3 month post op and feeling down

[dijo1963]

3 months ago I had an ALIF with hardware. Initially when I awoke from the op the nurabness and pain in my right buttock and thigh had gone.. About a month ago I went back to work, (desk job) since then I have the same pain/nurabness back and not only in my right leg but now also in my left. What does this mean? I havent had my exrays yet to check progress of fusion these are not scheduled till October. Does it mean it has failed?

I am so down as I feel I have gone through all of this to end up worse than before. My stomach still is swollen through the surgery and to be quite frank I feel dreadful. I am in more pain now than before, still take tramadol to help with the pain. Really would like to start abdominal excercises to see if I can strengthen my abdomen however not sure if this is safe. Has anyone started these after 3 months? Is it safe?

Would really like some help here guys.

Thanks Di

 

[nanatothesixth]

If you are still this uncomfortable, call your Dr. as only they can answer your questions. They may need to increase your meRAB, or possibly change them. Remeraber, it can take up to one year or more to completely fuse. I am surprised that the Dr. hasn't ordered PT yet, but that may come with the next visit.

Try to keep positive thoughts. Each time you accomplish something that you couldn't do is a milestone. The blue feeling is normal. You had MAJOR surgery your body neeRAB time to heal. The nerves and muscles were moved around during the surgery, they need to heal too. Be patient. I know what you are going through. I just had fusion revision done 2 weeks ago(PLIF), that was my 4th back surgery.

Do keep us posted. Call your Dr. Don't wait till October. Call now and ask your questions, that's what they get paid for.

Sending you cyber hugs,
Pat

 

[atwork]

Hi Di!

Hang in there!!!! Going back to work is a HUGE accomplishment :bouncing:!!! So many people I know aren't even close to going back at six months. You have to get up every 45 minutes to and hour and walk around a bit. It doesn't have to be the quarter mile but something to get the blood moving again. I find myself leaning to the right for a while then the left but nothing works better than a short walk and stretch.
I am worried about your stomach being swollen or could it be connected to (gasp) constipation fromt the pain killers. It is very common and two years after surgery I am still taking stool softeners (not laxatives) with my vicodin.

You are doing better than you were before-its just hard to see the forest for the trees right now.

Blessings,
Michelle :angel:

 

[tmvincent30]

HI DI
I had anterior/posterior fusion with hardware in March of this year and i have the same problems with my stomache it is very swollen. I am frustated also and i try to do some excersizes but it hurts to much especially right around the incision. I go back to the doctor at the end of next month and i will ask what could be going on. Good luck.

 

[kyma3]

Hi Di I am sorry to hear about your problems but I do understand. I had my anterior and posterior done in January and March of this year and I still have some sharp pains around my abdominal incision and also stinging around the back incision. I know that I expected much faster recovery before talking to everyone here on this board and they have been so helpful. I have to remind myself how bad I felt before the surgery and even though it might seem like small steps they are going in the right direction. I had major nerve pain right after my March surgery and that is gone so I am so thankful for that. They saw a small amount of fusion at my 3 month checkup so that was something to be thankful too.

Try to take each day at a time and I give you a lot of credit about being back at work. By the way I am not taking physical therapy and my surgeon hasn't mentioned it but said I could do some water aerobics which they think is better all around. Hang in there but if the pain is unbearable you should contact your doctor.

Take care
Linda:angel: