L5 S1 fusion

[Jeaniem130]

Anyone here have this surgery. I am almost a month out from surgery and have some questions?

[Nicurro]

Hi, I had the L5/S1 fusion in 2011 and suffered for many years post op.

[Jeaniem130 in reply to Nicurro]

My biggest issue right now is nerve pain. Surgeon says too soon to say how much it will improve. I have requested a nerve medication.

[Nicurro in reply to Jeaniem130]

I have nerve pain in both legs which medication could not help with even with pregabalin and many other medications, finally had a 4th nerve root block injection back in the L5 area which so far has reduced pain by 60% after 10 weeks.

[Emma2017]

Hi I had one two years ago. It’s been a struggle but getting there. The horrendous nerve pain down the back of my leg did clear after a few months. I am left with a pain and highly irritating nerve pain down the front of my leg. Unfortunately that is to do with l2/l3 disc which I had a laminectomy on at the same time. The fusion however after giving it some time has helped me. I was on a very high dose of pregabalin and dihydrocodeine which helped to keep the nerve pain and fusion pain down. It’s early on yet for you, give it some time and follow the exercise instructions they give you and hopefully things will settle down.

[Jeaniem130]

Thank you both. I am trying to be patient but get nervous. DR. is sending for me a scan today to see how things look but all I really want is some nerve pain relief so I can sleep better. I will start therapy as soon as I can drive and no longer require the back brace.

[Jeaniem130]

Is it normal to regress a little? I was standing a lot yesterday and walked a bit further. I woke during the night with my back hurting and needed a prescription pain pill which I have not needed for about two weeks now.