Had MIS-TLIF 12 days ago. (L5-S1). Stenosis, ruptured disk, claudication, spondylolisthesis…had very bad nerve pain in my left leg and could barely walk—and then only with trekking poles. Now I can walk normally— it is amazing what the docs can do now. It started 18 months ago with worsening left leg pain, and ultimately pain in my left low back, though think back pain due more to my gait. (Oh, and a two week trip to Europe with heavy walking — and a lotta pain meds —didn’t help my back !) I gave in and had surgery on my return home. I’m 66, average weight and lax on cardio, but do work 30 mins/week w/trainer ( or I did before surgery). The surgical experience was much easier than I thought—I’d never had general anesthesia before and was concerned for no reason. Everyone at hospital was kind and caring, I spent one night in hospital and was home the next. Obviously, it is still early days, so my back is stiff and sore, but I take gabapentin, Tylenol and Robaxin at night only. [PA said okay to drive now as long as not on opiate ( or daytime robaxin). I plan a short drive tomorrow.] PT starting coming to my home a week after surgery; I do limited exercise 1-2x day, and walk up and down the long hall outside my apt ( I’m in hi rise) a few times a day. Even though I walk fine without walker ( kind w/two wheels), the PT wants me using it when I walk longer distances. I’ve had no issues taking care of myself, though stayed with friends for three days post surgery. I did have excruciating nerve pain in my leg after the nerve blocks wore off - beginning day 2 post surgery, but my fusion was complicated by a deeply imbedded nerve they had to free, It was a worse and different nerve pain than pre-surgery, but the PA said that was a good thing— nerve reacting to freedom! Anyway, at that point I was taking Oxy which helped. The nerve pain has now greatly eased. It’s still early days, but I’m very pleased with surgery. Do not push yourself too hard post surgery-my back is sore now because I overdid it yesterday. No matter how careful I am not to BLT ( bent, lift twist), just making an easy dinner and clearing up requires move movement than one thinks. But walking is very important. And don’t be a martyr to pain- take the pain meds.! Hope this helps! Good luck