Connect
← Return to Hi All, Anyone who had an L5 S1 Fusion what were some of your Symptoms
Discussion
Hi All, Anyone who had an L5 S1 Fusion what were some of your Symptoms
Spine Health | Last Active: Jun 17 4:22pm | Replies (27)Comment receiving replies
I had L4-L5 L5-S1 fusion surgery 8 weeks ago. I had sciatica down the front of my right leg and was taking hydromorphone for over a year. I tried epidurals and an ablation, which helped for only short periods. At 8 weeks, I can walk 2 - 3 miles but get very sore afterward. I was very fit and active before my surgery. My back is still painful when I get out of bed in the mornings, but it improves with time.
I am looking forward to starting PT this week and my 12-week post-op appointment. I would appreciate any comments on what to expect.
Replies to "I had L4-L5 L5-S1 fusion surgery 8 weeks ago. I had sciatica down the front of..."
Hello davidjon, It sounds like you are doing great post op. I had 4 spinal fusions from L2-S1. The 4th was a revision of the 3rd as they did not use long enough screws the first time. Same symptoms as yours.
Post op... at 8 weeks walking 2-3 miles is great. I was not much of an exerciser prior to my surgeries. Plus the first surgery had to be pushed out a bit more then 2 months as I had a major heart attack and was not strong enough for such a lengthy tough surgery. Because of the lengthy wait time I ended up with permanent right foot drop and other lower extremity nerve issues. I need a cane or walker to ambulate. Post op all my walking consisted of walking a circle around my living room and dining room. I did spend 1 week in hospital and upon discharge 1 week in a rehab. then out patient PT and OT . OT was very helpful and I still use what they taught me. PT's focus is Core Muscles.
>Symptoms were: Pain down the front of my right leg to start: Mine got so severe at one point while waiting for surgery that I could not bear weight due to the pain and spent a few weeks in bed.
> PT: post op spinal surgery they focus on strengthening your core muscles. Being a fit and active person, as you said, you obviously have a good start with this.
In my personal experience with this I think you are doing awesome and both therapy and the doc at your 12 week appointment will be impressed. You are not at the end of your recovery but the worst is over.
My comments were all to my 1st fusion wanting to reply to you in the like manner you posted.
Best of luck to you! Keep moving !
Beckey
Connect
S1 through L4 Cage implant with the discs that were taken out from the front. Over 2 years recovering, and it takes at least this long, maybe double to heal completely. Hang in there.. I'm 65 and hope to surf again. There's no such thing as too much PT at this point. Dr Stewart McGill big 3, twice a day, find a proteus machine and a good PT. My daily in-house workout is elliptical machine, Roman chair, Total gym.. number one recommendation, don't sit.. sleeping is also going to be an issue