I am after information on recovery time for a spinal fusion. I had a disc removed and fusion in my s1/l5 9 weeks ago. The first 3 weeks were horrible, but started to mend and feel better. Week 6 or so I've started having really nasty muscle spasms and my hips have locked up, getting out of bed or off a chair feels like it did in week 2. My pelvis feels very unstable, and moving my butt across the bed or rolling over is terrible. I will finally have an appt with the surgeon on the 31st, but haven't seen them since I was put under for the op. Just wondering what the recovery/back to work outlook is for this surgery. (Not a hugely physical job, but on my feet most of the day).
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Is there physio assistance for you as well? I'm no expert but it sounds like a physio should be involved?
My 14 year old son is on the waiting list to have spinal fusion surgery due to scoliosis. From memory, the surgeon said it would be about 8 weeks from surgery until he will be able to get back to his usual activities. I’m pretty sure they said a physio will work with him as well, to help him get back on his feet.
My husband (mid 50's) has had 3 surgeries on his L5-S1. The last a fusion late November. So he is 8 weeks post op. He had a week in hospital and then 3 home visits from physio in the next two weeks. Then the 2 weeks of Christmas doing his exercises at home. He is having weekly physio since 4/1 and goes to the pool twice a week. He has seen the surgeon twice since coming home (including today).
He has been told it will be three months (so one more month) before he feels at all like he's winning. 6 months he should be functioning 'normal' and if he does everything right and has no complications 12 months he should be fishing and driving freely.
As it is his 3rd surgery and a very complicated case he will likely never work in his trade again - and likely never work again as sitting or standing for any period of time is very painful.
I hope this example helps you. My understanding is, it is a very serious and difficult operation that needs a lot of physio support in recovery. From what I read the younger and fitter you are going into the surgery, the better the outcomes. Best of luck with your recovery.
My issue is, that I haven't seen the surgeoun, they didn't even come around to the ward after in the 5 days I was there. I've had 2 physii appts, where due to covid they just gave me exercises, didn't even look at my back, and no follow up aftercare apart from that. This was meant to be life changing and I'm concerned its going to be worse now.