@jenatsky Excellent advice. Almost 7 months ago, I had L4-L5 fusion, after months of excruciating pain. What a relief! I am 72, F. The surgeon said no "BLT's" (Bending, Lifting, Twisting) for several months, to allow for things to heal up. I could lift a gallon milk jug, and now can lift heavier weights, but I am NOT going to push my luck. And as I have stated before in another post, spine surgery is a delicate, serious procedure. I am being very careful not to 'overdo' it. I declined physical therapy, because I figure between climbing stairs, walking, doing normal household activities like laundry, cooking, basic cleaning, etc, I would keep my body moving and active at a reasonable pace. My advice to others who are concerned about 'getting back to normal' is: Take it Easy! Be kind to your body, listen to what it is telling you and let it heal on its own time. Remember, you don't want to go back to the type of pain you experienced before surgery!

@jenatsky I agree about length of time it takes to heal. I had fusions from S-1 to L-3-4 with insertion of rods and screws in early 1980s. Trauma related. Even though I had active career and was farming in addition that didn’t really help pain relief. Have now been relatively pain free for 10 years. Treat your body with kindness, decrease as much stress as possible, be patient. I wish you the very best.