@denman55
I had my L3-L5 invasive decompression and fusion 8/2/2024. I stopped taking narcotics after 10 days and now only taking Tylenol or Advil, as needed. I dealt with the constipation with senna and Metamucil right after surgery. It was an extremely painful surgery (off the charts) but gradually reduced every day over 2 weeks. I am doing really well 18 days post op (pain about 3-4 mainly with certain movements, 1-2 with minimal movement). I have used Salonpas pain patches if I do too much reaching or bending and really trying to minimize this and especially any twisting.

I had severe stenosis/DDD/neurogenic claudication prior to surgery and also bilateral gluteal tendinopathy and hamstring partial tears. My hope is to start PT to strengthen my core and lower body muscles to minimize any new issues in spine/hips/pelvis/buttocks.

Did you get updated MRI/X-rays to see how your post surgery spine looks and MRI of your pelvis/hips to see if there is any soft tissue damage? If they do any injections, they need to know the source of pain if they want them to be successful in temporarily managing pain. Are you taking Cymbalta/Duloxetine or an antidepressant that helps to manage your perceptions of pain?