Well, after 7 years of back pain, and missing work for weeks at a time, I am finally getting surgery next week. Somehow, I finally ruptured my S1-l5 disk, and there is no getting around the surgery.
I tried to baby my back in hopes of it getting better, but it has only gotten worse. So for those of you that have gone through this, what was your recovery time, after a lumbar fusion?
Also, I am not a candidate for a discectomy, due to no issues in my legs or feet.

Update. I have been on the mend, getting home on Monday. As of now, I am able to get up on my own. I still have a long road ahead of me, but I have made very good progress in a short time.
I can tell now, that boredom is going to be an issue, as I never was good at doing nothing.
My son was able to get a doe yesterday , during our antlerless portion of firearm season! I had him put the carcass in my back field, so I can now watch eagles, or whatever shows up. Today it was four eagles, so that helped.
I have so much I could be doing right now, but that will just have to wait!
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I had a fusion about 16 years ago at L5-S1. It was about a 5 month recovery back then. I just got L4-L5 done in august of 22. I was up walking with ease in 2 days. I had complications 2 weeks later and have had problems ever since. If everything goes smooth I would think your recovery time will be quick. I would think about 6- 10 weeks considering your current health condition. Prayers sent. Ken

Thanks goldnut

Listen to your Dr . Walk walk walk

My situation was a bit different, I’m fused from T11-L5, I was back to work on light duty in 3 months. Now that was 21 years ago and age was on my side. I’m 43 now and just had a spinal cord stimulator installed back in April. If I had things to do differently, I would say to know your limits and not over do it, but like Jbyrd says…walk walk walk! You need to stay active and moving, lose some weight if needed to keep your core somewhat in shape. Keeping you in our prayers!

Fell and shattered my L1 vertebrae July 30th. L2-T11 fusion on July 31st. Feeling better right now. Most of my pain has actually been at hip level. That could be related to the fall, not the surgery (landed flat on my butt on a wooden deck). The neurosurgeon said I would feel pretty good in 3 months, and much better in 6.

[quote=BandB]Fell and shattered my L1 vertebrae July 30th. L2-T11 fusion on July 31st. Feeling better right now. Most of my pain has actually been at hip level. That could be related to the fall, not the surgery (landed flat on my butt on a wooden deck). The neurosurgeon said I would feel pretty good in 3 months, and much better in 6.

Well thats not good, but I am glad you’re feeling better. I hope it all heals well for you!

Thanks. I hope yours goes well also. Hang in there.

I'm heading down that road too, messed my lower back up doing something stupid when I was much younger. Tried injections twice but no improvement, herniated disc L5- S1 and pinched nerves.

Sent with prayer for a successful operation and a fast recovery.

Good luck Gary, hope all goes well for you!


Zim & Patrice

Thanks everyone.

sending prayers,

TTT

Good to hear.

Glad to hear your on the mend.
When I was laid up after my last back surgery I decided to start stripping down all my weapons and gave them the complete cleaning. It took quite some time and gave me something to do.
Beating boredom while healing can be mentally draining without keeping your mind and hands busy.

I do think that maybe in a couple more weeks, I will be able to do some little projects while sitting! For now , I pace the hallways in the house, using my walker.