Hello,
I found this community after researching the internet for problems I'm encountering after back surgery. I had L4-L5-S1 fusion on Feb 21, 2011. The healing process has been challenging, and I'm in more pain now than before my surgery. Howwever, my main complaint now is nightime leg cramps in my left leg and the top of my left foot. I read on this forum that calcium, magnesium, turmeric, flax seed oil, and dried apricots should help. So today I just received my package of goodies and will start this regimine today. As others have posted, these cramps are excruciating and keep me up all hours of the night. I can even induce the cramps by turning my foot and leg a certain way. I am deployed to Afghanistan right now so the best I can do is try these supplements and do stretching and strengthening exercises. I return to the US in June and will seek medical attention then. If anyone out there has experienced the same issues after surgery, I would love to hear about it...especially if you've been successful with my approach or have some alternatives.
Thanks,
Steve

Steve, I have had 3 surgeries since March '08, the first was L4-l5 S 1 fusion, it did not fuse so it had to be done again in Sept of same year. To reply to your post, Yes I experience the same thing you do and I really wish I had some encouraging news for you. I know every case is not the same and every body is not the same so my wish and prayer for you is that you do find relief in the regimen that you are trying, I REALLY do. I am in excruciating pain daily. It may have nothing to do with my first fusion , and you may heal and be fine. I have on the other hand not been so lucky. But, I have experienced the same thing you are speaking of and was told it was the nerves. I have been given many different kinds of meds to try and remedy it and as of today nothing is helping. I do wish you the best and pray you get relief. The way it sounds you are military and if that is so , I want to take this opportunity to Thank You for your service to our country. God Bless!