What are people's experiences with spinal fusion surgery?

Thanks for your words of wisdom, @ken82. I was merely sharing my personal experience - and for me, trusting the person who is opening me up on the table and recommending I have surgery in the first place - is vital to healing. If I can’t trust a surgeon, I won’t let them operate. So I stand by my recommendation to find someone who will answer all your question, doesn’t rush you out the door and is someone you respect and who respects you as a patient. In addition, a good surgeon is usually one who will themselves send you for a second opinion, because they know they are fallible - and they want you to know that what they are recommending is indeed the best next option.

Hello @fla77 and welcome to both this conversation and Mayo Clinic Connect. You mentioned having had three fusions and one that did not heal. I am sorry to hear of the ongoing lumbar pain but also glad to hear you have a plan with the epidurals.

Will you share how that goes for you with our members?

all good info and suggestions thank you for your input

I am considering this surgery. From the MRI I have disc collapse (L4/L5) that is resulting in stenosis. This was a result I think from a herniation in my 30s (I am 61) from heavy weightlifting and lots of weight lifting from that point forward and age. I do not have very much pain more frustration from the nerve fascitations in my legs and tingling in my feet. I did an injection (the injection was great and resulted in 0 pain for 5 months) I am starting P/T and the Dr proposed a follow up injection since it had good results. He also stated I am a candidate for a minimally invasive TLIF. The Dr is suggesting a conservative approach which I am following. I am thinking the TLF is probably where I am going to land at some point in the future so instead of stopping / minimizing activities due to a weak point in my spine. So - do I bite bullet while I am healthy and the issue isn't severe? However - it is a huge step question(s) for anyone who has had this type of surgery - at what point did you decide surgery was a go? How painful post op and what was the overall recovery like? Would three weeks off of work be sufficient? . Last - did you seek several opinions and consult with different Doctors or just stick with one? Thank you.

@jeffkboyce 25 yrs ago in 1995 they didn't call the fusion surgery FLIF but my L4,L5,S1 were fused using 2 plates and 6 screws and a lot of soft bone from my hip.. During the 8 hour surgery (including recovery room) the surgical team cleaned up the arthritis problems too.. so now I am 83 and I sure get around a whole lot better than my cohort group.. It took me about 3 weeks to go back to work..and I didn't have to use crutches then at all.. just a cane.. The spine surgeon told me that I would know when I needed the surgery.. as the pain level would increase to the point where it was limiting.... I had the epidurals before surgery as that helped locate the problem areas.. I was in ICU for 4 days.. regular room and working with Physical Terrorist for a day prior to going home.. but they had me up the day after surgery..
I did not take many pain meds after leaving the hospital as they made me so constipated. At the time of surgery I was married and my wife was so very helpful.. we would go to the movies.. and for walks.. I received opinions from the spine surgeon and a neurologist.. Evaluate the entire surgical team... not just the leader.. What hardware will be put in.. and who will actually do that? Ken

Like Ken82 I had similar surgery in 1992 with fair results. I'm now 69 with severe OA of entire spine with leg pain, numbness, etc. The current procedure for lumbar fusion typically involves titanium cages placed around your bad disc's and vertebrae with bone from your hip or bone bank bone or both packed around the cages. Many patients have great success with this procedure. I know the more active I remain the better off I am. I have a home exercise program I developed with PT that I live by and I walk minimum 2 miles daily. Good luck with your surgery. On a personal note I would never get back shots due to the bad effect of cortisone on bones, joints, kidneys and renal vessels.

I've had three back surgeries. The first one was a herniated disc at L-5/S-1. The second one was rods and 6 screws from L3 down. The last surgery was a cage at L3. I was scheduled to have a 4th surgery to have my SI joint screwed to my pelvic bone. This was 7 years ago. I went in for the pre-op and after that, I canceled the surgery and told the neurologist that I didn't want to do it until I can no longer walk. Well I'm now at a point that I can't walk for more than a block without having pain. I can also no longer stand for more than a few minutes without pain. I don't use walkers & canes and must lean on the cart when grocery shopping. I'm 72 and have finally decided to get a current MRI and do something. This is no way to live. I love gardening and attending our grandsons baseball games. I'm not going to start the injections again either. I did that for years prior to my surgeries. I would be good for a month and they would only do three injections a year.

@jeffkboyce since you found your way to this discussion, you will notice I have deleted your other new post from a bit earlier. I'm glad you've been able to connect with members who can share their experience with you!

I am 8 weeks out from fusion of L4-5, at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. I had back pain from OA, bulging discs, stenosis, a few other issues and some I still have. I decided it was time due to quality of life, only went to work appointments (real estate) and back to bed.
Everyone must decide what they can withstand. I went back to work at 3 weeks, but limited. My pain was pretty severe. The pain after surgery for me was bad, but I am
glad I did it. I won’t do any more steroid injections or ablations, if I can help it! Good luck with your decision! I went to 3 other NS before choosing Mayo.

Thanks !