I just had lumbar spinal fusion L4-L5–S1 using ALIF at age 56. The first procedure was through my abdomen and second part 2 days later involved putting in metal rods and screws from 2 incisions on the back. This is after 20 years of constant lower back pain that was mostly intense aching pain in lower back, though I had occasional sciatica too. I managed via pain meds and exercises (bike riding and racing, lots of stretching every day) that were very helpful, and various surgeries/epidural shots etc. that were not. Looking back, I don’t think I was fully “managing” the past 2-3 years, as my work capacity in a desk job declined. Finally, my pain hit a higher level with some sciatica mixed in and suddenly I could not work or enjoy the sports that helped me before. That’s when I finally arranged to get fusion surgery. I’m now 11 days post op, and I’m having periods of intense pain in the lower back and buttocks that keep me from sleeping. Last night I slept one hour. Tonight it’s 4:20 am (lol) and I had maybe 3 hours of sleep so far and my buttocks hurt so much.
How long should it take before there episodes come to an end? What can I do now?
At present, I spend most of my days in a recliner chair mixed in with short walks. I also sleep in the chair. I’m taking oxycodone, Tylenol, Lyrica, Celebrex, Cyclobenzaprine, and some meds for constipation. I’ve tried ice on the back which helps a little.
Ablation procedure went as expected, first night TOUGH, more burning in butt than pain (?) but figured out the meds, too late, and so many steroids that there was no sleep anyway 🤣 Couple days later, all manageable and told will take couple weeks to have results.
Speaking of meds, I think my tummy got ruined ( that’s another story) for so many years of taking different nsaids/nerve/pain meds, ending with oxy that wasn’t really helping my pain. So I quit about 8-9 months ago. Found a provider
( board certified cardiologist that specializes in functional medicine-different approach) that ultimately rx’d low dose naltrexone. I know that you need the oxy now, and you can’t take low dose while you take oxy, but maybe you will reach a point where you don’t need oxy, but still need some pain management. Might be something to check out-I had never heard of it. Since it’s low dose, could take several weeks or months to become effective. ( low dose is 1.5-4.5 mg; high dose for people coming off of alcohol or oxy is 50-100 mg) I’m hoping to drop down to nothing or 1.5 when I finish healing. Take at night, seems to help with sleeping and no constipation!
Good luck with your healing and pain!!!
🙏🤞🙏
I just had lumbar spinal fusion L4-L5–S1 using ALIF at age 56. The first procedure was through my abdomen and second part 2 days later involved putting in metal rods and screws from 2 incisions on the back. This is after 20 years of constant lower back pain that was mostly intense aching pain in lower back, though I had occasional sciatica too. I managed via pain meds and exercises (bike riding and racing, lots of stretching every day) that were very helpful, and various surgeries/epidural shots etc. that were not. Looking back, I don’t think I was fully “managing” the past 2-3 years, as my work capacity in a desk job declined. Finally, my pain hit a higher level with some sciatica mixed in and suddenly I could not work or enjoy the sports that helped me before. That’s when I finally arranged to get fusion surgery. I’m now 11 days post op, and I’m having periods of intense pain in the lower back and buttocks that keep me from sleeping. Last night I slept one hour. Tonight it’s 4:20 am (lol) and I had maybe 3 hours of sleep so far and my buttocks hurt so much.
How long should it take before there episodes come to an end? What can I do now?
At present, I spend most of my days in a recliner chair mixed in with short walks. I also sleep in the chair. I’m taking oxycodone, Tylenol, Lyrica, Celebrex, Cyclobenzaprine, and some meds for constipation. I’ve tried ice on the back which helps a little.
Time is your friend in terms of recovery and reduction in post-surgical pain. I never found I was able to speed-up my body's healing time-clock. I highly recommend maintaining a diary which will help you track your actual progress since I found I lost track of time as my focus was so day-to-day (maybe more like hour-to-hour). I always felt better as I read an entry a week old and realized I WAS improving...I slept very little for the first few weeks. But gradually, I returned to a more normal sleeping pattern and did so in my own bed. I stopped opioids at three days post and have managed with Tylenol and muscle relaxants. You will progress! Hang in there. I describe the return to normal as "glacial" (or so it seems) and "non-linear" as some days are a step-back. I'm nearly three months post (similar surgery) and really starting to feel better.
I just had lumbar spinal fusion L4-L5–S1 using ALIF at age 56. The first procedure was through my abdomen and second part 2 days later involved putting in metal rods and screws from 2 incisions on the back. This is after 20 years of constant lower back pain that was mostly intense aching pain in lower back, though I had occasional sciatica too. I managed via pain meds and exercises (bike riding and racing, lots of stretching every day) that were very helpful, and various surgeries/epidural shots etc. that were not. Looking back, I don’t think I was fully “managing” the past 2-3 years, as my work capacity in a desk job declined. Finally, my pain hit a higher level with some sciatica mixed in and suddenly I could not work or enjoy the sports that helped me before. That’s when I finally arranged to get fusion surgery. I’m now 11 days post op, and I’m having periods of intense pain in the lower back and buttocks that keep me from sleeping. Last night I slept one hour. Tonight it’s 4:20 am (lol) and I had maybe 3 hours of sleep so far and my buttocks hurt so much.
How long should it take before there episodes come to an end? What can I do now?
At present, I spend most of my days in a recliner chair mixed in with short walks. I also sleep in the chair. I’m taking oxycodone, Tylenol, Lyrica, Celebrex, Cyclobenzaprine, and some meds for constipation. I’ve tried ice on the back which helps a little.
So many helpful responses! Thanks, and I wish you all the best. Here’s my update at day 14 post op. I went to the hospital ER yesterday morning, because I deteriorated to the point of having 72 hours straight of mostly agonizing pain and almost no sleep at all! After 9 hours in the ER, new CT and MRI scans, the surgeon changed my meds. Yesterday I was totally shell shocked, but now the past 14 hours have been a miracle! I had 4 blissful sleeps of 1-3 hours each. I still had some major pain while I was awake, but not as bad.
I just had lumbar spinal fusion L4-L5–S1 using ALIF at age 56. The first procedure was through my abdomen and second part 2 days later involved putting in metal rods and screws from 2 incisions on the back. This is after 20 years of constant lower back pain that was mostly intense aching pain in lower back, though I had occasional sciatica too. I managed via pain meds and exercises (bike riding and racing, lots of stretching every day) that were very helpful, and various surgeries/epidural shots etc. that were not. Looking back, I don’t think I was fully “managing” the past 2-3 years, as my work capacity in a desk job declined. Finally, my pain hit a higher level with some sciatica mixed in and suddenly I could not work or enjoy the sports that helped me before. That’s when I finally arranged to get fusion surgery. I’m now 11 days post op, and I’m having periods of intense pain in the lower back and buttocks that keep me from sleeping. Last night I slept one hour. Tonight it’s 4:20 am (lol) and I had maybe 3 hours of sleep so far and my buttocks hurt so much.
How long should it take before there episodes come to an end? What can I do now?
At present, I spend most of my days in a recliner chair mixed in with short walks. I also sleep in the chair. I’m taking oxycodone, Tylenol, Lyrica, Celebrex, Cyclobenzaprine, and some meds for constipation. I’ve tried ice on the back which helps a little.
I take sleeping pills, complete hysterectomy at 44, no hormones = no sleep. New doctor 10 years ago (for a short time) told me I was addicted to sleeping pills…I told her I was addicted to sleep…God bless your sleep, and may your pain continue to improve quickly! 😘
Ps great advice about the diary to track your improvement
I just had lumbar spinal fusion L4-L5–S1 using ALIF at age 56. The first procedure was through my abdomen and second part 2 days later involved putting in metal rods and screws from 2 incisions on the back. This is after 20 years of constant lower back pain that was mostly intense aching pain in lower back, though I had occasional sciatica too. I managed via pain meds and exercises (bike riding and racing, lots of stretching every day) that were very helpful, and various surgeries/epidural shots etc. that were not. Looking back, I don’t think I was fully “managing” the past 2-3 years, as my work capacity in a desk job declined. Finally, my pain hit a higher level with some sciatica mixed in and suddenly I could not work or enjoy the sports that helped me before. That’s when I finally arranged to get fusion surgery. I’m now 11 days post op, and I’m having periods of intense pain in the lower back and buttocks that keep me from sleeping. Last night I slept one hour. Tonight it’s 4:20 am (lol) and I had maybe 3 hours of sleep so far and my buttocks hurt so much.
How long should it take before there episodes come to an end? What can I do now?
At present, I spend most of my days in a recliner chair mixed in with short walks. I also sleep in the chair. I’m taking oxycodone, Tylenol, Lyrica, Celebrex, Cyclobenzaprine, and some meds for constipation. I’ve tried ice on the back which helps a little.
So glad your new meds are working! I can certainly recall being exited that I first slept two straight hours! Then three. Now - nights aren't something to dread. You're on the mend!!!
I just had lumbar spinal fusion L4-L5–S1 using ALIF at age 56. The first procedure was through my abdomen and second part 2 days later involved putting in metal rods and screws from 2 incisions on the back. This is after 20 years of constant lower back pain that was mostly intense aching pain in lower back, though I had occasional sciatica too. I managed via pain meds and exercises (bike riding and racing, lots of stretching every day) that were very helpful, and various surgeries/epidural shots etc. that were not. Looking back, I don’t think I was fully “managing” the past 2-3 years, as my work capacity in a desk job declined. Finally, my pain hit a higher level with some sciatica mixed in and suddenly I could not work or enjoy the sports that helped me before. That’s when I finally arranged to get fusion surgery. I’m now 11 days post op, and I’m having periods of intense pain in the lower back and buttocks that keep me from sleeping. Last night I slept one hour. Tonight it’s 4:20 am (lol) and I had maybe 3 hours of sleep so far and my buttocks hurt so much.
How long should it take before there episodes come to an end? What can I do now?
At present, I spend most of my days in a recliner chair mixed in with short walks. I also sleep in the chair. I’m taking oxycodone, Tylenol, Lyrica, Celebrex, Cyclobenzaprine, and some meds for constipation. I’ve tried ice on the back which helps a little.
I’m 18 days post fusion of L4-L5. You describe quite well where I was about a week ago. I went on a “24” hour clock accepting the value if daytime naps but also quiet awake times at night. I finally switched to all-night-with-potty breaks when I abandoned my quest to be off major pain killers. I just took the oxycodone at bedtime even if I was feeling pretty good. A good icing session before bed was my other change. Finally, I now see big progress in daily energy and reduction in pain to a low back ache if I’m on my feet too long. You seem to be right in the zone of recovery that so many of us face; pain and sleep problems wax and wane and make you crazy with the lack of predictability! In my case, I have jumped from every few days showing progress to every day having big improvement. I attribute this, in part, to accepting that I never know what’s just around the corner and enjoying the heck out of walking again (feels like I have rejoined the human race after having to live with pain that prevented all but the shortest walking or standing effort). I bet you’ll find the same progress on your own timeline. Take care and post how you are doing!
I just had lumbar spinal fusion L4-L5–S1 using ALIF at age 56. The first procedure was through my abdomen and second part 2 days later involved putting in metal rods and screws from 2 incisions on the back. This is after 20 years of constant lower back pain that was mostly intense aching pain in lower back, though I had occasional sciatica too. I managed via pain meds and exercises (bike riding and racing, lots of stretching every day) that were very helpful, and various surgeries/epidural shots etc. that were not. Looking back, I don’t think I was fully “managing” the past 2-3 years, as my work capacity in a desk job declined. Finally, my pain hit a higher level with some sciatica mixed in and suddenly I could not work or enjoy the sports that helped me before. That’s when I finally arranged to get fusion surgery. I’m now 11 days post op, and I’m having periods of intense pain in the lower back and buttocks that keep me from sleeping. Last night I slept one hour. Tonight it’s 4:20 am (lol) and I had maybe 3 hours of sleep so far and my buttocks hurt so much.
How long should it take before there episodes come to an end? What can I do now?
At present, I spend most of my days in a recliner chair mixed in with short walks. I also sleep in the chair. I’m taking oxycodone, Tylenol, Lyrica, Celebrex, Cyclobenzaprine, and some meds for constipation. I’ve tried ice on the back which helps a little.
I am also post fusion of L3, L4, L5, and S1, which was done on August 5. I am female and 80 years old. I’ve been battling back and leg pain most of my life but mostly the last couple years. For the last year or so I have been on steroid shots and pain meds, nerve blocks, and an RFA. I also tried to physical therapy, dry needling, and acupuncture. My pain was in my lower back and down my right thigh and lower leg. I finally decided to have the surgery which was now 13 days ago. I was in the hospital for 4 days and then to a rehab facility for a week. I am still on Oxycodone, Lyrica, Celebrex, Tylenol, Metaxalone, and Miralax and have been on these drugs for the last year or so. I am having periods of intense pain in my right buttock, my right thigh, knee and lower leg that can bring me to my knees. I am told by the doctor and physical therapists that the nerves are “waking up.” Nerves grow 1 inch a month so they don’t know how long these periods will last – could be many weeks, months, to a year - “Everyone is different.” I would welcome any a serious help/comments. Thank you.
I just had lumbar spinal fusion L4-L5–S1 using ALIF at age 56. The first procedure was through my abdomen and second part 2 days later involved putting in metal rods and screws from 2 incisions on the back. This is after 20 years of constant lower back pain that was mostly intense aching pain in lower back, though I had occasional sciatica too. I managed via pain meds and exercises (bike riding and racing, lots of stretching every day) that were very helpful, and various surgeries/epidural shots etc. that were not. Looking back, I don’t think I was fully “managing” the past 2-3 years, as my work capacity in a desk job declined. Finally, my pain hit a higher level with some sciatica mixed in and suddenly I could not work or enjoy the sports that helped me before. That’s when I finally arranged to get fusion surgery. I’m now 11 days post op, and I’m having periods of intense pain in the lower back and buttocks that keep me from sleeping. Last night I slept one hour. Tonight it’s 4:20 am (lol) and I had maybe 3 hours of sleep so far and my buttocks hurt so much.
How long should it take before there episodes come to an end? What can I do now?
At present, I spend most of my days in a recliner chair mixed in with short walks. I also sleep in the chair. I’m taking oxycodone, Tylenol, Lyrica, Celebrex, Cyclobenzaprine, and some meds for constipation. I’ve tried ice on the back which helps a little.
Every spine is different, as is how the nerves 'wake up'. It took me 12+ months after my L-4-5 & S-1 fusion to be comfortable in bed. Horizontal versus recliner gave my spine relief.
I am also post fusion of L3, L4, L5, and S1, which was done on August 5. I am female and 80 years old. I’ve been battling back and leg pain most of my life but mostly the last couple years. For the last year or so I have been on steroid shots and pain meds, nerve blocks, and an RFA. I also tried to physical therapy, dry needling, and acupuncture. My pain was in my lower back and down my right thigh and lower leg. I finally decided to have the surgery which was now 13 days ago. I was in the hospital for 4 days and then to a rehab facility for a week. I am still on Oxycodone, Lyrica, Celebrex, Tylenol, Metaxalone, and Miralax and have been on these drugs for the last year or so. I am having periods of intense pain in my right buttock, my right thigh, knee and lower leg that can bring me to my knees. I am told by the doctor and physical therapists that the nerves are “waking up.” Nerves grow 1 inch a month so they don’t know how long these periods will last – could be many weeks, months, to a year - “Everyone is different.” I would welcome any a serious help/comments. Thank you.
I wonder if your doc would consider Gabapentin even though it is somewhat similar to Lyrica? Gabapentin allowed me enough relief to stop the Oxy after my lumbar fusions. Before I tried it, the nerve zaps had me in tears when all I wanted was to sleep. I was on 600 mgs 3x day.
I used ice packs on my back a lot in bed too. That would make me so cold, so I’d counter it with a heating pad on my stomach.
Have you tried any topical meds such as Icy Hot or Biofreeze on your legs and glute?
Sorry for the pain you are going through.
I wonder if your doc would consider Gabapentin even though it is somewhat similar to Lyrica? Gabapentin allowed me enough relief to stop the Oxy after my lumbar fusions. Before I tried it, the nerve zaps had me in tears when all I wanted was to sleep. I was on 600 mgs 3x day.
I used ice packs on my back a lot in bed too. That would make me so cold, so I’d counter it with a heating pad on my stomach.
Have you tried any topical meds such as Icy Hot or Biofreeze on your legs and glute?
Sorry for the pain you are going through.
Are you thinking that Gabapentin in addition to the Lyrica or Gabapentin instead of the Lyrica? Were you on Lyrica and then switched to Gabapentin. Not quite sure what you are thinking. I'm having another horrendous night. It's not just the zaps (like forth of july fireworks) the right leg feels heavy and weak too. Also this is an additional problem: I just finished the pneumatic pump on my left leg due to lymphedema from ovarian cancer treatment. I can't believe all this.
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Ablation procedure went as expected, first night TOUGH, more burning in butt than pain (?) but figured out the meds, too late, and so many steroids that there was no sleep anyway 🤣 Couple days later, all manageable and told will take couple weeks to have results.
Speaking of meds, I think my tummy got ruined ( that’s another story) for so many years of taking different nsaids/nerve/pain meds, ending with oxy that wasn’t really helping my pain. So I quit about 8-9 months ago. Found a provider
( board certified cardiologist that specializes in functional medicine-different approach) that ultimately rx’d low dose naltrexone. I know that you need the oxy now, and you can’t take low dose while you take oxy, but maybe you will reach a point where you don’t need oxy, but still need some pain management. Might be something to check out-I had never heard of it. Since it’s low dose, could take several weeks or months to become effective. ( low dose is 1.5-4.5 mg; high dose for people coming off of alcohol or oxy is 50-100 mg) I’m hoping to drop down to nothing or 1.5 when I finish healing. Take at night, seems to help with sleeping and no constipation!
Good luck with your healing and pain!!!
🙏🤞🙏
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3 ReactionsTime is your friend in terms of recovery and reduction in post-surgical pain. I never found I was able to speed-up my body's healing time-clock. I highly recommend maintaining a diary which will help you track your actual progress since I found I lost track of time as my focus was so day-to-day (maybe more like hour-to-hour). I always felt better as I read an entry a week old and realized I WAS improving...I slept very little for the first few weeks. But gradually, I returned to a more normal sleeping pattern and did so in my own bed. I stopped opioids at three days post and have managed with Tylenol and muscle relaxants. You will progress! Hang in there. I describe the return to normal as "glacial" (or so it seems) and "non-linear" as some days are a step-back. I'm nearly three months post (similar surgery) and really starting to feel better.
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5 ReactionsSo many helpful responses! Thanks, and I wish you all the best. Here’s my update at day 14 post op. I went to the hospital ER yesterday morning, because I deteriorated to the point of having 72 hours straight of mostly agonizing pain and almost no sleep at all! After 9 hours in the ER, new CT and MRI scans, the surgeon changed my meds. Yesterday I was totally shell shocked, but now the past 14 hours have been a miracle! I had 4 blissful sleeps of 1-3 hours each. I still had some major pain while I was awake, but not as bad.
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1 ReactionI take sleeping pills, complete hysterectomy at 44, no hormones = no sleep. New doctor 10 years ago (for a short time) told me I was addicted to sleeping pills…I told her I was addicted to sleep…God bless your sleep, and may your pain continue to improve quickly! 😘
Ps great advice about the diary to track your improvement
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2 ReactionsSo glad your new meds are working! I can certainly recall being exited that I first slept two straight hours! Then three. Now - nights aren't something to dread. You're on the mend!!!
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1 ReactionI’m 18 days post fusion of L4-L5. You describe quite well where I was about a week ago. I went on a “24” hour clock accepting the value if daytime naps but also quiet awake times at night. I finally switched to all-night-with-potty breaks when I abandoned my quest to be off major pain killers. I just took the oxycodone at bedtime even if I was feeling pretty good. A good icing session before bed was my other change. Finally, I now see big progress in daily energy and reduction in pain to a low back ache if I’m on my feet too long. You seem to be right in the zone of recovery that so many of us face; pain and sleep problems wax and wane and make you crazy with the lack of predictability! In my case, I have jumped from every few days showing progress to every day having big improvement. I attribute this, in part, to accepting that I never know what’s just around the corner and enjoying the heck out of walking again (feels like I have rejoined the human race after having to live with pain that prevented all but the shortest walking or standing effort). I bet you’ll find the same progress on your own timeline. Take care and post how you are doing!
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Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsI am also post fusion of L3, L4, L5, and S1, which was done on August 5. I am female and 80 years old. I’ve been battling back and leg pain most of my life but mostly the last couple years. For the last year or so I have been on steroid shots and pain meds, nerve blocks, and an RFA. I also tried to physical therapy, dry needling, and acupuncture. My pain was in my lower back and down my right thigh and lower leg. I finally decided to have the surgery which was now 13 days ago. I was in the hospital for 4 days and then to a rehab facility for a week. I am still on Oxycodone, Lyrica, Celebrex, Tylenol, Metaxalone, and Miralax and have been on these drugs for the last year or so. I am having periods of intense pain in my right buttock, my right thigh, knee and lower leg that can bring me to my knees. I am told by the doctor and physical therapists that the nerves are “waking up.” Nerves grow 1 inch a month so they don’t know how long these periods will last – could be many weeks, months, to a year - “Everyone is different.” I would welcome any a serious help/comments. Thank you.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionEvery spine is different, as is how the nerves 'wake up'. It took me 12+ months after my L-4-5 & S-1 fusion to be comfortable in bed. Horizontal versus recliner gave my spine relief.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI wonder if your doc would consider Gabapentin even though it is somewhat similar to Lyrica? Gabapentin allowed me enough relief to stop the Oxy after my lumbar fusions. Before I tried it, the nerve zaps had me in tears when all I wanted was to sleep. I was on 600 mgs 3x day.
I used ice packs on my back a lot in bed too. That would make me so cold, so I’d counter it with a heating pad on my stomach.
Have you tried any topical meds such as Icy Hot or Biofreeze on your legs and glute?
Sorry for the pain you are going through.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionAre you thinking that Gabapentin in addition to the Lyrica or Gabapentin instead of the Lyrica? Were you on Lyrica and then switched to Gabapentin. Not quite sure what you are thinking. I'm having another horrendous night. It's not just the zaps (like forth of july fireworks) the right leg feels heavy and weak too. Also this is an additional problem: I just finished the pneumatic pump on my left leg due to lymphedema from ovarian cancer treatment. I can't believe all this.
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction