I had my L4-L5 complete fusion revision on December 5th. The doctor is very unclear on timelines such as driving, how much I can lift. I would like to know your experience. I am doing very well and tend to over do it.;)

I do know I cannot bend or twist.

I started driving at 5 weeks, but everyone is different. I say when you feel you are ready to drive a short distance in the car, go with someone who can take over if you feel like its too hard or start feeling drowsy. Or just plan a short drive down the street and back and see how it feels. Are you able to see your mirrors without bending and twisting etc. My husband made me a device that hooks onto the seat adjuster and allows me to pull my seat forward and back without leaning. Its like a long hook. It works great! Don't forget to wear your brace when you are in the car!
As far as lifting, I dont know that one, but I am 2 months post op and do not life anything over a few pounds.
Jen

We are all different and have different recoverys. I started driving short distances at about ten weeks a few blocks.

Hi Rain:

I didn't drive for 12 weeks post-fusion but after about 4 weeks surgeon let me go short distances in the car with my hub driving. Basically, I would walk to my little town (half a mile) and he would come get me and drive me home.

As for lifting, I was advised nothing heavier than a gallon of milk for the first 12 weeks.

Some days I felt great and did too much and then had to spend a few days in bed. Glad you're feeling better and try to be patient and good to yourself! When you overdo it, you'll know it and adjust accordingly.

Schragie

I was driving by week 4, but only short little trips that involved no pivoting of my body at all. If I couldn't find a parking space that I would just drive away, I either didnt go to that store or I found the right spot.

The doc told me that I could drive when I would have command of my safety features in the car. Such as being able to look both ways properly and see my mirrors good, etc.

The only reason my doc doesn't want me driving after 8 weeks is because of my narcotic medications. I think I'm fine :dizzy: but keep in mind your medications! You also don't want your leg going to sleep when you have to work the pedals!

Given your self-stated tendency to overdo it... I wouldn't drive if you don't have to. Not till at least 12 weeks. The reason is at some point you won't be thinking about it and you'll need to look backwards and you'll twist around... or your seat won't move or you'll drop something and you'll bend over and pull up... all really bad things to do.

But, it's up to you. I would, at the very least, have someone else in the car to look backwards for you, to pick up stuff, and to yell at you when you do something wrong. And to take over in case you get tired.

-David

PS My doc, too, also said no lifting anything heavier than a gallon of milk (8 pounds) for first 3 months.

Lots of good answers here! This has been discussed from time to time. It seems like the average people have been told about driving is 6 weeks, but that's just a gauge. I was allowed to drive at 6 weeks, but I really didn't feel safe doing it, as I was still in a lot of pain and didn't really feel stable. I only drove when I absolutely had to, like a kid needed picking up from work or I needed my meds refilled.

I was told no lifting more than 5 pounds for the first several months. That meant if the milk jug was a new one, I had to ask my kids to pour my milk. Talk about role reversal! That was humbling. It might make a difference how many levels you had fused. I had a bunch, 8 this go 'round.

You ARE going to overdo it. We all have. And we've all paid for it. Just remember, if you're feeling well now, it's because you're behaving yourself! :D Keep up the good work and just keep being careful.

Take care,
Emily

Just remember, if you're feeling well now, it's because you're behaving yourself! :D

LOL! Put that on a pillow!

Great answers everyone. I know we are all different but the surgeons should at a minimum give out some rules of thumb. They seem so evasive on the subject. I have had two different ones now and they both were the same. A nice little pamplet like they have for everything else would be great.

Thanks for the info everyone!:)

After my daughter's fusion her dr said she could drive as soon as she was off narcotics. That was at ten days and she certainly didn't feel like driving yet. He didn't even let her be a passenger in a car until her two week check up. At about 8 weeks she finally felt like driving again. cas