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Post-Lumbar Fusion Recovery Question
I am scheduled for a Lumbar Spinal Fusion Sept 10. I can hardly wait, the pain I am experiencing is almost unbearable. I consider myself to have a high pain threshhold, but this is absolutely the worst. Limited to 2 hydrocodoneNorco tablets per day, plus advil. And lots of ice packs. It will be an ALIF surgery, as my L4 vertebrae has slipped on L5 and they have to stablilize my spine from the front with the spacer before putting the rest of the hardware on thru the back. My lower spine has an almost 90 degree slope to the abdominal wall. QUESTION: has anyone has this fusion at this location before (L4-L5), and how did the recovery go? Pain-wise, activity-wise, what to do, not to do,etc. Give me all your thoughts. Thank you in advance!
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@northstar
I had decompression and fusion of L3-L5 in 2024. Severe stenosis, degenerative disc disease L4 vertebrae slipping over L5, neurogenic claudication, etc. many symptoms improved (pain/weakness/numbness from low back down to feet) but I have some restrictions on movement and pain in hips/hip flexors at times and with certain movements. They did the surgery only from the back and put hardware in. It was the most painful surgery ever!! It took a while for the pain to reduce (I have a fairly high pain threshold, too). The first month was hard but symptoms started to improve after 3 months and further improvement at 6 months and 1 year.
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1 ReactionBased on descriptions of your symptoms, the recovery will not be as bad as you may imagine. First 2-3 weeks are hard but you’ll not be fighting the pain of a severe spine issues. Prepare to be up and on a walker within hours of coming out of surgery. Walking is critical to recovery, the more you can do - without overdoing it - the better for you in the long term. Best wishes!
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1 ReactionI am fused at L1 L2, L3 and 4 and L4 and 5.
They were each done separately. L 4/5 was first. It can be pretty painful but nothing too awful. I’ve had 16 knee surgeries with 4 replacements so I know pain. The lumbar is a pretty long tough recovery but follow all directions and you’ll be fine. I was off the pain meds 3 days after my surgery. I would take one at night so I could sleep. Good luck!!
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1 ReactionI had three fusions in that region, my last one one year ago.
Do what your Doctor tells you!!! I noticed instantly that the initial pain was gone. The Surgery pain was the worst for about 3 to 4 weeks; but not as bad as my pain before the surgery.
You will be restricted in many things, no bending, twisting, etc.
Walking is your new best friend to speed recovery.
I would also recommend to get a shower chair or a board for over the Bath Tub, and one of those suction handles for the wall. You don't want to take any risk of falling in the shower!
I wish you all the best!
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3 Reactionscmherbert59
Your comments are right on.
Pain should leave after 3-4 weeks / agree - no bending, lifting, and twisting / and / WALKING is your new best
friend (!00 % - very important.
Two fusions - one recently and one quite some time ago.
Much thanks for wonderful suggestions.
peter-paul