When does post op pain that disrupts sleep go away? (Lumbar fusion)

So glad your new meds are working! I can certainly recall being exited that I first slept two straight hours! Then three. Now - nights aren't something to dread. You're on the mend!!!

I’m 18 days post fusion of L4-L5. You describe quite well where I was about a week ago. I went on a “24” hour clock accepting the value if daytime naps but also quiet awake times at night. I finally switched to all-night-with-potty breaks when I abandoned my quest to be off major pain killers. I just took the oxycodone at bedtime even if I was feeling pretty good. A good icing session before bed was my other change. Finally, I now see big progress in daily energy and reduction in pain to a low back ache if I’m on my feet too long. You seem to be right in the zone of recovery that so many of us face; pain and sleep problems wax and wane and make you crazy with the lack of predictability! In my case, I have jumped from every few days showing progress to every day having big improvement. I attribute this, in part, to accepting that I never know what’s just around the corner and enjoying the heck out of walking again (feels like I have rejoined the human race after having to live with pain that prevented all but the shortest walking or standing effort). I bet you’ll find the same progress on your own timeline. Take care and post how you are doing!

I am also post fusion of L3, L4, L5, and S1, which was done on August 5. I am female and 80 years old. I’ve been battling back and leg pain most of my life but mostly the last couple years. For the last year or so I have been on steroid shots and pain meds, nerve blocks, and an RFA. I also tried to physical therapy, dry needling, and acupuncture. My pain was in my lower back and down my right thigh and lower leg. I finally decided to have the surgery which was now 13 days ago. I was in the hospital for 4 days and then to a rehab facility for a week. I am still on Oxycodone, Lyrica, Celebrex, Tylenol, Metaxalone, and Miralax and have been on these drugs for the last year or so. I am having periods of intense pain in my right buttock, my right thigh, knee and lower leg that can bring me to my knees. I am told by the doctor and physical therapists that the nerves are “waking up.” Nerves grow 1 inch a month so they don’t know how long these periods will last – could be many weeks, months, to a year - “Everyone is different.” I would welcome any a serious help/comments. Thank you.

Every spine is different, as is how the nerves 'wake up'. It took me 12+ months after my L-4-5 & S-1 fusion to be comfortable in bed. Horizontal versus recliner gave my spine relief.

I wonder if your doc would consider Gabapentin even though it is somewhat similar to Lyrica? Gabapentin allowed me enough relief to stop the Oxy after my lumbar fusions. Before I tried it, the nerve zaps had me in tears when all I wanted was to sleep. I was on 600 mgs 3x day.
I used ice packs on my back a lot in bed too. That would make me so cold, so I’d counter it with a heating pad on my stomach.
Have you tried any topical meds such as Icy Hot or Biofreeze on your legs and glute?
Sorry for the pain you are going through.

Are you thinking that Gabapentin in addition to the Lyrica or Gabapentin instead of the Lyrica? Were you on Lyrica and then switched to Gabapentin. Not quite sure what you are thinking. I'm having another horrendous night. It's not just the zaps (like forth of july fireworks) the right leg feels heavy and weak too. Also this is an additional problem: I just finished the pneumatic pump on my left leg due to lymphedema from ovarian cancer treatment. I can't believe all this.

@kaceysmom - Good morning. I hope you had a better night? Your post-lumbar fusion issues are to be expected. I had multi-level lumbar fusion 15 months ago and I still have some residual thigh pain related to nerve "reawakening". I can certainly recall a period that was super painful as I was awakened many times a night with flashes of burning pain in my thigh. I didn't like the possible side effects of gabapentin and I just decided to soldier through the discomfort. In retrospect, I'm not sure that was the right decision.

First off - you are so "fresh" from surgery. I suggest not getting to concerned about how you feel now. It's early. Nerves do take a while to wake-up and regrow. For me, the wake-up period lasted several months and even today - I have some residual thigh numbness. But having that pain wake me up in the night is a distant memory. So have hope things will improve.

Secondly - What my experience was, may not be what your experience will be. I suggest you manage your expectations and picture a full recovery in your mind's eye. Use drugs to help manage the pain along the way and follow all doctor orders. Things will improve for you.

Wishing you the best.

Sorry, I still have a lot of pain and I had it done it 2013. As you get older you develope arthritis especially where all that hardware is.

Ugh. Sounds like you really need relief as sleep is important to the healing process. I was thinking asking your doc or calling in to their medical assistant and asking if gabapentin makes sense to prescribe in addition to what you are already on.
I did try Lyrica prior to my lumbar fusion but after a laminectomy/ microdiscectomy and it messed with my mind too much. Maybe I didn’t give myself enough time to get used to it but I went off.
Hope you get some help from your doc. Sometimes you need to be the squeaky wheel with them to get the help you need.

I did call the doctor and here’s what I’m taking an addition to the oxycodone, I’m taking three Lyrica a day 150 mg and also taking three gabapentin 100 mg a day – in between Lyrica. A lot of medication but a whole Lotta pain. I also have Sjogren’s syndrome so mouth is doubly dry. I hope this combination works for me and I don’t have too many side effects. Right now I am like a zombie. I’m so tired. I’m sleeping in between sentences. Thank you for your comments. Elaine