Doctor recommended l4-5, l5-s1 fusion. What'll my life be like?

@bassetmom ty makes sense

I just joined this conversation, am I allowed to post a conclusion of my CT scan?

@rdg60 - of course. If you can paraphrase in lay language, all the better.

Mine was great. I was 61 when I had it. Took 5 months to heal and one year to forget I had it. Now, 8 years later I'm looking at going back for more. Ask your doctors team to tell you what the other surgery results are like. Depends on how active you are and will be in your own recovery - and exactly what they are fixing.

Just found out about this string of chats. I noticed that you posted your inquiry on Feb. 16. Did you have the surgery? If so, how have you been doing? Is life what you expected it to be post-surgery? Are you glad/not glad that you had the surgery?
I'm 79 yrs. old and on March 23, 2026, I had T10 pelvis fusion with L4-L5 transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion and L5-S1 transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with S2AI screws (pelvic fixation). I'm adjusting to the permanent physical limitations and figuring out "work arounds". Working toward a return of daily 4-mile walk by the time of full recovery (2 years). Began driving again in mid-July but cautious about driving interstate highways (I-70, I-25) because of inability to turn head to look behind for oncoming cars--I must rely on rear view and side view mirrors and car sensors. So, I take the long way through city streets for some appointments. Perhaps I'm being overly cautious, but I'll never get back on my bicycle or go tubing on the river in the summer. There was too much work done on my spine to risk injury. Basically, I'm living a new "normal" way of life. I'm happy to be alive no matter what new challenges come my way.

Didn't work for me unfortunately second opinion is a good start

I had L3-S1 laminectomy and fusion on March 30 this year. I am 78 and doing great, no problems at all. Feeling so much better that I keep forgetting I had the surgery. Since I am still not fully healed I still have some lifting restrictions and cannot do repetitive bending yet. I have my 6 month check up the end of this month and I fully expect that all is well with my hardware. Life does not have to change much after this surgery. Make sure you have the best orthopedic spine surgeon you can find. Have you had the surgery yet?

Hi Annie,

Just checking in to see how you are doing.

All the best.

Joe