Had dissectomies and lumbar fusion L3-S1 two weeks ago. Post op information is had to find so would really like to hear from others.
One thing I have noticed is bilateral hip pain
thank you all in advance
I had back pain to the pont i was in a chair, on xray turned out my hips were the worse had THR and ypee back pain nearly gone
Thank you Lynn. I'm maybe just a little impatient having had back for nearly 3 years
Hi what is THR please?
Hi there
i just did a post to you and lost it how I don't know.
i had DISCETOMY April 13. PLIF AND CYST REMOVED JULY THIS YR.
im still in lots of pain especially in both hips, forgot trying to do anything beofre lunchtime! I went out for a lil wander and coffee with parents and was in massive pain rest of eve and into night. My sleep is always disturbed due to pains in hips and down legs, also numbness in Toes and burning sensation in big toe on one foot.
i am all set for a phased return to work at beginning of January however I'm dreading it as I don't seem to be progressing as I thought I would. The pain drives me mad and so does being on Tramadol for over two years grrrr!
also you can read my journey on here 😥
I think total hip replacement
lols I should have sussed that , doh me! Lols
how you doing today. Out of interest how did you find the first week or so following the op?
hi shaunagh i had a simmular op 8 years ago l5s1 and ever since ive had the same prob it might be something to do with the sacrum jiont and nerve endings hope this helps all the best graham
hi, should have said total hip replacrment, The best thing I ever did, recovery is a dodle, first couple of weeks stiff but no real pain, but do your research, i am in France and they are brill, went to rehab for 5 weeks, would do it again no probs and I am a wuss
Hello ,
I had a lamanectamy and lumar fusion on november 5th . I have had al sorts of pain from aching to feeling of fire on my right thigh and sometimes water running down my thigh . The way my surgon explains he had to go through my right side to operate and move muscles etc. to get to my spine . I will tell you it is getting better but still aches and I still take some oxycodone in the morning and evening . One thing that has helped me is walking . It is sopposed to strech out mucles, tendons, nereves and keep the scar tissuse from sticking together . I went through hell and I am sure you did also . I had severve depression right after surgery . Everthing is improving, but very slowly . Feel free to ask what you like . I think being proactive with your health is important and knowledge is power .I think walking is key to a better recovery . nate
I wanted to say one more thing . Don't be to hard on yourself and whatever you do ,DON'T BEND OVER ! I think it interrupts the fusion process and cause pain . I was using a recliner and found that getting up was killing me . It feels like it is starting to fuse together now since I am being more conscious of not bending and picking up things . It is extremely hard to take it easy but you have to do it .Don't feel bad about sleeping and taking naps . Your body has just gone through a very traumatic procedure and needs to repair itself . I drink a lot of water to hydrate and also to give my organs a break from all the pills and the anesthesia you have had .
hi n8ster bending over will not interupt the fusion its like any op gentle exersise helps with the heeling prosses other wise you will seize up and be in more pain all the best graham
They were very specific in the hospital and said buy one of those picker uppers and don't bend down to pick anything up and don't lift 10 pounds for at least a month .I know in my back I have a plate and screws and also a bone graph with stem cells to enhance the growth . I know the less I do the less it hurts . I had stenosis also and they did some bone removal also so I could be a different case . It is very hard for me to take it easy . They told me the best thing to do is to work up to walking an hour a day and I have to say it does feel good . Just standing doesn't feel very good . I think I have a spacer in my disk also . I was pretty messed up, still am unfortunately .I think they just want to give the fusion an advantage . I think all discussion is good and support of each other is very helpful , thanks .
Happy to share my experience at 6 months out...I live in the US and am 66. This is a bit long, but I do hope it can help and reassure you and the others replying.
I agree with those who say to be patient and not too hard on yourself. It sure is major trauma to your body, and many connective tissues, nerves must adapt. I believe it will take a year for me to feel "normal" - whatever the new normal will be ;-) I seem to improve each month. Also a 'type b' so not as difficult for me to go slow as a 'type A.' We must not overdo bending, lifting, reaching...and stay off the floor as much as possible - I find that aggravates and causes pain.
Take MANY breaks if you must sit all day or be on your feet. Varying sitting, standing, walking seems to work best. Pickers...I have one in each room and my car ;-)...the inexpensive ones here are $2 US. Wonderful gadgets for everyone, actually.
My surgery... L5 spondylolisthesis, Fusion of L4, 5 and S1 (born with S1 not attached to sacrum looks like an L6). Involved shaving off bone, moving L5, 2 rods, six screws, titanium baskets with bone inside for the fusions (some my bone, some from bone bank). Doctors say I'm doing well and next check up January 8.
I am now free of stabbing pains and 80% of sciatic pain, but still pretty sore in hip, buttock, sacroiliac joint regions with tweaks and spasms there and in legs occasionally. More on the left where I had sciatic pain for years before surgery was the best option. Especially if physical therapy is too rigorous - I insist they must go slow and easy - even tho' I am thin - as I haven't been in good shape for a long time. My neurosurgeon did not release me for therapy until 4 months.
Very important to get up and move...again vary your positions. I am able to walk outside and some days can do only a block or two, some days more. Still taking meds for nerve pain, muscle spasm, and a mild pain pill, Tramadol, when needed. No narcotics since 1st month.
I have been told that because of realignment, our muscles, ligaments, nerves have to stretch and adapt to the new structure. A slow process. I feel straighter and I like that... I have less Lordosis (swayback). Even looks different when I stand sideways in front of the mirror. I do feel the resistance in that area...perhaps why much of the pain. That area is flatter on the outside since some of the boney structures had to be removed.
Overall, I'm pretty pleased with how it's going and so glad I had this done before I got any older. I recommend anyone else considering surgery do plenty of research and making sure you get to the right clinic and surgeon. Mine was a neurosurgeon and I wouldn't have had it any other way. We have a wonderful clinic here in Phoenix - Barrows Neuro.
Any questions, please write to me. I'm happy to help where I can.
PS...Like n8ster, walking feels good. Actually, it's what the surgeon recommended before PT..."walk, walk, walk" he said..."within your limits." We all know our bodies. I feel best walking, along with some upper body exercises I got in skilled nursing after surgery. I have 3 more PT appts. this year and think I will go back to walking. After PT I need a day or two to rest and relax muscles and I don't walk then or feel that great. Anyone else feel this way?
I was trying to ween of meds to soon I think . It's been a month .walking feels good but the next day I didn't feel so good. I felt pretty stiff , so back to pain meds . I figure taking them and walking is better than not moving . Plus I read it's good to move as soon as you can so the scar tissue doesn't sieze you up , and I have plenty of that .I like near san francisco where it's cooler and put my mattress warmer on . It helps me sleep .
Just read your posts on here , thank you for that it really helps. I wasn't told about the walk walk walk bit mmmmm dunno if it would make difference as every thing I doin addition to a normal day hurts like hell and I Mean really hurts. I have already been through Xancer and chemo at 23 , just so u know I Am not a wuss! I didn't expect it to still be this bad now my op was 9/7. So a good 5months now.
Not sure what state your in but You may consider a medical marijuana card . There is a strain with a concentration of cbd that doesn't get you high so much but has a pain relieving quality . You can google cbd and find out more . It is pretty bazzare how good it works .As far as the walking, my doctor told me to walk as much as I can tolerate and work my self up to an hour a day . Whether it be all at once or several shorter walks .
Today I was quite sore and hadn't slept well as I now feel I tried to do too much yesterday..... I am so impatient. First week I was she'll shocked but being able to do anything for myself felt wonderful