Happy Spineaversary to me!!!
This week marks five years since my L4-S1 spinal fusion. I haven’t written about my back surgery in while, primarily because it’s not something I spend a whole lot of time thinking about these days – which is amazing! Even just informative posts (like FAQs) are difficult to write because I don’t remember the details of my experience anymore. I’m so grateful for my positive outcome. Everyone’s story is different, but as I’ve said over and over in these pages, having a spinal fusion was 100% the right choice for me. Five years later, I stand by that choice.
Post-Op Life: What I Can’t Do
Five years, six screws, four rods, and two titanium spacers* later, there’s very little that I’m physically unable to do except, perhaps, bend down and touch my toes. (*I couldn’t remember how many pieces of hardware I have in my back and had to look it up.) There are some things that I choose not to do, either because I find them uncomfortable or too risky.
The biggest thing I choose to avoid is running. High impact activities like running are just too hard on my lower back. Running doesn’t hurt, but it does make my back ache a bit; and the few times I’ve tried it over the last five years, the discomfort and fear outweighed any magic I used to feel. As I’ve said here and on Instagram many times, this is a personal choice. Running after a spinal fusion is entirely possible – I follow a number of people on Instagram who do so quite successfully. But for me, I’m better off sticking to other physical activities. I do still think about running, and maybe someday I’ll decide to give it another shot, but for now it’s off the table.
I’ve been trying to think of other things that I still avoid since my fusion, and the only thing I can really think of right now is…roller coasters? And considering that I’m 46 years old and was never a big fan of them in the first place, it’s no great loss. I’m more than happy leaving the roller coasters and water slides to my teenagers.
I’d also say that I’m more cautious about falling than the typical adult. I’ve had a couple of close calls while hiking or climbing on wet rocks, so I try to be extra careful about wearing proper shoes with good traction and maintaining solid footing.
Post-Op Life: What I Can Do
Well, the first thing you should know about my post-op life is that I live in Japan now! That doesn’t really have much to do with my spinal fusion, although it did involve a 14+ hour international flight from Florida to Japan. As far as my back was concerned, the flight was a piece of cake.
In the five years since my back surgery, I’ve done quite a bit of traveling. I’ve been all over the US – Colorado, California, New York, Arizona, Nevada, and more. I’ve also been to Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, and most recently all over Japan.
I’ve gone skiing, sledding, paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling, tubing, speed boating, swimming with dolphins, indoor & outdoor rock climbing, hiking in the mountains, ice skating, roller skating, golfing, and bowling. I’ve taken yoga classes and dance classes, I go to the gym regularly, and I’ve explored countless beaches.
I feel healthy, strong, and unstoppable! Bring on the next five years!
Stay strong friends, and just know that a positive outcome is absolutely possible.
Di says
I used to be so fit! I bulged l3-s1 and ended up rupturing L4/5 in 2007. I had discecttomy in 07 and laminectoctomy in 08. Ffd to 2018 I had a radio frequency neurology. It gave 18 mths relief. 2020 another collapsed the disc totally. The doctors treated me like I was a drug seeking nutcase because my issues were now going from neck to ankle on the opposite side as well. 2 years later I had my answers. The specialist I was under handed me a bill with little explanation. $44k without healthfund or $11k with. I thought I would never be “fixed”. I was referred to an amazing doctor who explained everything to me after running a different test and charged me $500 out of pocket for my healthfund excess. A total disc replacement and fusion but done minimally invasive. Everything I was reading said I’d be off work for a minimal 3months. I was back at work after 4 weeks. It has been a process undoing 16 years of dysfunctional movement, I don’t think my body is finished yet. The gps think I’m crazy complaining of different issues every visit. I have been trying to get my fitness back but it is a mission. Reading this (although I’m much older than you) gives me hope that I can return to my pre injury status although I’m not as young as I was back them,I won’t bounce back like I used to..
Lane Newsom says
I had occipital cervical fusion serguy on 26 of October 2022 iam suffering from severe fatigue and my head is heavier than my body and Dysphagia it’s been there months since I had the operation and my body is wrecked
Any advice for me please
Rosemarie Keegan says
Hi, Sharon. I had spinal fusion October 2020 in a two-part surgery. Never was totally able to walk without a cane. This past November 2022, as I was getting up from my living room chair, three rods broke, L3-L5 from a previous fusion in April 2013. Now my back feels as though it has collapsed. Don’t know what to do now as I now have heart problems and am not sure I’d survive another back surgery. Have to use a walker and/or cane. I am wondering if I would be able to use “walking sticks” to get stronger. Any thoughts? Thanks, Rose Keegan
Krish krishnamurthy says
I want to share my updates. I have posted here a few times last year (great place for information btw). I just completed 1 year in early March after a L5-S1 fusion (anterior plus posterior instrumentation) in 2021. I am now 67 (male) and the surgery was to fix severe spondylolysthesis. My recovery overall had been very good. I have had my ups and downs (downs – mostly due to my over ambitious exertion). But the fusion is a great success. I am able to do most of what I could do before my condition. I now walk 5-6 miles every day. Celebrated my first anniversary with a vacation in Scicilia and hiked Mt.Etna in snow packed trails, followed by a vacation in Capri and hiked up mount Salerno. All well and good with no complications. I still have issues bending down to pickup something from the floor. I guess I lost one joint and that is to be expected. This is the best decision I made. I will continue to follow this blog and post my comments/answers to any relevant questions. Thank you to all the contributors- immensely helpful during my recoup phase.
Jody Shelton says
Thank you for sharing
Johanna says
Just another voice to say thanks for writing this up. I’m mom to a 13yo teen who is 3 days out from t2-L1 fusion bc of idiopathic scoliosis. I have deliberately not gone online to find stories bc I’ve been afraid of entering a bleak landscape, but lying awake in the hospital room last night I started searching healing exercises for spinal fusion and came across your story. I appreciate your honesty and helpfulness and the positive way you’ve approached change. Thank you.
Jill Reed says
Hi – Just discovered your blog and I’m here because of spine surgery. Two years post op from MIS TLIF on L4L5 (unstable spondylolysthesis). I’ve been a lifelong runner and started running again as soon as my surgeon gave me the green light at 4 months post. I’ve been running more in recent months and now am having more pain, like scary pre-surgery pain, so I’m having to quit running again. Your story is inspirational and I hope I can be as zen with leaving running behind. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Cristina says
hi, I had L4/L5 done on 17 January 2022 (it was bone on bone and the nerve was crushed in between) and struggling wondering what exercises I can do after 3 and then 6 Months, any ideas please? I always done HIIT exercises, twisting weights, skipping etc and running but don’t I’ll ever run again as scared of the pounding and it working it’s way up my spine. I don’t want to go through this again, never, it’s awful. Any ideas with exercising please and how long after please. Thanks
Karen Farwell says
I want to thank you for posting this update. i am 3 months post-op tomorrow. Your blog from your journey has really helped me with knowing what to expect. I also know not to panic with the smaller pains as I can look back at the day before to see that I probably over did it! This update gives me much hope. The 1 1/2 years of no roller coasters seems like an eternity to me, but I will make it! I was told that I will most likely have a spinal fusion every 5-10 years, so hoping that my 5 year is more like yours than another fusion so early.
william Hodges says
headed to my first fusion 9/13/21. L5 S1 S1-S2… not looking forward to it …….but ready to look back on it. Thanks for the stories, giving me lots of hope for the future. Active at 58 and ready to get back at it (without) pain. Will update after.
Carole Dennison says
At the advanced age of 79 I am a year out from my second Spinal Fusion surgery. The last one was 5 years ago. I recovered well and began a new career. As it is with a degenerative spine I had pain management for the years intervening but finally broke one of my rods and had to have a much more invasive surgery….repair all the first and add a couple more vertebrae…my images look like a bird cage with extra attachments to my Iliac Pelvic crest on both sides. The surgery, 9 hours,hospital stay , 2.5 weeks,part in the ICU and all during Covid. I came home to isolation, loneliness, loss of strength in my lower body and a long haul . Very exhausted, would have liked to sleep my life away. I am telling you all this because the outcome has been amazing! One year later I graduated to full recovery…….doing Yoga twice a week, Pilates two days a week, Bocce ball and long walks with my new rescue dog. I still succumb to an afternoon snooze sometimes but the strongest drug I take is Tylenol. I do believe the secret is movement…..a body at rest stays at rest, a body in motion stays in motion.
Carole
Linda Paterson says
Thank you for taking the time to post. I’m 72 & 3 mos out from a multi level fusion. I dont know anybody close to my age but 1 other who has gone thru this & she had only one level. This was my first spinal fusion & i still need pain killers although on a reduced scale due to constant all but reduced pain. The fact that you went such thru this ordeal twice & at an age close to mine gives me hope. I still spend a lot of time in bed but i make myself get up many times thru out the day, do my PT exercises & walk a couple blocks often because i believe like you motion is key. Any ways thanx for your update.
Linda
Carole Dennison says
You are so right…..motion is the secret to recovery. I am doing Yoga 2 classes a week….getting up and down on the mat is not pretty but I am just happy I am mobile. I play on a Bocci ball league and stay as socially busy as I can. Isolation is the enemy of positivity. I got a new rescue pup this Summer and we walk 4 to 5 times a day. Linda , you are on the right track. The only pain medicine I take is Tylenol 2 times a day which helps me stay on top of the aches. Something I have succumbed to is an occasional afternoon nap. At my age I deserve it.
Carole Dennison says
I am now 2 years out from my my second spinal fusion and at 80 years old I have a normal lifestyle. Everyone who has gone through this it takes a constant commitment to be responsible for staying active, being socially engaged. An afternoon nap is a good thing occasionally and do yourself a favor and wean yourself away from negative people
Krish Krishnamurthy says
Thank you Carole. I couldn’t agree more. Completely agree with everything you said. I am 1 year and 4 months out of my first fusion and am 67 years old. I have normal lifestyle – doing 5-6 miles walk every day and keeping my brain very active by doing things that I enjoy most.
Katherine says
I can’t believe I came across your story! I am also 43, a former marathon runner, currently very busy mom starting a business…and was just approved by insurance for spinal fusion surgery. I’m in California and it’s 4am. I’m awake, like most nights, because of my back pain. I understand the seriousness of the procedure, and I’m sure I want to go through with it rather than live my life around my pain, but the fear or an irreversible negative outcome was starting to creep up on me. THANK YOU for putting your story out there. I don’t know anyone my age or activity level who has had the surgery. A huge feeling of relief came over me as I read through your blog. I’ll be back to visit and re-read your update when I’m starting to feel nervous. I’m going to follow you on IG as well!
Victoria says
I am 48 and 10 weeks post OLLIF L4/5 running has always been my therapy but now I am learning to embrace walking. Being able to sleep pain free is a wonderful thing. Be encouraged better sleeping nights are on the horizon!
Veronica Reed says
I am so inspired after reading you praise report. I have spinal infusion two weeks ago, and I am trusting believing God for a full recovery. The more I read you post, the more I believe all things are possible, to him that believe. Thank you for sharing, you gave hope, and faith that things maybe not be what others have experience. I pray that I be able to continue to walk which is one of my favorite thing I love doing and be pain free. Thank you for sharing your story, and stay healthy and blessed.
Lorena says
The recovery seems eternal but you’ll
get there – one day at a time. I am 52 today and 3 yrs. post-op and definitely SO much better! There were times I doubted it would ever get better and I’d be able to do things but slowly … you get there! I hula-hooped the other day, . I was WONDERFUL and I’m good at it, if I don’t say so myself . STAY STRONG YOU GOT THIS!
Peter Frankow says
I had a L3-L5 spinal fusion on April 15, 2020. Your story gives me hope though I am 63 years old. I now know that running is out for me but I would like to get back in shape. Leaning over a keyboard is definitely uncomfortable.as well as coughing or sneezing in the wrong position. I want to be able to ride my Goldwing again but that may have to wait for another season. Covid wrecked havoc with my physiotherapy as well as the fact that I contracted the disease last January. Fortunately I recovered without any lingering effects but it did claim the life of my father and it nearly killed my sister. Thank you for sharing your recovery process as it shows me that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Carole Dennison says
It was certainly a tough year for you…..we can definitely empathize. Covid was a horrible time to have a serious operation…I had mine in May 2020. The difficult part was being alone in the hospital without family and then the follow-up. The recovery was twice as hard through isolation and lock down. I was very active prior to my surgery, and made a speedy turn around after my first spinal fusion 5 years before. But not being able to get out, go to Yoga and Pilates, be with friends and family made this second one twice as hard. I am not back to Yoga and Pilates again and seeing life can be normal again.
Carole Dennison says
Correction…..I AM BACK TO YOGA AND PILATES. Feeling good again.
Michael Marshall says
4 weeks ago had l5 S1 surgery same pain but able to walk with my up standing Walker bending a little more each week not bad cause I’m 62 have DVT and RA Anyway I’m hoping PT is going to help with the balance keep an update after PT on 30th of August
Paula Ugelow(Mom) says
I am very proud of everything you do. I love you.❤
Sharon Wilhelm says
love you too!
Faith Metzinger says
Hi everyone. I had a T10 to Pelvis fusion 20 months ago. I’m still struggling with nerve pain down my left leg and a lot of trouble at times with stability and confidence. I was diagnosed with scoliosis at 54, never knew I had it. Anyone out there with a similar surgery, it would be great to talk to someone who’s been here too.
Carole Dennison says
I had my first Spinal fusion, S1 , L3 and 4, 6 years ago, recovered well and began a new career at 74. Last Spring, just prior to Covid lockdown, I broke one of my 2 Titanium rods… Have no idea how!! So last May I had a second Spinal fusion… Redid the first one and continued up to L5, also stabilizing the pelvis with a rod on each side from Sacrum to pelvic crest. This time it was a long 8 hour surgery, transfusions followed by 5 days in the ICU and 2 more weeks in the hospital. Because of Covid it was tough to resume yoga, Pilates and normal activity. A year later I still have some hip pain, balance issues and I am always tired. I am relieved that I mostly pain free, reasonably ambulatory. I had to give up my career as an esthetician. I am 79 so I think the recovery was harder but I believe the inactivity in the year of the pandemic was a factor.
Carole
Lorena says
It WILL get better! I struggled too and am now 3-yrs post op. Sooooo many days I doubted a full recovery. Following Sharon helped TREMENDOUSLY! She’s awesome and really helped me mentally in my darkest moments♥️. Best wishes!! STAY STRONG and know you WILL get better!!!
Rose says
Sharon, It’s good to hear from you. Glad you are doing well. Just had my 4 year spinaversary and I find running difficult also. But other than that, I’m so glad I had this. The pain was more than I could bear.
Sharon Wilhelm says
Four years, wow! It’s good to hear from you too. I’m so glad you’re doing well.
Krish Krishnamurthy says
Very inspiring story, Sharon. Thank you for sharing. I am now 3 months since my L5-S1 ALIF. So far it is very good. I am pain free most of the time and I know it is a long haul. You story makes me think positive. I thoroughly enjoy traveling and hiking. I am determined to walk up mount Vesuvius in a year or two.
Congratulations and I hope to write here periodically and celebrate my 5th anniversary at this blog space.
Krish
Sharon Wilhelm says
Thank you so much! I’m glad things are going well. Please continue to post here. I’m not great about posting/replying, but I do read everything!
Jennifer Donovan says
I envy you – and I’m glad for you. I had spinal fusion 17 months ago (January 2020) and it took away my terrible nerve pain for about 10 months, but now my lower back is hurting all the time. I am almost 80 and can’t do another surgery.
Sharon Wilhelm says
I’m so sorry to hear that. Does it hurt in the same place, or is your pain above/below your fusion?
Jennifer Donovan says
It was nerve pain down my butt and legs before the fusion. That is gone, thank goodness, but now I have a constant deep ache across my lowest back, worse when I walk. The surgeon says discs above and below the fusion are degenerating. Just the aging process, I guess.
Joe Todora says
Great story, Sharon. I read and I believe commented in your blog when I had my 3 level fusion exactly 1 year ago.
I was in a wheelchair. Lost all strength in my legs. Sciatica became excruciating.
Flash forward 1 year post surgery: Like you, my recovery has been a total success story. The pain is gone. I am walking 6-7 miles per day. I don’t run or jog….not worth the risk. I’m back in the gym and focus on the back supported no twisting weightlifting and exercise. Feeling FANTASTIC! Seems we were blessed with great surgeons and support resources.
Congratulations to you on your amazing recovery. Appreciate your posts. I hope my story is also like yours after 5 years.
Sharon Wilhelm says
Congratulations to you too! Please continue to share your story here!