Lower back spinal fusion recovery: How bad is it?

Yep, postpone until the fall if you can tolerate it and not do anything else to change it. One word of advice, once you begin a PT program do not ever stop doing it. Once you’ve had insult to the back being it trauma or intended things change. Maintaining your core strength and continuing a good low back exercise program may save you from old age back. I lost that battle though I’m not complaining.

I am a 73 year old woman with lower back pain. I had a fusion L-3-L5 two years ago. Now two years later I am experiencing pain on my right side that burns going down the top part of my leg into the groin area. I also have pain on the left side of my lower back with no issues down that leg. My surgeon told me that I have scolosis which has come from arthritis throughout my body. He ordered another MRI to see what's going on but I got the impression that he is going to refer me to a scolosis specialist which might want to do a lower back fusion which I'm scared of doing. I've heard stories about not being able to tie your shoes etc. Has anyone had this procedure done and been able to live a good life? I've done injections, PT, medication and nothing is working. I look forward to hearing from someone or anyone who might be dealing with this issue. Thank you!

@sandrabrown2
Here is a great article explaining everything about fusions:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/spinal-fusion-2/
Its not clear to me what is being communicated to you. Already being fused L3-L5 is a loer back fusion. Possible he is talking about extending your existing fusion as this is common for the next joint to go bad due to the stress of the 1st fusion. If thats the case recovery should be pretty much the same as the 1st one.

As far as bending everyone is different going from 2 level fusion to 3 level I would guess you won't see a lot of difference in what you have now. My wife has 10 levels fused and can get most shoes and socks on (With difficulty) on but no tying. Now me I have no fusions but need one and can't tye mine as I have never been limber and the pain is limiting. I love my sketchers slip in.

Hope that helps
Craig

@jlssurplus I have a fusion from L3-S1 and I have no trouble tying my shoes or picking up something from the floor. I sometimes feel a little tight but I have no pain at all. Ask your surgeon about this, he will have the best answer.

@sandrabrown2 I'm 71 years old with having surgery on L2 - S1 and scoliosis, 1 year ago. It has taken a full year to recover. Not using a cane or walker now. I have a little pain down the right side that feels like nerves. I'm having trouble getting back in to see my doctor because of insurance switch. I wear Sketchers Slip On. They are great. No trying. But I did but a "pooper scooper" because of the bending over. Wonderful invention! 🤣 I can bend all the way over now. Some days are tighter than others but, they do tell you no bending over. It's taking a full year for me to recover fully. The Pros outweigh the Cons.

@llander1966
I've been told that I need a l3 to s1 fusion with pelvic bolts I think they call them. Can I ask you if you had asked younia and also what were your symptoms like? One last question where did you have your surgery and who was the surgeon and how long was the recovery.? I'm consulting some surgeons in New York where I live and it gets confusing try to figure out we would be the best for me since you can't really get there outcomes. Thanks

@llander1966
So it sounds like your surgery was successful. Can I ask where you're located and who the surgeon was? Also what were your symptoms and do you have osteopenia?

This is a big decision having your L3 -L5 fusion surgery.When you have time to think about having a major spine fusion surgery multiple levels.When I had my D.I.L.F L3-s1 fusion surgery at age 52 .It was a game changer because I did not want to have nerve pain get worse .The recovery is tough and when you get cleared by your surgeon.I would suggest water aerobics or swimming.Less pain and helps with recovery .

@yesibeleive Thank you for sharing your story with the fusion along with the scoliosis surgery. What degree was the curvature, and was it a C or a S shape?
After consulting with the neurologist/ortho surgeon recently, he told me it would take 6-9 months recovery. Are you an active person, as in athletics, and social commitments? I know when the time will come for the surgery with T1-S1 to occur, as the L5-S1 fusion is flattening the spinal column, with much credit towards the C curve. I won't be the athlete or the traveler I am today, and he agreed with me to wait until I know sleeping at night, and keeping up with the activities I love is gone.

@vikkitennis scoliosis was S. Surgery didn't completely straighten out. It was a 21% curve.
I have never been a traveler or very athletic. I continued to work p/t up until 3 years ago.
I was in a lot of pain before surgery.
Physical therapy is very important. Dr wanted me in for water therapy but my Medicare wouldn't cover it.