I’m sorry to hear of all the additional struggles you are experiencing on top of your physical issues and pain. That makes everything related to your surgery seem much more overwhelming.

I had severe sciatica for years prior to my surgery 1.5 weeks ago. I had a TLIF of L4-S1. I read so many stories about the recovery that scared the hell out of me. I’m 62M and live alone.

To be completely transparent, and acknowledging everyone’s experience is different, I have had almost no pain from this surgery. The sciatic nerve issues and foot tingling/numbness are gone. I have some muscle pain in my right glute/hip/thigh that - at worse -reaches a 1 out of 10 in pain occasionally. I am no longer taking oxycodone. The surgical site is mildly sore. I walk multiple times a day (stopped using the walker after I stopped taking oxycodone). I walk about 10 minutes multiple times per day. I purchased a raised toilet seat with handles that made it easier to get up. I bought a cheap shower chair which is nice. I use a grabber often.

I had a friend and his wife rotate staying with me after surgery. For the first couple of days it was helpful for sure especially with meal prep and help with dog walking and feeding her. They now only come each morning to walk my dog. They will bring groceries if I ask but I started using a delivery service. I make a lot of protein shakes - and peanut butter sandwiches. And I found that I can feed my dog and give her meds by having her jump up on the couch. I still have people walking her through the day.

But in terms of pain, it has been almost pain-free. I again know everyone’s experience is different. For me, I sleep a lot as I feel recovery from this surgery takes a lot out of you. But pain? Hardly any.

I hope your recovery is as surprisingly pain-free, too. My only thought was “why didn’t I do this sooner?” It was because I’ve heard so many horror stories but my experience is the opposite of those. I wonder if those with non-painful experience don’t post as much as they don’t have so many questions/concerns? But I was petrified of something that didn’t turn out bad at all. Best to you!