Hello @crockett Nice to e-meet you here. I had a similar fusion and laminectomy, plus my wife had far more extensive spinal surgery. I am basing my comments only on my personal experience as I am not any kind of medical professional.

First I would say spine surgery is unique to each individual. What mine entailed, while at the same location might well have been far different than what you will experience. My surgery was scheduled for out-patient, but they decided to keep me overnight as it went longer than scheduled. My immediate info was no lifting nor driving. I was given an Rx for two months of PT outpatient and then take home exercises.

After the post surgery pain, I did get wonderful relief from the sciatic pain in my legs, which had made laying down impossible. It remained that way for almost 10 years until the physical labors of caregiving caused the benefits of my surgery to fail.

Peace and courage

Hello @crockett, thank you for sharing a bit about your concerns and what to expect regarding your back surgery.

You may want to read through some of the following discussion that took place early 2016 on spinal fusions. While the types of fusions vary, you may find some helpful information in the discussion:
- Spinal fusion of L1-4 and managing pain. What works for you? http://mayocl.in/2bbREQi

Crockett, has the surgery been scheduled or has it just been recommended?

I suggest you find out from an "expert" neurosurgeon , or your own, exactly why fusion is required. Find out exactly what pain or pains it will be relieving and how the surgery will accomplish that relief. If he or she has detailed replies, ask about your doctor's experience and success rate with spinal fusion.
Also, inquire about PT as soon as you are able to keep your core strong. Too many doctors are operating under the add hardware system and keeping patients in the dark about their standard protocols for "curing all back pain." Ask a lot of questions about what physical therapy you can do to avoid surgery - not steroid shots which can cause arachnoiditis. The best of luck!

Have you had the surgery yet, or are you still interested in experiences?

gailb, I read your history and our stories sound very similar, neck to low back and in between. Throughout my adult life i have carried the attitude that I can (and will) do anything, especially if I have to ask or if it's not being done as I would! Wrong, bad attitude first and foremost! I was the one who did above and beyond for all..just took care of everyone and got 'er done, at any cost.
I felt like Humpty Dumpty in that each time I had a migraine from the neck or low back go out, I went to the chiro to have it put together again. Helped for many years. Please understand, I am a trained xray tech and have seen too many surgeries 'gone wrong', and always said "they'll never cut on my spine". Never say never because it will come back to bite you!
I have seen a neurologist for at least 15 years with all the same treatments that you mentioned. All those treatments, as well as exercise and nerve blocks, are only band aids if you have real problems.
First week of May, 2016 I saw an orthopedic surgeon (MRI, blocks, pills). I was told they would have to fuse L4-5. No sir! Got 2nd opinion from a neurosurgeon and a new neurologist. In Sept. we chose the laminectomy along with opening the space for the nerve. Good for about 4 weeks, till vacation which made everything worse than prev. Sent me to another neurosurgeon (same office). By this time in Nov. I was in unbearable pain and slipping and grinding in the spine. Bingo, fusion! Didn't take place until Jan 18, 2017. The vertebra had been slipping back and forth on the sciatic nerve and abusing it so badly that it will take many months for it to heal. Surgeon was great, back is fine w/care, but that nerve! Ugh! I've had many surgeries and this was the worst but age could be a factor, and I also have fibro.
By the time I had surgery, I couldn't walk w/out help, my leg would give way, and I couldn't hold my torso erect.
My advice to you would be: Have someone prescribe a medical back brace, get a second opinion (all drs. are not created equal, do your homework on your doctors).and ask questions. If you have a good doctor he normally won't do the fusion until you can't walk. Lighten up on your activities while you can still function. If you have the fusion you will be forced to stop normal activity and it will nearly kill a strong willed person. It has taken many tears to break my independent spirit.
I have been taking Percocet 5 or 10 since May and am down to 1 or 2 per day. I had no problem with heavy meds in hospital, although all bodies are different. I still take Gabapentin for fibro and sleep, and as far as I'm aware, it's not addicting. I take Tizanidine for muscle relaxer.
Ok now, I have written my book, but if there is anything I have left out or anything else, just let me know. Please take care and may God bless you on this journey.

hello, I had the procedure you are talking about starting from the time I was 24 and last surgery 36. It was like a domino, you alter one and here I am at age 59 with the back of an 80 year old. Following L4-5 S1, they all ended up herniated. I just found out there is a bulge in the only remaining disc. L1. Would I do it i over? NO. I always thought when the pain gets bad enough what else could I do. No, the fusion was a disaster. I was told there was a non union, I was told it looked great, and told it wasn't there. At my 6 week check up for my first surgery, I told the doctor it doesn't feel like you did anything, he said it was surgery pain. I asked him to humor me and do an MRI, the part of the disc they left because they only take what is bulged, was bulged, just this time it was the part they left. I lost my 20's, 30's, 40's, now my 50's. I was in good shape, I loved life. I have spent all those years in pain and given an 8 pound weight restriction. I could not have a pregnancy because my back couldn't take it, which wasn't a problem since it couldn't take a sex life either. Ask yourself how bad is it. If your life sucks now, I would risk it, otherwise, run and don't look back. Good Luck, From Michaela Just one thing, once the get you on the narcotics, when they are finished with you, you are on own. In pain. Most likely wind up in a Pain Clinic.