I am going on 7 months since my fusion at L5/s1 and I am wondering if anyone had similar problems. My fusion fused great according to xrays and my doctor, but I am having a terrible time standing for prolonged periods of time, for example just being on my feet walking around or standing just kills my back, it seems like the muscles are slowly but gradually swelling tremendously, and it pretty much disables me for the rest of the day. Can anyone explain whats going on here, maybe. Also, my doctor only put me in pt for 4 weeks then sent me straight to Work conditioning afterwards for 4 weeks then rated me at MMI a few weeks ago(he said no functional capacity test was needed). I just think pt was really short for a fusion patient, my brother just had a disectomy and he has 8 weeks of pt, were at the same age to 30/32. If anyone can help out with the persistant pain when standing or point me to some resources on that would be great, thank you.

I was almost afraid to answer anyone on this board,I had al4,5 fusion ayear ago oct 27.I am completely miserable and Im having the same problems. cant stand, sit work,play live!!!!!!!! I take so much med. just to get thru the day that I cant even think staight or spell! I'm at a total loss, I dont even know what to do anymore. Believe me when I say I,ve tried everything! You and I must have the same Dr.
misery

as stated on other threads

Please go to a rhumotologist and get a full arthitus work up
many folks go first to ortho or nero and miss out on other things that could be contriubting factors

THough it may seem simple it's not they look at other alterantives that may be causign the problems . Imflamation is very common cause of pain......

i wish you both and all of us dealing with pain long after the surgery answers and hope and relief..........