What to ask 6 months post op fusion

[kangaroo]

Hey everyone,

I will be accompanying my Father this Thursday for a L5/S1 posterior fusion 6 months post op appointment (orthopaedic surgeon).

We are hoping the fusion has now started (did not show up during the 3 months appointment) and that the instrumentation is alright.

Dad is definitely not getting that much better since the past few weeks. Flexibility and strength are still quite lacking and most things he needs help with. He hasn't been able to work for a while either.

The only positive is that his pain levels are quite stable even after stopping Endone (stopped it 2 weeks ago). He still takes Lyrica 75mg twice a day. We'll ask whether that needs to be tapered down or not.

I was wondering if there are any tips and pointers on what to ask and look out for during this 6 months post op visit. We will be taking the pain level chart that Dad has been filling out as well.

Thanks for the help everyone.