Good morning.
Can't say I have had surgery for that problem but I did find out that I had partial SI sacralization which predisposes me for what happened to you. Some of what you mention are likely related.

I am an exercise physiologist by training and might suggest you consider discussion with a provider regarding how your body mechanics have changed that are impacting your activities. You might need to keep this in mind moving forward to what your body needs most.

Take care of yourself, listen to your body and your support system and get the level of activity that you need!

Hello @al21, I'd like to invite @cmeadows09, @fourof5zs and @suzfuse46 to this discussion as they have all shared their experiences with an SI joint fusion.

The 2017 lumbar surgery for scoliosis, herniation, stenosis from L1 to SI left me with a tingling sensation and skin extremely sensitive to touch in the SI area. In 2019 I had replacement of screws in my lumbar spine and extended the fusion from the SI into the pelvic bones. It didn't improve my pain level or function but it seems to have gotten worse. Five years later, it hasn't been addressed or any further investigation by any of my doctors I have been working with for cervical and thoracic problems. I would say that follow up with your doctors while the problem is still current or find a specialist who is willing to listen and come up with a feasible solution. I wish you the best of luck.

With all respect, CrossFit is a dangerous activity. The fusion should help contain pain and sciatica, but yeah, impact sports are now off the table. I'm glad you have some relief from the SI pain after surgery.

I'm a former marathoner and my lumbar spine is a disaster area. I have every lumbar pathology, but got relief about 10 years ago with laminotomies at S1, L5, and L4. I am putting off fusion for as long as possible. I am in the gym every day and I work on stretching, core, cardio and strength. I took up spinning about a year ago and love it. (I also had both knees replaced in 2022, so impact work is off my table too!)

To feed the need for fitness, I suggest giving spin a try. I challenge myself with different routines, and take a class or two at the gym, but much prefer working out on my own. I sweat easily anyway, and after a 45 minute spin session, I'm tired but feel extremely cleaned out from the sweating.

So that's my exercise suggestion. I also work with a trainer twice a week and that keeps my workout routine from becoming routine, if you take my meaning. I lost 30 lbs last year, from 190 to 160 (ironic because I weighed in the 140s when I ran marathons). I turn 70 in a few weeks and feel great.

As for a specialist, I'd find a spine surgeon/neurologist in his/her late 30s to late 40s with a good pedigree from med school and residency - Mayo and Cleveland Clinic produce some great orthopedic surgeons.

I hope that helps. I remember how hard it was when I had to stop running, so I get how you may be feeling. Look back on your accomplishments with pride and write your next chapter.

All the best to you! Joe

Hello, 56 yr old here—I recently went thru a right sided si jt fusion in 11-24 and been healing ok- had the left si jt fused a few wks ago-left side is healing well but now have severe right sided hip pain- lateral aspect and radiates into the right si jt…..did you find any relief or treatments that have helped you ? - backround info- had anterior L4-S1 fused with hardware, have posterior L 2- S1 fusion with rods, they had to go back in and remove the L2 rods and screws- —2 screws came loose and fractured L2.

I am 66 years old. I tried sacral injections / epidural, didntvreally help much but may help you. Just a thought. I keep moving, have too. I know my limitations. When you tired and in pain, rest.

Try an MFR therapist! They are really great after surgeries. Don’t quite adequately repair the bones. It’s probably the muscles and the nerves. You will need to be under guided rehabilitation and you need to give your recovery a couple years for your body to heal. I had one hip replaced then the other two years later and then my lumbar. You will need to rebuild your core. When you have fusion your tiny pair of spinal muscles have to be exercised in a different way. You need to return to your orthopedic surgeon and get his comments and create a plan of care. It takes like three months for postoperative swelling to go down and it takes another quarter of a year to start working on your muscles and it can take 4 to 10 years for your nerves to regrow and remodel themselves, so don’t look at this a short term but rather long-term and make sure you tap into your doctors. A great orthopedic surgeon and a great MFR therapist working in tandem along with your proper exercising will help you recove completely at 42. Sometimes nerves and scar tissue get in the way and have to be dealt with later but that’s usually a year or two out so make sure you are getting MFR therapy to help that along.

Hi Joe,

Oh, I am very sorry what you are going through as well. Back surgery and pain are difficult and risky. I wish I never had the L5 S1 fusion/cage, but ended up in the ER, couldn't walk, had a fracture. I also have scoliosis in my thoracic. I have a lot of hardware in my back which has caused a lot of pain, issues, restrictions and have neuropathy in both feet now. This surgery has changed my life forever.

If I were you, please try to avoid the fusion. Is there another type of less invasive surgery like kyphoplasty that would help you? And I agree, strengthening the core is key, I do exercise and go to planet fitness, walk etc. I have weight restrictions, so have to be careful but I am determined; do not want a revision.

I am 66 yo and for the last 2 years after surgery have been working hard to strengthened core and feel better. My doctor told me this is my "new normal" and to adjust. Like everyone, doing the best we can.

I wish you the very best and hope you do not need a fusion.

55-year-old male needs a L2 L3 L4 L5 to the pelvic Fusion I have questions about how stiff I will be what movement I will lose and how strong I will be afterwards herniated disc between L2 and L3 pushing severely on the nerve causing pain down the left leg hip and degenerative disc disease