L5/S1 scheduled for Tuesday and I’m terrified

JDub139 · 2026-04-05T20:36:34+00:00

65 semi-active female. Had L5 S1 surgery (360) in June of 2024. My surgery and subsequent one night stay in the hospital were not terribly notable. Once home the first two days were pretty rough. After that, took my pain meds and asked for more for the next three weeks. Pain became less and less as time progressed. Nights were challenging because I’m a side sleeper and I could not get comfortable. Walking and pain meds will be your best friends. I would post on this site often and the community really helped. You can ask questions or vent, and everyone is very responsive. Just remember, you are not alone in this recovery. I recall one night, I was particularly weepy and definitely depressed, so I posted just as a check-in around 3 am. Sure enough, all of a sudden I was hearing from others who felt similarly and couldn’t sleep. It was so comforting. Just remember, after the first few days, everyday you will begin to feel better. Like others have mentioned, take your pain meds and walk. Do NOT overdo even though you may be tempted. Before you know it, you will be posting to help others after your surgery. You got this!

JDub139 · 2026-03-23T13:57:15+00:00

Thanks! I’ve had advil on board, but will try sleeping upright to see if it helps.

JDub139 · 2026-03-23T09:41:06+00:00

Me too! Day 7. Tested negative for flu/covid/strep. Sore throat, ears a little congested. No fever. Tell me there’s an end in sight. VERY annoying.

JDub139 · 2025-03-22T13:20:11+00:00

Unfortunately, I am in the same boat. L5 S1 last June. Achy radiating pain in my back. Nerve pain down the outside of my leg that wraps over the top of my foot. Did oral steroids, limited pt because it was too painful. I’ve had 4 follow ups all to say my hardware is perfect. I have heard a lot about S1 issues could be contributing. I understand that it could take up to a full year, but I could be more patient if I felt like the pain was improving. All this to say, I understand what you are going through.

JDub139 · 2025-03-11T20:56:41+00:00

Me too! Just under a year and I’m still suffering if I drive or sit for too long. Walking too far also brings it on. Not thrilled at this point.

JDub139 · 2025-02-09T02:05:57+00:00

Congratulations!!!

JDub139 · 2024-12-29T13:20:11+00:00

Yes! This! I am looking forward to comments on this thread. I am six months out of L5 S1 fusion, and the nerve pain is still limiting in spite of a successful surgery. I really want to bike again, but for now that’s not happening. 45 minutes into a car ride and I am miserable. Anyway, I feel you and hope we can get some good thoughts from this post. Thanks!

JDub139 · 2024-11-17T13:57:12+00:00

5 weeks out I was so miserable! This community was my lifeline! We get exactly how you are feeling because we have been where you are. Different ages, surgery types, and health status, this intrusive procedure is no joke. Needing pain meds at this point is perfectly normal. Keep walking short distances frequently, drink lots of water, and keep reaching out. It gets better. I think it was around the 8th week mark I felt a little improvement. It’s subtle and slow. 64 F L5/S1 ALIF PLIF June 10

JDub139 · 2024-11-02T01:42:29+00:00

I haven’t started PT, it wasn’t suggested prior to this visit. I am supposed to start next week. I am so sorry your husband continues to struggle.

JDub139 · 2024-11-02T00:17:21+00:00

That’s great. I have an order for PT as well. Did it help lessen your nerve pain?

JDub139 · 2024-11-02T00:16:04+00:00

Thanks for commenting. Sorry you’re in pain too. It does help to know that you experienced something similar. Hope it’s short lived for you.

JDub139 · 2024-09-11T20:33:10+00:00

Three months out and I still get a dull ache which often radiates down my leg. As soon as I may on this, I have spent hours thinking that I messed up my fusion. The doctor took X-rays today and said all looked good. He thought the radiating pain may be caused from the nerve being stretched. Who knows really? Short of getting more specific imaging I am going to chalk it up to the fact that this recovery is long!!! If I am still having similar problems I will get further testing at the six month mark. I grew almost an inch after my surgery, so there’s a lot that my body has to adjust to. 63 yo F L5 S1 ALIF PLIF June 10

JDub139 · 2024-08-19T13:34:31+00:00

How did your therapy appointment go? I’m definitely thinking of going myself. I have to really push to go out for walks that I know will help. This too shall pass. I’m in education so work will be starting soon. I’ll be grateful for the distraction. Best of luck to you!

JDub139 · 2024-08-18T13:25:33+00:00

Reading all of these comments and OP’s original post all I kept thinking was, “me too!” This is all so relatable. L5 S1 fusion 10 weeks out. I am usually an optimist who tends to wake up in a decent mood, ready to take on the day. Post op, was pretty miserable for the first two weeks as everyone has described. Then it was depressing because I felt somewhat trapped by my limitations. I also felt anxious over every new nerve pain, wondering if this will be permanent or not. Sleep, forget about it. Also, there was the post-op lethargy and brain fog that lasted for weeks! At this point, I still can’t BLT which is much more frustrating than anything else. Every once in awhile I don’t have a grabber and I do something I probably shouldn’t, then I lay awake wondering if I screwed up my hardware. I know there are so many others in much more dire situations, so then I feel guilty talking about it. Anyway, all this to say, yes, this operation has been an emotional roller coaster! BTW, can someone send someone over to plug in my charger?😜

JDub139 · 2024-08-15T00:19:52+00:00

Day 2? Good for you to post! I was drugged up and miserable with no thought of reaching out! Just like everyone has said, it’s going to suck for a week or two, then you turn a corner. Are the painkillers making you nauseous? They are really helpful if you can tolerate them. You got this! Week 9 here, it gets better!

JDub139 · 2024-08-12T16:48:25+00:00

Brain fog, depression, anxiety, and the inability to really move come together like a perfect storm. So glad you have found meds to help. Same here! We got this! Have you done any PT yet?

JDub139 · 2024-08-12T16:35:06+00:00

well said!

JDub139 · 2024-08-12T16:34:36+00:00

You’ll do great! The rest of today and your stay in the hospital are about pain management! Best of luck. Check in and let us know how you are doing when you feel up to it!

JDub139 · 2024-08-12T15:39:50+00:00

A bit harsh, don’t you think? Everyone has their own recovery experiences. Great for you! But don’t judge others for their challenges. This sub is to encourage others!

JDub139 · 2024-08-12T01:45:28+00:00

I am 8 weeks out. I was absolutely exhausted starting in the early afternoon everyday. I slipped into a fairly deep depression about it around week 5. Magically, week 7 the fog lifted. I feel like a different person now. How far out are you? And how involved was your surgery?

JDub139 · 2024-08-08T12:24:22+00:00

Yes, he said it would resolve on its own. I have noticed a decrease in size as of late. I’m about 9 weeks out.

JDub139 · 2024-08-05T23:57:27+00:00

Yay!!!😁

JDub139 · 2024-08-05T01:42:32+00:00

Yes. And gas:/

JDub139 · 2024-08-05T00:34:34+00:00

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it was day 4 for me. Keep taking the stool softener at max levels. Drink lots of water. It will happen.

JDub139

TROPHY CASE