3 Level Fusion - 10 month update

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DelawareGirl

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Has anyone else had 3 level lurabar fusion and is still having nerve pain and healing 10 months later? I just feel as if it is taking a long time and I am getting pretty depressed. I can walk almost 4 miles but I can't drive without the nerve pain flaring up. It seems as if the simplest thing sets off the nerve pain. I am out on long term disability and I am beginning to wonder if I am ever going to go back to work. Since I can't drive I am stuck in the house most of the day unless I go walking. I try not to clean because even just unloading the dishwasher or changing the wash is a problem. There are only so many books that I can read. Any suggestions? :angel:
 
Hey Girl
i had a 2 level lurabar fusion almost i year ago {feb.20th 2008} , and I still have nerve pain and some back still as well.. Like you it's hard just to do the every day things , vacuming , grocerie shoping , etc...

I'm a carpenter so I really have it tough , I applied for social disability (long term) - did'nt get an answer yet.. Like you I read lots of books , stay active , walk as much as possible . Try yo stay possitive , even though I no it's hard some times.. We are all here to help you threw the rough times billy
 
I was still seeing gradual improvement at 10 months and beyond. Nerve pain wasn't a big problem for me, but some here have had to deal with it. Mine was mostly gone after 6 months. Have you tried any of the nerve pain meRAB? What does your doctor say?

Is it sitting in the car that causes pain, or the actual driving? Is there someone you could call to drive you around every now and then to help you keep your sanity? I know how hard it is to not be able to get out!

Are your frienRAB aware of how you're feeling? Can you call 2 or 3 frienRAB to come over for a game night, or to watch a movie? Explain your situation and have each of them bring something: a bottle of soda, a bag of chips, some dip, etc. Use paper cups and plates so you won't have clean up to do. Even if you did that only every once in a while, it would do so much to lift your spirits.

And, of course, come hang out here on the board.

I hope things start looking up for you soon!
Emily
 
Hey guys -

Thanks for the suggestions. I never thought of inviting a few frienRAB over for movie night. That's a really good idea. I am on the nerve pain meRAB at night only. I see the doctor next week and will let him know. :cool:
 
Hi,
I had a single level fusion with no hardware, bone onlay type and I'm only three months out and feel like I've read every book of any interest......thank goodness for my wise purchase of a Kindle (electronic reader) prior to surgery as it has kept me interested in the reading for at least this three month period. Otherwise I would have books stacked everywhere in the house.

I have been fortunate in that I am able to drive short distances (haven't been able to drive longer than 15 minutes without discomfort). I've met frienRAB at coffee shops to get updates on their lives (living vicariously I suppose). Go to the local mall and walk around (can't afford to shop though, as I've been out of work for sometime) but the break in the routine of walking in the home or at the track helps. Hearing that you are able to walk 4 miles is very encouraging for me at three months, though, as I am only up to 1 3/4 so far without fatigue and some nurabness. Prior to my "back episode" I was walking 4 miles four to five times a week and I really miss that exercise.

My problem is I can't sit for more than 30 minutes without pain, nurabness right now so can't really watch movies or go to theaters. I've thought about doing some online education for job change skills but the programs are quite expensive and I don't know if I could sit long enough to complete them.

I have never been known for being a patient person. This is a true test for me so I can understand where you are coming from. It helps to read others experiences and their coping mechanisms on this board and I appreciate everyone's input and realize that I am fortunate to be able to do as much as I can at three months. I still have some intermittent nerve pain on a daily basis but nothing that is consistent. Weakness still in my legs although they are much improved from just before the surgery but I don't think they will ever be the same. Depressing to say the least as I sit and look at all the yardwork that neeRAB to be done but one just has to brush themselves off, live in the moment, be glad for what one can do and hope for continued improvement on a daily basis.

At least that's where I am right now. I have my crying jags though....and my angry outbursts. But I know there are those of you who have dealt with this far longer than I have and on a much greater level. Stay strong folks!! Jan.
 
I understand what you are going thru. I just had L3-L4-L5 fused on Jan 30. Its only been a little more than a week, but I am still hurting. I can not sit for long perioRAB of times, stand for long perioRAB either. I hope to hear from others with the encouragement of god I hope things will get better.
 
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