4 months after L3-L4-L5 lumbar fusion and laminectomies

Four month update following my L3-L5 lumbar fusion and laminectomy at two levels. My symptoms continue to fluctuate but overall I feel that I’m better. I still have some numbness and tingling, especially in my right lower leg and foot. But I’ve increased my walking and average around four miles a day with a high of seven miles.
I’m able to bend much easier and I continue to walk with normal shoes as opposed to wearing crocs which is all I could wear before. I also started PT to strengthen my core. Besides walking I’m doing my elliptical runner and recumbent bike at home, as well as swimming some laps in the pool. It does seem like my symptoms get worse worse if I sit too long so the key is to stay moving!

[@caballeroandandante8714]

Thanks is very helpfully

[@brentdamman9720]

Very helpful. Thank you

[@billiemeadows8523]

Love the video thanks for sharing. I just had the same surgery October 3 and 5th. I'm trying to move and get up but the pain is almost unbearable. I hope to have better days soon.

[@bds1367]

Hang in there my friend - the beginning is the worst. But any walking you can do will help. do you see the surgeon soon for follow up?

[@billiemeadows8523]

@BD S I had my post OP visit. He did x-rays. I understand my surgery was very major and more work had to be done that was initially diagnosed. But it's been over a month and the pain in my leg has not eased up.

[@bds1367]

@@billiemeadows8523 what did the surgeon say about your x-rays? Is the pain in your leg exactly the same as before?

[@billiemeadows8523]

@@bds1367 they said everything is in place. It's this nerve pain. I guess there was a lot of damage they woke up a nerve that's been asleep for 30 yrs.

[@billiemeadows8523]

How do we have all these immunizations for everything but I'm taking a crap load of meds for one nerve. Makes no sense.

[@JosePalma-hg1wl]

Hi am also at 4 months post l5 s1 fusion
Today i went to fallow up apointment with my surgeon no bone growing forming yet how many months did it take for you ? For bone growt star forming ?

[@bds1367]

I think it was around 6-7 months when the X-ray started to show that the fusion was forming. It takes 12-18 months for it to fully fuse if I remember correctly. So 4 months is still pretty early I would say. Good luck! Wishing you a successful recovery!