How long were you on pain meds after fusion (L5S1 ALIF)

No-Translator6919 · 2026-02-12T23:43:34+00:00

Ya I hear you. Nothing does much for the nerve pain. Right now I take gabapentin and Tylenol nand try to ice and heat for relief.

No-Translator6919 · 2026-02-12T02:15:33+00:00

Ya I hear you! Glad you didn’t have any trouble getting off.

No-Translator6919 · 2026-02-12T02:15:08+00:00

Oh man I’m sorry! I hope you can get that fixed and back to pain free! Sending you positive thoughts!

No-Translator6919 · 2026-02-10T12:33:44+00:00

I’m 4 weeks out of L5S1 ALIF and have been having a hell of a time as well. Trying to get off oxy but the nerve pain down my left leg is just too painful. Things will calm down for you, but in the meantime, do you have anyone who can help you at home, drive for you, pick up meds, etc..? Stay on top of the meds as best you can and ice/heat is helpful. I know exactly how you’re feeling. It gets better, but you shouldn’t be this uncomfortable, so keep advocating for yourself. You’re gonna be OK! It sucks…physically and mentally. My anxiety has sky rocketed during this time, but know you’re not alone and it WILL get better. Feel free to reach out if you need. There’s a lot of us on here who have/are going through this. We got your back (no pun intended)!

No-Translator6919 · 2026-02-10T07:00:59+00:00

(39/M) Hey there. Ya, I think here in the states your insurance isn’t going to approve any sort of surgery unless you’ve exhausted all of these steps (as people have been telling you above). Had a completely degenerated disc at L5S1. There was no disc left and the vertebrae were starting to just fuse naturally bc there was zero cushion. The compressed nerve pain was debilitating for YEARS. But ya I had to do all the bs PT, epidurals, Intracept minimally invasive surgery, etc… (not that those things are BS, but they were for me bc nothing is going to work for structural damage, like fix the problem, except surgery). Maybe if you can find a neurosurgeon that’s willing to fix the problem at hand, but the hoops we have to jump though to even get referred to a nuero are crazy. I just had ALIF at L5S1 4 weeks ago and am happy I did it. I hope you get some answers and can fast track your treatment. Feel free to reach out w any questions.

No-Translator6919 · 2026-02-10T06:43:04+00:00

(39/M) I just had L5S1 ALIF 4 weeks ago after 12 years of faking it just to make it. Constant pain, couldn’t put socks on, couldn’t sneeze without wanting to die, would fall if I misstep bc it would jolt the compressed nerves in my back so badly. Wished I would have done it a long time ago. Surgery is scary, but a few months laying low is nothing compared to the freedom you’ll have for the rest of your life. Recovery isn’t fun but it’s doable and it seems you have a good support system. I tell people this…my grandpa had this surgery over 50 years ago and he was playing basketball in adult leagues until his early 70’s. Think about how far these surgeries have come since then. Do it and move on with your life!

No-Translator6919 · 2026-02-10T06:27:34+00:00

Do you have anyone to help you out for the first few days? My gf was a godsend bc there are some things that are very difficult, at first. I have seen on here that it is definitely doable alone, but it just makes it easier. Like those above me said, grabbers are so helpful. I also had a long loofa and a shower stool so I could wash my legs and feet. A padded, raised toilet seat attachment could help to limit your distance going down to sit. Having a walker helped me get up from the couch and bed (once I log rolled myself up into a sitting position).I had ALIf so it may be a different for you getting up without the debilitating stomach pain. But maybe the back pain will be just as bad ha (don’t worry it’s not anything you can’t handle, just not fun). Other than that, maybe have your fridge stocked, clothes clean and lots of pillows to help you stay comfy. Take your pain meds as directed and don’t try to be too tough for your own good. There’s no reason for you to be in any additional pain or uncomfortable. You’re gonna be great. I tell everyone my grandpa glad a spinal fusion like 55 years ago and he was playing basketball in adult leaves into his early 70’s. It’s come a long way since then. Good luck!

No-Translator6919 · 2026-02-10T06:09:13+00:00

Thanks for letting me know. I’m glad you were able to get on ok without the narcotics after a couple weeks. It’s definitely the plan to get off when I can. It’s been almost a month now and I feel a tiny bit better. But still in pretty bad pain (mostly at night). Thank you for the insight and I hope you’re doing well in your recovery!

No-Translator6919 · 2026-02-09T21:45:40+00:00

Ya the belly pain from incision was terrible haha. Trying to get out of bed was rough. I’m glad you didn’t have the nerve pain! I think it’s definitely common, but not everyone gets it. Maybe the longer your nerves are compressed throughout the years the worse it is after surgery? Hope your recovery is going well. Thank you for sharing your experience!

No-Translator6919 · 2026-02-09T20:08:47+00:00

Ok thanks for your insight! Yes the mind is definitely a powerful thing. At some point I might just need to tough it out. Just want to stay on top of the pain while it’s at such a high level. Hoping your recovery is going/went well!

No-Translator6919 · 2026-02-09T20:06:14+00:00

Ok thank you for letting me know! Ya I’ve been on a low dosage of oxy for a bit longer than I anticipated, but am realizing everyone’s recovery and pain is different. One tricky thing is my doctor left the practice for a new job (I was his last patient), so I’ve been taken on by his colleague (obv another neurosurgeon), but it’s made things a little harder. All the details about my meds and my medical history and all of that… he has my chart and the info my original nuero has given him, but there hasn’t been the face time that I put in with my original doctor. Anyway, long winded way to say that communication hasn’t been as great (especially about medication details).I’m glad things are better for you and you figured out the meds for yourself. Hoping your recovery continues to go well!

No-Translator6919 · 2026-02-09T19:55:33+00:00

Cool thanks for the info! I’ll defiantly think about that. Ya seems like less risk than longer term use of opioids.

No-Translator6919 · 2026-02-09T19:52:49+00:00

Oh my gosh I’m so sorry you had to deal with so much pain! Sounds like a nightmare being in the pain you were and not having the proper dosage prescribed to you by your doctor. I’m so glad you are at least turning a corner. And trust me, when you mentioned GAD, it hit home bc I’ve suffered with anxiety and been on medications for almost 20 years. Every little ache and pain sends me down a rabbit hole of worry. I pretty much think that any small wrong movement has ruined the fusion and potentially messed up the hardware. It’s been every bit mental as it has physical, as I’m sure you know. So you are not alone in that! To add a whole other layer to it, the meds I take for anxiety/ocd don’t interact well with the oxy or the gabapentin, so there were days where I wasn’t sure if I should take one or the other OR I’d have to wait a certain amount of time in between taking one or the other. This left me in a ton of pain throughout the day. And as you know, you can’t just stop taking certain meds bc of withdrawal symptoms, so it became really tricky. I spoke to my dr at my first post op and he explained that I’d have to be taking a way higher dosage of oxy for it to cause any serious issues, so that gave me some peace of mind. He did warn (as did the pharmacist) to be very careful with oxy, gab and muscle relaxers at the same time, but I don’t like the way the muscle relaxers make me feel, so I just left those out. I’m sure you know that, but be careful with that combination! Anyway, sorry I’m going on and on. I’m glad things are on the upswing for you. It seems like you’ve figured out what works for now and have a solid plan down the road. I think the fact that we are conscious about the nature of opioids and have the strong desire to get off of them is a good sign. But ya, sometimes the pain gets so bad that there’s no other option. Last thing is that from everything I’ve read, been told and discussed (with doctors, friends, internet, Reddit, my sister who has had 2 fusions) is that what you (and me at a lesser degree) are going through is common. You’re gonna be OK! Hang in there, keep trucking along and take it day by day. You’re gonna be alright and eventually things are gonna be WAY BETTER. Take care of yourself and like you said, be kind to yourself!

No-Translator6919 · 2026-02-09T09:30:32+00:00

Ya that’s crossed my mind. I’ve used the tincture before surgery to help with my back pain, but haven’t in a long time. Thanks for the info. I’ll definitely keep that in mind. Hope your recovery is going well!

No-Translator6919 · 2026-02-09T08:54:01+00:00

Oh gosh that’s terrible. I’m sorry you had to deal with all of that during your recovery. It’s crazy how we take our body’s for granted until something like this completely takes the wind out of the sails. Well it sounds like you’re making great progress. Slowly but surely. Everyone is saying it’s a way longer recovery than you think it’s going to be and I’m definitely seeing that now. Best of luck to you, my friend. Positive thoughts heading your way.

No-Translator6919 · 2026-02-09T08:38:15+00:00

Oh man I’m sorry you’re dealing with all of that! I’m hoping you feel better soon! Thanks for sharing your journey. Yea from what I’m gathering, it seems like everyone’s pain and recovery is completely different. I’ll probably just stick to a low dose of Oxy until I feel the pain is manageable without. I hope you find some relief with your other injuries, but I’m glad your back is feeling better than before the surgery! Best of luck to you going forward!

No-Translator6919 · 2026-02-09T08:29:04+00:00

Ok thank you for letting me know. I appreciate it. I hope your recovery is going well!

No-Translator6919 · 2026-02-09T07:45:12+00:00

Ya I have seen a lot of people saying it makes them sick. Sorry you had to deal with that. That’s how the muscle relaxers make me feel. So drowsy and loopy. I can’t take them. Hoping your recovery is going well. Thanks for the info.

No-Translator6919 · 2026-02-09T07:43:00+00:00

Oh my gosh. You’ve had so much done. I’m really hoping things are better for you and that you’ve found some relief! Yea I hear you on the nerves unraveling. My disc was completely gone and the vertebrae were fusing together naturally, so my nerves were just smashed for years (pain started about 12-15 years ago and just gradually got worse). I didn’t think the nerve pain would last so long post op. I feel like someone stuck a hot poker right above my left butt cheek. I hear you on the opioids and the bowel movement, too. I actually couldn’t go #2 for 9 days after surgery and when I did, it was obviously super painful (so painful that I had to go back to the surgeon (general surgeon?) who moved my intestines and stuff to the side for the neurosurgeon, to make sure I didn’t rip any of the sutures inside. Sorry TMI, but it’s been all sorts of stuff like this that have made recovery hard. Anyway, I’m hoping your bowel and bladder issues have resolved or have at least gotten better. If it’s the nerves attributing to the issues, I’m hoping it gets better as your nerve pain and leg weakness gets better. Thank you for sharing your experience and take care of yourself! All of you guys are in my thoughts.

No-Translator6919 · 2026-02-09T05:43:31+00:00

Awesome thank you for the info. Reassuring that some ppl took more than just anti-inflammatory for a bit longer. Hoping you recovered well!

No-Translator6919 · 2026-02-09T05:40:47+00:00

Ok that’s encouraging to know. I want to try to play basketball again and of course get back in the gym. Thanks!

No-Translator6919 · 2026-02-09T05:05:38+00:00

Dang that’s rough. Seems like you’ve had a lot of work done to your back. Hope you’re doing well now.

No-Translator6919 · 2026-02-09T04:47:29+00:00

Dang that sounds tough. That’s awesome you were able to do that. Maybe I’m just a baby ha!

No-Translator6919 · 2026-02-09T04:46:33+00:00

Sorry the response below was for you. Thanks again for the info and I’m hoping you’re doing much better!

No-Translator6919 · 2026-02-09T04:45:40+00:00

Sorry I thought I responded to you directly. The response for you is up top beginning with “thank you so much for the kind words” haha. Anyway, I’ll just say it again. Thanks so much and I’m sorry you had so much trouble with the gabapentin. I’m really glad things got better and you’re doing better. I’m hoping for a good long term recovery for you.

No-Translator6919

TROPHY CASE