What are people's experiences with spinal fusion surgery?

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.

I had a TLIF at several lumbar levels in 2011. My course was “complicated” because I had a neck fusion at two levels 6 weeks later. I took a total of 5 months off work. However, I was a Recovery Room RN, so I was going back to a very physically demanding job. It’s really going to depend on your job and what it entails. Things went well until a few years ago. Partially my fault for being stupid at the gym. Partially because when one has a fusion, it puts more strain and pressure immediately above and below the fusion. So now I have more degenerative disease above my neck fusion and below my back fusion. I began having significant leg pain/lower back pain. Began having probable sciatic pain, trouble walking, etc. Long story short have been offered more neurosurgery/another fusion in my L5/S1 area. I refused. I now have a spinal cord stimulator installed. It works well for me. Not everyone has that kind of luck, I understand.

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.

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.

I just saw this. I tried one or two of those injections and only got a few days of relief. If I had gotten 5 months of great relief, I would have tried delaying surgery in exchange for those. Just my 2 cents.

I had a TLIF at several lumbar levels in 2011. My course was “complicated” because I had a neck fusion at two levels 6 weeks later. I took a total of 5 months off work. However, I was a Recovery Room RN, so I was going back to a very physically demanding job. It’s really going to depend on your job and what it entails. Things went well until a few years ago. Partially my fault for being stupid at the gym. Partially because when one has a fusion, it puts more strain and pressure immediately above and below the fusion. So now I have more degenerative disease above my neck fusion and below my back fusion. I began having significant leg pain/lower back pain. Began having probable sciatic pain, trouble walking, etc. Long story short have been offered more neurosurgery/another fusion in my L5/S1 area. I refused. I now have a spinal cord stimulator installed. It works well for me. Not everyone has that kind of luck, I understand.

Thank you - I am so sorry you went through all of that! What may I ask is a spinal stimulator?