[Spinal Fusion / Lumbar] Fusion L4-L5

[lbanis]

Just want to say 'hi" to everyone. I have been very impressed by the conversations taking place on this site! I blew out a disc - L4L5 in November 08 and had a laminectomy. I got initial relief but by June I was back at my doc and found a vertebrae was slipping out of place so had fusion at L4L5. Was doing very well and then began having severe pain and got sort of frozen in place when on my back or stomach - found out the cage had slipped out so had to have it replaced in August. I am now 3 weeks out of the third surgery and am really confused about what to expect at this point. I can be up and around for a couple of hours and then have to lie down. I'm still on norco and a sleepaid/muscle relaxant at night. I'm feeling somewhat depressed having been pretty much living on the couch since June 14. If anyone could help me know what to expect in the next 2 - 3 months i would really appreciate it.

Thanks in advance!

Lynn

[Justin]

Lynn,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society! I'm sorry that you have to be here, but I'm glad that you were able to find us.

It sounds like you have had quite the go of things lately. With the many fusion patients I have personally spoken with in the past, I would say that most start to "turn the corner" ~3 months post-op (between 3 - 6 months). At 3 months post-op, most of the bone remodeling at the fusion site has taken place. However, I will say that this varies from patient to patient based on many factors including other health issues, age, extent of trauma, number of levels treated, etc.

You are still quite early post-op, especially only being 3 weeks out from a fusion revision. After the initial "shock" of trauma to your body from surgery, things start to fall in place--a little day by day. Some days are better than others. Personally, I think the key to any surgery is to take things a day a time. I know this can be very difficult, especially since healing can be quite slow and often like a roller coaster ride. Focusing on the small victories (being able to get up with greater ease, sleeping more through the night, etc.) has been keeping me going after my third spine surgery in May.

Depression is very common for Spine Patients. I would make sure to speak with your primary care physician or pain management doctor about how you are feeling, as they have many tools at their disposal that can greatly help.

The absolute best advice I can give you is to listen to your body during your recovery.

Once again, welcome to the community. We're here to support you every step of the way.

[ajj1001]

Hiya Lynn,

I'm 4 months out from a fusion (a revision of a failed adr), I haven't had a turn the corner moment, it just seems to be a very slow long slog to something approaching normality. Getting over the actual surgery took 6 - 8 weeks. Just try not to pressure yourself keep as comfortable as possible.

alison x

[daveinaustin]

Lynn,

Welcome to SPS!

First of all, you are doing well if you are on Norco three weeks post-fusion. For each of my fusions, it took about 5 weeks to work from oxycodone to Norco. It sounds like you despise the narcotics as much as me. But, I've learned the hard way that keeping ahead of the pain will improve your outlook and healing process better than trying to reduce the Norco before your body is ready.

As you've found, fusion recovery varies among person to person. Also, the recovery is not linear. That is, you may have good days and bad days along your road to recovery.

Keep optimistic!

-Dave

[Dave]

Hi Lynn,

Welcome to the premier spinal forum on the Internet. Glad you found us.

[Cindylou]

Hi Lynn, glad you found us. There's a great bunch of folks here at SPS. I also have had a couple of fusions and yes, they definitely are a day to day recovery. Slow and steady is a good mantra. Which yes, is very challenging, especially if you are the active type. Depression? Huge issue for spine patients like Justin said. I would highly recommended a therapist, even if only initially. And this forum is a great place for encouragement and support too. Hang in there. You will begin to turn a corner.