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When does post op pain that disrupts sleep go away? (Lumbar fusion)

Posted by mlbobcat @mlbobcat, Aug 1, 2023

I just had lumbar spinal fusion L4-L5–S1 using ALIF at age 56. The first procedure was through my abdomen and second part 2 days later involved putting in metal rods and screws from 2 incisions on the back. This is after 20 years of constant lower back pain that was mostly intense aching pain in lower back, though I had occasional sciatica too. I managed via pain meds and exercises (bike riding and racing, lots of stretching every day) that were very helpful, and various surgeries/epidural shots etc. that were not. Looking back, I don’t think I was fully “managing” the past 2-3 years, as my work capacity in a desk job declined. Finally, my pain hit a higher level with some sciatica mixed in and suddenly I could not work or enjoy the sports that helped me before. That’s when I finally arranged to get fusion surgery. I’m now 11 days post op, and I’m having periods of intense pain in the lower back and buttocks that keep me from sleeping. Last night I slept one hour. Tonight it’s 4:20 am (lol) and I had maybe 3 hours of sleep so far and my buttocks hurt so much.

How long should it take before there episodes come to an end? What can I do now?

At present, I spend most of my days in a recliner chair mixed in with short walks. I also sleep in the chair. I’m taking oxycodone, Tylenol, Lyrica, Celebrex, Cyclobenzaprine, and some meds for constipation. I’ve tried ice on the back which helps a little.

Any insights would be much appreciated!

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Profile picture for Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor
Mentor
Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | Apr 21 8:30pm
In reply to @jwdiehl912 "Wow, you had almost the same exact procedure I had last week. It’s been one week..." + (show)
Profile picture for jwdiehl912 @jwdiehl912

Wow, you had almost the same exact procedure I had last week. It’s been one week postop today and I am having great difficulty sleeping. The only place I have found any relief, like you, is in a recliner.. I think I am taking just about the same medication that you were for pain. Can you tell me what they put you on after your trip to the emergency room? Curious if it helped. Also curious as to how you were doing almost 2 years postpartum if you are still looking at these posts.

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@jwdiehl912 Welcome to Connect! I see you've found your way into a discussion. You may get a response as this member has been on Connect recently.

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wywomanjk | @wywomanjk | Sep 16 11:01am
In reply to @backincontrol "Yes, hang in there, as this too shall pass and hopefully quickly! I am praying for..." + (show)
Profile picture for backincontrol @backincontrol

Yes, hang in there, as this too shall pass and hopefully quickly! I am praying for you mlbobcat. On May 31 & June 2, 2023 I had pretty much had the same surgeries as you. An ALIF first, double fusion (L3-4, L5-S1) and a PLIF revision at L4-5. I had my first fusion 13 years ago and totally agree the healing process is slow. The TENS idea could be very helpful. RE: Meds I was taking post-surgery all of the same drugs as you currently are, minus the Celebrex as I was told the NSAIDS could slow up the fusion process. After discussing via the patient portal with my surgical team I started at 3-weeks post op weaning off all of the pain meds (except Tylenol). I found they were delaying my progress since I was so foggy, unable to focus and were limiting my activity (walking) throughout the day. The walking (my surgeon says no PT until the fusion has occurred) is so important to get the healing process going. Therefore, at bedtime, since my activity level was so limited, I did not sleep as well as I should have. Without the meds, I started walking a lot more outside and the really good news is my leg nerve pain has slowly improved and I am now sleeping very well. I also have many pillows in my bed, under my knees when on my back or behind my back when on my side. Prior to bedtime I ice up front & back. Since my brain can focus again I enjoy reading at bedtime and this helps distract my mind from the leg nerve pain. Prayers you can get some good sleep real soon. We're all in this together! I am ever grateful for a significant reduction in my pain and pray that you will find the same soon. We all want to get our lives BACK in control and not vice versa have our backs in control of our lives. Bless you!
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil. 4:13

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@backincontrol -I am 19 days post-op of L3/4 PLIF surgery. I am a 67 year old woman and I have always worked out and taken good care of my body.

Thank you for your post. I found it very encouraging!

I too suffer nerve pain post op and haven't been sleeping well. I also had a spondylothesis at L3.

I am praying the nerve pain will calm down and I can start walking more without pain. I find myself 2nd guessing about doing this surgery but I was told that my nerves were severely compressed and eventually I would end up in a wheelchair.

I know patience and time are what is required to get through this long recovery process.

Your idea of Journaling is a good one!

And yes, "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."
Phil. 4 vs.3

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