Thanks Daily! Sounds like the surgery went very well and you're mending quickly. That's great news.

My surgeon told me that my core is holding my lumbar spine together. I have stenosis, scoliosis, listhesis, and degenerative osteoarthritis in and around the discs on the vertebrae. The discs that are still in place are severely reduced. While he commended me for keeping my weight down and my exercise routine (including core), he made it clear that if things get worse and I start experiencing pain, fusion will be necessary. I've had sciatica twice and know how very painful that is in the buttocks, hamstrings and calves.

I really dread fusion, but your words give me hope. The surgeon said I would be more stiff than I am now and that was about it. As long as I can keep exercising after the surgery, that's fine. I would most likely need to have S1/L5/L4 fused, and maybe more. I'm about to turn 70 and feel great, but take everyday as it comes and as a gift.

So thanks again Daily. All the best in your recovery! Joe