Can anyone recommend L5S1 fusion at age 54?

Go to a pain management specialist. As far as a spinal fusion, I say "Nope! Nope! Nope! I've had numerous back surgeries and so has my mom, grandmother and sister. We all have said the surgeries made them much worse! I kid you not!!!

I am recovering from my second fusion, 4 weeks out- minimally invasive this time ( less time in recovery). First one in Jan. 2021, was L4-5. I initially felt it was successful but started having pain a few weeks out, radiating on left buttock from spine. This one was revision of first, removing hardware and extending down L5-S1 . I’m walking average of 2 miles daily, cumulative. Trying to consistently do this: rest, walk, sit, do again! Using ice packs a lot. I am not pain free, it’s a long recovery! But I’m so glad I did it again, as I didn’t feel I could live with the constant pain. I’m 70, and like others, I can feel where they harvested bone for the fusion! But it will heal. I had a neurosurgeon, that’s a choice you must make though. I’m in a brace for 3 months, then PT. As I can’t bend yet, I’m not sure if that awful hip pain is gone, but I think it is. I still have numbness in my left leg and feet, but as long as I don’t overdo no burning pain down my legs! I send you my thoughts and prayers you make the right decision for you!

Fusion at age 83? Is it worth it?

I’m not qualified to answer that question. I would discuss with a neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon, and get a few consultations until you are comfortable. I have osteoporosis, and was afraid it was too late for me at 70YO. But they said no, not too late. With my surgery in 2021, I met with 3 different NS, and had different answers as to what was cause of my pain. The final diagnosis was after thorough testing with imaging with contrast, which showed the damage clearly.

I didn't have a herniated disc, but spinal stenosis. I suffered in pain for over 10 years. Then a saw a neurosurgeon that recommended a fusion. In May of 2018 I had a 4 level fusion.
L2 to S1. It was a rough recovery, but so worth it. I could finally sit up straight and not have to eat in the recliner. I did however move 1 year after and had to lift many boxes. Not sure if that was the cause or just continuing degeneration.
I just had a Laminectomy for L1-L2 on Monday for stenosis. Much better surgery this time. Came home same day. Surgery only 1.5 hrs. Fusion was 10 hour surgery. 4 days in hospital and 2 weeks in rehab, since I was going home alone.
Was it tough? Absolutely! Would I do it Again? 100%. Suffering in M pain for silk those years was insane.
I am 70 now so i had the fusion at 65.

I had an L4/L5 fusion when I was 54. I herniated the disc while shoveling snow. My MRI showed the herniation, disc slippage compressing my spine and a cyst. Two opinions from neurosurgeons agreed that 3 different issues required fusion without first trying epidurals or lesser surgical procedures. I chose a minimally invasive fusion procedure which did not require wearing a brace, but it did require no bending, twisting or lifting for 3 - 6 months. My fusion took 6 months and the bending, lifting, twisting restrictions were very difficult. However, the sciatic pain was gone as soon as I woke up from the surgery. After 3 days in the hospital, I was able to walk a mile with my walker. I went to a health club daily and walked the track quickly adding pain free miles. I am 65 now, very active, no regrets. I exercise daily to maintain core strength. Although I can do anything, it is easier to strain my lower back so I am careful about excessive bending and lifting.

I was told by an Orthopedic surgeon that I am not a candidate for surgery because I do not have CENTRAL canal spinal stenosis. He also told me that the risks far outweigh the benefits. It appears that I have foraminal spinal stenosis and no surgery has ever been recommended for me. I have been in pain with this condition for well over 10-years, have had RFA, Epidural steroid injections, and a MILD procedure. Nothing has worked for me and my pain persists and is getting worse. The spine doctor I see told me that my only option is the Spinal Cord Stimulator. My heart sank!

SCS has been recommended to me for years…trying all else first. Just had ablation 3-2 2-1 1-5. Both sides. Insurance will only cover 6 spots at one time. Still have so issues near upper hip/spine. See him tomorrow for 4 week follow up, much improved elsewhere. I know it’s not permanent, but procedure was much less of a big deal than I thought.
Not sure if continuing pain is something we can do ablation for in 3-4 months. Had an mri before ablation, and hips appear to be in pretty good shape. So, 🤞🙏🤞 that ablation would be an appropriate treatment.
If not, good news about SCS is that you can have a trial first.
I am not looking forward to that idea, but I’m not looking forward to spending the rest of my life in pain…
Will see what doctor says tomorrow…

I have been there. Twice. I'm 52. My unadulterated recommendation is to seek out one Dr. Marsh, at Mayo Rochester. Let Dr. Marsh and his team examine you, order and look at films and mri, and then you listen to him/them, ask questions, and let them help you. I swear by him. Side note: I also have ptsd so many physicians irritate me or I them, and I categorically and generally do not trust surgeons, (after a life of over 14 orthopedic surgeries secondary to a congenital collagen disorder,) but I trust Dr. Marsh every day of the week and twice on Sundays. He has handled 2 laminectomies, with facietomies and fusions for me in 2 places, one of which was L4-L5. I am 6 years out of that one and doing amazing. Back 8n school for my BSN. Back in a pool swimming! I hit PT as hard as I could after surgery. Never missed. I adhered to all of the Surgeon's and PT's instructions. I took the criticisms of my bad habits, and still work with them to improve and protect the repairs. I would recommend him to anyone. He is specific, but also kind, and extremely intelligent and just amazing. I know the dizzying feeling of regular orthopedic surgeons with their conflicting recommendations, and diva complexes. Yuck! Go see Dr. Marsh. He is not regular, or ordinary. He is just wonderful. You won't be sorry. It might be a wait to get in, but completely worth it. We only get one body, one spine. Best, -mary

@marymargaret0501 Mary, Welcome to Connect. You certainly do have a lot of surgical experience, and I'm glad you have a Mayo surgeon that you trust completely. It makes a big difference to know that if you need him, he'll be there. Thanks for sharing your experience here. It sounds like you are doing great. I'm a cervical spine surgery patient with a favorite Mayo surgeon of my own. I like your "One body; one spine" outlook. That is so true and a great outlook.

Jennifer