Anyone had a lumbar spinal fusion?

[Bmoboy]

New MRI results show severe spinal stenosis in L2-L3 area since last MRI in June, which could explain my leg weakness. This may argue against ALS.

Now I need shared advice/experience about recovery from fusion surgery for a 73 year old.

Thanks

[MOMFUDSKI]

1. I had a herniated disc corrected at age 75

but then I developed piriformis syndrome which can happen. Had it since March and it is awful. Done with docs, Chiro’s, MRI, EMG. Found some exercises on computer, along with Bob and Brad PT on YouTube and I started those again. Haven’t taken a “walk” in 18 months and I have decided to just carry on and live with it. Will force myself to walk because I have lost a lot of strength in my legs. You pays yer money and you takes yer chances. Best wishes for you

[brer cat]

2. I had an L4-S1 fusion when I was 65. I had a quickish recovery and the sciatica was gone.

I have some lingering nerve pain in my legs but easily controlled with gabapentin. My spine is such a mess no surgery was going to correct it all.

Good luck to you!

[MLAA]

3. Sister had it at 67 and recovered well.

She needed care after surgery and since pandemic, had her come stay with me for a week. Lots of pain that first week but she recovered well after that. Stay on top of pain meds so you take all prescribed on time. Her pain got so bad 3 nights after home that I had to take her to ER where they gave her super strong shots and told her to stay ahead of the pain before it gets so bad that pills can’t control it. After that she progressed well.

Edited to add: She still has some back discomfort, but not debilitating like it was before surgery.

[Keepthesoulalive]

4. I had surgery earlier this year

I have rejoined the human race. I can walk my dogs ,sleep without pain and as they say enjoy having my life back. It depends on the skill of the surgeons and support staff. Good luck.

[Irish_Dem]

5. I had serious damage to my L1, L2, L3, L4.

Surgery was fusion, pins and rods. At age 68.
Yes I had the leg weakness and kept falling which meant more broken bones.
I have osteoporosis.

It was a rough recovery for me. Lots of physical therapy.
I was scared. Was using a walker for awhile which I hated but necessary.

But in 6 months I was just fine.
Walking at least 2 miles every day. And I walk fast, about 4 miles per hour.

I do have some pain at times, but I get steroid shots about once a year or two and then
I am fine.

I don't have many restrictions at all. I cannot lift real heavy things, but I am small and
could never do that anyway. But I am now lifting arm weights to get more strength.
You might want to do that too. If you can get good upper body strength it takes
stress off your lower back. But don't do anything unless your physical therapist gives the OK.
They will be the ones to get you mobile again.

I also couldn't vacuum without pain, so I bought one of those really neat stick vacuums and love it.
No pain at all.

Oh I could not sleep because my back hurt all night, but I finally splurged on a sleep number bed
and made the bed soft and now I sleep like a rock all night. No pain at all.

Sometimes if I sit too long in one position I get stiff, but if I get up and move around I am fine.

If you get stiff while driving a long way, if you turn on your seat warmer it helps a lot.

I would also get a rectangle large ice pack you keep in your freezer and use ice on your back as
needed.

Feel free to ask questions, hope this helps.

[keithbvadu2]

6. L4, L5, S6 (2012) after ruptured disk (2000) and then stenosis surgery (2010).

Now on two canes, four wheel walker, and electric mobility scooter and it's still better than it was.

The lumbar fusion stabilized the active inflammation but did not fix the bone problems.

Different kinds of pain.

[MOMFUDSKI]

7. You mentioned ALS.

Did the docs consider that you might have that?

[Bmoboy]

8. Yes

They couldn't explain my leg weakness from the first MRI. Said that leg weakness should come from L1 stenosis. Now he thinks the seriousness of the L2 L3 stenosis could explain it.
I am seeing my neurologist Friday to get another perspective.

[Bmoboy]

9. Update

Neurologist is on board with surgery. Sooner than later.
Was planning on downsize move to an apartment after Thanksgiving. Now looking at delaying the move until recovering from fusion surgery.

It's always something, ain't it?