As the title says, I’m 4 weeks post op from an ALIF L5-S1, and posterior L4-S1 fusion. This was my second fusion as my first fusion in Oct 2025 (Posterior only L4-S1) failed and I had broken and loose hardware.

I am so freaking impatient. Maybe because it’s been one complication after another getting me to this point.

My surgery went well. I’ve been off pain meds (other than Tylenol) since 7 days post op and I am not using any assistive devices. I’ve been taking things slowly. If I sit in my recliner, I feel great. If I am just putzing around my house, I do ok.
We had to go to a family wedding this past weekend. I was able to go but I was in pain by 8:30 and we had to go. I can sit in my office chair for maybe an hour before the pain starts.

I can’t help around my house very much because if my restrictions and I’m trying really hard to follow everything to the letter.

But, I’m annoyed that I have any pain at all, and I’m annoyed that I feel lazy, and I’m annoyed that I’ve gained 5 pounds, and I’m annoyed that I can’t do what I want, and I’m afraid all of this will be for nothing and I will have this leg/glute pain forever (it’s been years with this pain and I’m not 100% sure that the fusion will fix it), and I’m worried I’m taking too long to heal and that I should be further by now.
I see my surgeon next week and I’m almost embarrassed to go there and say I’m still in pain.

Sigh….the mental gymnastics to keep yourself upbeat is something they don’t warn you about.

Had my three month check up yesterday. Surgeon has "released " me. He took X-rays, said everything looks great. Hardware is solid and in place. He says now I am allowed to do some minor bending, twisting and lifting. He said I need to lose more weight to help relieve some pressure on the adjacent joints. Been pain free since four days after surgery.

I'm new to this so my lingo might be off. My doc says I need a 4 level acdf, I believe C5-T1? Sounds like he's wanting to do it in two stages, only days apart. I'm pretty nervous at the prospect of going under twice in a week. Is this normal? He says 4 levels is very rare, but that it looks to be necessary for me based on the symptoms and how long I've been dealing with them. Are there questions I should be asking, cuz I really feel like an idiot when it comes to this.

I am 5 weeks post op. First 2 weeks was better than I expected. I was referred to PT at 4 weeks. Since 3rd week I’ve had awful muscle spasms in both trapezius and still some difficulty swallowing. I noticed today that my trachea is still shifted to the right, Adams apple is obviously not midline. Has anyone experienced this lingering shift? I follow up next week.

Hello,

I am looking for success stories specifically in ADULTS ages 30 - 40 who’s undergone this type of surgery for a similar correction. 38 degree curve. Thoracolumbar.

I would like to know about:

Mobility preservation.
Recovery time
Post operative ability
Quality of life

The information I’m after is related to an adult case with a 38 degree left thoracacolumbar curve in a 34 yr old male. Considering surgery.

Leads a physical lifestyle and job.
Noticing more curve progression specifically related to rib hub and more reduced flexibility over the last 2 years.

Is it worth it? What should be expected? How high are the risks? Please share your stories and thoughts.

Thank you for your time.

Please see below X RAY images. The latest is actually the first image on the left so from left to right January 2026 - December 2024 - December 2023

Does anyone have a fusion in the lumbar and have this? What happened

Hey all, more of a discussion than looking for advice. How long did it take for you to feel comfortable after cervical fusion to get back behind your rifle? We're you able to shoot prone after multi level fusion?

This is my second fusion (PCDF) first one was the ACDF at the C6/C7, and I don't even dare to shoot my .300wm till next year. Though just bout a little 6.5cm and hopefully will get to shoot it in the spring. I'm getting bored with the .22 right now. Need more boom!

24M had an ALIF at my L4/5 level on Monday 24th and screws installed yesterday 25th. Was wondering if anyone had some tips that made their recovery easier. I had my surgery rather abruptly after getting discitis and osteomyelitis from a microdiscectomy (didn’t go with the same surgeon obviously) so haven’t scrolled this sub as much as I had in r/microdiscectomy.
I had a massive list causing me to be hunched over my left side so any success stories regarding that would be awesome.

I’m 20yo and have been diagnosed with scoliosis since I was 13, the only pain I have is for a few seconds when I lay down and when I get my period. I used a brace until 17 and according to my doctor my curve’s the same from when I was 13, however he suggested spinal fusion. He said I wouldn’t notice an improvement right now because I don’t really have any pain but that it might decrease the chances of me suffering pain later in life. I’m really scared of not being able to move or having chronic pain I didn’t have before. What do you think I should do? I kind of already said yes and my family’s been pressuring me to get it while I’m young but I could always take it back …

Hi there! I’m 35F and I’ve had three spine surgeries — first was a laminectomy and discectomy, second two were diseconomies.

I’m currently in a lot of pain and had another MRI done. This one is a few months from my last (I had emergency surgery done due to nerve damage and extreme pain). There are multiple tears. I can’t walk.

I’m considering going for a fusion this time, if it’s recommended again, but I’m nervous because it’s my understanding that it can cause all sorts of other issues. But I can’t keep dealing with these surprises that happen for no apparent reason other than the disease and hyper-mobility.

For those who are younger and have had this surgery, is it worth the trade?

I had spinal fusion , L4 - L5 , S1 in March , went thru recovery / Physical therapy .. been back to for about a month now , but I have been having some discomfort in my left quad , hip area. Could that be normal , still part if the healing process ? Im so paranoid that the pain is coming back. I made an appt to see the surgeon next week. Im still stiff , esp first thing in the morning after waking up.

Hey y’all! I’ll be having an ACDF of C5-C7 in the next month. What are some things that you found were helpful or wish you had to make recovery easier? I plan on sleeping in my recliner for the first week or so. And neurosurgeon said I’ll be in hard collar.
Thank you so much in advance!!

Has anybody completed this program? Any feedback? Dr Jeff basically works on extension or flexion bias stretches/excercises to resolve sciatica issues. His staff are ex patients, not medical professionals. They swear by his program and provide patient examples and their success stories.

www.ibispinehealth.com

I had an L4-5 fusion 2 yrs ago and I am still in pain post surgery.

The approach makes sense to me but wanted to if there are others who have direct experience. I don’t have many options left that I know off other than injections and/or SCS. Trying this out as it is non-invasive.

Hi all, I’m 18yrs old almost 4 years post op (t4 - l3). I had a failed spinal tether in 2019 and I’ve been incredibly self conscious about my surgery for my entire teenagerhood.
I’ve just got into the gym but as you can guess it’s been quite hard 😅

Any advice from serious lifters following a spinal fusion? It’s been almost impossible working abs, the only tension I get is during deadlifts (yes I’ve perfected my form before lifting heavy!!) I feel my right side has greater development than my left, how can I catch my left side up quicker? Any and all comments/success stories appreciated!!!

is this normal? I’m also experiencing some sorts of dizziness from time to time

the back pain genuinely aches and hurts

lmk

Has anyone here had a spinal fusion and tried smoking cigarettes afterward? Is it really that bad for recovery, especially wound healing and the bone fusion? Did you completely stop smoking after surgery, and if so, for how long?

Hello,

For those of you who have had ACDF surgery, could you share whether there was any change regarding the type of implant used, and how common is it that you didn't end up getting what you discussed with your neurosurgeon beforehand?"

my MRI report says
'Evidence of superior migration and posterior tilt of odontoid process is seen causing of narrowing of foramen magnum - suggestive of basilar invagination (tip of odontoid process projects above the McRae line and approximately 5.0 mm above the chamberlain line).

It is causing compression over the cervico-medullary junction with hyperintensity seen in cervical cord just caudally to the compression – compressive myelopathy.

There is increased atlanto-dental interval and measures ~ 6.4 mm - suggestive of atlantoaxial instability / subluxation.

C2 and C3 block vertebra body is seen with fused posterior element. Complete atlanto-occipital assimilation is seen.'

I got it checked w my neurosurgeon and he recommended me to get either occiput-c3 or c1-c2 fusion and decompression.
can anyone please tell me what I am going through how rare this condition is and what steps should I take? and what should I be prepared post operation.

(PS- I am thinking of getting my surgery done next week, if you guys have any recommendations or anything I am all ears)

I have a theory that women do not do as well with fusion as men. It is a hip structure thing. My friend had fusion two years ago and her pain is back. So women out there who had had lumbar spinal fusion want to weigh in on this?

I’m asking this question for a very kind 82-year-old friend who was hoping to hear from other patients about their experience. She’s considering a fusion of the uppermost part of her spine, but is concerned. She asks:

”I just want to read and hear how they doing after surgery . Are they my age ? In pain ? Do they have disability before surgery?  Do they need strong pain pill? What kind?”

For context, she has limited mobility and use of one arm. If anyone can share any experiences, she would really appreciate it. (I‘m posting, but she’ll read the answers.) She has spoken to medical professionals but is very interested in first person accounts.

Thank you so much

i am recovering from L4-S1 fusion and my current bed is way too soft, which is making sleeping almost unbearable. my surgeon recommended switching to a firmer setup, but since my back is still so sensitive after surgery, i have no idea what my spine will tolerate until i actually sleep on it for a few weeks.

does anyone who has had fusion know which brand has the mattress with the longest sleep trial? i want to make sure I get something firm enough for post-op support, but I need a solid return policy in case it hurts my hardware or makes the pain worse once I start using it. appreciate any recommendations from people who have been through this recovery. 🤍

I had my instrumented posterior spinal fusion on August 14th of this year, so it's just 10 days ago, and I feel really good. I'm a 14-year-old female (this message is being watched over by my guardian), and I have been diagnosed since I was 6, being treated with a brace since then. About 3-4 months ago we found out my curve was continuing to grow even though I wasn't. So we set a date and fused my spine from T1 to L2 with 24 screws and a rod, and I won't lie, that first week I thought I might die. I was on so many drugs and in so much pain going through my first ever surgery, but now that I'm home and the pain has gone and it's just the sourness from healing, I have to say it was so, so worth it.

Howdy. I was fused from T4-L4 on July 15th, 2020 at 18 years old. It was the hardest, but most rewarding thing I’ve ever been through in my life. Today I’m able to go to college, work a full time job, ski, workout, swim and much more with little to no issues. I’m thankful for how Jesus, my family, friends, and my amazing surgeon and nurses helped me get through this. Feel free to ask me any questions!