I had my L4-S1 fusion four years ago. I was off the opioids within about 6 days. I followed the instructions I had been given and because I had good pain relief from the start, I was able to wean off. I used ES Tylenol for the first three months and like everyone says, it didn't offer much, if any, pain relief. After 3 months I was able to resume taking Celebrex which was much more helpful. I was told Voltaren, Aspirin, Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Ibuprofen, Indocin, Celebrex or Vioxx inhibit the development of a solid fusion during the first 3 months. During the surgery a bone graft or substitute is placed in the spine that facilitates bone growth between the adjacent vertebrae It takes about 3 to 6 months after surgery for the fusion to form into one bone. The bone continues to mature and solidify over 12 to 18 months after the surgery.

I was told to not sit for longer than 45 minutes at a time, walk every hour and to add about 10 minutes to my walk each day as I was able. If you sit in a chair longer than 1 hour or only walk once or twice a day, your muscle will become very sore and painful. I was also told to work on lower extremity strengthening and gait training. I started physical therapy about 1 week after my surgery and continued with that for about 3 months. I also saw my family doctor that first week after surgery for follow-up. About 6 weeks after your surgery if your doctor says yes, you can also start walking in water and/or other water exercises to increase the strength in your spine and legs. I have found this beneficial and it gives me good pain relief for several hours.

I left the hospital with a front wheeled walker and graduated to a cane the first week after surgery. I probably used the cane about 1 month to 6 weeks. It took about 2 1/2 months before I could stand long enough to cook a meal so I used a bar stool in my kitchen when I needed to sit. Your experience may be different than mine.

I didn't lift more than 10 pounds for the first 3 months. Your doctor will tell you when you can start to lift more weight. I am not a smoker but was told not to smoke. Nicotine, patches and smokeless cigarettes decreases the chance of wound healing.

My family doctor told me to use Milk of Magnesia along with the stool softener to relieve constipation and it worked wonders. I only had to use it once. Walking is also supposed to help with constipation.

It took several months before I could lift my bottom off the bed to roll over. That might become a problem for you because you aren't really using the muscles in your lower spine to roll over or change positions when you are sleeping in your recliner. Walking was also a slow process for me. I live in an area with some pretty steep hills to climb. I just couldn't climb up or down well for months.

I don't know if a recliner is a good or bad. It may depend upon the person. I stopped using mine 17 years ago because it didn't offer enough support for my spine. Fjords, a company in Norway build very supportive, comfortable recliners. They come with either leather or cloth upholstery. They are available on Amazon but I would like to sit in one first to make sure it fits my size.

Four years later, I am still dealing with sciatic pain. The area that was fused is pain free. My pain comes from L2 and L3 and I may need more surgery in the future. For now, I am happy to be able to walk my dogs, do my own grocery shopping, clean my house and take care or our needs here at home. I also am aware that I have a very degenerative spine. I do what I can to take of it! For now, I let the future take care of itself and enjoy the beautiful spring weather I have today.