I spoke with Steve's stepmother about her fusion. She had a one-level procedure at L4/L5 a few years ago. She was in the hospital for five days, but she knew immediately that the surgery had worked. Apparently she had been experiencing all kinds of leg pain and could barely stand up. After the surgery, she could stand up straight and had no more pain in her butt or down her leg. She said that nowadays she doesn't even notice the fusion and feels no restrictions at all. She said she can feel the cage where it was done if she presses hard enough in the right spot, but other than that it is unnoticeable.
She said she was on heavy medication and basically slept for about a week. After that, she was able to move around more. Then she wore a back brace and was in physical therapy for a few weeks. After about 3 weeks, she was able to start tapering off her meds and was experiencing "tolerable" pain. She advised me to strengthen my abdominal muscles before and after. She said I should definitely plan to take it easy after the operation.
It is comforting to talk to someone who has had back surgery. I also spoke to Beth at work about her fusion, and she seemed to be doing really well two months out....
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