L3-L4 spinal fusion surgery experience.
I underwent l3-l4 spinal fusion surgery on Wednesday, May 13th. Surgery was scheduled for 7:30...went in right on time. Surgery was two hours in length....with two hours in recovery. I am 61 year old male that weighed 290 pounds at the time of surgery. (Weighed 340 two months prior to procedure.) Surgeon said he preferred to go in from the side rather than directly through the back. (Which was the reason for the weight loss. )(He says less complications and quicker recovery using the "side" procedure. ) I fast forward to today, Tuesday, May 19th. I am off of Oxycodone (took one in the evening for four days to help with sleeping. ) I am "relatively " pain free. Procedure was clean out disc, insert "gate" with bone graft. Screws and rods for stability. As of today, I am off all pain killers. I know it's a long journey to full success, but just a little positive story for those considering the surgery. I will try and answer any questions and provide details that I can. Best wishes to those who are in line for surgery.