61, F, 125 lb, 5'3". I've had three fusions:
- L5-S1 - (2018); left with left leg nerve damage.
- T11-S1 (Feb 2024, then PJK failure)
- T4-S1 (revision, Oct 2024)
I've been doing great in physical therapy (pool) rebuilding strength after losing so much during recovery. I'm also doing acupuncture, along with cupping & massage (all together in one session). I can no longer bend at the waist because of all the hardware:
THE FALL
I had a rough fall yesterday after squatting down (properly) to pick up something off of the ground, which is always awkward.
I went to stand up and my left leg nerve (damaged from 2018) completely gave out and I collapsed like a tree falling over.
When I hit the ground on my side, the impact felt like it shook my entire body and I rolled over onto my back. My friend was there and came over to help.
I collected myself and rolled to the curb and he helped me up. It would have been almost impossible to get up if I had been alone.
It's one of my worst nightmares because I can't bend at the waist and I've practiced in post-surgery rehab to get up if I fall at home. I've not fallen at home yet, but the left leg nerve can go out at any time, anywhere. Thankfully I live on one level.
So it's the day after and my entire body hurts like hell (muscular pain). I don't feel like any hardware has been affected after 7 months of recovery/fusion.
Q: Have others fallen or injured themselves during the first year of recovery / fusion? Did you experience that whole body ache with multi-level fusion?
A: Yes, others answered that it's common.
Q: What would make things safer? I use grabbers all the time at home but maybe I need one in the car if I'm alone or carry it on my person? They don't always work for every situation.
A: Yes I have all kinds of grabbers of different lengths and they are all over the house sometimes two in one room in case you drop one you can pick it up. None of them are small enough that they fit in a purse but they would in a larger satchel or messenger bag.
A: Yes I have all kinds of grabbers of different lengths and they are all over the house sometimes two in one room in case you drop one you can pick it up. None of them are small enough that they fit in a purse but they would in a larger satchel or messenger bag.
Q: Since that nerve is unreliable will I need to use a cane now?
A: I have started using a cane when I'm on uneven surfaces. I have a few canes. The most comfortable one is the kind that will stand up on its own that has the rubber flexible sole. A knock off of the hurri-cane.
A: I have started using a cane when I'm on uneven surfaces. I have a few canes. The most comfortable one is the kind that will stand up on its own that has the rubber flexible sole. A knock off of the hurri-cane.
It left me feeling pretty defeated because I've regained a lot of strength in my legs and core but it's kind of rendered irrelevant if nerve damage can take me out. 🤔
