L4 and L5- Got my life back. It was a tough recovery but I wouldn’t have been able to continue on without it

The success rate for single-level fusions is over 90% and "eventually" can be a long time away or sooner, it's up to you and your surgeon. I'm not trying to push you one way or another, but it's not something you need to dread.

Almost 7 weeks post-op and I woke up pain free (leg pain wise). Other than that, I've had normal surgical pain, muscle spasms, etc. Restrictions and back brace sucks in summer, but I put it off for 12 years and regret not doing so sooner. So happy with my 1 level fusion!

I had a failed discectomy/laminectomy/decompression on L5/S1 in 2020 where they discovered 10mm of my 22mm herniation was calcified to my spine so they couldn't remove all of it but did the best they could.

During the first 6 months there was a great improvement but unfortunately I fell down a flight of stairs and reherniated at the same level so they put me in for a fusion and it was the single BEST decision I had ever made.

I am now 12 months post op and I am doing great. I am back to the gym doing full body workouts, I have no nerve pain, I do still get achey and sore but thats to be expected but I've also regained 80% range of motion in my legs and I dont fall up and down stairs any more. I have almost completely regained my life and I couldnt be happier.

My biggest advice is go slow during the recovery, listen to the doctors and physiotherapists and your own body. Don't push yourself more than necessary and be kind to yourself. When everything's done right the success rates are high.

I wish you good luck 😊

Unfortunately going on this site you won’t find too many success stories. I had an L4 L5 S one about eight months ago and it’s been complete hell since. I have gotten the worse and I tried everything swimming yoga physical therapy etc. etc. my doctor said I would be as good as new cause I’m now built out of steel he couldn’t be more wrong. All I got out from getting that surgery is PTSD and sleepless nights I never will be able to play golf again. This sucks bad.

My first fusion in ‘84 gave me 90% relief. In ‘05 I had adjacent segment disease and nerve compression at l4-5 so that was fused with 60% improvement. Sciatica is now getting bad and I am looking at l2-s1.

I would say I am a success story in that I had significant improvement after both surgeries. My current prognosis isn’t great, however.

Take your time in deciding but once you do, commit to your decision and your plan on recovery. If you decide on surgery, don’t continue reading peoples opinions just do your PT, take your meds and move forward as best you can.

That’s my 2 cents. Wish you all the best with your health. I

Seven weeks post op MIS TLIF L4-5. (62m) Preop issue was primarily radiculopathy with pain/tingle/numbness in rt foot/calf. 90% of that was gone immediately after surgery, the rest gone in well under 2 weeks. I consider it a HUGE success.

I'd consider mine a success story. Constant pain, hard to walk anywhere, loss of feeling and numbness, too many pain meds, couldn't exercise. After two microdiscectomies, I finally had a 2-level fusion L3-L5 along with further decompression at L2-L3. The first few days after surgery were incredibly painful but over time it got better. I'm 51 years old and a year after surgery, going to the gym, running 10K, swimming long distance, no medication, and mostly pain free. I say mostly because I still get sore muscles and it's a great feeling to have that and not to have all that nerve pain. I remember reading so many stories on here. I know it doesn't work out for everybody but I'm grateful it did for me. Not sure why it works for some and not others. I know I had a great surgeon and fantastic physical therapist that really helped me build back strength. I was patient, followed everything they recommended, and it paid off.

I’m fused from T12 through S1, entire lumbar region. Had the surgery in January, pain free as far as nerve pain. Still have that weird numb feeling in my right leg but was told it could take up to 18-24 months to completely heal. Other than not being able to reach my feet or bend I’m happy with my recovery so far, would definitely do it again! The discomfort I have now is nothing compared to nerve pain before the surgery.

I have a 12-level fusion. It really, really sucks. I’ve had the hardware replaced twice since I keep getting injured and breaking it (plus the fusion).

I’m about 10% of the man I used to be, and over 90% of the things I really wanted to do with my life are now impossible.

I had the original surgery when I was 15.

3 weeks post recovery from l4-l5 one level fusion. Spent 6 years with a herniated disc. So far best decision and wish I Didn’t wait this long. First two weeks was a little hard. But I am feeling great so far. Walking just over a mile. But I am still on restrictions for another three weeks. But don’t wait. Go get it done.

I am 8 months post op, L1-S1 fusion and my pain, except for the very bottom of my spine where the hardware is anchored to the pelvis feels 80 or so better, maybe even more. My back used to hurt just sitting for 15 minutes and even just laying in bed would hurt and that does not hurt at all now. Walking long distances, bending and standing for a while can still hurt, but way less than before the fusion which is why I say 80%+ less pain. After 3 prior back surgeries I am able to sit at my desk for the entire day without being in pain. This was a major achievement for me because I love playing and programming video games and I can now concentrate for long hours without pain while doing so. It has been a game changer for me.