When Does fusion start?

[bigdonkey1]

I have been here before. I had single level fusion on the L2-L3 joint on 6/11/09. I am 9 weeks postop. I did have a successful double level fusion on the 2 lower levels in 2007 with great succcess. It took a good 6 months for me to feel great, 4 months to be pain free. This time is different. I am in more pain at the same time period as before. slowly weaning myself off of opiods. but still in moderate pain.
I went to see the DR today for a check up due to a flare up following a lengthy plane ride. After his customary 5 second glance at the xray, he said everything looks good but it is not fused yet. I know from before that it can take a yr to fully fuse.
But my great worry is that it will not fuse.
Is it normal to NOT see any fusing from the xray after only 9 weeks?
When should he be able to see fusing?
If there is nothing showing on the xray at this point it may not indicate that it is not fusing just not showing up yet?
thank You
Gary

[bigdonkey1]

how are you feeling now? Are you all better now? After 3  months it was showing up on the xray? then as time went on each time it showed more fusing going on?

[hags4christ]

I am no doctor but I had bi lateral fusion of the L4-S1 8 years ago and it took about 3 months for the fusion to really show up.
Hope this helps