3 months post spinal fusion...

Hi

I'm just the same as you in afraid.I'm also 3 months post fusion for L4/L5/S1.I've progressed very slowly but have been left with a left leg that's numb & am having physio to see if it helps.I can't drive & am still on 2 crutches because of my leg.I had a CT scan this morning &;see my surgeon on the 31st to see if a screw is impinging on a nerve, if so I guess it's surgery to put it right but if it's damaged nerves then it's a waiting game to see if they come back to life.I'm sorry you are feeling the same too, it's makes you wonder if it was the right decision to have it done but we have now so fingers crossed we get better in time.

Keep in touch

I am 11th post op...I am having pain in my buttocks and left hip..went for PT and he told me that my body is trying to protect the site where the surgery was...this is normal and should go away with time . ..the pain I was feeling before surgery is gone...but this is a new pain.....hurts more at nite.....will it get better

Hi,

I am about 4 months post fusion of L5-S1 (PLIF).  I am also still in a lot of pain and having a slow recovery.  My surgeon said I'd only be off work 2 weeks, which definitely was not the case.  I am working now, but it is definitely a struggle with pain every day both in my low back and legs.  I have had X-rays and an MRI and the doctor said everything looks OK and he doesn't know why I'm still in so much pain.  I am having a CT on Monday to make sure the hardware is all good.  I am very discouraged and nervous about whether it will ever get better!  I'm not driving either because I am still taking pain meds.

I had laminectomy with fusion L4 L5 S1 about 15 months ago. I did physical therapy after two months postop and I was doing well for a few months. But about seven months after surgery I started with pain again... I had to go back to work as a hostess at a restaurant when hubby lost job and things really started to go downhill. I had stopped doing my physical therapy exercises at home and I wondered if that had something to do with it. My right leg has no strength in it again and a lot of pain that starts in my buttocks and radiates down my leg. I went to my year check up in In Decembervand for the last 3 mos I have been wearing a Bone stimulator bet for 4 hours a day as doc said I may not have completely fused. I have an appt March 25th with x rays and seriously we are prob talking more surgery. I switched jobs but my problem is I can't sit too long or be on my feet too long without having to come home and take a tramadol and lay down as this is only position I feel comfy in.i don't sleep good due to pain and worry tramadol doesn't do anything for my pain and I am immune. My advice to anyone who has had fusion- keep going with you Exercises to strengthen IF it doesn't hurt! I am only 52 and I feel like I have quality life of 80 year old- I have to do something - can't continue in this pain and no one should...so prob more surgery but I need to know why before I do if I am a failed fusion. I wish you much luck and success and think positive! You need support and venting system too. All th best and prayers for all on this site who are in pain from fusion - back/ nerve Isi. Stinks and pain itself is so isolating!