Hi All, Anyone who had an L5 S1 Fusion what were some of your Symptoms

After a fall down a flight of stairs during a small earthquake I broke my lamina’s L4 and L5 and accentuated my spondylosis causing a painful left leg with a limping gate. PT was no help. After 2 years I gave in and had surgery.

I’ve had 2 fusions, first was L4-5, last was revision to that, and extended to L5-S1. Symptoms are pain in lower back towards the left side, pain down my left leg wrapping around to the front, into my left foot. Pain in my feet when wearing shoes.
I also have cervical stenosis so not sure which causes more pain. I’m sure others have various differences in where pain goes but nerve pain is worst! All the best to you getting yours fixed.

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

Hi , so did Ur revision and l5 s1 surgery address or help any of Ur symptoms?

Here's an update to my June 1 post regarding my April 1 fusion surgery at the L5-S1 level, which involved the use of rods and screws. I had my 10-week post-operative appointment last Wednesday, June 11, and the doctor has cleared me to return to all my usual activities. However, he advised me to take things slow and listen to my body.

I have also been attending physical therapy for a couple of weeks, which has been quite helpful. My lower back was still sore, so I was prescribed a Prednisone pack, and it has made a significant difference. I am now able to ride my bike, walk 3 to 4 miles, go to the gym, and I’m planning to play a few holes of golf today. The pain that was radiating down the front of my leg has completely subsided.

I feel fortunate to have chosen the right surgeon here in Southwest Florida. To provide some context, I will be turning 75 next month, and I have always been active, enjoying activities such as golfing, going to the gym, biking, and walking. I am hopeful that by the three-month mark (July 1), I will be able to play a full 18 holes of golf. Good luck to everyone contemplating this surgery. I wondered at first if I would ever reach this level of recovery, so hang in there!