Question: I’m exhausted! Is it normal to feel this tired while recovering from my spinal fusion?
Answer: Yes! It’s quite common to feel completely exhausted in the weeks and months following your spinal fusion.
Click to read a detailed account of my personal spinal fusion recovery timeline
image source
I was reminded of this question when I happened to glance at list of Google searches that lead people to this site. The query was, “why am I exhausted 4 months after lumbar fusion.” It caught my attention because I went searching for answers to this exact question at 4 month post-op. At the time, I was reassured by my online support community that my experience was normal, so I want to do the same for you.
The first time I noticed my extreme exhaustion was probably around 2 weeks post-op. I’d spent the first 11 or 12 days mostly in bed, and while I did sleep a lot, I assumed it was because of the pain meds. Up to that point, I’d “exercised” by shuffling around my bedroom and lumbering up and down the stairs in my house. But by about 2 weeks, I was ready to get outside and get some real exercise. My husband and I went for a very short walk, up and down a portion of my street. It was maybe about .10 mile. Afterwards, I went straight upstairs, collapsed on my bed, and slept for 2 hours. I’m a young(ish), active, marathon runner, and yet I was utterly depleted after barely more than a walk to my mailbox.
As the weeks went on, I began feeling progressively stronger and healthier; yet, my energy never really returned. At 4 months post-op, I began to worry about my extreme and almost constant exhaustion. It was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. It wasn’t like the foggy-headed deliriousness you get when you’re awake for days with a newborn. And it wasn’t the disoriented malaise you get with jet lag. The best way I can describe it is an all-over, full-body exhaustion. Every part of me was tired, from my eyelids to my toenails. It felt physically crushing, almost. I literally couldn’t make it through the day without a nap. And not just a 30 minute power nap – these were 2+ hour naps. Don’t get me wrong – I love a good nap. But I was concerned and a little embarrassed by my seemingly insatiable need for sleep.
I’ve since learned that it’s very normal to feel excessively tired after a spinal fusion (or any major surgery). One blogger explained it like this: “After four or five hours of surgery, your body has been through [the equivalent of] a major car wreck. Your body feels that shock.”
Many factors may contribute to extreme fatigue in the weeks and months following your spinal fusion, including:
- Lingering effects of your body’s stress response to surgery and trauma
- Continued use and/or cessation of opiate pain medications
- Use of other medications that may cause fatigue
- Disruption of your normal sleep pattern
- Anemia related to blood loss during surgery
- Poor physical conditioning prior to surgery because of your back injury
- Depression and/or anxiety
But the one factor that makes the most sense to me is this: your body is very busy 1) recovering from a traumatic surgery, and 2) growing (fusing) new bones! Right now, your body’s resources are being used to heal your incision, repair your damaged nerves, adapt to the new foreign objects (hardware) in your back, and begin bone growth. That’s a lot of work! It’s not at all surprising that you would feel depleted. Also remember that your body heals most effectively when you’re sleeping, so those extra naps are actually beneficial.
It’s also extra important to pay attention to your post-op nutrition. Simply put, your body needs extra calories, especially from protein:
Although the ability of a patient to form an adequate spinal fusion is based on many factors, few are as important as adequate nutrition. In order for the bone to grow into a solid fusion, it requires protein. The fusion gets the protein from 2 possible sources: food and drinks, or from the breakdown of muscles into protein-forming building blocks. If you do not provide the fusion with adequate protein, in the form of food and drinks, it will rob your muscles of the protein it needs to function, and your fatigue will increase. Therefore, you must increase your protein intake during the first several months after the surgery.
In most cases, excessive exhaustion after a spinal fusion diminishes over time. I would say that my energy started to return at around 6 months post-op, although I still continued to need daily naps throughout most of that first year. I’m 3+ years post-op now, and I no longer struggle with constant fatigue. My energy level is back to about where it was a few years ago, before my surgery and the back pain that led to it.
Listen to your body. Sleep when you’re tired. Maintain a healthy diet. Don’t overdo it. And be patient. In time, this too shall (hopefully) pass.
If you’d like to share your experience with post-op exhaustion, please leave it in the comments! Your input is so helpful to the people who visit this page.
For more commonly asked questions, visit my Spinal Fusion FAQ page.
Anonymous Post says
August 2023. I had cervical fusion surgery on C 4 5 and 6 end of March. Crushing exhaustion is a great description as well as I feel so fuzzy like a head cold that doesn’t go away. Nothing was wrong with me physically before the surgery. I was strong and independent. I feel like an old woman and afraid I’m stuck like this
Jennifer says
I am so glad I came across this website! I am 4 weeks post-op
ALIF surgery. I feel tired all the time and was worried something was wrong. I feel comforted that I’m not alone.
Bob Leighton says
cervical fusion C123&4 3 months ago feel exactly as you describe particularly the fuzzy head cold feeling, terrible fatigue. Glad to hear I am not the only one experiencing the terrible side effects.
Ruth Vaccaro says
I am 4 weeks post-op from a 4-level cervical discectomy and fusion. I was very active prior to surgery – walking my dogs a few miles a day, housework, yardwork, etc… As I sit here searching for answers, I continue to experience dysphagia and extreme tiredness. The surgeon says to eat soft foods – most soft foods are carbs. So, I find myself drinking protein drinks and eating scrambled eggs to get enough protein. Keep your weight down and practice perfect posture – hard to do when soft foods are mostly carbs and you’re too tired to do what little you’re allowed to do.
Until I found this blog, I was beginning to think it was just me. My surgeon never mentioned these side-effects. Thank you.
Lane Newsom says
I had occipital cervical fusion surgery on October 2022 it’s been 3 months now since I had the operation I feel tired and I have severe fatigue and Dysphagia and I feel my head is heavier than my body
I am really sad I want my life back
Deb Chick says
This is amazing!! I’m 3 months post anterior lumbar interbody fusion, my 5th lumbar op since October 2020. I have fibromyalgia so thought my exhaustion, nay – fatigue, was down to that flaring up. I just googled post of exhaustion and came across your site. Thank you !! I now know I’m not going mad, and that what I’m feeling is perfectly normal. I can sleep for 18 hours, not solidly, but I’m still tired when I force myself to wake up. I work from home in the evenings – 6pm to 11pm, but I’m finding it so hard at the moment.
Sickness absence isn’t an option although I don’t feel fit to work right now. But the constant tiredness now makes sense – bad enough after one op, but I’m guessing after 5 my body is telling me to listen to it.
It’s just a wonderful feeling to know that I’m not alone feeling like this ❤️❤️
Mel (she/her) Warner says
This chain, which I stumbled across after several google searches, is a life-saver. THANK YOU-THANK YOU!!! Now that I know that this exhaustion is normal, something my very good surgeon neglected to mention, my outlook has brightened and I will incorporate it into my daily plans. 6 weeks post-op, my back pain is minimal, although I am still on pain meds. I walked as soon as I left the hospital, and when awake and it is not 100 degrees outside, I walk, sometimes 1-2 miles daily. I am 80 yrs. old and consider myself pretty lucky.
April Callaway says
Thank you for all the information from your personal experience. I have visited your story pre and post surgery and it has been reassuring and comforting.
I’ve noticed so many of us assume that it’s going to be as easy as the doctors say it will be and it rarely is for most. My L3 to S1 laminectomy/fusion has turned my life around in a few ways some good some disparaging but more positive than not…but the fatigue is unreal! I’m 5 months out, having a couple complications and issues that can’t be fixed and it’s super draining, so thank you so very much for the public validation that very few will ever hear from a nurse or surgeon. It helps to know it’s not just me lol
Juli Williams says
This is encouraging to hear. I am almost ten weeks pots L4-S1 and bilateral SI joint fusion at the age of 34, 19 years after a T2-L4 fusion. I am exhausted still but the pain is so much better. It’s relieving to hear I’m not alone in the utter all over exhaustion. One minute I’m moving around and the next minute it hits me and I am done for and ready for a nap.
Thanks for the blog and getting this info out. It makes us not feel alone as I don’t think doctors can prep us well for this part of recovery.
Maria says
I had a very similar surgery in September both anterior and posterior. I have never had any type of surgery before so having such a large one, I did not know what to expect during the healing process. I just was googling exhaustion and spinal fusion surgery because I was getting concerned myself. Im back to work part time but about 3 hrs into a 5hr day im dragging tremendously & when I get home all I want to do is try to nap or sleep (still having a little difficulty getting comfortable to actually do that but it has been improving). It’s such a relief to know others are also feeling similarly.
RobinDuncan says
I am weeks post op , 6th spine surgery, 56 years old , 2 teens and a husband , and a business .
After 6 surgeries you would think I would get it , clearly I do not. This is how I’m ‘handling recovery’ . I say to myself ” THIS surgery was no big deal .It took just 4 hours , this time they didn’t stop surgery to give me blood ,( transfusion was a few days later ,) I was in hospital only 5 days instead of 11. This time I have not required 24/7 in home care for 5 weeks .” In short buck up and get on with it !
Since coming home we have hosted Thanksgiving and family birthday ( made cake of course). choosing not to use the walker sitting in the corner , choosing to wait until pain is really bad , before taking pain med. If I cough or sneeze ,the pain takes my breath away .
I know I am doing too much , too soon . Today while sitting on my flagstone front porch steps, in my $1,200. brace , I attempted to stand up , with phone in one hand , water bottle in other . Nothing to hold onto . I fell , landed pretty darn hard on the rock steps square on my bum , spine dead center .
I constantly feel so guilty about being at home and doing ‘nothing’. I just cant seem to stop , be it my ‘day job’ , home projects, meal planning , cooking , doing just a ‘little’ housework . .
Sounds insane , feels insane ,is insane . Does anyone relate? Any solutions that have helped you ?
I would love to find a solution to my madness !
Shelly Goodrich says
I’m 61, 2 weeks post L3 L4 fusion after having had a L5 discectomy just 10 months ago. This fusion recovery is kicking my but in the area of fatigue. Pain is minimal and definitely better so long as I wear the brace throughout the entire day. I’ve had 9 surgeries since age 25 for one thing or another, mostly due to joint injuries throughout my body and I’ve never experienced this amount of fatigue and headaches. I’ve been off pain meds since day 8.
I feel all of your same symptoms and keep hoping the fatigue will just one day quickly disappear. I’m a self employed preschool teacher in my home and I won’t be able to take the amount of time off the doc wants me to. Fortunately, I have assistants, but I’m really worried about my lack luster energy level!
Matt says
Thank you for writing this, was just Googling post surgery exhaustion and came across the page. Anterior cervical fusion here performed 4 weeks ago. They told me beforehand to expect at least 6 months of recovery and I kind of laughed it off at the time…but yes this whole process is no joke. Like you I had no idea how exhausted I was the first 2-3 weeks because I was couch ridden. The last week has been an eye opener—even the smallest activity results in being out of breath and needing to take a long break. Can’t even imagine trying to exercise like I did beforehand. It sucks that this will take so long but I’m glad to hear there’s a light at the end eventually.
Marj says
I am so glad to hear that being exhausted is normal. I am three weeks postop. I feel like a slug because I’m normally an extremely active and productive person. And I feel like doing pretty much nothing other than rest/sleep.Now I won’t feel so guilty watching my DVRd programs and going to bed early.
Jan says
I am eight weeks postop from cervical fusion C4 to C7. I had a dislocated disc and two herniated. I googled exhaustion after spine surgery and found this blog. Thank goodness. Thanks so much for sharing!! I too am experiencing severe exhaustion and was very energetic prior. I thought by now I’ll be back to work full-time but I can only make it about four or five hours a day and then have to take a nap! I have my third postop doctor appointment tomorrow and I’m sure my doctor will continue to tell me to take it slow but I am dreading the conversation with my work manager about STILL not coming back to work full time. again so glad I ran into this and also shared it with my husband! I guess I need to stop being so hard on myself. THANK YOU
John Creque says
I am eleven days in after lumbar 4-5 fusion surgery.
At seventy-years of age, this was my first major surgery (guess I’m fortunate) so I felt a little like a frat pledge the morning after his initial kegger, I really didn’t comprehend the demands that this kind of medical invasion puts on your system. Your body is very busy at work healing not just the bone-centric surgery, but all the back muscle and other tissue invasion that just occurred – there is very little mental or physical vitality left.
One of my biggest post-op experiences that I realized is how absolutely exhausted I was all the time. Normally, the energetic exercise-driven person I was, I now felt as though I could do television commercials for narcolepsy.
I realized that I MUST sleep when I start feeling tired – no matter what time of day it is. Sleep is an essential key to recovery. Don’t look at it like it’s the exercise recovery Grim Reaper coming to steal your improvement; you need lots of rest and sleep. It took me a while and a lot patience to comprehend the value rest and sleep.
Lissy says
11 days! Definitely no swinging from trees Lol I’m almost 11 months and still not 100% but getting better. Exhaustion eased up about 4 months walking is a big help. Hang in there, it’s a process
Andrew Brengle says
Fatigue is to be expected. It’s frustrating and a nuisance, especially if you lead an active life. I am 2+ years post-op for a Level 5 cervical fusion. Obviously the neck area is different than the lumbar area, but surely there are many parallels. We’re talking about parts of the body that affect every act and function of your core being-mental, physical, emotional. This is hard work. There’s no perceived normal now. No, “yeah, that feels normal.” It’s more an aspiration for me. If I keep doing my exercises and eating well and getting sleep, I will improve. And you do improve. But the finish line never gets too close. Sometimes it seems to pull away. One of the most disheartening things for me–as it seems to be with others commenting here–is the baseline fatigue. Why can’t I just bound out of bed in the morning? Am I slower now because of my age? (60). Or am I just a slug with no will power and a bad attitude? I suspect the only way to answer this is to find out on my own by living each day. There is scientific/medical literature galore out there, but those are commentaries on collective data that may or may not fit your experience. Thanks to people like Sharon, others can share their experience in a forum like this. I have done the same on a more limited basis. See my blog youluckystiff.com . I haven’t updated it in a while, but will do so within the next week (of April 2021).
Debbie says
3 weeks post-op L4-5 fusion. Good to know about the fatigue. I’m 65 and I’m used to being active..folks called me the Energizer Bunny. I am blown away at the fatigue I am experiencing. I have big spurts of energy one day. The next day I’m exhausted. I started doing ,2 walks a day. Trying for 30 Minutes. The afternoon ones with my daughter I come back exhausted and do icing. I practically fall asleep on the couch. I end up in bed for 2+ hrs. No more power napping. I just don’t want to get up sometime I push myself to get out of bed and make food. Sounds like this is going to last awhile ughh. I get my first checkup this week. Things felt ok the first weeks but now I’ve noticed some real pain on the right side I’m told that I will probably feel more pain for awhile as it’s healing. I’m trying to limit my pain meds as much as possible. Guess I wasn’t thinking about what a major surgery this was..it’s going to be a bit rough this year in recovery especially with Covid kinda depressing..I’m not sure how much gardening I’ll get to do. Thank you so much for all of the postings I have a good idea that this is a normal progression and I need to slow up
Sherry says
I had spinal fusion also with a spacer on L4-5. Took many months before I can say feel better. Am always tired and lay on couch for naps a lot. This is not my norm. Also 64 and was always on the go. Had 6 month check up and said my back is fine but leg and hip has some issues. Can’t walk far or stand up very long. Dr. Didn’t seem concerned, it’s all healing well he said with X-rays. Ughhh, why am I lazy and tired? Never had surgery and this by far is longest known healing for spine surgery. Anyone with same please let me know? Would love to hear from you.
gerry Hogan says
Oh my – 79 year old woman just days out of L45 fusion.with spacer on 5/24/21 . I was convinced I’d be swinging from the tree tops by now! Thanks for the reality check. Love my surgeon but he did not warn me about the exhaustion. Fortunate that I am off the heavy duty pain med so can’t blame that for exhaustion. I suppose age plays a part. I’m thrilled to have increased my 2 x daily walks outside from 100ft to 300ft and I come in and head for the couch and sleep for to hours. Same goes for immediately after the morning walk. Any small task daunts me. Onwards, I guess. One step at a time literally. Joyful aspect is when I do walk, I am free of the excruciating nerve pain that dominated my life last 18 months.
Gerry
Patrick Fogarty says
Sounds exactly like me.I’m a 58 year old male . My whole life I’ve worked physically demanding jobs; no doubt it’s taken a toll on my body. I’m at two months after surgery and standing is the most painful. I started therapy three weeks ago. I had knee surgery also a few weeks ago. My hardest part to live with is I feel guilty I can’t do what I used to do
Lissy says
I am 10 months post op and still healing and tired I am 50 and before my back issues very active. Not as exhausted as the “ 3 week” or even 3 month mark but I do tire more than usual before surgery. I also had a l4 l5 lumbar fusion and I’m just noticing more improvement. I’m still in pt and I can now walk faster on the treadmill and bend to my ankles, very carefully. If I do to much, ( which I have) I get a “ set back” for a couple days. I work every other day doing hair, I went back to work way to soon, I now realize this 2 months after surgery! Standing doing hair doesn’t help healing. Walking does help so, walk as much as you can and get lots of rest and allow your body to heal. It takes along time but worth it to have your life back!
Mrs. Kristina Jansen Mullican says
I am 43 and had 6 surgeries in 2020. I had three back surgeries in the four months. The first surgery was do to a grade 3 spondylolisthesis with severe right hip and leg pain that I dealt with for at least 6 year as until I became so debilitated I couldn’t walk without a walker. On 09/02/2020 I had a 2 level 360 fusion at levels L4-5 and L5-S1. Had multiple complications (abdominal cellulitis, abdominal wound infection, and severe left leg pain which was new). I had 6 ER visits following this surgery, multiple CT and MRI images showing “nothing” according to ER docs. I requested all the images on CD and the reports and indeed there was something wrong. Took CD images and reports to my surgeon and ended up with scheduling surgery #2. On 11/11/2020 I had a left facetectomy at L4-5 due to the severe left leg pain and foraminal narrowing. Woke up from surgery with continued left leg pain. Ugh. Continued to report this to my surgeon and asked for another set of images. I was not taken seriously and nothing was ordered. I ended up in a car accident 2 days before my post op appointment. Had a CT at ER, reported wreck to surgeon and they ordered a stat MRI. Reports showed nothing yet I was still in extreme unrelenting pain in the left leg. Again, requested CD of imaging and reports. Took them to my surgeon and “demanded” to look at the images with him. Low and behold the radiologist missed that my fusion had grown a bone spur pressing directly into my L4-5 nerve. Here goes surgery number three on 12/23/2020, a L4-5 laminectomy. To say the least, my body has been through a lot. I am four weeks post op from the third back surgery. At this point I am extremely fatigued, weak and have absolutely NO energy. Should I be worried about this worsening of fatigue symptoms or is my body just saying it’s had “enough”. I am in bed most of the day as getting out of bed to go to the restroom or to the kitchen to eat depletes me completely. Should I give myself more time, is this normal, should I be concerned? I sleep at night and the majority of the day. This has been one hell of a rollercoaster and I am here to hopefully find some uplifting support and advise. Thank you.
Carole Dennison says
You have been through so much this year… Multiple surgeries, a lot of anesthesia which have effected your brain and body in ways we will never understand. I have had two spinal fusions, five years apart. After the first one I recovered fairly fast, but I became depressed. I sought therapy and got back to normal, so I thought. I found out when I discussed the depression with my first surgeon. He told me it is fairly common… They don’t tell you that. So, give yourself a break… Fatigue, depression and lingering pain is part of a year, perhaps two, recovery.
Liz says
So good to read that the exhaustion I am feeling and the frequent daily 2 hour sleeps is in fact quite normal! I had L5 – S1 fusion at the start of September 2020 and I am 71. I do hydrotherapy for a good hour twice a week and then have to sleep when I get home. On a good day I can walk about 3500+ steps around local streets, on a bad day I hardly able to do anything. I also think living on my own and during Covid pandemic, has also led to a certain amount of boredom ….. but Netflix and the local library are helping to maintain some sanity!
Elissa says
I would like to start by saying this post/site has been a lifesaver for me. I am a 49( 50) in 3 weeks and, I had a “ minimally invasive “ xlif spinal fusion 11 weeks ago. First of all, I thought minimally invasive would get me less recovery time unfortunately the only differences my fusion takes three months of fuse bones and my incisions are on my side and lower back and do not disrupt any muscles in my back stomach etc. so that is a positive for recovery. However, this has been a heck of a journey for me I am a hairdresser and very active even with my level three Spondylolisthesis and pars fracture of my L4 L5 I still managed to work on one foot every day. My surgery was very successful I have four screws a cage and my bone graft is fusing properly however I was so nervous about being exhausted all the time so thank you so much for this as now I feel I’m not alone. I do see others posting here who are exhausted for up to a year Uggg I’m hoping for the best as I am now slowly working my way back into work( my back pain has gotten so much better in the last 2 weeks) as my clients need me to do their hair I’m only working a couple hours and minimal work but even after doing three haircuts yesterday I felt like a truck hit me after I came home… I need to lay down and close my eyes for about two hours before being able to put dinner on the table. I am hoping this resolves itself with more of my physical therapy and my body getting used to the physical work again I’ve been out of work this entire time. And I would really like my life to get back to some sort of “new normal “I do appreciate that I could stand on my right foot again I do have some residual nerve stuff going down the right leg however doctor feels that from healing I am hopeful for my future
Elissa says
So, ow I’m 5 months postop and “ pushing “ myself to do more at physical therapy and get more clients in so I cam start making money again ps, I now have tightened muscles in hamstring, thigh, calf, low back ect…. just like before surgery UGG! Did I damage y “ successful fusion”? Everyone keep telling me give it a year! My surgeon had me go for new x-rays two months after my surgery and said everything looks great however , now he is “ done” with me, is this too soon? I called and his wonderful PA told me to stop PT ( I’ve been going for over 12 weeks) lunges and squats are hurting more than helping. I still can’t pick up anything off the floor and my joints and muscles on the affected side are now feeling just as bad as I was pre surgery. Should I wait this
out and see if my nerve calms down with less movement I’m trying to do or, should I be more worried about failing fusion surgery?
Terrance Drayton says
Yes give it a few more months I’m 9 months in off of l4 l5 fusion and I’m feeling much better I still get a little pain here and there but I’m doing much better from where I was
Jan Alvin says
I’ve had 3 back surgeries, the third one being a fusion, with 2 different doctors over the years. At no time did they have me doing physical therapy, just walking. Perhaps you are overdoing it.
Carole Dennison says
The old saying, ” Misery loves company ” could apply but that’s not why I am writing to you all. I had my second spinal fusion, L-4 and L-5, in May, 2020. The last was 6 years ago. lower spine and sacrum, at the age of 73. I recovered well and was in a new career within 3 months, doing yoga 2-3 times a week. I did have S-I joint pain, so I did pain management, injections, for about 4 years…with great results! Then I broke one of my titanium rods early in 2020….believe me, I have no idea how it happened. This was at the beginning of Covid isolation, if that wasn’t depressing enough. So my Neurosurgeon here in VA performed a repair of the first surgery and a continued fusion of the two vertebrae above, a 10 hour surgery, transfused, spent 4 days in ICU. Until September I really didn’t have much discomfort….then I developed aches and pains in my hips. My surgeon put a rod from my sacrum on each side to my ilium crest…not sure if that is the cause. Anybody else have this type of fusion or result. It is depressing to go through all this and perhaps now realize I may have pain the rest of my life.
Carole says
Anyone else have the rods from sacrum to pelvic crest? I would like to know what you have experienced. My lower body and legs are so weak I don’t dare get down because I can’t get up.
JoAnn Howes says
I’m 4 1/2 months out from surgery. I’ve had a fusion from T10 to sacrum1. Is that similar to what you’re describing? If it is I’ll give you all kinds of my experiential info. It’s great to have this community, isn’t it? I’ve never posted on anything but this website.
Carole Dennison says
Thanks for responding to my previous comment. I will be a year in May 2021 from my second spinal fusion.
This one was a bigger deal, 2.5 weeks in the hospital, 5 days in the ICU and lots of physical therapy. Covid certainly had a huge impact on my recovery this time. This surgeon said he had to stabilize my pelvis and well as redo my sacrum fusion, he fused L 4 L 5 and screwed two rods 9 one on each side of my sacrum) to the pelvic crest on each hip bone. That is the only area that I am having rather intense pain, in my hips and I have no strength in my core and legs. Does any of this sound familiar?
Patricia Ellsworth says
Hi Carole, I believe the bottom of my fusion is similar to yours. I am fused T4 to S1 to iliac crest. Everything is basically anchored in my hips bones by 2-4.5″ bolts. Unfortunately this is less than ideal. In my situation I was left with a 11 degree curve & one hip bone higher than the other. Now being fused and having so much hardware anchored solidly to my iliac crests means everything is not in the correct place, the place it was meant to be, or had been for 56 years. My center of gravity is different & all the muscles and ligaments that work so well together when they come from the correct orientation, find themselves unable to cooperate with their new orientation to each other. I am 8 years post first surgery and 1 year post revision. And my experience is that it is always going to be something that pulls, or hurts or is completely without strength or energy. And every day will be different for no reason at all. Some people muscles protest fusion more than other peoples. My muscle hate my spine being fused, So much so my body broke the rods in 5 places over 5 years after the first surgery. I lasted 3 more years before giving into revision surgery because my fusion was now cracked all the way across with a 1/2″ separation and the left screw in the L5 vertebra broke in the bone, breaking the vertebrae with it. And I said I would never go through that surgery again. I too have found my legs are very weak after this surgery. One year and 3 months later they are on the verge of collapse after climbing a staircase. I have done PT, chiropractors and am currently getting myofacial release massage therapy.I believe my problem is my overall lack of activity and the protective holding of my body as well as what they call holding patterns from youth-holding myself chronically tight, be it shoulders, back or legs. I also have Narcolepsy, which is much more than falling asleep against my will. There is also incredible exhaustion, thus the inactivity. I believe unless I learn how to have a neutral spine, stop protecting my body against pain and move more and correctly I am doomed to continue to have debilitating pain. I am thinking of doing fitness4backpain.coms Relief Academy and was researching its legitimacy when I came across this blog because Sharon had posted an article from the websites fitness guru. I’ll mention here too that I belong to a private Facebook group called Forever Fused that is incredibly helpful as far as support and information on things to try as well as being a place to verbalize our frustration. Julie the group’s moderator and founder has a Yoga practice for fused spines you can find on there. If you are interested send a request to join and Julie will send you an invitation. Take Care.
Cindy says
Hey there. I had the same surgery 1-13-21. I hoped on here to get insight on my fatigue. Very helpful. My back pain isnt too bad anymore but all over aching some days. I need knee replacement which isnt helping. Hoping to do that in the fall. I think depression has also set in because low energy limits me from normal preop activities. Good to know that fatigue 4+ mos post op is normal for a recently turned 64 y.o. Anymore insight would be helpful. Hope you’re continuing a good recovery.
Colleen says
I am 10 months post op from a L4-S1 fusion. Overall I feel pretty good. I did blow out my shoulder at about 3 weeks post op by using my arm improperly to get out of bed. That was a big set back. However I have flare ups in my back from time to time, but very manageable after PT. I have begun running and can almost run 3 miles non stop at a decent jog. But I just don’t have the energy I was hoping to have by this point. I knew this would be a long process, but I never expected the lack of stamina to be this draining 10 months out. I am glad to hear this isn’t completely abnormal, but hoping this doesn’t last forever.
Sheila R MangaserRoss says
I’m 67 years of age and had my spinal fusion surgery the end of September. Overall, I feel wonderful, one day-then exhausted the next! Along with weekly physical therapy, I’m now able to get back to my at home exercises. I’ve found and my PT confirmed, that I need to better plan my activities to be more consistent in how I expend my energy. The exhaustion I experience is so frustrating! Some mornings taking a shower and getting dressed is a major accomplishment! 🙂 Then other days, I feel like so good that I do too much and the tiredness from that can last two days! I’m so very glad to hear from all of you wonderful ladies! Your shared experiences have really helped me. Thanks again!
Sue Gardner says
I was thankful to have come across this article. Much of what you talked about has already been conveyed to me, I just needed the reminder. I’m only 2 1/2 weeks post lumbar fusion, and all I seem to get done is sitting and napping. I thought maybe it shouldn’t be that way. One thing that you mentioned, I really took to heart. That was the important need of having protein. I actually forgot how important getting the protein is.
Chantel natera says
I’m sad and your information really helped I’m just tired of feeling weak and fatigued I’m 28 just had my second spinal fusion surgery the first one failed due to a car accident I’m just tired and I just want to feel like myself your experience helps me understand why I’m feeling like this it’s only been 3 weeks I guess it’s normal
Camilla Raymond says
Hi! I had ACDF surgery 6/28/2020. I was very active and jogged prior to this. I understood the initial fatigue, but after two months? I appreciate this article. Some days I feel stronger with less fatigue, and today in the bed. I am so tired of being tired! I have been doing my own Covid 19 physical therapy at home (not wanting outside exposure) and eating with increased protein. Now I know what to expect going into month 3. Thanks so much for talking the time to share.
Tiana White says
Good Afternoon,
My name is Tiana 39, I am at day 19 post op. I feel like crap. I am moody, sleepy, hungry, all the time. I’ve noticed the past week, that I have been really cold for some reason and don’t know why. I usually have it cold in my apartment. My spine hurts bad as well when I’m cold. I’ve been extremely foggy and can’t remember a thing. On top of having ADHD. I’ve been thinking that I am sleepy from the opioids but reading your story helps me understand better. This sucks and my back feels terrible, like my doctor added some more things in my back that aren’t supposed to be there. Hopefully when I call tomorrow, that I can get some answers from the hospital. I can’t wait until I feel better!
Suzanne says
It’s 11 months since my lumbar fusion. I’m 72 years of age. Besides exhaustion, the pain that radiates throughout my posterior muscles is unbearable. I’m unsure what to do. I see the PA next Tuesday.
Tracie says
I’m glad I found this I was starting to think something was wrong with me I can almost never make it through a day without a 2-3 hour nap and I was never a napper before the fusion. Other than being exhausted at times I feel like the surgery has been a success, now to just get past this last hurdle would be fabulous
Sam says
Hi.Had acdf surgery in july. Have been fine up until now other than my arm being numb. Have now become very tired. Did this get better for anyone? How long did the tiredness last?
TIA
Tracie says
It did get better at about month 4 for me, went back to work full time and would still need an hour nap some days but now unless I really overdo it my energy level has returned.
Mel (she/her) Warner says
Hi Tracie:
Your description could be my own. I’m 7 weeks out of a fusion, and have had almost zero back pain. I wanted to tear my right leg off at night for the first 2 weeks, but after that, tiredness is my biggest issue. How did the rest of your recovery go? This post/chain has been a life-saver.
Best regards,
Mel (she/her)
Tracie Tipton says
Hi Mel, The exhaustion was the worst part. I’m starting to have issues below my fusion but I knew that would be a possibility. The fusion was my 4th back surgery but I did not want to fuse all the way down then trying to leave myself more mobility as long as I could. I hope yours is a success and any relief from shooting pain that won’t go away is a great thing.
sandra howard says
Thank goodness I read your blog. I am 4 months post-op spinal fusion and the replacement of a disc in my neck. I am so tired it is hard to explain but like you said it is literally my entire body that is tired just tired Beyond explanation. I will now take my vitamin B12 watch what I eat a bit and give myself that space to heal. I am 63 years old raising a five year old granddaughter and I need my energy back why do I! Thank you so much for your explanation of things it certainly makes sense.
HDL says
I am 2 weeks post op from a 360 spinal fusion and I am always exhausted. The want to get up and move about it there but I’m only good for short periods of about 30 mins at a time. The pain meds have me sleeping more than not. I am ready to see light at the end of the tunnel. My body just hurts. Hopefully in the near future I will be able to be up a little more than now.
Sharon Wilhelm says
Those first few weeks are so tough…just remember that your body is working overtime to heal from MAJOR surgery. That’s what’s sapping your strength. The pain will improve. Listen to your body and rest when you’re tired. It’s important to get up and moving every day, but do it at your own pace! At least the rest of the world is slowing down with you right now… (silver lining? not sure) Things will get better.
Joey says
Happy to stumble on this blog. I’m 4months post op from L4L5 & L5S1 spinal fusion. I’m a 34 year old man. It must be about 8yrs i suffered from back pains until it progressed to a point where an operation was necessary.
Operation was a great success as far as I can tell. The constant/consistent pain has gone. I stopped all pain meds about 4 weeks post op. Healing nicely.
8 weeks post op i decided to start some light training at the local gym. I only use the machines and push/pull a very comfy weight. I do not feel comfortable enough using free weights just yet.
12 weeks post op I finally started my physio & ergotherapy (was on a waiting list). These professionals are helping me regain strength in my core and stabalizer muscles. (Althou i feel great, I still feel that my core muscle are very weak).
All this just to say that despite the progression, I feel a lack of energy 4 months in. Afternoons are sometimes heavy and taking a nap is more common than not. I can see I’m not alone in this experience, thanks for sharing.
Leah Thomson says
Hi Joey, thankyou for your comment. Im 33 years old and had the multi level fusion on the same discs. Like you my pain is really starting to settle and its only before bed and once through the night I need something stronger. This is where I feel a little frustrated as the pain levels are quite good but I’m exhausted. Even having a shower is exhausting and I need a nap straight away for like 3+ hours!!! I am so pale and light headed too. Did you experience that?
Patricia says
I had back surgery 9 weeks ago Or should I say one of three surgeries it didn’t go so well my first surgery the Spacer flipped around and the screw is too long and sitting on a nerve they had to go in that was my second surgery they took that out the third surgery that was another screw sitting on a nerve they had to take that out so I had three back surgeries in a matter of 2 1/2 weeks I’m so weak right now I keep telling him I think something is wrong my eyes look sick I have absolutely no energy whatsoever all I do is sleep all day I feel like my life was just taken away for me I started physical therapy is helping some but not a lot at this point I’m so DepressedI don’t know what to do also during those surgeries he did cut my spinal cord had to do a patch on it then he had to do a fusion on a bone that cracked on the second surgery I was at the third I think I lost track of it all I had to go home with a pick line because of and affection for six weeks and now I have to go in and have an MRI to see if my spine is leaking or A spinal tap to see if I have an inspection in my spine this whole back surgery thing has been nothing but a nightmare If I had to do all over I wouldn’t do it
Lynn says
What a terrible experience. I’m seeing your comment over a year later. Are you better?
Shannon says
It has been one year this month an I am so exhausted it comes and goes after my spinal fusion an sometimes I feel even sad Just wiped I am hoping this passes sooner then later .
Sharon Wilhelm says
I felt excessively tired off and on for at least the first year after my surgery. It did eventually improve…it just took time. I hope it gets better for you. Hopefully you are doing well otherwise.
Dinh says
It has been 6 months since my back surgery I was 60 years old, I have a good day every once in a while, today I’m so exhausted so I googled to see if it could be from my back surgery…hardest surgery I’ve had and I’ve had several.
Kathy says
I am 6 months post L4 through S1 lumbar fusion surgery. I am still In pain and have had a couple of miserable flair ups which were so painful it was like starting all over. I too am always very tired. I think maybe it’s the pain that is wearing me down or the pain medication? I still hope things get better, but as each month passes, it gets harder to stay positive. At three months my surgeon says things look good, but it doesn’t feel that way. This is my first post, so I am hoping there is someone who had a similar experience and has improved over time.
Yulonda says
9 weeks post op scoliosis surgery and don’t feel as strong as I did at 6 weeks. I start physical therapy next week hoping it will make a difference