Has anyone dealt with Post Lumbar Fusion chronic pain?

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

Hi Christopher,

I see two people with experience with fusion surgery have replied. I hope their comments helped you. Stick with what you're doing, some people heal more slowly.

I truly hope your pain ends soon. Again I haven't had this surgery. But I've noticed that some people experience pain for a while, longer than joint replacement surgery.

Stay strong and please let us know how you progress.

All the best to you, friend.

Joe

Hi Mariette,

We are the same age, and apparently have the same type of back problems.

Did you have fusion surgery? I wasn't quite sure from your first comment. You mention post-op and non pain relief. I wasn't sure if you'd had fusion surgery and we're still in pain, or if you're dealing with a messed up back - like mine (scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, stenosis, disc degeneration - name it andI've got it).

I haven't had a bout with sciatica in 12 years. At that time, I had non-fusion laminotomies to make more room for the sciatic nerve and it worked. In the last 3 or 4 months I've been waking up with extremely tight lower back muscles. Not really painful but takes 30 minutes before I'm walking normally.

Be good to your self Mariette. You're certainly not alone and there is help. Reach out anytime. There are a lot of good people on this forum.

Joe

Hi Marc,

Thanks so much for sharing your experience, it's really helpful.

I'm 71 and in the gym everyday, but my lumbar spine is a disaster area. I'm not afraid of joint replacement surgeries, I've had four. But spinal fusion scares me.

Even so, your example offers some hope. I'm glad it's working so well for you!

Thanks again Marc!

Joe

Hi there @mrsr1234

Your comment about the "gold standard" for healing after surgery of "one year" cracked me up. I've had four joint replacements, and in all four, the surgeon said it will take 6 months to one year to heal.

I don't blame the surgeons because each person recovers differently. I've been blessed and have recovered within 2 to 3 months for knee (both), hip, and shoulder replacement. Shoulder took the longest, but I was out of pain within a week after all surgeries.

Spinal fusion is an altogether different surgery, and I have heard about good and not-so-good recoveries.

I hope you are well, and thanks for taking time to comment here.

Joe

I actually don’t have nearly as much pain now as I did. I have a poor level fusion from L2 three to L5 S1 however I get a severe neurological disease that is fatal. That’s given me more crap. I’m hoping maybe somebody on here knows about it is called Msa multiple system atrophy. I found that I had chronic pain after my fusion, but it doesn’t seem to really bother me as much only in the morning and if it’s going to be deep cold out, I think it’s probably with me just arthritis. Settle in. Have a good day. I hope you feel better.