[Spinal Fusion / Lumbar] L5-S1 discectomy / spinal fusion

[msccsm]

Hi All-

I am a 37 year old male getting ready to have a disectomy and spinal fusion at L5S1 in a couple of weeks. I would be most grateful if anyone who has had this surgery in the past several months would reply to me with their feedback as to the surgery, hospital recovery time, recovery at home, etc.

I have not had a major surgery ever and would like a first hand account of what I should expect in the upcoming month.

Thank you in advance for your honesty and support.

Best,

Michael

[Justin]

Hi Michael,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society.

Here's a couple of recent threads from the Surgical Outcomes Forum (a few are two-level cases, but they should help shed some light on lumbar fusion):

Pete -- Ouch! But on the other side. (L4-L5 Fusion)

Rebecca -- 1 Week and 3 days Post L4-S1 Fusion!

MaddySpondy -- May 2010, Fusion: L4-L5 & L5-S1

[Justin]

Hi Michael,

I was just checking in to see how your operation went. Keep us posted on your progress.

[msccsm]

Hi Michael,

I was just checking in to see how your operation went. Keep us posted on your progress.

**All is well....the surgery was on 8/11 and I was released from the hospital on 8/15. I'm getting along well at home and really have had no pain or complications post surgery. I'm still taking it easy and the doctor isn't releasing me back to work for another 10 days, so I have plenty of time to let my body heal naturally.

I can already tell a difference when I squat down to pick something up; the excruciating pain I used to have trying to get back up is totally gone. The only discomfort I have is the spine adjusting to the screws and the cage, but I'm sure that's fairly normal.

I had a great surgeon and could not be happier with the results!

[Justin]

**All is well....the surgery was on 8/11 and I was released from the hospital on 8/15. I'm getting along well at home and really have had no pain or complications post surgery. I'm still taking it easy and the doctor isn't releasing me back to work for another 10 days, so I have plenty of time to let my body heal naturally.

I can already tell a difference when I squat down to pick something up; the excruciating pain I used to have trying to get back up is totally gone. The only discomfort I have is the spine adjusting to the screws and the cage, but I'm sure that's fairly normal.

I had a great surgeon and could not be happier with the results!

Hi Michael, this is fantastic news! Remember to take things slow when you head back to work...you only heal once. Keep us posted.

[Cindylou]

Michael, great news on your surgery! We all love reading about such positive outcomes. Justin is spot on about taking time to heal properly. I wish you only the best. Warm regards, Cindylou