Is Anyone Fused from C5 to L3? Pain Relief, Mobility?

[RF2012]

I am scheduled for surgery with Dr. Lenke in the coming months, and my fusion is planned to start at C5 and go down to L3. I was wondering if anyone fused at those levels can share their experiences regarding relief of pain, loss of mobility, regrets, etc. I am still in my 20's and am very active (I like to run, swim, play tennis, etc.), and I am afraid I will be very stiff and immobile after recovering from surgery. I have also heard that lumbar fusions can quickly degrade the adjacent disks, which makes me a bit nervous as well, as I don't want to be fused down to my scarum before I hit 40.

Any opinions, thoughts, experiences, etc. would be very much appreciated!

[Confusedmom]

I am not fused that high, so I can't speak to mobility. But I will say Dr. Lenke must have thought your L4-L5 levels were in good shape. If not, I believe he routinely fuses to S1. It will wear on your lower levels, but with two preserved and being so young, you may be just fine.

Best,
Evelyn