I have just had my spine, L4, L5, S1 fused, 2 weeks ago for spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis (not to mention DJD, arthritis, etc.) I injured myself catching my grandaughter in the pool, suffered with sciatica for a year. Had PT, helped a lot, but did not solve. Had no rides every week to do epidural, besides that is not a cure, just pain relief. The PT suggested I might have spondylolisthesis when he noticed my vertibrae (S1) sticking out of my back about .5 in. Anyhow, day of surg and next day were terrible. Went home in 2 days, back at work (managment) in less than 2 weeks. So far no sciatica type pain. (initially it "shot out of my R big toe" every morning this is my only description. But took narcotics for a year, finally decided, had to be FIXED. Wonderful choice! Orthopedic surgeon did an ALIF (essenially came from my belly). But now I have possible bursitis in the hip on the same side of the sciatica but not the same as the incisions. Dr's office says with this surg. sometimes bursitis develops. Anybody understand how? By the way, I was very scared about having this surg.(living alone didn't help) and I am not all healed and done yet, but so far it has been wonderful and I would encourage anyone to do this but look around go to different Dr.s; they have different techniques.