When does post op pain that disrupts sleep go away? (Lumbar fusion)

Posted by mlbobcat @mlbobcat, Aug 1, 2023

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.

Any insights would be much appreciated!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Spine Health Support Group.

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!!!

REPLY

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!

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.