn't go to just a normal gym, those boneheads, even with the certifications won't know how to handle someone as fragile as you are. You still have a hemangioma which while benign, can always rupture and so you are a sort of delicate human being.  You need to have someone with rehab knowledge draw you out a full plan to get you where you want to be.

    You just reminded me that I to have hemangioma, so far I know of one in my liver and one in T-1.  These are hereditary, so if you have kids you might want to mention it. And, as with me, your big one in your spine might not be your only!

    HTH

    Lynn

    • Terry_the_Tumor
      Terry_the_Tumor allaroundanne

      Posted

      Thank you for this.  Yes I have been to physio and rehab.  But the cost is out of pocket so I am just slowing it down.  I know my sister has one in her liver, and I also have one in my T1.  

       

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