Yes, hang in there, as this too shall pass and hopefully quickly! I am praying for you mlbobcat. On May 31 & June 2, 2023 I had pretty much had the same surgeries as you. An ALIF first, double fusion (L3-4, L5-S1) and a PLIF revision at L4-5. I had my first fusion 13 years ago and totally agree the healing process is slow. The TENS idea could be very helpful. RE: Meds I was taking post-surgery all of the same drugs as you currently are, minus the Celebrex as I was told the NSAIDS could slow up the fusion process. After discussing via the patient portal with my surgical team I started at 3-weeks post op weaning off all of the pain meds (except Tylenol). I found they were delaying my progress since I was so foggy, unable to focus and were limiting my activity (walking) throughout the day. The walking (my surgeon says no PT until the fusion has occurred) is so important to get the healing process going. Therefore, at bedtime, since my activity level was so limited, I did not sleep as well as I should have. Without the meds, I started walking a lot more outside and the really good news is my leg nerve pain has slowly improved and I am now sleeping very well. I also have many pillows in my bed, under my knees when on my back or behind my back when on my side. Prior to bedtime I ice up front & back. Since my brain can focus again I enjoy reading at bedtime and this helps distract my mind from the leg nerve pain. Prayers you can get some good sleep real soon. We're all in this together! I am ever grateful for a significant reduction in my pain and pray that you will find the same soon. We all want to get our lives BACK in control and not vice versa have our backs in control of our lives. Bless you!
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil. 4:13