As I have explained, I am about 5-6 weeks post OP; should I still need pain meds? I feel like a wimp, but I still hurt, especially my left foot and by left buttock. I have to go in for my 6 week check up and I feel like he's goig to discourage medication. My other issue is: it hurts to sit (even in recliner) for more than 20 minutes and I do my walking to meals, bathroom, and around the house, but the rest of the time I am in bed on my side - is this normal?
Hi lisa95879! So sorry you are in pain! I am not an expert, except for the fact that I have had fusion surgery. I was on pain meds for the first 2 months, then weaned off for about a month, then Tylenol to this day. Sitting was not my friend for about 4 months. Oh, how I wished I could just sit comfortably at 6 weeks out!! I still cannot sit for extended periods at almost 6 months post op. Walking is a must! You are not a wimp!! You just had a major surgery! Ice, rests throughout the day, a good diet, and counting your blessings, that's key. I got depressed about what I could not do until I started thinking about what I COULD do. Every day, a little more. I hope this helps! Hugs to you!
I had a microdistectomy 1/15. I am still having pain in my right hip are. Never had that pain before the surgery. If I sleep the wrong way, I get up very sore. Sitting will get better. You just cannot sit for long periods of time. Sometimes I wish that I would have continued with pt and not had the surgery. I feel that I am worst now. Pain everyday.. Sorry that I could not be of better help to you.. Perhaps you will do better. My doctor is not very understanding. Continue stretching and pt as long add the dr said it's ok to do. Best of luck!
Lisa,
I had the same problem the issue was the nerves that they tried to fix but ended up with drop foot and no feeling down my left leg, what happened was when the disc exploded when in therapy he cut my nerves on the left side by the time I got a second opinion the Dr tried to fix it but it was to much damage in nerves, still to this day I have no feeling in my left leg, its been since 1999. And I'm still looking for relief. I'm limited to walking and I have to sleep on right side. Have stimulator but that's a bust too. Nothing seems to work. It's so discouraging I'm still on all my meds and I can only take walking for ten mins in a store. I wish you the best in finding answers and I hope you can get relief.
Take care
Cindy
I think it depends on you. Everyone is different. I had fusion in Feb still on pain killers now. I also found out today I have two bulging discs in my neck. Take each day at a time. You've had major surgery and you are still healing. Hope you get well soon
Lisa YOU need to get out of bed and walk also you have to exercise. I hope you have a walker if you do put the walker in front of a chair or couch.
some exercises too do with the walker in front push up on your toes,walk in place/then sit and do leg kicks and toe taps do three sets of
Lisa I didn't mention that I had. Spinal fusion on my L2 L3 L4 L5
dont I've up!!!!!!
its been five week post op. Also try to get Theraphy
Cynthia,
Oh my. You've had quite the challenges. I, too, went in with slight nerve damage in my left foot (from a prior surgery) and came out of my S1-L5 surgery with almost complete numbness in my foot. I, too, sleep only on my right side. I am so sorry you have been dealing with this for so long. Hopefully something or someone will come along and offer you some proprt help. Thanl you so much for telling me of your experience and take good care.
Lisa
Mariav,
I agree with you Mariav. I have those same thoughts about wishing I wouldn't have had surgery, but I was failing at the one thing I do best: my job, which is high school teaching. My doctor is good but not very sympathetic, either. Thank you for telling me that sitting will get better, because right now it is very hard.
Take care of yourself and thanks for your support,
Lisa
Bru, I see my doctor for 6 week check up on Tuesday. He says he doesn't order therapy until 3 months.
Lisa
Hi lisa95879! Do you have ins that would pay or help pay for in home Therphy??im asking because my dr (dr Zimmerman) ordered in home Therphy 1wk after I was released and I had Therphy for one month
Please try to get some
do you have a walker? This would be so much easier if you could email me.
Have you been doing specific exercises to strengthen your muscles? I'm 10 days post op and although I still have pain it is pretty isolated to the site of my surgery.
I'm taking T3's as needed which is usually every 4 hours.
Are you using a back brace? If not I suggest you get one for stability. Mine has a hot/cold pack that came with it. I use it if I'm sitting for more than 15 minute.
I've read that it could take up to six months for everything to heal so don't be too hard on yourself & make sure you write down all of your concerns to take for your follow up appointment.....stay positive