Had C3-C6 fusion 4/24 and L3-S1 6/24. All felt good but weak until 3 weeks after lumbar fusion. Started to feel nerves zapping in thighs. Spoke with surgeon as condition just kept getting bit worse. He indicated this was normal from compression of cervical and keep up with core and other exercises. Well after a year my strength was getting better but thighs still had a lot of nerve action and lost flexation . All docs kept indicating lower extremities issues were from cervical. Then from 7/2024 - November lower legs and lumbar just pain just kept getting worse. I did exercises, chiropractor, injections and they barely worked and only masked the pain. Finally had MRI, X-ray and CT of lumbar, SI and found that adjacent L-2,L3 was the issue which I tried to convey for over 6 months. Had fusion completed with new rods to tie in previous fusion on 12/20/24. Within a day pain was gone except incision area. Legs feel much better but still have knee flexation issues and shins/calfs are numb. Hoping exercises good diet will get me back near normal except limitations of the fusion which I sure I can adapt to.
I myself would not wait for surgery as every day is possible long term damage. Just make sure to be prepared to put the work in to get muscles strengthen to support you and limit failure years down the road.