I will be having L5-S1 posterior spinal fusion surgery

@sandyshealth Welcome to Connect. I am a cervical spine surgery patient. I was still in pain at 6 weeks and very tired. Lumbar surgery is a more difficult recovery. Here is a discussion that may be helpful.

Spine Health - "Recent L5-S1 fusion"
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/recent-l5-s1-fusion/

I was tired and in some pain at 6 weeks post op for L3-L5 decompression and fusion. You still have some restrictions in how much you can bend/lift/twist. You could possibly go but would need assistance and consider your sleeping arrangements and what tools you would need for self care (like grabbers, cane, walker, bed assist bar, bars in showers/bath so you don’t fall, etc.).

Thank you. These are some things I didn't think of. Better to stay home.

@sandyshealth
That sounds like the safer choice. I am almost 3 months post op (had my L3-L5 surgery early August 2024), and I would not feel safe to travel now. I still have some limitations with bending/reaching and lifting plus some pain/discomfort in my hips/hip flexors. Standing/walking/sitting for long is hard and Instill use my grabber and bed assist bar to turn over in bed. I am 55 years old and female and still use the walker to help me stand and put my slip on shoes on when I get out of bed, hand rails in my shower and have to walk slowly down stairs and have some difficulty going up stairs.

Good luck with your surgery and setup as much of your home and supplies needed beforehand. Clear walkways and trip hazards as much as possible (to allow room for a walker). I also needed to be prepared for how to bathe once cleared (bought back-brush/sponge and used my shower chair and hand sprayer). You’ll want lots of pillows to help prop you up and use under knees or between knees, depending on how you sleep.

Maybe someone can set up Zoom for you?

Also, did you ask your doctor about flying? In my consult ( I haven’t had the surgery yet, either ) he said no flying for six weeks.

Would car trip be an option, stopping every 45 to an hour - and splitting it into a two day trip? Guess so much also depends on your recovery! Wishing you the best!

My sister’s recovery was actually amazingly not painful for her, just took gabapentin an tylenol. We all recover differently.

I have! I had the same Surgery, L5 to S1. For me it was about 7 weeks. We drove 2 Days from Louisiana to Illinois. We stopped every 1 hour to 1 1/2 hour, and I was fine. We did split the Days and spend the Night at the Hotel. I was wearing my Back Brace the entire time. I had 3 Back Surgeries. This last one was because I damaged my Spine below a previous Fusion due to a severe Fall.
I can only speak from my Experience, but I would not fly so short after a Fusion. Things to consider are that you have to drag your Luggage around, long walks from and to Terminals. Very small Seats, flight delays, etc.
Knowing Airports and Air Travel, even short flights, it was not an option for me!
Hope this helps. If you have any more Questions, please feel.free to ask.
Good Luck to you, and a speedy Recovery!

PS: I did ask my Doctor if it was ok to travel!!

Thank you, you've given me some food for thought. If I fly, I would definitely use the wheelchair service and have my daughter and son-in-law handle the luggage but I hadn't thought about the possibility of delays.
I will have my pre-op in two weeks and will go with many questions.

I wish you all the Best! The most important thing after fusion is to move to gain your flexibility back. A good life after fusion is possible!

@willow5 After major surgery, there is risk of blood clots and sitting for long periods without getting up and moving can trigger clots. I think this is why a doctor would say not to fly.