7 & 8 Months Post-Op
I guess you could say that months 7 & 8 of recovering from my spinal fusion came in like the proverbial lion and out like a lamb.
I can remember the exact moment when something didn’t feel quite right. It was a Friday in early December. We’d picked the girls up at school and driven to Disney World. The 2.5-hour drive was uneventful. (Long car rides still aren’t the easiest on my back, but they’re certainly doable, especially if I’m the passenger.)
We were riding the ferry to the Magic Kingdom when I noticed a pain in my lower back. It wasn’t the chronic, dull ache that spans my entire lower back most of the time. This was a sharper pain, and it was only on one side.
I took Tylenol and pushed through – we were at Disney World, after all. I was okay that evening and the following morning. But by the afternoon, it was apparent that certain movements were going to cause pain – including any sort of stretching.
This was both frustrating and alarming, as stretching is essentially one-half of my post-op fitness regimen – I walk and I stretch. Walk. Stretch. Walk. Stretch. After surgery I was desperate to get back to yoga, so I’d incorporated (what I thought was) gentle yoga into my stretching.
But my body wasn’t having it – not anymore.
Stretching the Limits
During my 3 month post-op visit with my surgeon, I’d been told that there was no benefit in “pushing through the pain.” If something hurt, I needed to listen to my body and stop what I was doing. I took that advice to heart. So when my body told me to stop stretching, I stopped. I hated it, but I stopped.
Specifically, I stopped any kind of stretching that involved my whole body or a bend at the waist – downward-facing dog, for example, or any of the warrior poses. Even with modifications, the pressure on my back was intense. I could still stretch my calves and quads, as long as I stayed completely upright. My hamstrings were a little trickier to stretch without bending, but since they’re so tight to begin with even the tiniest stretch was effective.
I sound kind of chipper about this, don’t I? Well, I wasn’t.
Avoiding most stretches helped me avoid acute pain, but in the meantime the ever-present ache in my lower back was getting worse. My whole body felt stiff. Had I caused the stiffness by not stretching, or had I prevented the stiffness and pain from getting worse? I didn’t know.
What I did know is that my activities of daily living were becoming more difficult, and my quality of life was declining. My BLT (bend, lift, twist) restrictions were lifted at 3 months, but I found myself unable to do any of the three without pain. I dreaded doing the laundry (even more than usual) because I had to squat down to put the clothes in & take them out of the dryer. And sneezing once again became the #1 most painful activity in an ordinary day, like it had been in my pre-fusion days.
I’ve shared that I felt as though the pace of my recovery slowed around 7 months, but a full-on regression? No way. I never would’ve guess that I’d feel better at 6 months post-op than I did at 8. I was disappointed, discouraged, and depressed.
Getting Worse, Not Better
After about 6 weeks of deteriorating health (both physical and mental), I finally called my surgeon. I shared my symptoms and concerns with him. From the info that I provided, he felt that it was unlikely that my pain was directly related to my surgery (e.g., a problem with my hardware or lack of bone growth). Rather, he suspected that the facet joint above or below my fusion (which is at L4-S1) had flared up.
He gave me 3 choices:
1. Have a CT scan with contrast. This would give the surgical team a clear picture of my surgery site and hardware, and it could conclusively determine if my current pain was directly resulting from my fusion. If a problem was present, we would explore further surgical options.
2. See my primary care physician to discuss non-surgical options. These would likely include anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, pain management, and epidural steroid injections – in other words, go through the same steps that I went through in 2015-2016 before deciding on surgery.
3. Do nothing.
I’d been “doing nothing” up to this point and it wasn’t working, so this wasn’t really a viable option for me. And the thought of going through all the treatment options again was disheartening. It felt like starting from scratch. The most appealing option was the CT scan – it would provide some definitive answers and would also let me take a peek at my back & hardware, which I haven’t done since my 3 month post-op appointment.
But here’s the catch with going the CT route (as I understood it). My surgical team is only allowed to treat me for surgical issues – past, present, or future. So if the CT scan showed that there was a problem directly related to my fusion (or indicating the need for additional surgical intervention), the next step would be to explore surgical options. But if the CT scan showed a nonsurgical issue (i.e., inflammation in a facet joint or a funky-looking disc), they wouldn’t be able to treat me at all.
(I know that’s a little confusing. Basically it means that I’m still considered a surgical patient, so my surgeon is able to do certain things like give me referrals or prescribe meds. If the issue wasn’t surgical, he wouldn’t be able to treat me.)
So even though I wanted the CT scan, my gut told me that it wasn’t necessary at this stage. My surgeon wasn’t concerned about the stability of my fusion or hardware. And I didn’t want to risk being discharged as a surgical patient. He offered to send me a referral to physical therapy and suggested that I follow up with my primary care doctor to formulate a treatment plan.
I wasn’t terribly happy with this but it was certainly the most palatable of the available options. In the meantime, since I had the doctor’s thumbs up, I started taking 800 mg of ibuprofen 1-2 x day. Ibuprofen had been my go-to medication in the months leading up to my surgery. It worked. Actually, it was the only thing that worked. Opioids (like hydrocodone or oxycodone) kind of take the edge off, and they knock me out so that the pain doesn’t bother me. But ibuprofen provides a bit of genuine relief for pain/discomfort related to inflammation. I had to stop taking it in the months before my fusion because I was starting to have terrible stomach pains. And after surgery, I was instructed to avoid all NSAIDs because they can inhibit healing and bone growth.
What I’m Doing Now
So I started taking ibuprofen, and I’ve been taking it regularly for about 3 weeks now. And guess what? I’m feeling significantly better. My surgeon was right. Something in my back was inflamed and causing me a whole lot of trouble. I still have back pain – I suspect that I always will, to some degree. But it’s no longer painful to stand up from a squat or bend to lift a (light) laundry basket. The acute pain is mostly gone.
I haven’t started physical therapy yet, and I’m not sure if I will. While I’m not opposed to PT, I think the real problem was that I was doing too much. I was pushing my body to do things that it wasn’t ready for. So here’s my current recovery regimen, prescribed by me:
1. Walking. Walking is the cornerstone of recovering from a spinal fusion and is recommended from (literally) day one.
The primary form of rehabilitation after spinal fusion is an aggressive walking program. You should start immediately after discharge, walking more and more each day. In general, we recommend two to three episodes of exercise per day. The average patient undergoing single-level surgery can be walking 15 minutes twice a day by their first postoperative visit and 30–40 minutes twice a day by six weeks after surgery. source
I love walking, but I have to fight the mindset that it is inferior to running.
2. Strengthening my core. A strong core will help stabilize my back. THESE are some of the exercises that I’m using. I’m also using THESE exercises to help strengthen my back muscles. The second article includes planks, but I find them much too hard on my back.
3. Gentle stretching. I mean really gentle. No arching, bending, twisting, or doing anything that feels even slightly bad. No amount of pain is good in this scenario.
4. No yoga. Or I should say almost no yoga. Breathing exercises are good, of course, as is meditation. I can do some very gentle hip openers and balance poses, but that’s about all. This one is the toughest on my ego, so some serious “suck it up, Buttercup” self-talk is required.
I also need to get plenty of rest, take my vitamins, drink lots of water, and stay cautious about bending/lifting/twisting. And I’ll continue to use the ibuprofen for a bit longer – hopefully I’ll get back on track and start making forward progress in my recovery again.
Much love, friends.
Jan Faimon says
I am 5 months post op from having a fusion and laminectomy that resulted in 8 screws and rods in my back. I am 70 years old. The severe hip pain I had been experienced disappeared immediately. At 3 months, I was beginning to feel times of little to no pain in my back. However, things seem to have gone down hill since then. Although I have walked extensively, up to 10000 steps a day when feeling well, my stability is very poor, and I almost never leave the house without a cane or walking sticks. The pain in my back seems to be just getting worse, and today I just couldn’t make myself get out to walk at all. I was going to once a week therapy to increase core strength, but didn’t feel I was making any progress. Any advice for me?
Judy Kuehner says
I’m 80 and saw my spine surgeon today, because after 7 months post op, was not able to stand or walk very far or for very long. I had a new MRI done, along with a new X-ray, both indicated everything was in realignment. I had 3 vertebrae lumbar fusions and I felt better for a couple months after surgery but went downhill from there. I have good days and bad days, and because I take a blood thinner, I can’t take a anti inflammatory, like Aleve. I am entertaining a procedure for a Watchman procedure.
My legs, knees and back still hurt.
My spine surgeon says I have arthritis of my spine and I have to learn to manage it and adjust to living with it.
He advise swimming and try walking with hiking sticks. We have also bought a recumbent cycle for exercise.
This is not an easy diagnosis to accept but I’m determined to do everything I can.
I wish you the best and hope your pain will subside in time.
Judy Kuehner
leslie says
Take it easy! Glad to hear alignment is good. If you felt good early on you have good potential if you ask me. I am 17 months post op and still improving. I would walk and swim for exercise. Don’t do things that are still causing pain. The bike still bothers me. Take care and stay patient!
Lissy says
I can relate as I am 8 months postop and yes, I can walk again( I couldn’t walk half a block pre fusion surgery) but, I still have buttock, leg and low back pain. After reviewing my recent cat scan, my surgeon said fusion is a success but, I have arthritis in joints and spine so see a rheumatologist. I’m sure my job as a hairdresser isn’t helping, even if it’s part time. So, I am about to start a new journey at 50 years old of becoming an cosmetology teacher. This entails school for 6 months which I am hopeful my back will cooperate with! This is not as labor intensive as my current job, wish me luck!And hang in there to all, I found yoga stretching is helpful( yoga for seniors) this is the one I look for and , for now very careful on all movements. The breathing while reaching up is very helpful.
Jules says
Good morning, you sound like an amazing person. I understand your frustration with not being able to do your normal exercise. But 5 months is VERY early on and most fusions don’t happen for 8 months. IMO you should listen to your body and take it easy. The exact same story happened to me and at month 6 I had a huge setback. We have to listen to our bodies and don’t push them to far because it will only hurt our selves. I am 18 months out and just now back to 5 miles a day walking. It has been a long road of recovery with setbacks. My advice would be is to try and swim if you have a place. And follow the golden rule, “if it hurts, don’t do it”. Keep fighting, keep positive and keep realistic. Good luck to you.
Faith Metzinger says
I love reading all the comments of encouragement, with this type of surgery I feel like we’re so lost out here. Chances are our surgeons never went through it, and I’m pretty sure PT and pain management couldn’t understand us totally either. I’m about 20 months post op of a large T10 to Pelvis surgery. My PT has never handled anything close to this so we just winged it, being very careful and hoping for the best. The advice of when you fell good, do, and when you don’t, stop, is sound advice. This is life changing, and thank you for all the helpful encouragement. God bless.
Rich Frazer says
I’m about one year ahead of you and at 5 months had a relapse. It was probably from pushing too far with the walking and I was about 10000 steps/day. I went to the surgeon and he put me on the medrol dose pack (6 day prednisone treatment). I stopped walking and rested for about 3 weeks and started to get better. I’m doing pretty good at 17 months post op but cannot over do it. Looking back, 5 months out is still very early. I started to see a positive day to day improvement at about a year. I had a 2 disc removed and a fusion L5 and S1.
Faith Metzinger says
That’s great your seeing improvement every day. It gives you so much to reach for. I see my pain management doc on Thursday. I’d love to get off of these meds, if I could cut them in half I’d feel like I’m progressing. I’m also going to start with a new PT group, maybe that would be a good idea. 20-21 months out, I’m beyond tired of the constant struggle. I’m determined to get through this, we just found out we’re going to be grandparents for the first time around new years eve. If that isn’t something to motivate someone, I couldn’t imagine what else!
Judy Kuehner says
Congratulations! There is nothing more wonderful than becoming a grandma.
Praying you will continue to progress and be ready for the blessed event.
Jk
Faith Metzinger says
Thank you Judy, we also found out that they’re having a girl and naming her Caroline, after my mom. I hope I can get everything at least on track before she arrives. I’m still struggling with pain and numbness. My surgeon just ordered a slew of miss and scans. I hope they can give me some answers. I’m 2 years post op this month, and was planning to celebrate such a milestone. Not too sure about that, May have to wait a bit. Take care of yourself, always. Faith
Sandy says
I also am 5 moths p.o.. …dr. released me for 4 mon. I am fused….but am dealing with bursitis in left hip…my gait has changed my legs are weak…I’m going to get cortisone shot in hip this week..hopefully it will help…71 yrs old
Eric says
I had a fusion of L3-4-5 and was recovering quite well, seven months later a total right knee replacement, a year later revision to fusion to L2 and S1. I’m at 15 months now can only walk about 100 yards without using a cane. Surgeon said I don’t need to see him anymore, pain doctor said this is probably as good as it will get. I’m 70 years old and suspect that if I were only 30 my recovery would have gone much better. before my knees and back went I was a runner for about 30 years and the switched to mountain biking for about 8 years. I so want to get back up on a bike and I’m determined to do it.
texasrealtorjules@aol.com says
Wow, that is some what depressing. I guess this is what some of have to look forward to. L5 S1 fusion done 1 year ago. It’s been up and down and up and down and now down again. I am feeling low about the future of spine surgery. Thank your for the post. I am only 53 and was an athlete, very active when my back suddenly became unstable because of old pars defect fractures. Life is hard when your shell wears out.
Faith says
I hope things get better for you, it’s definitely upsetting to hear that it’s as good as it’s going to get. One thing I’ve learned is that it takes a long long time to heal. I’m 15 months post up a ten level fusion. I walked into it thinking it would be comparable to when I had my knees replaced 2 years earlier. It was NOT anything even close. Knees you work through, pushing to beat the scar tissue and spine surgery is the opposite, and much more involved. I’m learning slowly that I need to heal at a snails pace. I remember charting my progress with my knees and could see improvements in days sometimes. The back surgery, it’s taking months to see anything positive move along but it is moving. Stay with a good regimen, it can really pay off, it’s just going to take time. Good luck and God bless…
Eric H Rehbein says
Thank you for your response, I guess the only thing to do is for me to keep working at it.
Chris says
Thanks for your post. I am three months post and stil in a lot of pain and feeling very frustrated.
leslie Ann crompton says
Chris, three months is still very early. I am 10 months and still waiting to feel all better. I would do a gradual walking program and allow the tissue time to heal.
Faith says
I recently had my 1 year follow up to a 10 level fusion. T10 to pelvis. My surgeon was happy that I’m half fused at this time and everything looks great. I’m still dealing with constant pain but it’s becoming manageable, its been changing over time, I’m guessing that’s part of all of it. I totally agree on the BLT restrictions, when I do too much, like bend and reach, I definitely pay for it. This was life changing i know, and patience is most important. I found out I had scoliosis at 52, so it was also a bit of a shock. Good luck everyone and remember a bit of bravery has also been necessary.
Rich Frazer says
I agree with Leslie Ann…3 months is very early. I’m 9 months (2 discs L5 and S1), and I feel okay. The good news…I am continuing to improve. I’ve gone from horrible to very bad to bad to now okay. I also agree with walking but do NOT overdo it….currently averaging 6x’s/week at about 3 miles/day. When I push beyond 3 miles, I get sore and tired.
zachary Mason says
I am 75 tears old & post-op 1 year. I had L2 & 3 fused to L4& 5 which was already fused. I find I still need to be careful & lying in a recliner for an hour helps me not to have so much pain. I know I will always have pain but I am trying to take care of myself because I have a 78 year old husband & a 93 year old mother to care for. God is good & I have been blessed because I still can care for them. Take care & do what your doctor says & you will do much better. Don’t get in a hurray.
Susan Goodall says
Thank-you for your story. I am 3 months post op L3L4 fusion. I have drop foot from the nerve damage and wearing a foot brace, looking into getting something custom made. My back aches all the time and worse when walking so mostly ride a stationary bike. I’m doing PT exercises regularly to strengthen my core without putting strain on the surgical area. I’m a former yoga instructor runner and group ex instructor. I really miss yoga but I want to take care of above and below the fusion area as they are taking on more load. I know it’s only been 3 months but was hoping that I would be able to walk more. I only take tylenol for pain but it does not help much. I have a friend who had a fusion about the same time and she’s doing great. I’m happy for her but wish I had better results.
texasrealtorjules@aol.com says
Hi there, I am 10 post op from spinal fusion L5 S1. 3 months is still very early on, so don’t get discouraged. My experience was at 3 months out I tried to walk too much and then had to scale it way back. The nerves take a LONG time to heal, sometimes can be years. From my experience each day is better and better. The only advice I can give you is if it hurts don’t do it, including what they have you doing in PT. I am also very athletic and was very hard to not over do it. Just listen to your body and ask your doctor if you can take Aleve, because that helps me much more than Tylenol. Good luck and take it easy.
Rich Frazer says
My last comment that you read on 9/23/2020 was 6 months and 1 week post op. In the last 7 weeks, I have had more improvement from my TLIF L5 S1. I can tie my shoes more easily and have been raking leaves with no problems. Still get tired easily but not as badly. Give it time. You are in the early stages. I have numbness in my left foot that is also slowly dissipating. You may want to try walking with a cane. The month before the surgery I could barely walk with a cane and that continued for a month after the surgery, I still have 2 level pain in my right hip that comes and goes but I think in time it will go away completely. The left hip and ankle where I had major problems before the surgery has gone away completely. Thanks for writing and it was good to see texasrealtor jules comments too.
leslie Ann crompton says
I agree. 3 months is still very early. Don’t expect too much out of your body yet. It takes time to heal. My doctor told me to concentrate mostly on walking. At 9 months i still have trouble riding the bike. I walk 3 miles daily without any issue. Maybe you should try walking to build up.
Susan says
Hi, Thank you for writing about your experiences. I am 6 months post op L 4,5 disectomy and laminectomy. I am 67 years old and am now walking 4-6 miles 5 days a week. I was a runner and ran into a problem before the surgery that caused me to walk and run and/or run and rest. I run a tenth of a mile then rest for 20 seconds then run again. Or I run for a tenth of a mile than walk for a similar distance then run again. (diastolic dysfunction of the heart). I just started adding back in my little intervals of running and in a 5 miles walk have been able to run 3 of the miles -again in intervals if this makes sense!
SO far so good. I feel good when I walk and run…no pain. However, every morning before exercising my back hurts and I feel very stiff. It still hurts to tie my shoes or sit in the car for more than a few minutes unless I bring a back pillow. Does anyone know if this is just the way it is from now on? I am thankful that I can walk and even run the little bits.
leslie Ann crompton says
Thank you Sharon. I am 5 months post op but going through very similar things that you described. My issue is when i do something bad my severe pain lasts allllllll day. Before surgery i would feel bad for a few hours. Thanks again for sharing. You reminded me that i need to slow down!
Lizeth says
Hi Sharon, I want to say thank you for posting your recovery journey. I have searched everywhere to see if I can find blogs of actual people’s recovery and there hardly seems to be any at all!.
My husband had a spinal fusion at L4/L5/S1 (with screws and rods) and discectomy of two discs where cages were placed. He is now 3 1/2 months post surgery and he has done therapy, walks for about 45 minutes every morning. He does have a desk job at which he sits for at least 5 hours during the day. He works from home so he takes breaks every hour or two and walks around.
His pain seems to be getting worse but he refuses to take any pain medication. Has anyone here experienced something like this? I am so concerned because he seems to be going into a depression because his surgeon told him he should be pain free by 2 months which to me seemed impossible. Is it normal to have this much pain still? I read things online that say by 3 months the pain should be almost gone but when I read thru this thread and your blog that does not seem to be the norm.
I would appreciate anyone’s feed back on this and thank you in advance.
texasrealtorjules@aol.com says
Wow, sounds like he is doing good. I think saying 2 months is enough time to heal is Ludacris. Spinal fusions take a minimum of 8 months to heal. Same thing happened to me about 4 months post op. I was doing to much and slowed down a little. If he is having pain then his body is telling him to slow down. Also sitting was the very hardest thing for me. I could not very long until almost 5 months post op. I had an L5S1 fusion with hardware, screws and some pins for 2 fractures I had. I am 2 weeks from 6 months post op and I had to shorten my walks from 4 miles down to 2 because of some nerve pain in my feet. I always say, listen to your body and take a pain med at night time helps me.
Lizeth says
Thank you very much for sharing your recovery experience. This makes me feel relived because I now know that our expectations due to the doctors estimated recovery time were too high. I will pray for your continued recovery!! thank you again.
Shawn Carbins says
I had a spinal fusion in L4 & L5 and decompression in S1. I am right at 6 months post-op. My surgeon told me that he lifted all of my restrictions. I can’t bend or lift. I can’t bend to put on my socks. I have a lot of pain just trying to walk. It is very hard just getting in and out of a vehicle. My surgeon says I should be able to lift 50 pounds at this point in my recovery. He will refer me to a Pain Management Center.
Lizeth says
I am so very sorry to hear that you are feeling so bad. We spoke to my husbands doctor because he continues to have pain all the time. My husband is now almost at 6 months now but he already does water therapy and swims which has helped him feel better. Although the doctor has lifted his restrictions as well we don’t let me lift anything heavy becuase his pain is so much higher the next day or a few days later. He can however tie his shoes, put on his clothes but is definity not at the point we expected him to be. He has been back on medication (stadium T and Lyrica) which have helped a bit. I am praying that my husbands issue is just inflamation since he had 2 surgeries in 6 months. I will pray for you to get some relief with the pain management and that maybe you are within the category of individuals that will just take a bit longer to fully recover.
Letisha says
Thank you for the prayers….I have been praying everyday for relief. My surgeon has said that my issue is inflammation as after 2 blood tests they showed that my inflammation level was 4 times what it should be hence the steroid injections. But…………
Letisha says
Hi Lizeth
I’m starting to honestly think that there is no norm to the recovery process and that recovery is individualized.
On August 25th I would be 11 months post-OP……I had and l5/s1 dissection and fusion with plates, screws and pins….and to this date I am unable to bend to do simple things like put on my socks, stockings or underwear and I have to use different methods to have these things done.
Around 7 months I increased my walking to 6000 steps and had to drastically reduce it to 10 to 15 minutes because my feet and fingers would swell and I would be so achy afterward.
I can do only one activity each day, so at the top of my day I choose whether it’s going to be cooking, laundry, etc.
I used to have a desk job before all of this but sitting continues to be my enemy and when I do sit I have to use several pillows and it can only be for a very limited period….maybe half hour because anything longer than this and when I do get up it’s immense pain and stiffness.
3 weeks ago I went back in to hospital to have epidural steroid injections administered to my spine and I’m still waiting for the magical relief that was promised. I still have to take my pain meds at night.
I still get that slicing pain down my legs and the hardware in my back just feels like a heavy load.
I do pray and hope that your husband’s journey is a lot easier than my own.
Rich Frazer says
I had close to the same surgery – TLIF L5 S1 on March 16,2020.. The surgery was done at Jefferson Hospital of Neuroscience…it’s a university hospital. My surgeon is a full professor at the hospital and does these surgeries hundreds of times per year with residents in attendance. The residents observe but do not participate in the surgery. I met with the surgeon on August 4th and he said it takes 6 months for the bone to fuse and another 6 to 12 months for further healing…and this is what he teaches neurosurgeon residents. He also said to take it easy and to walk 2 miles, 3 miles maximum 4-5 days a week…and you must be patient, it takes time to heal, a lot of muscle has been cut (even though it was a minimally invasive surgery), and the muscle was moved aside. As of today, I have pain putting on my shoes, pain in my hip, and pain in my back but it’s 2-3 level pain but I can mow my lawn (very slowly, mulching only and only for 40 minute/day…takes 2 days to do my lawn), still get tired easily too. The hip pain popped up after 4 months was bad (they put me on a medal dose pack). it still bad for 3 weeks but slowly subsided over the last 4-5 weeks. The 3 weeks where it was bad (5 level pain), I didn’t do any walking but then it started to get incrementally better…and I’m back to walking. It scared me.
Joan M Azarva says
Hi Rich, I am 69 yo female, and I suspect we had the same surgeon at Jefferson. In July 2020, I had a cervical laminectomy with 3 fusions due to spinal stenosis.caused by arthritis. Prior to this, I never knew I had a back problem- then WHAM. What a hellish experience! Surgeon cut through the muscles in the back of my neck to gain access which made recovery very painful, but I was told to expect that. I gradually made progress until about 7 months post op, when I began to feel that that everything was tightening up and it was increasingly harder to move. Getting out of a car was awful. My balance, which was never good, became worse, and I felt like a fall risk. When I exert myself, ALL my limbs get exhausted and I get breathless easily. I’ve been in PT for a while now and feel like I am at a standstill. I’m about to hire a personal trainer. To make matters worse, I also have bad stenosis in my lumbar spine and was told I would probably need surgery there. I am scared to death.I’ve already had a steroid injection there and am contemplating another. I recently made my surgeon aware of my issues, and he ordered new MRIs of the cervical and thoracic spine. That will happen next week. Prior to surgery I walked everywhere in Philly, and now I feel handicapped, unable to walk long distances or stand in one place for a while without pain. I walk like an automaton, stiff as a board. I remain unsure of whether I’m doing too much or not enough. I have 3 young grandchildren under 3 here, but I am too exhausted to play with them for long. I’m trying so hard to stay positive, but it’s difficult when I feel like I’m getting worse, not better.
Thanks for posting your story. It gave me validation that I’m not alone.
Rich says
I’m sorry to hear that you are having these difficulties. I am 68. I was in touch with the doctor’s office a lot….up to about 8 months post op (which was November 2020). Since then there has been no reason for me to contact Dr. J. I still get tired easily but I am getting better. I was walking 3 miles/day but moved down to 2 miles/day. On the positive, last week, I drove from Philly to Roanoke for a meeting, stayed overnight, and then drove to Charleston, SC, stayed there 3 nights, and then drove to Hilton Head…and was okay with the drive. I am here for 10 days and swam in a pool yesterday. I’m okay today and about to take a walk on the beach. I still have numbness in my foot but my balance is fine. I just stopped taking extra strength Tylenol about 3 weeks ago. I found the assistants at Dr. Js office to be very helpful…and at times I felt I may perceived as some nutty, neurotic guy but these back issues are frightening…and I think in retrospect that what I perceived was incorrect. I also in the Summer stopped rehab on the back and switched to rehab to my elbows because of bad pain in the elbows. I’m not sure if the elbow pain could have been radiating from my spin but my rehab had me doing planks which stressed the elbows. I also got cortisone shots in my elbows. That elbow pain went away after about 2 months. Just trying to share my experience and please reach out anytime.
Joan M Azarva says
Thanks for your response. I had surgery in July 2020, so you’re 4 mos ahead of me. It’s great to hear how much better you are, but I’m concerned my stenosis in my lumbar area (that is untreated) is affecting my recovery from cervical surgery. And I’m determined NOT to have another surgery after this experience.
I also have occasional elbow pain which is a mystery to me. It’s also hard for me to lift a blow dryer to do my hair. There’s no way I could walk more than a mile right now. Today I got out of bed and could barely walk. After 2 Tylenols, I’m feeling somewhat better and will walk in a little while.
I don’t think we have the same surgeon. I see Dr. H at Jefferson. I have an appt for the 2 new MRIs he suggested and will see him the following day next week. I’m very nervous about it.
I thought once I got to the 8th month mark, I’d be home free. Every surgeon I consulted said the recovery is about 4 months– And I thought THAT was a long time. To feel I’m tightening up and getting worse is SO discouraging, as you can imagine. I neglected to mention that I have had 3 surgeries on my feet for congenital issues such as bad bunions, hammertoes, crossed toes, etc. I have extremely flat feet but I have no pain. My cervical surgery has changed my center of gravity, and because my neck is sitting forward, my balance is off.. what a mess.
I am doing everything I can not to get really down – I haven’t called a private trainer yet bc I want to see what/who Dr. H recommends.
Thanks for listening.. It’s wonderful to hear your happy ending!
Judy says
Marge, you are definitely not alone.
I had L4/5 fusion in 12/2019. I was still in a lot of pain in 6 mos. and my surgeon finally agreed for me to have an MRI, which showed that L2 collapsed and I needed a fusion between L2 and L3, but I also needed a fusion between L3 and L4 and a revision of L4 and L5.
I had the second surgery almost 1 year to the day of the first surgery.
I’m a week away from 6 mos. post surgery and am still in a lot of pain in my right hip and pain in both legs and knees.
I have not been able to walk more than 100 yards or stand for very long.
I’m in physical therapy, but find that it sometimes aggravates the nerves.
I just turned 80 and my poor husband, who is 80 too, had had to take over most of the things I usually did. He also had rotator cuff surgery 2 months ago. I feel so guilty not being able to help him more.
I think everyone if different and it takes a long long time for the nerves to heal.
I still get very tired and short of breath walking upstairs to my bedroom.
It is very helpful to hear other people’s experiences.
I hope and pray Marge, you will start to feel better shortly.
eric rehbein says
Its a long road back for most of us. My first surgery was a fusion of L-3,4,5. the recovery went quite well and after 6 months I was able to do most things quite well. About 6 months later that all changed, the surgeon said I was all fixed but my wife kept yelling at him and he ordered another mri. Well I needed and extension up to L2 and down to S1. The recovery from the second operation is still ongoing after a year and a half. I can do things now that I couldn’t do 6 months ago, but still carry a cane when walking, more to rest on when I stand still than when I’m moving. My balance was terrible and is now improving, at least now my recovery seems to be noticeable and hopefully will continue to get better. I wish you and all our fellow patients a total recovery. There is light at the end of the tunnel, although I’m not there yet I can see it.
Lissy says
I had my l4l5 fusion done October 27th 2020 so I’m just about 5 months postop. My Neurosurgeon is out of Capital Health Hopewell NJ. Fortunately, on 10 minutes from my home as I had a “minimally invasive “ procedure to fuse and after doc went “ in” realized how my spondy had progressed more than he anticipated and disc was completely gone and can’t forget my fracture. So, I woke up with 4 more screws than expected and a lot more pain. However, i figured if this “ fixes” my chronic pain and neuropathy that tightens every muscle in my leg and makes my foot numb. So, despite the excruciating pain on the “ surgical area” my neuropathy “ is gone! I was so excited but, slowly starting feeling some of this creep back about 3 weeks postop. I am now worried and doctor said this is a normal response to the “ hardware” before surgery I wasn’t able to walk a block without pain and more inflammation that would build on my pain. But, now walking helps me with the numbness” so after 11 weeks of physical therapy my joint is unstable and neuropathy is back, and walking isn’t helping as much as before. I’m also back to work for 2 months as a hairdresser 2 days a week. I’m sure this isn’t helping my cause. My clients are used to waiting for there hair because of our “ changed” times and a lot are “ still waiting “ to leave there house” I still have a lot of clients to deal with though. I called my doctor ( who by the way) was Chief resident of the neurosciences at Jefferson. He tod my to lay off PT and give my body a break. I’m so happy I can “ workout” again and do a squat or lunge! I couldn’t even do a yoga warrior pose” before surgery. Now though, I’m nervous I’ve done “ too much” and damaged my recovery as I feel like at 5 months, despite my surgical site feeling a lot better( still need a grabber” my “ fixed” side is going backwards needing more ibuprofen like before that has already done damage from all the years of using this. Reading your comments made me feel “ not alone” and to take a breath and hopefully all I need is patience…..? I’m still doing abs and walking for PT as long as I can, I will. I feel free again being able to walk and I’m so very scared of going “ back” to losing the ( to me a luxury) again.
Charlotte says
Hi Lissy, October 31, 2018 I had open back Fusion L4L5 to correct Spondy and degeneration. I was in tremendous pain for over a year and tried everything to get and stay out of constant lower back pain. Surgery was it for me. I do t care what anyone says to you, you are not recovered at least a year post OP! If PT causes more pain and inflammation, stop and just walk or floor stretching, Pilates on a reformer helped me a lot before COVID and then the studio closed. Cymbalta helped my nerve pain tremendously! After a year on it my doctor took me off to see what would happen… within days my back was killing me, so back in Cymbalta! Nerve pain and back pain is very tricky, you must not overdo, even years after surgery, we’re different now and must be careful not to injure adjacent levels. I’m also a Hairdresser of 32 years now and it’s not an easy job with a bad back! So adapt as much as you can and I found that changing my schedule to a day on, day off etc. helped tremendously!
Hang in there!
Lissy says
Hi Charlotte, thank you so much for your inspirational words. Especially coming from a fellow hairdresser! I am doing every other day actually working from home Mondays Wednesdays shop Saturdays at the shop I hired a private assistant to do my shampooing etc. pump my chair… Best part of all I received a scholarship to go back to school to become a beauty school teacher cosmetology teacher actually LOL. I’ve been waiting to start till next month hopefully I’ll be well enough to do this part time as well as work part time. I plan on just doing this for the future as I do not want to damage what was done as I’m still waiting for what was done to be working LOL. I do have relief when I’m walking ( I believe because my fracture was fixed ) at least it helps my nerves stuff that’s going on. My doctor says the nerve takes a long time to heal. I hope that’s just the case it seems that way with what everyone else is saying here. But I do have a lot of the same inflammation on the right side that I had postop in my piriformis muscle, glutes, hamstring…. What are the side effects of that Cymbalta? Maybe that would be an answer for me for right now. By the way, I am now a little over six months postop my surgical pain on the left side where the surgery was is a lot better and I can bend down a lot farther now so at least we’re making progress there.
Charlotte says
This format is driving me nuts!
Try Cymbalta slowly as 30 mgs. is enough for me… general dose is 60 mgs. This drug helped me tremendously with nerve pain from surgery. It takes a year to 2 years to recover from open back fusion. PT was my worst enemy, just keep moving, wear Hoka shoes as much as possible especially behind the chair at salon! Try Cymbalta! It saved me!!
Lissy says
Hi Charlotte, i’m so glad you recommended a good pair of shoes as I’ve been looking for just the right ones. I use brooks sneakers ASICS did you give me a good support but I will try the hoka ones as well. I had what was called the X lift procedure the fusion is done from my side 1 inch incision, so a lot of muscles were avoided fortunately. However I do have about 2 inch incision on either side of my lumbar where the screws cage went in. My doctor made me think I’d be up and about working etc. in a week. This was oh so untrue when I woke up in excruciating pain from the surgery his is answer to me was “well you had a lot done”. And “it was a lot worse than he saw on the x-rays “from two years prior. So yes I was in a lot of pain for the first couple weeks and if I do anything of course bend over etc. it brings the surgical pain right back( left side ). I did not need to take any Advil couple weeks after surgery because the inflammation and pain I had on my right side was gone it was just surgical pain so I was taking Tylenol 500. So what you’re saying Charlotte is this is normal for that inflammation to still be there in all those muscles prior to surgery? I am hoping I haven’t damaged whatever was done or irritated that area worse by overdoing it a couple months ago. I am doing PT only abs very light stretching and very careful abs while I’m laying down. And I walk almost every day. How do I know if this is related to the healing from surgery or this is an ongoing issue now that I have to address otherwise it does get worse when the weather is changing.. The only difference is that I can walk now without things getting worse and I hope it stays that way it does loosen up the joints as my SI joint is unstable and when I walk it loosens it up. I’m so thankful I have everyone here to give me hope and to realize that I am “not alone “. I hope that everyone’s feeling better and successfully living the lives free of pain !
Rich Frazer says
I agree with Charlotte. I just hit a year March 16th and I’m continuing to get better. I overdid it too and had to scale back. At 5 months, I started to have bad right hip pain but before the surgery the bad pain was in the left hip. It’s incredible how the pain bounces from the hips to the lower back to the upper back from stabbing pain to burning pain. Yesterday I had upper back burning pain but it’s only a 2-3 level pain which is nothing (as we all well know relative the to 8, 9 and 10 pain)…and I also took an hour nap because I was so tired but this morning I feel well rested and no burning pain. I’ve also just started to tie my shoes without having problems. But getting back to my problems at 5 months, I had to go on a medrol dose pack because of the right hip pain and spent 16-18 hours a day in bed for 3 weeks and did no exercise. Scaling back helped, I started to improve, and went back to walking and very little PT (5 minutes 3 times/week). I have numbness in my foot that continues to get better but very, very slowly. I stopped with the generic extra strength Tylenol at 11 months.
Kenny Wilson says
Hello I am 5 months post fusion surgery at L5 I have been walking 4 miles daily and doing exercises the my PT gave me. I had been almost pain free with a little numbness in my right leg. But now I am very sore across the bottom of my back and leg pain has returned.
I am a pastor of a church, I had been off for 4 months but started back in September, my problem could be doing too much sitting to study and standing up to preach.
I contacted my surgeon and he has arranged an x-ray just to check that the metal work us still where it should be.
I do think recovery is very up and down. Keep positive and keep walking if possible.
God bless Kenny
Faith Metzinger says
Thank you for this. I’m 7 months post op with a 10 level fusion and your spot on about how things can feel, and also reading everyone else’s comments help so much too. Feeling like your not alone and that this can be normal is very helpful.
Tana BAKER says
I am 7 and half months multi level spinal fusion. I have been doing great, but recently have had VERY tight muscles in my back. I feel very stiff and achy, especially in the mornings. I suppose I just have over done it lately.
Faith Metzinger says
I understand Tara, the tightness almost “takes over” and controls your back. My pain management doctor ordered metal suppression MRI’s to see if we can see why. Does your back hurt to the touch? Mine does, it burns and I can hardly stand it. Good luck with your recovery, it’s definitely an adventure I didn’t expect.
leslie says
I am 7 months one level fusion. I would take it easy for a few days until you are back to your normal Determine what made you sore and wait another month before repeating
Faith Metzinger says
That’s probably the hardest part of all of this, trying to take it easy while we heal. Life sometimes gets in the way of that one. I’m hoping my one year anniversary visit says I’m fusing, peace of mind helps a lot too.
leslie Ann crompton says
Yea, i pushed myself today by going to the gym. Im 7 mths post op and think its still too early to do that. Feeling sore…
Sandy murkerson says
I am 3 wks out from L4 L5. ..fusion…..I live alone doing everything on my own…..my butt cheeks burn……and meds running out…..I am trying to take 500mg Tylenol during day….Norco at night….love reading results..from everyone…I am 70…..
Glenda vermaak says
Yes my fusion is good. It took about 13 months. I was talking about the ibuprophen during the fusion.
You made me feel better about the study. Thank you.
texasrealtorjules@aol.com says
Okay yes that is what I was told also about the ibuprohen. I am glad I could help, just remember to relax during the study, you will do great. If you have really lose fitting pants or warm up pants you can wear that pull all the way up the leg would be good so you don’t have to wear a gown or anything weird. I wore some fuzzy long warm up pants that were super lose but it was winter time, you may just be able to wear comfortable lose shorts. It will be a breeze, take care dear.
Glenda vermaak says
If they find a damaged nerve what is the remedy. Surgery etc.
Glenda vermaak says
Thank you for your response. I am so nervous to have the study.
One thing my surgeon insisted is that I don’t take Ibuprophen. It slows down the fusion.
Alleve is fine.
texasrealtorjules@aol.com says
Don’t be nervous about the study, it’s nothing compared to what you have been through, more like acupuncture. Don’t take any pain meds before you go either so the tech will be able to register you true reactions to the stimulation. I assumed your fusion was complete since it’s been over a year I was told 8 months to 12 months for complete fusion. Were you told different?
Glenda says
Hi everyone. January 2019 is had ALIF on L5/S1. I had numbness in my right foot on 4 toes and couldn’t sit for a few minutes and would be uncomfortable. February 2020 They found a piece of disc that was either left behind or moved and I went in for a microdisdectomy. Fur two days after the op my left felt amazing and soooo light but the numbness came back. I went into Gabapentum which never agreed with me. The I went into Lyrica and have felt worse in my life. The constipation and what felt like vertigo was so bad I was in bed for a week. I have weaned myself of that. My doctor wants me to go fir a nerve conduction study which he has told me is very painful and uncomfortable. Anyone else had one done. I think I am going to live with my symptoms because with the meds you just have no quality of life.
texasrealtorjules@aol.com says
Hi Glenda, I had a nerve conduction study the week before my surgery last Dec. 2019. It was not bad at all. It was minor uncomfortable and nothing as painful as before the surgery. I was told to just relax and it won’t hurt and that was the case for me. I agree about the meds but I do take Aleve and ibuprophen and it helps the pain. I have been told that it takes a very long time (years) for nerves to heal. I am sorry you are hurting, I had no idea so many were feeling my pain until I found this forum a week ago.
Sandy murkerson says
So is it ok to take aleve or ibuprofen? ! Tylenol does nothing for me
Richard Frazer says
I am 14 months out and I still continue to improve (and still take generic extra strength Tylenol but I would call your surgeon about the pain meds/ibuprofen/aleve). You are at the very, very early stages of recovery. At 3 weeks, I was still in a lot of pain, needed a cane and had night sweats that slowly went away until about 6 weeks out. If you can get any help from family or friends that may help you. I also got a refill on the oxycodone at 3 weeks but was off it after 4 weeks out. I never was overly concerned about addiction because the constipation was so bad…and the constipation was the deciding factor in stopping the oxy (because it was worse than the pain). At 3 weeks it was 14 hours of sleep a day with 2 naps and could walk about 300 yards. However, at about 6 weeks, I could walk a mile but still took 2 naps a day with about 12 hours/day sleep. After the mile walk, I would be exhausted. I did not go to a store until about 10 weeks. I could not sit for more than an hour until about 8 months out, but I could walk 3 miles. Now, I’m okay about 3 out of 4 days but that one day out of 4, I am tired…most of the time I have some aches but no serious/frightening pain. I am back to living a somewhat normal life.
zachary mason says
texasrealtorjules@aol.com I have not used tub as I only have a shower but I am using heat. & ice. I will do the exercises for sciatica because Can not go to fitness center yet. Thanks for your comment.
texasrealtorjules@aol.com says
Great, I hope you get better, breaks my heart so many are hurting.
zachary mason says
I am 75 years old had lumbar fusion of L2-3, 3-4 & 4&5 were fused 16 years ago. I am 7 months out from surgery & now have pain in right hip & running down my leg to my big toe. I am worried. After 6 months I started taking Aleve to clear inflammation but it has not helped. Do you have any advise or encouragement?
texasrealtorjules@aol.com says
That sounds just like sciatica nerve pain. Did you have PT? There are many really good stretches for sciatica. I had that so bad I had to have surgery 4 months ago. I also have pain in my foot and toes that I didn’t have before surgery. I understand when they get in there they move the nerves around and they take a long time to get happy again. Have you tried a hot tub? I also hear hydro therapy is excellent for that. I hope you get better very soon.
Sheila says
Hi Sharon and everyone else who has contributed to this blog. I am so glad to have found you all and to find this support. I had my L5/S1 fusion and nerve decompression in Oct 2019 and for short spells have been pain free. However, for the past 2 weeks I have had consistent burning lower back pain which is also affecting my gluts,knee, calf and achilles tendon. I have Osteoporosis and Scoliosis which is no doubt complicating my recovery. I was told not to take Ibuprofen during the first 6 months, and so have avoided this unless I have had an extreme flare up of nerve pain. I have been told I have mild Scoliosis, and Osteoporosis, but have had not had any support around how to manage all of this as I was told to avoid physio for the first 6 months until the surgeon can assess my bone density scan results with me. I cannot see him under current CV19 circumstances. Reading all that you have shared has given me renewed hope and reminded me that perhaps I need to slow down on some things, but get back to walking a couple of times a day even though it is uncomfortable. I do tend to overdo things when I am feeling well, so I need to pull right back and reassess, take things gently. I will also start to take Ibuprofen when things are really bad, and see if that helps. I will go back to very gentle house work. I don’t miss vacuuming though, so happy to side step that one, ha ha!!! Take care all, and thanks again for uplifting me today 🙂
LeTisha Brathwaite says
My surgeon told me that I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and that my sacroiliac joints are inflamed and this is contributing big time to my pain
Jody says
Hi I’m 7 months post op from a L5S1 anterior lumbar fusion having pain in leg swelling in hip joint hard to walk most days
They said my surgery is ok I need to see arthritis specialist Bec of the swelling n moderate arthritis in hip
I am not allowed to take Advil or Motrin for antiflamatory because I have colitis my whole life
I’m hope and praying the arthritis doctor does all blood work n give me something for the swelling so I can walk I guess this all makes sence for me I hope so
What do u think?
LeTisha Brathwaite says
Thank you so much for your blog. I am 50 and had dissection and fusion of l5/s1 with hardware using the PLIF method. I am 7 months post op and still experiencing excruciating pain at times. I walk 6000 steps every other morning and I stretch. I too am experiencing more pain in this 8th month than I did at 6 months and was wondering if I’m regressing instead of progressing. My surgeon has me on 4 different tablets I.e. Lyrica, Mydocalm, Aurocet and Arcoxia. As it is I still cannot find a comfortable resting position, neither sitting or lying.i was wondering if anyone here changed their mattress post op and bought a specific type of mattress since my hips hurt so much when I’m lying on my sides ? I still use my brace when I’m standing for long periods, like cooking or if I’m walking or leaving the house in a vehicle. I was beginning to wonder if there’s any return to normalcy at the end of this ? I have also tried gentle sex on a few occasions. Please advise on the type of mattress used ?
Sharon Wilhelm says
That’s a great question – I’ll see if I can crowdsource some advice for you on that topic. Personally I did not change mattresses.
I was still having pain at 7-8 months, and it did eventually subside. For me, the issue seemed to be that I was pushing too hard and doing activities/exercises that were too intense for that stage of recovery. I always say to allow yourself a full year to really get a feel for what your new normal will be. It took me a whole year to get there. Please stay well and I will let you know if I’m able to get any info about mattresses.
Penny says
Hi, I am now 18 mths post L5S1 fusion, L4L5 stabilisation, I had trouble at about 7 mths because I over did it. I eased off and really listened it my pain levels and gave myself permission to stop when sore. Even now I do the same, I was sore last night but I know the Pilates 2 afternoons ago and lots of walking yesterday did it so today I need to slow down and rest a bit. Listen to your body and try to identify what it is that is causing the flare up.
All the best for refusing the pain.
Chris says
Hello, I am 15 months post-op the same surgery that you had. I finally got to a point where I was 80% better most of the time. I was thrilled. During the pandemic I started taking short walks waiting for the pool to open cuz I’m a swimmer. Got up to two miles a moderately paced and had to stop. Increase burning pain and down my leg and my feet. They think it’s a flare up and it’s a little better than it was but it’s lasted for 30 days. I’m going to have a CAT scan to check the hardware.I’m completely discouraged because I felt so great. It’s really nice to hear everybody else’s comments and experiences I’ve been looking for a group like you. Has anyone else had problems with flare-ups this far out? All I can do is stretch and walk in the pool and I’m still uncomfortable, not to the point of distraction like I was in the beginning when this first started. Would love some thoughts. Be safe everyone
zachary mason says
Thanks for your word of comfort. I am 6 7/2 months out from surgery & like you I had not taken anything to prohibit bone growth. I have now started to use aleve my choice for 12 hour pain relief. I am hoping like you my back calms down. This has been beneficial to me.
Lesly says
Hello! I am so happy to find you! My fusion surgery was in April 2019- anterior T10-L3, and posterior T3 to pelvis for idiopathic scoliosis. Needless to say, I have lots of hardware. I am soon to be 62, and I’m healthy and was pretty active prior to the pain I was having a year leading up to surgery. I knew this would be a long process, but 9 mos post-op I am pretty discouraged. I have a pretty physical job and my doctor told me at my 6 mos post-op that it may not be in my best interest to return to work. PT did not go well for me, but I was walking 1-2 miles a day. Then I had a blood pressure issue that was causing me to pass out and fall, so I had to stop walking. I have days where I feel I may be making progress and others where I feel I’ve gone backward. I am wondering if I will ever feel normal again.
Sharon Wilhelm says
Hi Lesly. I had a pretty standard procedure with no complications, and I’d say it still took me 6 months to feel normal-ish and a full year to feel “recovered.” And I think we keep healing well beyond the first year. I spoke with someone the other day who is 9 years post-op and running/racing very actively. But it took him 4 years before he felt strong enough to start running again. I personally found that very encouraging, since at 3.5 years I feel great, but I’m not back to running yet. So I guess my point is that it takes a ridiculous amount of time?? It’s hugely beneficial that you’re healthy and active. Normal will feel different, but hopefully you will eventually feel better than you do today.
Dana B Harvey says
Sharon, I’m enjoying your posts. I’m 74 and am 5 months post op.. like you ,I’m sure, I was in great shape before my fusion L3&4. I do my exercises at home and did not need pt. At month 4, i started TieChi and water aerobics taking me from 20 spasms aday to 0. I avoid setting as much as possible. When i rest, i lay flat which releaves any pressure in my lower back. I still avoid BLT as much as possible. Thank you for reporting your feelings at the 7/8 month period.. Dana.b.harvey23@gmail.com
Dana b harvey says
I’m at month 8. The lower pressure has gone. Some days I am pain free. It gets harder to remember to take it easy as my “i think I can” attitude sometimes over rules my common sense. I still limit my BLT and am still doing my core leg lifts. Still using my body pillows when sleeping on my sides as I’ve found it determines how I feel upon rising.
Anne H Mount says
So glad I found this blog. I am 8 months post L5-S1 fushion. I am super lucky as I don’t have any pain, just some aching in my lower back. I have been doing water aerobics 1-3 times a week since 2 months post surgery and it has been wonderful. Also, I hike in the woods for 20-25 mins every day. I do feel my core is very strong with these two exercises. At 6 months I got the okay to do everything I want from my surgeon. I tried to golf last week and felt great during the outing as I had taken ibuprofen (for the 1st time) before I started. Then I felt some deep aching for the whole next week. So I think golf is out fo awhile. I rarely have to take anything for pain. Both the walking and water aerobics help a lot. Oh, and 3 months ago I started a mostly Keto diet. This was to get rid of an every expanding mid section, which I felt was pulling my back out of alignment. I have lost close to 10 lbs and most of my gut, so that is very helpful.
My main purpose in posting is to show that I was able to get really good pain relief with water aeroblics and walking. They are gentle on the body and allows it to heal without overdoing things. Now to get back into golfing!
Oh, I am 67 and fairly active. I also spend several hours in the afternoon laying on flat on the couch, which is really helpful.
leslie Ann crompton says
I would agree. I am 1 year post L5/S1 fusion. Walking and swimming has been the key. I am 57 y/o and a slow healer but found these activities to be very safe.
Paula says
I feel like you are in my head! I’m 8 months out of L-2,L-3 fusion. Nonstop pain at the site and I can’t press on the hardware at all to lie down flat or even attempt physical therapy. I’m so disgusted! It helps to know I’m not alone! I hope you continue to progress!
Dave W says
I thought I would share my story. PLIF at S1-L5 fusion on April 26, 2019. Recovery and PT went very smooth (too smooth) until 7-months. The week after my 6-month check up (check up went perfect and fusion has progressed well on xray ) I had to leave my normal desk job to perform so outdoor testing (light lifting and shoveling) for 3-days. Dont know what I did but my back pain came back hard and is not responding to treatment. I am sure I just did too much, but I did not know it at the time. So I have been dealing with pain for 2 weeks and nothing really helps. I have stopped all physical activity (except for short walks), and have taken a 6 day steroid pack. Hoping to talk to the doc tomorrow. Wondering how long it will take to get this under control assuming I don’t have some sort of mechanical damage. seems muscular to me, but who knows? thank you for your website it really helps
fyi I started riding my mnt bike at 3-months and it really helped (really slow and short rides at first)
Sara Hird says
I am so encouraged by your use of ibroprofen it is the only thing that helps my pain. I am 64, overweight but previously very active breeding horses. I am only 8 weeks post op. On L1L5 fusion. It hurts massively to walk and I order if I should still push through or go steady. My first post op appointment in one Wednesday I am looking forward to it . Thank you for all your messages they keep me positive x
Rich F says
I am having a very similar experience. I had a TLIF S1-L5 on March 16, 2020. Up to 2 weeks ago (that’s a few days from 5 month post-op), I was improving almost daily and my X-ray was good. But then I started to have 4-5 level pain (after sitting for 10 minutes). The pain goes away when I lie on my back and it only takes 5 minutes for it to go away. Before the surgery, the pain was left side but this is right side. Pain on the left side has not comeback. My surgeon told me I pushed it too hard. I was put on the 6 day medrol dose pack last week, I started to feel better but it leveled off. Maybe I’m being too impatient.
Teri Scott says
I am 9 mos post L1-L5 fusion with instrumentation. I have not regained my ability to walk without a walker yet. I can walk short distances in my home. My neuropathies pain has begun to improve. I recently started having lots of grinding and back popping when I walk. I am very frustrated. I completed 5 mos of twice weekly PT with mostly improvements in strength. I experienced some decreases in function like walking for months before my surgery.
All thoughts are appreciated.
Steven Wagner says
Steve. Had spinal fusion L2-L5. Lot of basketball running etc golf a lot 7-8 months out. Was feeling good but when I overdo my body tells. Toughest part is knowing what will be too much. Appreciate you blog. Very insecure process. Hearing what you are going through helped me understand that I have to listen to my body or I’ll pay. Hope in time I’ll be able to more. Thank you again
Charlotte says
Hi! So I’ve finally started PT with a highly qualified therapist at the hospital where I had my Fusion L4L5 Oct. 30, 2018. After every 45 min. session within a few hours I’m miserable! I must lie down on heat, take a Flexeril and Tylenol and even the next day is the same intense lower back pain. I’m doing gentle stretches like Prayer and Cobra, some light core strengthening and rolling a volleyball between my back and a wall…doesn’t sound unreasonable but I’m miserable and now can’t do my walks, I’m in bed resting on heat and string out on Flexeril! I’m calling surgeon on Monday! I can’t see how this is helping!
Sharon Wilhelm says
Hey Charlotte. How are you feeling now? My experience with post-op PT wasn’t great, but I think a lot of people have had positive experiences with it. I always felt worse afterwards. For me, the answer was to stop most exercise (including PT) and rest like crazy. That’s how I eventually healed (this was around 7-8 months). I do still struggle with finding the right balance between too much exercise and too little, but I haven’t a major flare-up in about 2 years (knock on wood).
Charlotte says
Thank you for your input. I’m 5 months post OP and PT is not helping just inflaming my lower back..so I’ve decided to discontinue for now and PT agrees. I’m better off walking and doing my own stretches and exercises on my own. I guess I’m the first patient in his 20 years of being a physiotherapist to have such a negative reaction to PT! Great! Getting back to work as a part time hairdresser is challenging on some days but Tylenol usually helps a lot and Flexeril or Ativan at night. Trying to be patient, my surgeon led me to believe that I would be much better at this point. I’ve had some regrets but then I think back and remember how miserable I was. Hanging in there:)
Erica says
So glad I saw your post..so I’m 10 mos. post-op from a spinal lumbar fusion..the first few weeks I wa recovering wonderful and then I woke up one morning and couldn’t feel my legs running fever and memory was fading rushed to the hospital where I spent 8 days there due to MRSAthat got in my bloodstream and they said I got there just in time..so there was that bump in the road but the longer I let myself heal I started feeling better and started taking on more pretty much everything I did before surgery I’m very OCD when it comes to certain things and I’m realizing now just bc I felt like I was ok my body wasnt ready to take on my duties. So all the sudden this is going on week2 I’ve put my self on bed rest and resting my body. My surgeon mentioned removing my hardware but I’m scared of that since I’m high risk infection. So the more I go over all this I feel maybe I jumped back into things to soon..the pain I’ve been experiencing now is worse than before my surgery. The past 2 days I’ve gotten a little relief but I’m gonna still just rest as much as I can and see if this makes a difference. Sorry so long I just dont have anyone that understands what I’m experiencing.
Sharon Wilhelm says
Hi Erica, have things improved at all? Sounds like you had a terrible scare – I fortunately didn’t have any complications with my surgery, but I totally understand what you mean about taking on too much. I know I did the same thing. And what eventually helped was 1) quitting all exercise and resting as much as possible; and 2) being more cautious going forward. I’ve started to ease up a bit on myself at 3 years post-op, but for the first two years I was very slow to take on new things. I think for right now, you’re doing the right thing. Nothing is more important than your health. <3
Charlotte says
October 30 was my L4 L5 open back surgery. I immediately started walking, cooking, baking, of course whilst taking Dilaudid around the clock for 2 months. At 3 month mark I ditched the stiff brace and I went back to work part time as a hairdresser, which was/is ok for the most part, but ever since starting PT I’ve been worse than ever! I need a whole day to recover from PT. How can this be good. I’ve decided to start walking again, a few miles a day. Deep Water workout gently only 20 mins. Paid for it the whole next day! PT is the same way, no matter what he has me do! He says I must continue to get strong again and stop putting unnecessary stress on my lower back. I’m wondering if this was a mistake! I was hoping for a miracle I guess. Docs are want me to go on 20 mgs. Cymbalta… any advice on this would be appreciated!
Trish says
I am 7 month post TLIF L3-4-5. I was feeling better, and now I am having the same set back you experienced. I am comforted to hear you had the same experience. I think my pain is being triggered by slowly returning to my normal activities as I feel better. i walk a couple of miles a day and do stretching at my health club in the therapy pool. I am 63 and at week 8 I did need a revision surgery because one of my cages migrated. Luckily, it was not a big set back, but, I am constantly nervous when I have an uptick in pain that something is up with the hardware. Because the cage migrated, my doctor follows me closely. I will see him in two weeks for x-rays. Thanks for posting this blog. It has helped me through some dark moments. When in your recovery could the doctors see the bones fusing on your x-rays?
Christina Lohman says
Do you have a weight limit on how much you can lift?
sharon says
Do you mean currently or right after surgery? Right now no weight limit, although I am still pretty cautious (I didn’t lift much before surgery either though).
Penny says
Thank you, I am 7 months post L5-S1 fusion and L4-L5 stabilisation and have hit the wall. I have been very worried as I was going so well with rehab and getting back into living. But it looks like others have expereienced similiar so that reduces the stress levels but need to see my Phydiotherapist and Doctor and get it all checked.
Sharon Wilhelm says
It’s weird, but it does seem to be pretty common to sort of plateau around 6 or 7 months. I wonder if maybe it’s because we *think* we should be back to normal by then and we start acting like it, and as a result we’re less careful or delicate with our backs? Purely speculation. 🙂 Hang in there. It gets better. xo
Penny says
Yes, this is what I was thinking. Things are becoming more automatic again but we still need to be careful. The upside is we know where we can be and just need to refocus the short term goal for a while.
Jonathan Faust says
6 months post op 4 level fusion. L2-3-4-5-S1 performed at HSS in NYC on 11/02/17. Agonizing pain gone ar 3 months and bones starting to fuse. CT scan in 3 weeks. I am a young; fit 50 year old that played too much basketball.
Jocelyn Spraul says
Wow. I had been searching on Internet for info closely related to your same information. Your story was helpful . Thanks for sharing.
sharon says
I’m so glad! If you get a chance to read through the comments, there’s a lot of good feedback here. xo
Deanna Lundy says
Hi Sharon, I had fusion surgery L1-S1 on 10/18/17. My daughter found your blog. It really helped me to read it. It made me understand that what I was feeling was expected. Right now I am just a little over 3 months. I am doing therapy, and it was helping, but this week I am hurting. It feels like you explained how you felt at 7 months. I have therapy tomorrow, and I hope that will help. I will be 80 in a few months, so I know that it will take a little longer for me. I love to walk, and I hope I will be back at that soon. I hope you will be feeling better soon. Deanna
sharon says
Hi Deanna! This is such a tough recovery, and it can be a bit of a roller coaster. Even now at 20 months post-op, I’ll be feeling great and then all of a sudden a bad day sneaks up out of nowhere. But the good news is the bad days are MUCH less frequent. And lately when I do have a bad day, it’s literally just a day – by the next day I’m back to normal (knock on wood). I was only starting to feel “normal” at 3 months post-op, so it’s great that you’re up and moving and doing therapy and feeling good overall.
Oh, and it’s great that you’re doing physical therapy now. If I could do it over again, I’d start PT as soon as I got the okay for it. Stick with it, and things will keep getting better & better for you! I hope you’re feeling a bit better today. Keep in touch, okay?
Susan Olinger says
Yes Ma’am,thank you l will !
ftwatty says
Sharon. I had a l5/s1 fusion on 6/5. I am dealing with issues above at 3 and 4 now. I’ve found a great therapist, my neuro let me start at 30 days. Nothing crazy at first, mainly range of motion and correct form. I’d highly recomend it. Also, i’m reading and following Dr. Stuart McGill. Look him up, he’s got a book out that you might benefit from. I know i have. Good luck.
Susie Olinger says
I stumbled onto your blog .l haven’t had my fusion yet.4 days before surgery the surgeon cancelled my surgery because l was anemic.
Lisa Wierzbicki says
I came across your blog through a Facebook search on spinal fusion recovery…so glad I did. I had a tlif fusion of L4/L5 from degenerative disc disease. Your post about the daily crying really helped me feel like I’m not alone. I still need one pain med dose a day and I feel like I should be walking more but it just increases pain so much; car rides set me back, too. I had sciatic pain for 13 years, and severe back pain for 4 years prior to my surgery so I’m assuming that it will take me a little longer to bounce back than most people. I see my surgeon next week and I’m hoping my X-rays show fusion progress and I gain perspective and strength in the slow reality of this recovery. I’ve got 5 children to take care of! Thanks for your blog! Blessings, Lisa
sharon says
Hi Lisa! Glad you found me too. How long ago was your fusion? I hope you get good news from your surgeon. This whole recovery process is such an up & down thing. Some days I feel almost normal. Other days…not so much. But I’m progressively getting better. I have to constantly remind myself what bad shape I was in before my surgery. So even on my worst days, this is better than the alternative. I’ve connected with people on Facebook and Instagram who are able to run, ride horses, swim, etc after spinal fusion. So that gives me hope. Please keep in touch and let me know how you’re doing! xo
Emily says
Aww, Sharon, I am so sorry that you have had a set back but I am glad that you are doing better and that you realized you were doing too much. I truly understand how frustrating it is during recovery when you aren’t able to do everything yet. I’m always here to chat!
sharon says
Thank you, Emily. That means a lot. I appreciate your support and friendship more than you know. xo
Glenda Vermaak says
Hi everyone. I am 9 months post ALIF L5 S1 surgery. My fusion is looking good but I still have a lot of numbness in my leg and pain in my back. PT was not good for me. I am active but always feel it at the end of the day. Sitting makes my leg much worse.
My front incision is healing but I have a lot of scar tissue and my stomach is swollen. I have been trying to break the scar tissue down with massage but it is so sore. Anyone else having the same issue?
So great to be able to share how we are feeling.
Sharon Wilhelm says
Hi Glenda! Glad to hear that you’re doing relatively well. Hopefully things will continue to improve as time goes on. I really feel like I was still healing well into my second year. I never had much success with PT either. Are you seeing a massage therapist about the scar tissue?
Glenda says
Thanks for your reply Sharon. Wow I guess I really underestimated the healing time. I thought after a year I would be over all this.
The girl that was doing my PE was treating the scar but I am trying to do the same thing at home. I am a little concerned because if I press on the scar tissue I can feel it about 5” down from my scar. Is that normal?
Glenda Viv says
Back again. Hi everyone and hoping you are all on your way to recovery.
I’m 19 months post my first surgery. I went to a new pain doctor yesterday because I have bad shoulder pain and pain around my back where they did the surgery. My right leg has lost a lot of muscle
He explained that there is scar tissue around the operation and that it gets inflamed And squeezes the nerve. That’s why I have numbness in the leg and foot. I don’t like taking any medication because it causes so much discomfort. I get so constipated and Nothing helps. He has given me a muscle relaxant and Meloxicam which I HAVE to take to try to reduce the inflammation. I got steroid shots in both my shoulders and non both sides of the back. The pain is radiating into my shoulders from my back. I am trying to stay positive but wonder if I will ever be pain free again.
Maureen says
Hi I had L4& L5 spinal fusion 11 weeks ago. After surgery Not much back pain to speak of. PT twice a week with ultrasound. My problem is horrible numbness, tingling, pins and needles & occasional burning on right foot all the way up to thigh on right side of right leg. Did not have anything like this before surgery instead I experienced horrible pain down left leg because L4&5 had slipped. I’m told it’s the nerves trying to regenerate. Has anyone had this problem this long and does it go away? Still cannot drive because I cannot feel the gas pedal.
texasrealtorjules@aol.com says
Hi Maureen, I had a spinal fusion L5S1 Dec. 23, 2019. I too am having pain in my foot and numbness that I never had before the surgery. I have been trying to walk 3-5 miles per day. I started riding my bike, which is great but I am waiting on a new seat to come in as my was pretty hard. I am pretty frustrated about the new pain because I never thought I would have new pain that I never had. I Have a hard time sitting and lying down. I don’t know what to think but reading this blog has helped to realize that I am not alone. My next Dr. Appt is in almost 2 months for my 6 month check up. I hope the pain is better. The horrible pain in my back is gone and now this, very disheartening. I hope you are getting better. I did by some gel socks that you freeze and slip on the feet for the burning pain and it does help.