Originally Posted by topsi4

My fusion was a bit different - I am fused T4-pelvis but I think the recovery would be similar. When you first get home, you will need assistance to do just about everything, but you will recover fast. No housework, no bending or twisting. You may require help showering and you may need a raised toilet seat and a grabber. Write down your pill-taking schedule and stick to it meticulously. The drugs will make you forgetful so write down everything that you take, when you take it. Or hand over the responsibility to someone you trust. As you begin to ease off the narcotics, your head will be clearer. I needed help getting out of bed for a day or two but once the improvements started, things got better very quickly. I walked every day, going further and further. This was the only exercise my surgeon would allow. I was told 12 months off work, but I was pretty much good to go at 3 months. I went on holiday at 6 months where I snorkled, trekked, swam and walked for miles. When I got home, I did a large garden renovation. By 12 months I am doing everything I did pre-op except without the pain. Good luck!