Has any other nurses had back surgery (mainly L4-L5 fusions) and how did your recovery go? Also, what work were you doing prior to surgery/after recovery, did you need to career change? Or did you have to early retirement?

I had my L4-L5 fusion done in 2017. I had been a dental assistant and worked in various areas in dental jobs for 27 years then became an RN for 9 years before my back gave out. When it went, IT WENT!! I had a rough go of my 12+ hour shifts until I had the surgery then when I did have the surgery it was the most painful thing EVER!!! I am tough but MAN THAT WAS TOUGH!! I was on my pain pills round the clock but I did well. Was off work for 3 and 1/2 months. It had to be done tho…. I am doing good now. I have to take gabapentin 300mg BID but it works well and I can still work just fine. No early retirement for this girl!