I am contemplating S1-L5 lumbar fusion. Outcomes thoughts

Hi,
I was 50 when I had a L5-S1 infusion. I was playing tennis competitively three times a week, swimming on weekends, jogging and walking in between. I started to have backpain and I sought all kinds of options (chiropractor, acupuncture, pain management) but nothing helped. Finally I went to see an orthopedic surgeon. My MRI showed my pain was from a disc desiccation and degeneration and the disc bulge did touch both L5 nerve roos with impingement.
After the surgery, I had no more pain but my lowerback was kind of stiff (limited range of motion). I couldn't play tennis anymore and that was the only thing I missed as I was my husband's double partner 🙁 .
Hope this helps.

Have you played tennis since? Was it just a one level fusion ? How long to “recover”? Thanks

Yes. I still play tennis but not competitively. I only took 3 weeks off work, but the whole recovery period was like, 8 weeks before I felt fully functional. Yes, it was a one level fusion.

Thanks for this insight. 🙏🏻

I would specifically ask the skiing community about their thoughts regarding this surgery.

Generally, I would certainly try some natural therapies...like chiropractic...before going for surgery.

In the early 90s, I went to my chiropractor for help with knee problems. Right off, he told me that he wasn't sure if chiropractic would work. It didn't and I had to get the surgery.

But, the chiropractic has worked for other injuries and problems.

But, you know, I would try something like that first. If it doesn't work, surgery always remains an option.

Best of luck.

Hi. I’ve tried Everything. I think it’s time

@marylindell Welcome to Connect. It sounds like you are pretty active, and I'm sure being in great shape helped you with your recovery from lumbar spine surgery. 8 weeks is a pretty quick recovery and only 3 weeks off work. I needed more time for my cervical one level fusion. Most spine patients describe recovery being much longer, and everyone is different in what their spine problems are, and in how they recover after spine surgery and rehab. I'm glad you have no pain and had great results from your surgery.

I’m also ready for surgery hemilamanectomy L345 no fusion fingers crossed, he said he would do it but thought eventually fusion. Have some slippage in l3-4
Tony
In the fall,

@skijag1
I also need to get surgery L3-S1 and have delayed as long as possible with cortisone injections. Some say delay as long as possible and others say do it while you are younger to make recovery easier. I am 54 soon to be 55 and may consider the surgery this year.

Dear Fellow skier
Some thoughts!
I’ve decided I must get surgery. Like you I am a dedicated skier, trees, bumps and heli skier. My #1 passion. 78yo
I know we can both ski after surgery; it’s a matter of how and how well. I will ski after my extreme stenosis in L345 is decompressed. I will not play golf; too hard on the lower back.
My question is will I jump back into bumps, trees and steep or cruise. I always skied the edge short swing and bumps. That kind of skiing is much harder on the spine than GS or medium radius turns on groomed trails. So as a completely unqualified guy giving you an opinion; you know you will get it done sooner or later. You want to ski again like me; I’m sure you see my point as an instructor.
Just sharing my thinking on skiing and surgery.
I am confident
78 with extreme stenosis I will ski again I missed last 2 years. Getting decompressed this fall (Sept ), will work hard to be ready to ski the 25 Season. From my reading what you get is what you get.
Sounds like you’re in a similar situation where you haven’t skied recently but are not ready to give it up. That’s my deal.
Now the spine interferes with my fitness and training off season, that is unacceptable.
Good luck I’m going down swinging.
My neurosurgeon recommended decompression and coflex . It’s like fusion but flexes. I did research didn’t like the metal options . He agreed to do a hemilamenotomy or partial Laminectomy. It leaves your spine stronger than the full one and should receive the stenosis pressure. Depending on your symptoms the hemi can work unless you have lower back pain as a major complaint. My surgeon did say it could work for a while but a fusion might be needed later. I have heard so many bad stories on spines surgery I’m thinking less is more. Somewhere in the 30-50% revisions or reduces are needed. Recovery from fusion is considerable. I do doubt myself sometimes. This spine surgery as my Neuro Dr says is very individual and no gaurantees.
Good luck , if your losing fitness,
like me due to pain, it’s time!
Tony