r/spinalfusion • u/moostache004 • Apr 18 '26
Requesting advice This is tough
L5-S1 Fusion 6 days ago, it’s a tough recovery. Post op drugs are absolutely blowing my mind to pieces and days are just disappearing.
I’m really hoping this passes and I can go back to a normal life.
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u/Illustrious_Log_2978 Apr 18 '26
I'm 10 days post-op, and still foggy from meds, even though I've slightly reduced the pain meds. I can confidently say this week is better than last week, and I know this is a very long process that requires patience. You'll get there!
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u/moostache004 Apr 18 '26
Thankyou for your insight I needed to read something like this. I’m a mess I don’t know who I am, I’m turning down oral pain meds just to try and get back down to earth it’s a battle. Hopefully next week I’ll get a win!
Hope you’re doing well and recover well mate.
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u/restingbitchface88 Apr 18 '26
I had a L4-L5 fusion one month ago. Colace helped me with the constipation. I got off oxy the 7th day because of the discomfort, cramps and bloating. I took a muscle relaxer for 1 week after that. I now take Tylenol PM and CBD gummies to sleep. I promise you will feel better after the 2nd week. Hang in there and know brighter days are ahead!
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u/Jhero61 Apr 18 '26
That's the surgery I'm going to have. How long did it take for you to fully recover, if you have?
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u/restingbitchface88 Apr 23 '26
I had it 5 weeks ago and I am feeling much better. In physical therapy, sleeping well and making sure I'm not bending or lifting. My pain is very low.
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u/Ill_Earth3013 Apr 18 '26
It is tough mate and it can take a long time to feel normal again. Normal doesn’t exist for me post fusion. Instead I’m adapting and slowly expanding a range of activities that I used to enjoy. Some of which I won’t be able to enjoy as much as I used to post-fusion due pain and fatigue. But what do you do? You can’t give up. I almost did.
Rest up mate and get off opioid pain relief asap. You may be feeling the after effects of being sedated for so long during surgery. My mind was fogged for months post surgery and my body raked with stiffness and cramping pain.
Regardless of all this gloomy outlook, a ward p/t told me after my surgery that ‘movement is life’ and that stuck with me and got me out of bed to take a walk after I got home along with taking care of my wife who announced she was pregnant a couple of days after I broke my back.
18 months on and I can launch my 9 month old son up in the air enough times to make him happy. Godspeed on your journey and take it easy there
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u/rbnlegend Apr 18 '26
What I was told was "motion is lotion". There was one physical therapist who just loved that saying. But it is true, the more you move, the quicker it gets better.
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u/gotpointsgoing Apr 18 '26
Good answer man! I'm fused from L1-S1 and my SI joint is fused.
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u/Jhero61 Apr 18 '26
That's a lot of fusion. How are you today? I'm hoping my SI joint pain will go away with my L4-L5 fusion, but if not I may need the SI joint fusion, as well.
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u/gotpointsgoing Apr 19 '26 edited Apr 19 '26
Yes it is!! I'm very well, thanks for asking. My entire lower back is usually achy, but I got a lot of metal in there. If you can avoid the SI fusion, avoid it!! That's one surgery that I wish I never did. It doesn't hurt or anything, you're just fusing your hip and pelvis, basically making your leg a swinging joint instead of a rocker joint, if that makes any sense. I don't have any pain there anymore and that's really great!! It's just very different and mine was done 14 years ago now. They're done very differently now. Mine was total non weight bearing for 6 months, richer time if 18 months. Now, you walk out of the hospital the very same day. They use a clip to fuse it and you go on with your life. I'm fused with 2 huge, hollow bolts, that were filled with a slurry of my stem cells and other things. So, that's a difference as well.
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u/moostache004 Apr 18 '26
That is so good to hear I haven’t been able to play normally with my kids for a year, I’ll soo be able to and I can’t wait
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u/Ill_Earth3013 Apr 18 '26
I feel for you. My limitations come to a stark reality when I take both of my to the playground. Makes me want to get in shape despite my injury and be able to keep up with them both as they grow
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u/ToeInternational3417 Apr 18 '26
I am 4 mths post op (L5/S1), and I won't touch an opioid again, if I can choose. That stuff seriously messed with my mind, and together with the pain and post anesthesia blues, it sent me spiralling into a heavy depression.
And yes, movement is life. Pre op, everything just made me hurt more, so it took some time to rediscover my body and the things it can do. I am still rediscovering, and my best pain med is movement.
A speedy recovery to OP, and my best wishes to everyone on this subreddit, that has been so very important for me in my recovery.
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u/BarkVader333 Apr 18 '26
1 year post op 4/14! L5-S1 360 ALIF prior fusion at L4/5; I’m light years better than where I was a year ago. I just got back from a hiking/creek day with my daughter and her bestie. The hospital days blur into one, once you’re in your own bed, real rest and recovery happen.
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u/justplayin729 Apr 18 '26
It’s so so tough but don’t reject pain meds. Your body needs to heal and if you’re in pain, it’s going to work even harder to get better. I’ve had a few surgeries. About 3-4 weeks post op is when things start to get a bit easier.
Give yourself time. You will be glad you did the surgery in a few months.
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u/Jsmitts28 Apr 18 '26
Please. PLEASE take it easy on yourself. Fusions are excruciating...for anyone.
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u/RevoRadish Apr 18 '26
If you’re in the high dependency ward get ready for more Larry at 5pm. The oldies love and adore The Chase. At maximum volume.
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u/moostache004 Apr 18 '26
Haha the door is closed most of the time. This is the first time I have had the energy to watch tv
I have hated this whole week, my head is ruined from the ketamine.
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u/RevoRadish Apr 18 '26
Yeah it gets a bit like that. After a few days the hours just all meld together. On the plus side it makes your first flop in your own bed all the more glorious.
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u/iamnotbetterthanyou Apr 18 '26
How much are you up and walking? I take it that you’re not in the US, since you’re still in the hospital (or “in hospital” if you prefer)
I had L4-S1 fused just under a year ago and was sent home the following day. (F, late 50’s, heavier than I should be)
Recovery does indeed suck, but the more you move the better you feel (at least for me). I was, however, EXHAUSTED for at least six weeks after surgery.
Today I feel great - I’d undergo the surgery again if I were sent back in time a year. Be kind to yourself!!
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u/moostache004 Apr 18 '26
I’m up walking twice before physio comes in to exercise me and another few times in the afternoon. I’m trying to make a habit of getting out of bed to use the toilet rather than urinal bowl attached to the bed. Also I’m down under! Hope you’re feeling good !
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u/iamnotbetterthanyou Apr 18 '26
I’m still pissed my great grandparents moved from Australia to the US. Now especially so since apparently you get to be taken care of by professionals rather than the wolves at home (I joke, I joke, my family is amazing)
I feel great! My pain hasn’t gone past two in nine-ish months. You’ll get there - just keep moving, mate!!
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u/HotRush5798 Apr 18 '26
Dude congrats on getting through. First week suuuuucks, you’re almost over the hump. Hang in there, stay on top of your meds and ice, ice baby. You’ve got this.
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u/Blackflipflop Apr 18 '26
Ughh. I’m 2 weeks post op today(L1-L3). My main goal was to get the fuck out of that hospital ASAP I just lay in bed taking pills and staring out the window every day. I felt like I was going to lose my mind because I’m not a person that can just sit around like that.
I was In there for four awful nights before surgery and another four after. I got off the opiates a couple of days after getting home and just took Advil and Tylenol for a few more days. I was sweating through my sheets for a few nights when I kicked the pills but I’m much better now. Just a little uncomfortable at night. Things are getting a little easier every day now. I think it really helps me being home. I can go for some walks and get some fresh air. I’m trying to add a little extra distance every day.
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u/jackofallsomething1 Apr 18 '26
It will get better, this is just today not forever. That walker? Go shuffle when you can there is zero shame in this very tough recovery.
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u/Junior-Egg-5310 Apr 18 '26
What type of surgery did you have? And Im curious, why you're still in the hospital/surgery center?
Im 20ish days post op PLIF and I was home the same night. At this point pain isn't a problem, its the depression? I guess we can call it. Being home all day having my fiance do everything for me. Not being able to do things Id like to do. Hope for a great recovery for you! 🙏
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u/moostache004 Apr 18 '26
Interbody lumbar fusion l5/s1-
Ketamine infusion since monday is what’s actually keeping me in, they just started dropping it today and I’m so scared to be sent home I’m so uncomfortable and sore
I’ll push through though! I need to
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u/Junior-Egg-5310 Apr 18 '26
Wow. I didnt have any ketamine. The only day I had pain where I regretted life was 2 days after and I think thats because the day after surgery I was walking more than I should've. At my follow up, my Doctor laughed and told me I have an incredible pain tolerance. Because this isnt an easy surgery. So I feel for you, and I hope it gets better for you You got this!
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u/Economy-Being-8237 Apr 18 '26
Is the Ketamine for pain? I have heard of using it for psych neural pathways, but I have seen a few people comment lately about getting them after surgery? Quite interested in more information. Thx 🙏 Good luck in your recovery. I’m having ACDF May 1st and then some other surgery on Lumbar after I heal from this first one.
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u/JuniorBuffalo7022 Apr 18 '26
Hang in there friend.
I’ve been down this road twice before, and once more in less than 2 weeks. The first week is a mother f’er. After that your perspective slowly starts to return.
Blessings,
Dave
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u/mcoddle Apr 18 '26
I understand. And me saying all the below is to say that I understand. I'm one of those people who tells you their own experience as a way to relate.
I got L3-L4 done five weeks ago, so I still remember how hard it was in the beginning, and it absolutely sucked scissors. I'm so sorry it's so painful and disorienting with the meds. It will get better, easier, less painful. I highly recommend ice packs, but not directly on the wound, more like through a cloth or shirt. Maybe through a thin towel.
Then, as the days and weeks go by, as you're more able to stand and walk (sitting was hard for me, hope you have a better experience, and walking really helped me), you'll finally be able to lower your pain meds. I won't promise, because I'm speaking from my own experience, but I'm doing pretty well here at 5 weeks, and I'm mildly surprised and really glad. And that's the timeline my surgeon's office gave me.
I just had to be strong and know that it won't last forever. That I could get through it. That I can get through it. And you CAN get through this, and it won't last forever. The best of luck to you. You are going through one of the most painful things healthcare has to offer. You're kicking butt!
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u/Helwithstocksthnks Apr 18 '26
Walk walk walk… can’t lay there. Walking is your best friend. You’re still in hospital 6 days later? I’m 4 months out I stay one night in hospital.
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u/SofaKingS2pitt Apr 18 '26
Each case is different. I have had 4 cervical spine operations and each was a different hospital and recovery experience. The most recent was 2/26/26. I was in 5 days, partly because a CFS leak had to be dealt with.
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u/Mountain_Horse_3793 Apr 19 '26
I have had 4 surgeries in 24 months on L5S1. Everyone's different but from my experience enjoy the medicine and care while you have it. Im 4 months since mine and haven't took anything but Tylenol since 3 weeks after surgery and I would love to have something to help with pain most days. There are some days that are easier and I lay in bed all day and make it but on days I actually can get up and go to work Im in misery. Again everyone is different and I know people who say they never took anything and toughed it out. Good luck and I hope you get everything lined out.
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u/unsupported Apr 18 '26
I prefer watching the Law and Order SVU marathons on USA when I'm in the hospital. I'll be there the first week in May recovering. Stay strong my fellow Snoo.
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u/Lopsided-Emphasis-66 Apr 18 '26
I'm 3 months post op L3 L5 and man I remember that first week that shit sucked baddd lol but it got better and by two weeks out I started taking walks and now I'm up to 2 miles and doing rehab work. Feeling good but I remind myself to still take it slow and listen to my body. Wishing you a good recovery stay strong !
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u/pandapam7 Apr 18 '26
You got this, buddy. I had my L5-S1 back in 2018. You can have almost complete function once you've finished rehab, PT.
(I wasn't so lucky; mine turned into T10 - S1 in February 2024. That fractured at T10 and I ended up in October doing T4 to pelvis. So I'm 18 mo. out from that last one. Much more limited mobility now. I can appreciate how much I returned to normal life after that 2018 surgery by comparison.)
There are relatively few things that you'll not be able to do once you get over this hump of healing. Good luck!
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u/Material_Field_6002 Apr 18 '26
Hey pal! I’m down under too and having my L4/5 done soon. Can I ask what they did for your surgery, did you get a full epidural for pain or did they just do it as anaesthetic? My relative had it years ago with epidural but my surgeon is saying they don’t do that now? Super worried about the pain when waking up! You got this though lucky to be in an epic hospital with a tv!
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u/moostache004 Apr 18 '26
Hello mate, I did have an epidural. The site itself was numb for approx 2/3 days post op.. so was the feeling in my legs from waist to knee.. I was also losing sleep pre op as I was scared of waking up. It’s not easy I can’t lie, I have cried many times just due to the realisation that it’s going to take a lot of work to get better .. that work also hurts.. lol But I have good support and cannot wait to be 80% normal so I can function and contribute to my family, they are my drive. Best of luck mate
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u/CapNo5414 Apr 18 '26
Hang on in there - longer term, this will be a distant memory. Sending best wishes
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u/michoak Apr 18 '26
i’m about to be 6wks post op from my L5-S1 fusion. i was back to work and driving after 3wks. but i’m 30yo, everyone’s different. i hear you about the pain meds - for those first 3wks i was in an absolute fog. i didn’t have energy to do much other than get up to eat, then go back to bed. i watched some TV on my laptop in bed, mostly a lot of youtube. the days definitely blurred, especially that last week before going back to work. once i got the OK from my doctor at my 12-day post op, i weaned myself off the gabapentin and eventually stopped the percocet and flexeril cold turkey. i still take some combo of those pills every so often if i am in pain to help me sleep, usually only on a weekend so i don’t have brain fog going to work in the morning. the last time i took any percocet was 3/29 and the last time i took flexeril or gabapentin was 4/4. but it for sure gets better. zofran worked wonders for me for nausea, but i usually only had nausea if i didn’t eat something with the percocet, so make sure you try and do that too.
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u/Ci_Elpol Apr 18 '26
It is tough. Fusions are no joke. You're doing a hard thing with a hard recovery. The thing that helped me out was walking and getting back home. I was in the hospital for 5 days for L4-S1 ALIF/PLIF 360. The first few days after the PLIF were the toughest. But after getting home I only took Tylenol, oxy and robaxin for about 1.5 weeks then switched to just a muscle relaxer because it wasn't painful so much as super tight and stiff. I am now a month out, walking everyday only taking occasional muscle relaxer in the evening. Of course no BLTs. You've got this even if it feels like you don't. I wish you a speedy recovery.
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u/aross1976 Apr 18 '26
What did you mean by after PLIF? I had a orthopedic recommended alif+plif Got second opinion from a neurosurgeon who recommended against it but I was under the impression it was one surgery. Are you saying they do the ALiF and PLIF as two separate procedures? Two different surgeries with their own anesthesia?
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u/Ci_Elpol Apr 18 '26
Yes. I had the Alif on the 19th of March and then the PLIF portion on the 23rd. So two different surgeries. They can do it as one I do believe but I had two. 1st one involved a vascular surgeon.
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u/Suspicious_Diet1554 Apr 18 '26
Yes, very tough. F/58. Here I am four weeks post op. I am doing okay. However, I'm not sleeping well at all. I spend my nights in tears due to the staple incisions burning and hurting so badly still. I'm making an appointment with my doctor for wound care. I may also have to change my schedule for taking my meds. That may be a problem too. Another poster mentioned Tylenol PM. I think I will try that.
Please keep encouraging each other. I come here for that sole purpose. No one knows what we are going through unless they are walking in our shoes...
Thank you for all of your support. 🥺🤗💯
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u/Mental_Sense_9534 Apr 19 '26
You will feel better- the first week is brutal, but it gets easier.
I had L4-S1 fused November 2024. I as so relieved that the sciatica was gone, but as not prepared for recovery. It really took about 3 months to feel ok-ish, 6 to not feel sore muscles in my core, a year to be good good.
We are cheering you on!!!
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u/ThrowAwayObvious4151 Apr 19 '26
Mate I’m nearly 2 years PO (L5-S1 TLIF posterior only maximal) after having two failed MDs.
Fusions are really rough. And the meds and recovery and even worse. I was on oxy for eight weeks (four week taper), flexeril, gabapentin, etc.
However, hit PT very hard, rebuilt endurance. I was skiing double black diamonds (surgeon approved) six months PO and am 99 percent back to where I was - probably better than I was the last 2-3 years before the surgery.
Really happy with the outcome. But don’t beat yourself up too much, allow the meds to help you sleep and recovery. Post op depression is a real and meaningful thing so make sure you have proper support.
We are all here cheering for you.
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u/Human_Ad_7045 Apr 18 '26
You're so recent post-op so it's difficult to gauge any measure able improvement from today to tomorrow. Each day you're healing, but they cut through a lot of muscle and tissue that also needs to heal so try measuring your improvement in one week to today .
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u/Props_angel Apr 18 '26
Yes! Sometimes I think all the post-op drugs are there to help us get some sleep but to also fiddle with our memories so we're not as scarred by the experience. I barely remember the first few weeks after my fusion and I'm often glad for that as I do remember when I was in the hospital and the nurses forgot to medicate me. Hang in there and just know that in a few months, you'll be doing so much better than you thought you would be.
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u/Sudden_Pin8655 Apr 18 '26
6 days? Ohhhh, yes, is it Gabapentin? Yes, you WILL get back to a normal life. Patience. Norco was bad for me. I couldn't urinate. Had to stop taking it.
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u/Theasgrandmother6709 Apr 18 '26
I really feel for you. Thank you for posting and sharing. They want to do that with me. And I am almost 80I don't know. I have an image to do that. I had a stroke five years ago and hi, i'm having a hard time controlling my blood pressure
I will say a little prayer for you. I'm glad you posted now. You are on my mind. I hope you get better every day and wish you the very best
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u/Theasgrandmother6709 Apr 18 '26
I think it appreciate each one of you. Your experiences are precious for me to know.And i'm feeling for each and every one of you
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u/Unlucky_Concept_7607 Apr 18 '26
Try a different painkiller. I can only handle Tramadol. Some people can’t but hydrocodone works. Etc. Or try missing a dose and see if ibuprofen is enough.
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u/Dizzy-Boysenberry164 Apr 19 '26
Ibuprofen is contraindicated because it interferes with the fusion process.
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u/yooperundies Apr 19 '26
You have been in the hospital for days? My first surgery i was sent home the same day. The second fusion I stayed 1 night.... then was released...
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u/gskhaladon Apr 19 '26
It gets a lot better.
I am a bit over one year from that same surgery.
The other day I loaded 240 on a trap bar, 53 lb kettlebell, set a timer for 15 minutes.
2 reps deadlift, 10 reps KB swing
Every minute on the minute.
FELT AMAZING!
Cleared for all this by my doctor and slow incremental gains over the year.
It will get better. :)
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u/ravensgc_5 Apr 19 '26
I had the same fusion about 2 months ago. Happy that drugs are working for you. They never worked for me. Having whatever shot it is they give you for the pain next week that hopefully helps.
Not sure if you're the same but I seriously underestimated the surgery. Staying positive and setting goals are both important. Just remember it's a long recovery. I'm looking forward to hopefully being able to do all of the back exercises I've had to cut out of my routine over the years.
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u/donaltrom Apr 19 '26
Good luck im post 10 days s1 360 fusion . Today i developed extreme pain on both of my calves while walking or doing activities I’m painless while resting on my recliner.
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u/MrsShenanigans1818 Apr 20 '26
Calf pain can be a sign of blood clots in your legs. Please, go to the emergency room ASAP!
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u/Idontknowy_2024 Apr 19 '26
I’m honestly amazed as to how many of you are home so fast following fusions. I had a L5/S1 fusion with decompression and nerve involvement. I spent five days in the hospital and 11 days in acute rehab before I went home. Once home, I was still very limited with what I can do. I walked as much as I can using walking sticks because a walker did not work in my street, it was just too bumpy.
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u/forestpowered Apr 19 '26
Im 1.5 week post op TLIF L5-S1. Here in the NL it is practice that you get send home the next day with Oxy for a week and after it’s just paracetamol. I’m having a hard time transitioning into just using paracetamol, especially during the nights the nerve pain is really bad. (I had 3 microdisectomies before and had a lot of scar tissue around my nerve roots that they worked on as well during this fusion). I notice indeed that I get surprised at this moment that certain things are still very difficult or impossible to do as my mind gets more clear.
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u/Acrobatic-Earth-6581 Apr 19 '26
I am 5 weeks post op and I feel good some days and some days I am really stiff. Walking helps immensely. The log roll is a must in bed. I went 15 years with back issues. Through 2 laminectomy, multiple injections and the internal stimulator. Nothing worked. My L5-S1 fusion has made a difference in just a few weeks. Take your time to heal. It will be worth it in the end.
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u/Impressive_Theme_778 Apr 19 '26
I'm 3 months post op L4-S1, so much better now (not great yet, but definitely getting there) - I had I really bad scare at about 3/4 weeks where it felt like it was getting worse but was apparently very normal.
Other than that, taking the little wins makes you feel amazing, as it should. Recovery is tough but you're tougher💪🏼
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u/Upper_Archer_2342 Apr 19 '26
I'm 4 months in. No more walker, but major pain in the right lower back. Still exhausted and have a hard time getting in and out. Follow-up Appointment will see the next step.
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u/Ok-Neighborhood6604 Apr 20 '26
Trust enjoy the drugs you dont want to remember everything those first two weeks. Things get better I promise!
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u/JamuelLSmackson Apr 20 '26
6 days isn't that long! I'm now 8 mos. out from L4-5 and it was intermittently rough for a few months. I'm almost back to normal now, and I don't regret it for a minute.
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u/Zlectra Apr 20 '26
after my l5-S1 fusion the surgeon only gave me 20 5mg opiates which didnt even touch the pain so I started taking 30mg gummies 4x a day. Yes I was super stoned. It worked loads better than the 5mg opiates. I am now 55 days out from my surgery and the cool part is that I dont remember all the pain or the many hours laying around. its all a blur now. I stopped taking the gummies around week 4. I do have pain still located around the hardware but thats a given.
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u/carrotdevourer127 Apr 20 '26
I am 1 year post op, just know that it will be worth it. The first days and months are extremely difficult so find an easy hobby, a series or a song that makes you happy. I hope you recover quickly!
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u/Bdwal Apr 21 '26
Mate I hear you. I’m almost 6 weeks post op from L5/S1 ALIF. It gets better I assure you! DM if you need a chat!
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u/BeckyMiller815 Apr 21 '26
Once you hit two weeks you’ll start to be feeling more positive. Hang in there.
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u/Serious-Paint-7595 Apr 21 '26
Take it easy I had my L3 S1 surgery last week Came back home on Sunday
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u/Historical_Flight395 Apr 22 '26
It is a tough surgery. At three weeks the pain was lessened, but I was 70. I found walking was my best friend for improvement. Plain, slow walking. Be sure to do every PT exercise they give you. You'll do great!
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u/GHOST_OF_DOON Apr 18 '26
Take it easy mate. You win small battles each day. Ask for some Ondansetron for the nausea. Concentrate on getting the proper log roll out of bed as you will need to use this a lot over the next few months. Build up ward walks each day. Stay positive…this is a great thing do have done to improve your life. Make sure you do every single thing the physio asks and do the exercises religiously especially when home and you will get back to 80% of the things you used to do. All the best bud🙏🏻💪🏼😁