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Has anyone dealt with Post Lumbar Fusion chronic pain?
Bones, Joints & Muscles | Last Active: Mar 7 9:44am | Replies (16)Comment receiving replies
@1christopher
Dont dispare as there is hope. I had two surgeries. The first was a L5-S1 fusion where post operative recovery was easy but after about a year the pain came back, so I had another surgery to fuse L4 to L5. That recovery took a bit longer... about 3 months, BUT after that I was back to all my normal activities. There is HOPE
Replies to "@1christopher Dont dispare as there is hope. I had two surgeries. The first was a L5-S1..."
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Thank you @tkopkau for your encouraging words.
I got a laugh out of mrsr1234's comment that all ortho surgeries like joint replacements and fusion will magically take 6 months to one year to heal. That's a guide, not a prediction by the surgeons. I wish they would make that more plain.
I've had both knees, right hip, and left shoulder replaced and I was back to the gym after one month after each. Granted I was limited at first, but the pain was gone and I was a lot happier. And I do feel like I was fully recovered in two months. The shoulder took longer as it's a complicated joint.
Reading about your experience makes me feel better about how I have healed. In general, I just heal quickly. No idea why. I also follow the PT regimen exactly.
I've been a candidate to have S1 through L4 fused for 18 years now. I did have non-fusion laminotomies at S1 through L4 about 12 years ago, and that's holding up well. Fusion is one surgery I'd like to avoid. My core muscles are strong, and at 71, I'm working to protect my back.
So thanks for sharing about your fusion surgeries. 3 months seems pretty good for fusion recovery! I'm very happy for you - and THANKS for the HOPE!
Joe