Recent L5-S1 fusion

Posted by fine137 @fine137, Dec 22, 2019

Diagnosed with Spondylolisthesis about 30 years ago. Didn’t cause me much pain except for the yearly episodes of throwing my back out and being laid up for a week or so. But 2 years ago morphed into pretty much constant pain, especially when sitting.

Doctor finally recommended surgical fusion option and I had the procedure done 9 days ago. According to him it went well and he is optimistic on the ultimate outcome. I am fairly mobile, doing about 90 minutes of walking each day, but by the end of the day, when it’s time to go to bed, the pain becomes almost unbearable without meds. During the day there is pain, but it’s quite manageable. Why does it peak at night? Am I doing too much during the day perhaps? Or some other reason? I do not take pain medication during the day, but do have to resort to a pill at night.

Overall what does recovery from surgery look like, how long might it take for that whole area to calm down so that most of the pain is gone, even though it will be 3-6 months for the bone to grow? This recovery is not like any I have experienced before, meaning it feels plateaued where I don’t have marked improvement on a day to day basis, but rather plateaus followed by slight improvement. Is that normal.

I know my doctor should answer these questions, but while a highly respected surgeon he seems to have no time for these types of queries.

Thanks

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maddiemae | @maddiemae | Oct 11, 2023

Hi. Wow, it sounds like we're about at the same point on this surgery. Mine was done in 2 parts, through the abdomen 2 weeks ago today and through the back the following Friday. You and I have the same questions and experiences. I, too, feel that I've plateaud not feeling improvement from day to day. I have felt improvement from the incision pain. Not so bad as it was. I admire your walking 90 minutes a day. I'm just walking around the upstairs a bit which I know isn't enough. I had pretty much weaned off the pain meds but but my surgeon's nurse said to take them as prescribed, every 6 hours plus diazapam twice a day, 4 muscle relaxers a day. My thigh pain has been excruciating for 6 months and still is. It's still excruciating and I've been so down about that. The nurse said I need to get all of that in my system to calm down all the nerve inflammation. And you're right. From what I understand the progress comes in 3 month periods. I also need hip replacement so much of my pain comes from that.
I hope you feel some improvement and lessening of pain.
Best.

maddiemae | @maddiemae | Oct 11, 2023

In reply to @runningfree "Thank you for your reply. I am told it's my last resort as well. But 😒..." + (show)

This can be a tough choice but I think I was at the point you are - constant excruciating pain - so it was worth it to me to take a chance. That might just do the trick for you. I had to try. And remember, I've heard positive things. It works wonders for some people. I am so sorry for the pain you're suffering.