Lower back spinal fusion recover, how bad is it?

@avorst - Welcome to Mayo Connect and this is a perfect question to ask those who read this blog. I had your same procedure done L2-5 in May 2023. I also have a high tolerance for pain but am somewhat older (darn it) than you. I enjoyed a pleasant summer last year but it was certainly lower-key and less active than other summers. The idea of postponing might make some sense for you.

What symptoms do you have now that have led you to surgery? Can you tolerate those symptoms a few more months? There's also the question of possibly causing additional damage to your nerves by deferring surgery. Might be worth asking that of your surgeon.

I have had two epidurals for pain management. They have helped the actual back pain but I have sciatica pain on both sides of my glutes and down my legs. I also have aching legs. I am worried about the first two weeks. Were they very painful? What were you able to do during the first two weeks? Obviously I won't be able to drive, which isn't a problem but, I have 3 teens and I do cook and do laundry and they can help but I am wondering if I will be able to do housework or will be mostly sleeping and recovering during this time.

@avorst - I went back and read the first two weeks of my diary. BTW, I suggest maintaining one (I don't normally have a diary) but it has been useful as a place to park my feelings and to help me appreciate the recovery progress I've made.

Of course, my progress will likely not match yours. The first week I was still in the hospital due to complications. We stayed in a VRBO near the hospital and planned to remain in the area for 4 weeks or so (we live 7 hours away).

I used a walker for getting around for the first two weeks at least. I cannot imagine doing housework during that period. I managed pain with Tylenol alone. I relied on my spouse for almost everything...

The pain I experienced was two varieties: (1) Pain in the lower back and at the incision sites. Not too bad and it declined in intensity pretty quickly. (2) Pain in my thighs as those long compressed nerves "reawakened" sending painful impulses that regularly woke me up. It has taken quite some time for that pain the recede into the background.

But as mentioned, your results will certainly be different. I found it very helpful to have toilet rails and bed rails in place before the surgery. Indispensable.

Thank you. I have been having a lot of aching pain in my thighs lately. My second epidural, which was in a different spot than my first, has caused more nerve issues. It was just last week so I think it may go away. I have sharp pain before my first epidural that woke me at night and I had to walk around or try to sleep tucked into a ball on my knees in bed just to sleep. That went away but it took over 4 weeks to take affect. I am thinking this epidural will take as long. My discs and spondylolisthesis are pinching my nerves currently and I have lost some strength in my left foot/leg. They did say I may need a cane or walker for my stability. I am stubborn and don't like much help. I do have a 14 year old daughter who can help me get around. Hopefully I don't have any complications and can be out on Thursday or Friday after my surgery. Thankfully we only live 3 hours away.

Scoliosis is now straight. I have 2 rods, 4 plates, and 3 vertebra remolded.
Totally pain free after 5 weeks. Yes, my back is totally
pain free. Yes, my movement is restricted while
every thing heals, but after all the pains for days, weeks, and months, I am pain free. I never dreamed I would be pain free, but I am. Pain free!

I had a two level fusion L4-S1 the 27th of May, 2020 and I was released on May 30th. I was pain free immediately after the surgery and for months after. I don't remember being very fatigued. The pain medications contribute to fatigue. My summer was definitely not filled with lots of fun activities. I was 70 at the time. It took most of the summer to regain some semblance of strength in my lower back. I didn't start cooking until August and I wasn't doing much cleaning either. I was in physical therapy for three months that summer. I had my surgery that time of year because I live near Lake Superior and I didn't want to deal with ice and snow after my surgery. I could enjoy being outside, taking short walks and driving out to see local scenery. When I had the surgery, I was beginning to use a wheelchair and couldn't do my own grocery shopping. My doctors managed my pain well and by the end of the first week, I was no longer on pain medication. I also have a high tolerance for pain, but I just didn't need the medication. For physical therapy, I would take a Tylenol an hour before my session and that helped a great deal. Where I had the most discomfort was in bed. You might want to think about a body pillow or a pillow under your legs until you learn a position that is comfortable for you and your spine has had a chance to recover from the surgery.
My husband was a great help during the healing period. I can't imagine doing this without some help. Put your most frequently used dishes and pans where you don't have to reach or bend to get them. Have several weeks of meals prepared ahead, or use takeout or TV dinners. I also kept a stool in the kitchen so I could sit while I was working. I used a walker for the first week and then I used my cane for most of the summer. I used a toilet raiser with arms for support. I didn't need bed rails. My headboard is metal and I would grab the posts in the headboard to help myself roll over. The other thing I purchased was a grabber to pick things up off the floor or let it do your reaching for you. I still use it!

If you absolutely need the spine fusion do it sooner than later because you will have the summer weather to get out and walk. You WILL need to walk a lot.

This is so helpful and brings me great relief. We already have grabbers and we have nice bar stools already that I can use to sit while I do things. thanks for the mention of kitchen items. All my pots and pans are under the stove top so I will have to rearrange. Looks like my kids will be heating up freezer meals and I plan on buying pre-made food items from Costco we can heat and eat. Plus it will be grilling season so hamburgers, sausages and chicken are easy to prepare that way.

Hi Avorst
I just had L3L4 spinal fusion a week ago today. I will say that the first week was just awful!!!!!! I had never experienced this level of pain in my life. My instructions require a brace to be worn unless you are sleeping, or sitting in chair. No bending, lifting greater than 10 pounds, twisting, or turning your body. This is for three months except the weight restrictions they increase gradually. Also, you are instructed to walk, walk, and walk (which actually decreases the pain…..). Driving comes about 2 weeks post-op. I actually thought about postponing my procedure and if I were to do it over I would wait until winter.
Well good luck and keep us posted.
Kim

This is very helpful. It is ironic because another person had their surgery over the summer and recommended that so they could walk more and not worry about ice and snow and trip hazards. I think there is never a perfect time. I have pinched nerves and it can be difficult to bend now and not have sharp pains across my buttocks. I also sleep awful right now.