This is my 3rd back surgery. Spinal fusion with bone graft level 4 and 5. It has been 3and a half weeks. I am trying to get off my vicodin. I have cut my vicodin ES pills in two and taking them 4 times a day, trying to wean myself off them. Problem is the pain in my left leg and buttock seems as bad as before surgery. Also still have pain especially where they took bone out of hip. Does everyone experience same kind of pain and how long does it usually last? I get very discouraged. My doctor says it may take quite a while. I don't know that he knows that I am weaning myself off of Vicodin. He says you aren't supposed to drive while taking this. I hope to go back to work soon. Please I need some encouragement.

magnetlady45
I am 5 weeks post op L5-S1 fusion, but the doctor did not have to use hip bone for grafting. He used the new procedure called infuse. My leg pain has all gone. I do have some buttock pain at times. Mostly when I set too long. I am now able to walk twice daily a mile each time.The bone graft site from what I have read will hurt worse than anywhere else and for much longer. I think going off the meds is good. I have stopped all my pain meds 2 weeks ago.Not sure if you told or not, but walk as much as you can. That really helps. Use ice packs on your hip after each walk and when you hurt.
Good luck and I hope things get better for you.
Alex

How long did it take for your leg pain to go away? Please encourage me.

I was lucky I guess, maybe 2 weeks max the pain was gone, but then again remember I only had a one level fusion.It seems like from what you have said that you most likely have some nerve impingment or nerves that are still very agravated. Give it some more time. I think it will ease of each week.
Good luck
Alex

thanks a lot! My husband is trying to encourage me. He keeps telling me that it has only been 3and a half weeks. My doctor says that the nerve has been pinched for so long that it make take time and then again he can't promise me anything. I asked him if I would always experience pain and he says that is a possibility and he can't tell me how much pain. I was so discouraged. He says my back was so unstable, that is why we went with the fusion. Could have possibly created even more problems if we wouldn't have done the surgery.

by the way what is infuse?

http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif How did I know you were going to ask that.
The best thing I can do is send you a web site. Too complicated for me. http://www.medtronicsofamordanek.com/patient-spinal-infuse.html

Hope that helps
Alex