Spinal Fusion L5-S1 didn't relieve neuropathy: Any success?

I am looking at a possible L5 S1 surgery which was recommended at Mayo Am waiting on a consult with a local surgeon to avoid the flight. What can I expect as far as recovery? Not just the pain but..how long before I can do things for myself like, wash my hair, dress, go to a salon for color, take a trip etc? I know the no bending, lifting etc will be in place for awhile. when I google that info it sounds like I need a special "tilt" chair to sit in to avoid soft furnishings, etc. Has anyone gotten special equipment to get around and if so for how long did you need it? Or is this all overkill on the part of google or( Chatgbt)
which is why I am asking questions here. Thank you.

@southernbelle13
I had L3-S1 surgery and bought an electric recliner with buttons rather than the pull handle, I also bought a shower chair, toilet handles, raised toilet seat, used a walker, used the items they give you to put on shoes/socks. I walked back and forth in my house a lot when I was able using the walker Until I could walk outside. I think with these items you should be able to do things yourself. I think it took 4 weeks or so. I can't remember exactly. You will get better faster if you start walking even in the house, like pacing back and forth 20 times. My recliner was hard material not soft. I had a bed that goes up and down with a remote, but I also had surgery in the front on my stomach and back so it was hard to get out of bed. The remote allowed me to sit myself up most of the way. If you don't have this, you may have to sleep in the recliner awhile.

ThankuMayo @thankumayo
I had L3-S1 with no issues till recently when I got in my car and it was 100° out so my car was pretty hot and both feet flared up. I had burning feet for 2 months till I took the over the counter supplement mentioned below. I had Chemo five years ago but never had any issues. Chemo induced neuropathy is one diagnosis. Been to every doctor, took every test, and can't figure out why it happened. Pain in the top of my feet mostly -another diagnosis is small fiber neuropathy. Anyway, I have a special compounded cream from a dermatologist with ketamine lidocaine and amitriptyline (not sure of spelling), he suggested it instead if gabapentin but it took awhile to get, so I take gabapentin 300 mg three times a day. However, I also researched how to heal your nerves because gabapentin just masks the pain and doesn't heal anything and I found ALA – R (Alpha Lipoic Acid-R) with the – R is most effective (raw form as produced in our bodies but our body doesn't produce enough to heal the nerves, not the regular with no R which is synthetic). Do your research though as it affects blood sugar. I take 240 mg 2x a day and it has had a tremendous impact on the burning and pain. I learned about this on this neuropathy page where they talk about it helping neuropathy. Stretching lightly daily is a must for me as I have less pain in my feet when I do. I do back stretches and hamstrings mostly and some minor stretches for my feet. Cool epsom salt soaks help too.

@southernbelle13 For what ailment was this treatment recommended? I had this surgery nine years go. It was supposed to correct the spondylolisthesis that was putting pressure on my spinal cord. Did not help. I imagine that some people get good results, although I haven't many here on Mayo Clinic Connect. If I could go back in time, I would not get the surgery.

@cgov2626
Great information. Thanks!
I take AAL but not the A form. Will try some.
My neurologist says my discomfort is coming from my back. It flares up when I sit. I tend to agree with him.
Good advice on the streching. I do that and do core strengthening exercises and some stationary biking. The strengthening and stretching sure does help.
Since I have a tough time sleeping we increased my dose to 400 mg. Gabapentin at night plus a pill for restless legs. I just started it and I do sleep a lot better.

@heisenberg34

left hip and leg radiating pain. occasional foot drop..not severe just slight, electric shock feel to my ankle at bedtime, some weakness below my knee to ankle when walking..again occasional not daily have tried all the conservative measures including injections over the last 8 years. to the point where they don't help for long. maybe a couple of months before things start up again. was looking for something that would provide longer relief. this was suggested a an option to those things. not insisted upon, up to me. i was offered gapabentin but due to possible side affects chose not to take it so can't speak to that. However, it also is more of a band aid than a possible fix.

@cgov2626
Thank you for this info. I do in fact have an adjustable bed. Can't begin to imagine how using a "helper" for wiping yourself even works!

@southernbelle13 Welcome to the club. Sometimes I think that many doctors just don't have a handle on the effect of pain on most of us. They just don't seem to really care enough to look into alternative to our problems.

@southernbelle13
Oh yeah. I left that part out. Maybe selective memory. It's not easy to use.