Recovery from Multi-Level Lumbar Spinal Fusion

[SnarkyBritches]

Hello Medhelp Community!

I am new to this site and hoping to share my experience with mental and physical health issues as well as find support managing mine.

I have suffered from degeneretive disc disease, stenosis, and spondylosis of my lumbar spine for 20 years. In the last 8 months, my condition has deteriorated to the point of causing debilitating pain and numbness in both legs. The degree of curvature, disc distinegration, and instability of my lumbar spine (L2-S1) is so severe that I have no choice but to undergo lumbar spinal fusion at 4 levels. My surgeon is very conservative and only recommends fusion, even at one or two levels, if PT or disc replacement isn't sufficient.
4 major nerves in my spine are being crushed and I will end up in a wheel chair with permanent nerve damage and intractable pain if I don't do this. I am 40 years old and a single parent to my 8 year old son. I'm pretty overwhelmed and terrified, but know it's the only chance I have of regaining some mobility and relieving the nerve pain in my legs.I am scheduled to have this fusion on May 22nd, which is in 17 days.

Has anyone here had a fusion of 2 or more levels in their lumbar spine? I'd love to hear anyone's experience and would appreciate any tips or suggestions for post-op recovery. I plan on sharing my experience in the hopes of helping others who may be facing this procedure in the future.

Thanks so much!
~Dee

[AzDiamond]

Dee,

Good luck to you!  I hope your post op is going well and your pain level is manageable.  How was your surgery?  What was the final procedure?   I am currently waiting on insurance approval and go from there....