I had L4L5 fusion with the ALIF procedure in Sept '25. After excruciating pain that summer, I was so relieved to be pain-free, after the recovery period where ice packs helped reduce swelling on front abdomen and back. My
advice is to research your surgeon ( graduated from a reputable university in the US? where was residency/internship?) and then, give yourself time to recover thoroughly---don't rush the recovery! Be kind to your body, because spine surgery is a delicate, serious procedure. You may need to adjust some of your activities re: intensity or duration, but it's better than dealing with the pain you had before surgery! Best of luck to you!