I had the same fusion L5- S1 three years ago. My spine was actually broken and my nerves were exposed. The recovery was difficult at first, but after four months I was driving and back to work. It's important to keep active but not to overdue it. Good luck and KIP

I have had surgery 3 times on the L4-L5-S1 last one being June 2016 my recovery time wasn't as long as I had thought it would be but all of the surgeries are different good luck with yours

I had that fusion in 2016 after the first one did not work. Bad surgeon. You will have agonizing pain for about 3 days after surgery. Pain killers will help and I suggest you tell or ask your doctor you need to stay in the hospital until that agonizing pain starts to get better. You see the pain not only comes from the operation but the brain needs to get use to the hardware. I wish you a speedy recovery

YolandaGomez, On that subject I have pain too, but had 3 surgeries and am now staring down at another scalpel for another go round on L4-L5-S1, having had pain almost since the last one but not nearly as bad as now, Up until recently was manageable with Tylenol extra strength, it still dulls the pain a little but have gotten way out of control I hope this helps you in your decision, I know you don't feel like you need another surgery, but then again maybe you do, if I had it all to do over again the second and third surgeries would never had being diagnosed with Parapareisis which in other words is inpending paralyisis of my body waist down is indeed a scary thought so if faced with another please unless you really trust your surgeon think hard before commiting to another sending gentle hugs your way

I had the surgery it's been 4 months now. I have other issues after surgery with the facets and my SI joint still having pain