5 months post L4-5 fusion what was your experience?

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Laminectomy and L4-5 fusion (Cage and hardware), now 5 months post surgery. Pain has returned to my back and I see my surgeon next week. To those who have undergone this procedure, what has your experience been like at this point in the recovery process? I am concerned. Thanks.
 
I'm sorry to hear about your returning pain. Some things to consider are:

- Does the pain differ from the pain you experienced prior to surgery? Are you have any nerve related issues, leg pain, etc.

- Do you recall doing anything that might have put strain on your recovering back?

- Could it be from becoming more active/doing more than you might have been doing post-op?

- During your previous post-op appointments how were progressing towarRAB fusing?


It's great that you have an appointment next week, because this will get your surgeon's attention and definitely try and be specific as possible with what you've been experiencing. I'm sure your Doctor will order tests to try and get to the root of why you're having the increased pain.

You're in my thoughts. Keep us posted on how your appointment goes. :angel:

~ Fiona Jo ~ :wave:
 
Fiona, thank you very much for the kind response. The pain is in the same general area as pre-surgery but daily and more intense. It is worse after prolonged sitting - I have been in a class for the last 3 days and it's been uncomfortable. I have been very active since the surgery and I am sure at times, I over did it. In addition, I am walking very day whereas before the surgery, I walked only 3 times per week. I feel worse at night and clirabing into bed I feel like a 90 year old man. I'll post back after I see the surgeon. I do want to discuss with him physical rehab as I have not undergone since the surgery.
 
Thank you so much. The x-ray this week showed fusion but why the pain, that's the question. Tomorrow I go for the MRI (I have lost count now of how many I have had) and the CTscan. Will keep you posted. Something I suspect is not right. Happy holidays - the best present we can hope for is better health and less pain.
 
Saw the surgeon today. His tech took an x-ray (after looking at the film he didn't say anything was wrong) and ordered another MRI and Cat-scan for the day after Christmas (yipee). I just hope it doesn't require another surgery.
 
Backtobasics:

That is good that they are doing an MRI and CT Scan. Those two tests should show if there is anything going on -- hopefully not. I am 9 months post-op L4-L5/S1 fusion. Went back to work part-time in October feeling fairly good. In Noveraber I started with some nagging pains which increased, but x-rays never showed anything and I was x-rayed every 8-12 weeks (checking for fusion). I had two MRIs and a CT Scan earlier this month to determine why I had not fused and why I was now having an increase in pain. Results were no fusion, very large (post-op) cystic lesion which has shifted S1 nerves and attached to two of my pedicle screws. I am scheduled for another surgery in early January to remove the cyst, replace two of the screws and place more bone material to give me a greater chance of fusing.

I'm glad I have answers to what is going on -- don't like the answers, but nonetheless I have them.

The best of luck to you and happy holidays!
 
I had alot of "nerve flare ups" for the first year after my back surgery. I did develop alot of scar tissue which presses on nerves. I too over did it because I felt so good after the surgery and could actually walk without looking like a 90 year old woman lol

Hopefully, they will find nothing serious. It may just be the nerves waking up and healing!!
 
Thanks724. The pain I am feeling is constant (and in the same area before surgery) compounded by achiness in the thighs. Worse in the evening and after any kind of physical activity.
 
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