1 week since XLIF

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Just an update on how i'm doing one week after my XLIF.  Please keep in mind I had a total right knee replacement 8 months ago and the compressed nerves/ disc in my back prevented my quads & leg to fully heal and recover from that surgery so that has added a few more issues to this surgery. I stayed overnight in the hospital and was not allowed out of bed till the next day, I did have a catheter.  For me the pain was quite bad but I was not only dealing with new the surgery pain but "delayed" pain in my quads & leg as the damaged nerves are now  fixed and sending pain signals from the total knee replacement.  It took 3 days for me to get the pain under control and now I'm basically taking Advils for pain.  I have an incision on my right side and 3 incisions on my right side back. My surgeon set up a visisting nurse and occupational therapy a few times a week. I'll be wearing a brace for 6 weeks then will start some pyhsical therapy.  Getting in and out of bed is difficult but with my husbands help it's getting easier.  In the long run this surgery will have give me back my quality of life and I wouldn't hesitate to do it again. 

Best of luck to you all,  Patty Lee

2

Where are you in the world? I'm looking into this but in backwards Scotland there seems to be no one that can perform it. It's old style fusion or continue with the pain.

Glad you can now get on the mend properly. All the best.

3

Thank you so much patty lee for sending your good news and great to hear how you are doing.

its certainly reassured me my op is jan 20 

4

It's important to know everyone's experience is different, know you'll be in pain & uncomfortable but it won't last long.  Be prepared with a gripper, cain/walker, i call mine "the potty chair" with handles to go over  the toliet, I re-organized comfortable clothes to wear in my armour, slip on shoes and my occupational therapist gave me a devise to help put sock on, I'd never seen one before!  My husband took off a few weeks from work to be with me also.  The hospital also gave me a   "Z-Slider Patient Transfer/Repositioning Sheet".  It was wonderful for getting in & out of the car & bed. 

Best of luck & keep in touch

5

Thank you patty lee I will certainly take up your advicex