← Return to What are people's experiences with spinal fusion surgery?

Discussion

What are people's experiences with spinal fusion surgery?

Spine Health | Last Active: Jun 30 3:25pm | Replies (222)
Comment receiving replies
@coachdavid

I had fusion of my L-4-5 & S-1 in May of 2023. Recovery is about a year. Listen to your surgeon, move as much as you can early on & do PT when ordered by the surgeon. My sciatica is completely gone, but I was left with right foot neuropathy.

Now facing ACDF as I have cervical pathology including poor balance.

Jump to this post

Replies to "I had fusion of my L-4-5 & S-1 in May of 2023. Recovery is about a..."
Phil, Alumni Mentor | @upstatephil | Jun 19 6:54am

@coachdavid - Morning. You didn't ask but I have some perspective that might help you with your pending ACDF.

I had a C4-7 ACDF three months before my four-level lumbar work a little over a year ago. In comparison - the ACDF was much, much easier to recover from. I wore a rigid neck brace for six weeks and experienced some swallowing difficulties on and off for several months - but now recovery feels complete and - compared to the lumbar recovery - a relative breeze. All cervical stenosis symptoms are 100% gone with my only price being some restriction in head-twisting range. A worthwhile trade-off for me.

Do you have your ACDF scheduled? How many levels?

VIEW AND REPLY