Lumbar fusion and then travel?

Yes, I had no problems. If you have stairs. Talk to doctor about it before leaving hospital. May need transport depending on your mobility.
I did just fine.

Those who have started traveling after having had a long fusion, could you share some of your travel hacks? Specifically, did you carry your bone growth stimulator with you, and if so, how did you pack it when you were flying? Did you wear a back support? Did you carry a pillow to provide some cushioning? Anything else I should be thinking of as I prepare to fly for the first time?

Hi @karenoharmon - these are terrific questions about travel after a long fusion. I think others will have ideas and be interested to hear the input of other members.

I moved your post here to join in with others already discussing a similar topic:

- Lumbar fusion and then travel? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/lumbar-fusion-1/

Tagging a few others who may have some travel hacks and tips after having had a long fusion: @karenoharmon @bassetmom @aundreac @nlback22. @jenniferhunter also may have some thoughts on this.

As you've thought about your upcoming travel, kadeoh!, have any ideas for making things more comfortable for yourself come to you that you might share?

@lisalucier @karenoharmon Travel is possible after a fusion. I asked these questions too because we drove to Mayo for my surgery and had a long drive back home. The big concern is to prevent falling after surgery and I was told to stop the car every 2 hours and get up and walk to prevent blood clots. The risk of blood clots after surgery could extend for a month and is worth asking about.

After major surgery, you’ll be tired and need naps. You won’t want to go sightseeing.

I had spinal fusion of L5-S1 back in 2017, No help for lower back and buttock pain. I still suffer those same pains here in 2026. Sitting is very painful and limits my travel by car due to that pain. I can ride for about an hour but then the pain becomes really bad. I was better after a spinal cord stimulator implant in 2018, but it stopped working in 2021. Now the pain has spread down both legs into my feet. I am resigned to this pain for the rest of my life.

@lisalucier Thank you so much! No knew ideas yet, but I'm packing once i hit send!

What is a lumbar ablation

@pepper918 - here is some general information on ablation therapy from Mayo Clinic:

- Ablation therapy https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ablation-therapy/about/pac-20385072

@karenoharmon
I didn't travel until 3 months after my surgery.
When I did travel, I traveled in a car for a little over an hour to the airport. Reclining seats were a must for me, plus a blow up cushion for my back. I brought a disposable ice pack ( gallon size ziplock bag with ice) to use on the first part of the drive.

If you have a long drive you will want to stop several times and take a short walk. And, ice again.

For air travel, I let the flight attendant know that I had recent back surgery and would need to stand and walk during the flight. I also mentioned that I brought several plastic bags with me and mentioned it would be very helpful if he could partially fill up a bag as needed during my 4 1/2 hour flight. ( I brought several gallon size ziplock bags.). I used my blow up cushion, behind my back, on the plane, too.
Now when I travel I use a down filled pillow I bought on Amazon and I cover it with a pillow case.
Hope this helps.
Nadine

Traveling thoughts post surgery: Five months post surgery and I took my first flight! Props to you who had to travel right after surgery! Consider your luggage: are you going to have to pull/carry/lift it? Know what you are capable of lifting/puling, and practice if you are going to be the one to put it in the overhead bin. I was on a 4 day trip and packed as lightly as possible. I had a roller bag that could fit under my sit and a tote. I had to carry my bone growth stimulator and my carry on has a shoe compartment that fit in perfectly! The airline has a wheelchair request when you purchase your tickets - request that. If you end up not needing it, no harm/no foul. It was super helpful when I had to change plans and had a short turnaround. There was no way I was going to be able to run to catch the plane. I accepted the wheelchair and the attendant was wonderful in pushing me to the gate. This option also allows you to preboard. I wasn't sure I needed that, but not knowing if the seat was going to need additional padding made this option nice. I carried a pashmina that would provide cushion(and warmth!) around the hardware if needed. I have not needed pain medication since the first month, but I did take it just in case. No documentation is required for TSA but be prepared for the ooo's and ahhh's when all of your hardware lights up their machine! I did take a silk pillowcase to use getting in and out of Lifts. I felt as though I was mostly prepared. I planned the schedule so that I had time to rest and recover daily. What I did not plan on is the return of the high sensitivity. My skin around my hips have experienced some crazy sensitivity since the surgery and I have been working hard to get that under control. I'm thinking that the schedule, time change, and all the things set that up to fire off. I call it the "angry cat". I did plan my wardrobe to be soft and non binding and that definitely worked in my favor. I hope these thoughts help you. When surgery came on my radar, future travel accommodations did not. I'm already planning my next trip and so grateful to not be in pain! Bon voyage!