I will be having L5-S1 posterior spinal fusion surgery

gee i have no idea. mine just said not to fly for six weeks

@willow5 I thought that might explain why a doctor advises against flying because not moving for long periods of time can lead to blood clots. There are the pressure changes and G forces too with flying, and that might be able to affect circulation. As another member pointed out, carrying luggage would not be allowed because of lifting weight restrictions after surgery.

I fell and had a compression fracture in the lumbar area. I was referred to a Radiologist who specializes in Vertebroplasty surgery .That helped a great deal. They injected cement between the injured Vertebrae. I am now seeing another specialist for low back pain , called Facet joint pain. I’ve had an MRI and the pain source has been identified . I have had one medial branch block and the location was correctly identified. Due to Medicare
requirements I will have a second medial branch block which will be a stronger block. If it gives me relief from
Pain they will then schedule me asap for a radio frequency Ablation. This dr has wonderful success and a great reputation. I’m 77 and am very proactive with my health. I’m also having reclast infusions one a year to strength my bone. It’s not fun. I hope I have been helpful.
Mary Jean Dennis

Thanks to the hugs on my Mayo post. Has anyone had success on the above treatments? I’d love to hear from you.
Mary Jean Dennis

It’s a crap shoot to take a chance at this but you need your doctor’s blessing before you fly or drive. Remember airplane seats suck and if you fly consider taking a seating device that is supportive for your back. And if you drive good luck as that might be a killer. Going over road bumps, cracks in the roadway and the such will cause you issues so soon after surgery. Good luck

I had an L5-S1 fusion in 1998 and, aside from some post-surgery complications (minor), my back has been
fine ever since. I have taken many vacations (flying) since then and all is well.