Posterior & Anterior Lumbar Surgery: What is recovery like?

@4petesake - I just was reading your post on a different spinal thread...

My 4-level lumbar work was posterior and side. No part was anterior. Three incisions in two different trips to the OR - 48 hours apart. First surgery came in from the side through my psoas muscle and the 4-level decompression was done. Second lumbar surgery was two incisions either side of my lower spine, and the plates were installed.

I am 10+ months post lumbar work. Yes, I found recovery to be challenging and arduous at times. I had been forewarned by doctor friends the recovery could be tough at times. I am still glad I did the surgery.

I can move pretty well now. I walk two miles or more every day. Just getting back onto the golf course. My lower back range of motion will always have some restrictions (plates) but I can successfully put on socks and shoes, etc.

I was 70 at the time of the surgery and considered myself in well above average physical condition. Not overweight. Fully prepared to wait 12 months or so for bone regrowth to settle in. You understand my experience may not be your experience.

What else can I share? As I said to you elsewhere - spinal surgery is NOT for the faint of heart...

I had posterior and anterior surgery. It was done over two days with a day off in between.

I found the pain to be much less than expected and needed minimal pain meds. After discharge (one week) I was able to control my pain with Tylenol. However, I was put on gabapentin about 3 weeks before the surgery and stayed on it for probably 2 months post. I believe that helped.

My abdomen did cause me more discomfort than anything, but it was manageable. As far as your mobility questions, I had 15 levels fused (T4-S1). Obviously bending for me doesn't work. However, I'm able to tie shoes, clip toe nails and bend at the hips. I just have to be creative and do things differently.

I was 58 at the time of my surgery and like Phil, considered myself to be in good physical condition. I was not allowed to bend or do anything other than walk for the first year. I'm back to most activities, biking, downhill skiing, golfing...I just do it differently. Well said, Phil, spinal surgery is NOT for the faint of heart... Be ready for a challenge and set realistic goals.

Thanks @upstatephil That helps a lot.

@klsteffes - You are far braver than me! The docs wanted to do much more than my little old L2-5...But I read about that recovery (which you've directly experienced!) and decided to do "just" the L2-5 rather than the T-to-S stuff they recommended.

You are one tough person! Surviving all that...there must be nothing left you'll ever face that will seem daunting. Congratulations! Amazing.

Just learned I need to have the same thing done L3to S1, it seems radical, Im sending all my info to Mayo hopefully have it done there. He said I would be in for a long recovery maybe 4 month stay in a rehab center. What are your symptoms if you dont mind me asking. I'm using a walker because my legs feel heavy and my hips and groin hurt.

Like Phil, my hat's off to you for having a 15 level fusion and still up and at it. You must be "tough as nails", as my grandfather used to say. I may end up fused t9 to s1 and would like to know what the recovery time is after such a procedure. A year or so to let everything fuse? I am currently fused L4 to S1 but have big issues at L1/2 and T9/10. Also I was wondering how long ago you had the surgery and if you were having any problems with the joints above the fusion? Thank you
I am 58 yo male.

I had a L4-S1 TLIF with posterior fixation where they go in from the side instead of the front. The the front entry didn't appeal to me so I opted for the side entry. That may not be an option depending on your anatomy at the lower levels. (The hip may be in the way). Pain was very significant for about 1 day and then decreased rapidly. I was off the prescriptions at about the 2 week mark. I have had 3 neck fusion surgeries and am fused C3/T1. I think I would say the lumbar was easier overall than the neck surgeries, mainly due to the swallowing issues I had each time. I would get at least 3 opinions and make sure the surgeon you choose specializes in what you need done and has a lot of good patient reviews online.

@normadela67 My symptoms vary, but leg heaviness is definitely one of them. Most of my shoes serve as ankle weights, so I only wear 1 light pair, or house slippers.

I returned to work (desk job) part time after six weeks and was mostly full time by 8 weeks post surgery. I was required to wear a bone growth stimulator for approximately 9 months. No bending, lifting, or twisting for 1 year. I walked a lot!

I had my surgery in May, 2022, so I'm coming up on my 2 year anniversary. My surgery was due to scoliosis and I was 58 at the time. I'm not having any problems with the joints above the fusion, however my upper back and shoulders get a little sore/tired after a long day.

Good luck and let me know if you have more questions.

Thank you that's encouraging. It helps me with an idea of timeline. I figured I'd need a year to feel "normal". I have a son getting married next year. I want to be done with this, and able to wear real shoes.