L5 S1 surgery recovery: what to expect re: what I can do for myself?

@profevl
i have been wondering how you got in and out of bed without twisting etc. My bed is a sleep number which I think will help, but it also is high so I have to sort of lift myself onto it rather than an easy sit down. I have tried practicing but can't figure out how to do it without some slight twisting at least. I know about the log roll method but that seems easier with a low bed

I started with an orthopedic surgeon decades ago and quickly determined that chronic pain was not "mechanical enough" to be appropriately addressed by orthopedics. The referred pain (nerves) gave pause for thought, and so I started consulting neurologists and thereafter, neurosurgeons.
In 2017 I ruptured the L3-L4 disc, and the sequestrated piece lodged against my spinal cord in the canal. As the cord was not severed, paralysis took a few days to occur, but the pain was a new "10 out of 10" base level I will never forget. Emergency surgery (bilateral microdiscectomy) removed the disc, performed by a neurosurgeon.
I used the same neurosurgeon just over a week ago for my ALIF and Pedicle Screws.
My circumstances and history were appropriately addressed by a neuro, but I am aware that many specilised orthopedics are equally adept.
I am based in Australia, so not through Mayo.

I'm so glad you are getting a second opinion. I have significant arthritis and am fused from L2-L5. Recently, I've had debilitating pain from a pinched nerve at L5-S1. The brain and spine surgeon commented that an additional fusion at L5-S1 would quickly be a "failed fusion." That may be because I'm already fused at the levels above it. Please check with your second opinion doctor to make certain there is nothing that would cause your circumstances to become a "failed fusion." Good luck.
(Am considering having a very limited surgery to release the pinched nerve at L5. SI see the brain and spine surgeon on 7/27.)

@joanland
did you decide to have the limited surgery to relieve the nerve at L5S1? did they tell you what they would do as a limited surgery to relieve that issue? I tend to downplay when my leg/hip hurt and have gotten so used to it and feel I can manage it for the most part, that I don't want to over exaggerate the issue and have a surgery that may fail or make me worse...or under exaggerate it and miss out on something that could actually be helpful and remove that discomfort permanently. Or mostly anyway.

@southernbelle13 In meeting w a local, and exceptionally well regarded brain & spine surgeon, I learned there is not enough bone at the spot where the nerve is compressed, to remove some bone to relieve the compression.
That is not an option. He recommends a fusion of L5-S1, a fusion he recommended against 2 years ago. I asked why it would not lead to a failed fusion, and his reply was that trchniques have changed and he would put in a cage to replace the failing disk which would take the pressure off the nerve.
Although we are in a town of only around 120K people, he is reputed to be the best spine surgeon between Seattle and San Francisco; to get a second opinion would mean considerable travel. The surgery, if done here, would involve a vascular surgeon as well. It takes time to get pre-ops done. I'm moving forward slowly. I can decide this isn't the route for me at any time.

@southernbelle13 In meeting w a local, and exceptionally well regarded brain & spine surgeon, I learned there is not enough bone at the spot where the nerve is compressed, to remove some bone to relieve the compression.
That is not an option. He recommends a fusion of L5-S1, a fusion he recommended against 2 years ago. I asked why it would not lead to a failed fusion, and his reply was that trchniques have changed and he would put in a cage to replace the failing disk which would take the pressure off the nerve.
Although we are in a town of only around 120K people, he is reputed to be the best spine surgeon between Seattle and San Francisco; to get a second opinion would mean considerable travel. The surgery, if done here, would involve a vascular surgeon as well. It takes time to get pre-ops done. I'm moving forward slowly. I can decide this isn't the route for me at any time.

I'm so glad you are getting a second opinion. I have significant arthritis and am fused from L2-L5. Recently, I've had debilitating pain from a pinched nerve at L5-S1. The brain and spine surgeon commented that an additional fusion at L5-S1 would quickly be a "failed fusion." That may be because I'm already fused at the levels above it. Please check with your second opinion doctor to make certain there is nothing that would cause your circumstances to become a "failed fusion." Good luck.
(Am considering having a very limited surgery to release the pinched nerve at L5. SI see the brain and spine surgeon on 7/27.)

@joanland have you asked how many of these back procedures the surgeon does a year? Also ask what is his success rate as well. If I were you I’d think twice about getting a second opinion especially if you’re concerned. You only have one back to sacrifice!

@joanland
I’m facing a very major spinal reconstruction and would really appreciate hearing from people who have actually been through something similar.

My surgeon is planning to remove my existing hardware and replace it with new instrumentation, potentially using rods extending from my neck all the way to my tailbone. I’m expecting approximately two days of surgery.

My biggest concern isn’t simply the surgery itself—it’s what life is really like afterward.

For those who have had a long fusion or reconstruction extending through most or all of the spine:

* How is your quality of life now?
* What can you still do physically?
* How difficult is walking, sitting, sleeping, and getting around?
* How long did it take before you felt somewhat normal again?
* What do you wish you had known before surgery?
* Knowing what you know now, would you do it again?