Hi, three months ago I had a spinal fusion L5 - S1. I am still have a lot of trouble with my legs and a heavy feeling in the fusion area. Has anyone had this operation if so what was your recovery rate or how are you feeling now.

After the surgery- Spinal Fusion

After surgery Recovery from spinal fusion surgery happens in stages as your body heals. The first stage of recovery involves the healing of the incision and soft tissues. This will happen over the first few weeks. Movement, such as walking, does a lot to help with healing. You can expect to be doing some walking as soon as the day after surgery, and you will be expected to walk every day after that. Your doctor may also have you go to physical or occupational therapy for gentle exercise in the early weeks of recovery.

Your doctor will monitor and evaluate the bone fusion throughout your recovery. This will mean visits to the doctor's office, where x-rays will be taken to see how the bone is fusing. Your doctor will tell you what things you can do to help your recovery.

Complete fusion surgery takes months, and recovery is different, for each patient. Depending on how many levels of your spine are fused, you may notice some changes in the flexibility of your back. Your doctor will tell you what you can expect during your recovery.

Spinal fusion surgery using a pedicle screw system is designed to stabilise your spine, giving you the ability to move more easily and with less pain. For most people, spinal fusion surgery offers significant relief and improved ability to move and function in their daily lives.

After Surgery - Dynesys Dynamic Stabilisation

It may take several weeks to fully recover from pain resulting from the surgery. However, you may feel almost immediate relief of any leg pain. Back pain should diminish over time now that the vertebrae have been stabilised and nerves are no longer compressed. In most cases, a short hospital stay is required to ensure you adjust to oral pain medication and can move without any problems. Most patients return home within a few days.

Following your surgery, your doctor will prescribe rehabilitation and follow-up visits as needed. It's important to follow your physician's instructions carefully to help ensure a full and quick recovery.

You need to modify your normal lifestyle to adjust to your spinal implant. You will gain more stability as your back muscles heal. Though you may be able to continue living life as normal, some measures need to be taken to preserve your back.
At Home

You need to modify your normal lifestyle to adjust to your spinal implant. Further regular exercises will be recommended to care for your back. These will strengthen muscles and your entire back. Though you may be able to continue living life as normal, some measures need to be taken to preserve your back.

To keep from overloading the implant:

* Do not carry heavy-weight objects
* Do not make large motions (2).

You may engage in some sports again, but only in a progression after few weeks, depending on your situation, the success of your therapy and the state of your muscles. Ask your doctor first. Your doctor can give you more information on what is right for you.

(2) Your doctor will give substantial details according to your case.

Symptoms To Watch For After Surgery
As your doctor will explain, any surgery involves risk. After surgery, if you have any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor:

* Signs of infection (fever, chills, redness around the incision, increased pain, a feeling of pressure in the spine)
* Bleeding or excessive drainage from the incision
* Sudden pain, or a significant increase in your pain level
* Loss of feeling in your hands or feet
* Increased or ongoing shortness of breath

Are complications possible?

Surgery always involves some risk. General surgical complications may include:

* reactions to anesthesia
* heart attack
* infection
* blood vessel damage/bleeding
* bruise (hematoma)
* pneumonia
* blood clots
* wound closure problems
* death

Potential risks associated with the implantation of the Dynesys System are similar to those associated with any spinal fusion procedure and those risks specific to the implantation of other pedicle-screw systems. They may include:

* tear in the outer lining of the spinal cord which may result in spinal fluid leakage
* temporary decreased or absent intestinal function
* leg pain
* nerve complications
* fractured sacrum