Sacroiliac Joint Fusion

**Sara** · 10-20-2011, 04:19 PM

Hi Everyone,

I haven't posted to this board since the beginning of the year as my doctors gave me the run-around. I have one doctor who told me I didn't have SI joint dysfunction and to learn to deal with it. That obviously didn't work for me so I saw a few more doctors, lots of MRIs. I also have an SI joint injection under fluroscopy which lead me to Dr. Keith Mayo who is an orthopedic surgeon.
Dr. Mayo didn't trust the fluroscopy injection so he had me do a series of 3 SI joint injections under CT scan. I saw him again on Tuesday and he has decided that the SI joint fusion would be the best option for me. He put me on a list to be scheduled for surgery as he is a very busy specialist.
Anyways, can anyone tell me what to expect after the surgery? The Dr told me that I would be on crutches for 6-8 weeks. Can I sit or will I be laying down most of the time. How long does it take before I can drive? What kind of supplies should I get for the incision.
Dr. Mayo said he was going to go through the front part of the hip area, he says it's less traumatic and he's a pelvic surgeon so he won't have any problems with it.

Thank you!
Sara

**trkdoc714** · 10-20-2011, 07:58 PM

Welcome back Sara. Sorry to hear you conservative treatment led to the determination for surgery. I don't have an answer for you but Cindylou had SI surgery. I think there are a few others that visit that can advise you. CL is on vacation for the next few weeks but I'd bet she'll be a fountain of information.

Good luck!

Bob

**Sara** · 10-24-2011, 06:20 PM

Hi Bob,

Thank you, I'm glad to be back... I'm so relieved now that they have decided to operate and fix the problem.

It was incredible how much anxiety I had before my last appointment with my surgeon. I was so scared that I would be stuck in pain for the rest of my life...

**Pbchoclovr** · 10-24-2011, 07:09 PM

Hi Sara,

Welcome back. Sorry you've got to go through surgery. I really can't answer your question about the SI joint fusion. I had fusion of a level above that, the L4/5. I found the list on preparation for surgery here on the site to be very helpful. I wish you the best for your surgery and am glad you were able to find a doctor who was willing to get to the bottom of your problem.

Linda

**Sara** · 10-24-2011, 08:49 PM

Hi Linda,

Where is the list on preparation for surgery? I've been looking but can't find it anywhere. After your surgery, were you able to sit down at all? How about showering?

Thanks

**KBear** · 10-24-2011, 10:32 PM

Originally Posted by Sara

Hi Linda,

Where is the list on preparation for surgery? I've been looking but can't find it anywhere. After your surgery, were you able to sit down at all? How about showering?

Thanks

Here you go Spine Surgery Recovery: "Must Have" Items & Postoperative Tips

Praying for a great surgery and quick recovery!

**Sara** · 10-25-2011, 12:03 PM

Thank you!!!!

Originally Posted by KBear

Here you go Spine Surgery Recovery: "Must Have" Items & Postoperative Tips Praying for a great surgery and quick recovery!

**Pbchoclovr** · 10-31-2011, 10:11 PM

Thanks KBear for the link! I always have to search for it.

Sara,

To answer your questions about sitting and showering, yes, I could do both. While I was in the hospital, I wasn't allowed to shower due to the incision site. They also made me wait a further two days after I got home. They sent me home with some shampooless shower caps to "wash" my hair during that time. It's not on the list, but your hospital should have them. When I got home I also found them online since I was curious about where to get them. Baths were listed on my discharge sheet as prohibited. In the shower I found it best to have everything on a shower caddy so I didn't have to bend to get it.

As for sitting. Yes, I could sit, but not for long and only in certain chairs. The hospital staff encouraged me to get out of bed and sit in the chair in my room for short periods. Here at home I have one chair in my living room that provides the lumbar support I need to feel comfortable. Still, I can only sit in it for a period of time before I need to stand or go lie down. This is still true after 4 months post surgery, although I can sit for longer periods now. My PT wants me sitting for no longer than 30 minutes before I get up and move around. I try to stick to that as much as possible.

If you have any other questions, just ask.

Linda