Questions for anyone who has had a full spinal fusion

@sophie00 : Did you have your surgery yet? If so, how are you doing?

Found your question and noticed your surgery was last year. How did it go? What is your full recovery timeframe? Do you have mobility limitations and if so, how have you worked through them?

I've had 3 failed surgeries and hip replacement and an still in chronic pain, I think it's the piriformis muscle had a shot of steroids right into it and it helped wasn't %100 better, but since I'm starting treatment for Bladder cancer I can't. Take any steroids, on Narcotics and get constipated it's horrible but without the medicationI'm in to much pain

Jack
I had the same surgery 1/2025. I had 3 months on pain meds and doing nothing. Then 3 months reduced pain meds and walking with a walker and very light exercise. Then light PT, infrequent pain meds.
Now 19 months out I am very active back to light construction, sport horses and formula car racing. I have to be careful all the time: no bending or twisting. I have found lifting medium weight items, 40 to 50 pounds is OK, using legs and without twisting. I had to give up racquetball and golf. I am 79. Just give your body time to recover but then get back to normal.

I had two previous fusions that failed likely from my own level of activity. 19 months ago had an extensive revision that involved T9 to S1. This time it was anchored to the pelvis and it's been a marvelous success. Give it a year to heal, gradually getting back to your activities.

Maybe it's a "guy" thang and the reason that @racerman would go back to "light construction, sport horses and formula car racing" after a spine surgery. I'm not willing to risk another 6 hr. surgery and the pain aftermath, as well as the emotional/mental toll. I'd rather adjust my lifestyle, or even forego some favorite activities, rather than risk injury to the extensive spine work the neurosurgeon did to improve my spine. Too often, people simply say they've had "back surgery" and don't realize the significance of actual surgery on the spine. Our spine is the pathway to our brain. In reality, it's not just "back surgery", it is a most serious operation where a minor error could result in serious consequences to a patient. I'm a 79-yr. old woman who has always been active and lived a healthy lifestyle. At times, I've been a risk taker--but not at the expense of a quality of life--or life itself. In March 2026, I had a T20 pelvis fusion with L4-L5 transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion and L5-S1 transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with S2AI screws for pelvic fixation. This spine surgery permanently altered my mobility. There's always a possibility that a person could have permanent physical damage from a fall in the bathroom. Nevertheless, I intend to live a full and meaningful life even though I either can't or choose not to continue some favorite activities. There are consequences to behavior and we have to decide which consequences we're willing to live with.

Correction: I had a T10 pelvis fusion--not a T20

@angele2times
In the US at least there are many brands of step-in sneakers (Sketchers are good and fairly inexpensive) that avoid the need for leaning over, dealing with ties, etc. There’s also a sock helper that takes a little practice but works well. Grabbers are indispensable — I bought a bunch and keep them in different rooms. Again, if you’re in the US I’d investigate whether you’re eligible for a SNF/rehab after the hospital. I found after my lumbar fusion and posterior cervical fusion that it made a huge difference to have a place to get a little stronger, not have to do everything for myself for a couple of weeks.

Thank you , very helpful!!

@memuno1stborn I agree 100%! I had my pain well-controlled with a spinal cord stimulator. I couldn't be satisfied. Went back to all my previous activities... biking skiing, crawling around under my travel trailer on my back. I should have known better! I am positive that all that activity lead to my SCS malfunctioning. Yes, you have to constrain your activities after such surgery.