Hi Billie,

I've had this joint fused (and later the next joint). I found it very straightforward.

It's definitely beneficial if you can get into a rehab facility for a couple of weeks post surgery to help with recovery, and then continue with physio for as long as you can. My surgery was 4 years ago but I still do physio at home every day. I had a soft lumbar brace for a couple of months afterwards.

I had minimal pain - I was on Endone but stopped after a couple of days post surgery. Are you having ALIF (cut is through the abdomen not the back)?

Think of it as a nice relaxing holiday - I call hospital "Club Medication" 😝 You get fed, bathed & best of all, free drugs!

Advanced OA, L cuboid/lateral cuneiform arthrodesis 2016, ALIF spinal fusions L6-S1 2013, L5-L6 2011, microdiscection L5-L6 2010, extra lumbar vertebrae, spina bifida occulta L4, bilateral carpal tunnel decompression 1997, fibromyalgia, migraines, asthma, ectopic heartbeat, essential tremors, tenosynovitis R ankle, rock n roll in a Quickie Q7