Day 8 and feeling great!

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lmoore1980

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Hi Everyone! I just got out of the hospial following a L5-S1 Laminectomey and fusion w/ an autograft (they took bone from more the back part of my pelvis). The best part was when I woke up from the anesthesia, I rubbed toes together, and I could feel them. The pain in my leg was instantly gone too! The first 2 days post-op were not easy. I was given a PCA to self adminsiter morphine, but it turned out I was tolerant to it because of the time released morphine pills I was on through the pain clinic. I thought I was going to die! I did have some pain in my legs, but the surgeon said that is most likely due to nerve irritation from the surgery. He was helpful in finding a regiment to control my pain. I was given oxcodone (without the Tylenol so I could take them closer together, I am a little opioid tolerant so the regular Percocet was wearing off after 3 hours.) tramadol, and cyclobenzeprine. Each have a different time schedule to take, but boy oh boy did it help. The silk sheets on my bed made a big difference in allowing me to move in bed more smoothly and safely. I had done so many log rolls to get out of bed or to move to my otheside, my abs are sore! I get up every 2-3 hours to go on a short walk (Im out only 8-10 minutes). When I go on the walks that is when I wear my brace, but if it's to the bathroom and back, my surgeon said it was not necessary to wear the back brace. The PT and OT did a good job in teaching me to keep my balance in walking, and how to get on the toilet, dress myself, etc. I have a hard time asking for help, so the tools they gave me to stay independant were a plus. I dont go back for another 3 weeks for my post op visit where they will x-ray and be sure the bone is fusing properly. All I can say is, I am releived the surgery is done, and my worst fears post-op were null. I hope those of you seeking this surgery as a last resort to pain releif will also have a good outcome. God bless!
 
Don't rush it.........I thnik 2 months makes more sense...Everyone with any sense seems to report than the worst thing you can do is go back to work TOO soon.....We forget how much stress is involved in a typical work day....
Also too much sitting now is not good.....Can you do any work from home for a while where you can take breaks to walk and lie down?

I don't plan to rush it...since many have warned me not to...My surgery was Feb 5th and I will return to work..May 5th...

Better safe than sorry.........good luck;)
 
Hey, congradulations! It sounRAB like your surgery was a success and thankfully your pain in under control. I wish you the best of luck and hope you have a good recovery and no more pain once you're all healed up!
 
I think that is wise, LAF, to wait about 3 months before resuming work. Everyone I know that went back "early" lived to regret it. I think your plans are sensible.

What I've found is that even though you may be feeling great in relation to how you were prior to surgery, it doesn't take much to slow your recovery.
 
Thanks for the advice guys. I will try to hold out going back as long as I can. I can work from home somewhat and have been doing so since Monday. I do feel good considering what is involved with the procedure. I have been up walking in my neigrabroadorhood outside the last two days but am using a walker for insurance. I don't need it inside but outside I did not want to take any chances. Thanks again for the advice and I wish everyone well.
 
Thanks to everyone. I can honestly say that becuase of the postings on this site, my surgery didnt seem all that scary. I do work from home full time. But I am in front of a computer all day, and my doctor said I am not to sit straight up for more that 10 minutes for the firsto 8-10 weeks post-op. He did however, compromise for me to use my laptop and recline in my easy chair to get work done. My boss is super cool and was actually relieved I got the surgery, she said she felt really bad for me when I came in the office for meetings and such, and I was limping. My doctor didnt give me a specific date to return to work, but I put leave to be back April 1st. Ive decided to give myself another week, and then try going back to work at least part time to see how much I can handle. If I feel Im overdoing it, then I will stop. My pain is still under control. I am able to space out the pain meRAB to about every 6 hours vs. every 4 hours.

God Bless everyone! Day 9 and feelin fine!
 
Hey congratulations on your successful surgery. Don't overdo and rest as much as you can.

Linda
 
Congratulations.........your experience sounRAB exactly like mine...Glad to hear you are doing so well....good for you.....I only have L3-L4 done, 5 weeks ago and each day is better and better...Now I am also able to sit a bit longer and get out in the car for short (close by) erranRAB...

I think the anticipation and for me the sciatica pain sure outweighs anyhting I've had to deal w/ psot op..and God love those satin sheets.........truly the best suggestion I had along w/ the graber.

A happy, healthy recovery to you and many painfree months ahead....should be a good Spring for us all..

:angel:
 
Congratulations as well !!!

I am at day 10 following a L-4 / S-1 lurabar fusion. I agree, the first 2 days post -op were a little rough, especially the first night at home. I am up and about most of the day and trying to decide if I can go back to work this coming Monday. I still am a little unsure of myself walking and have not tried to drive yet. Other than some discomfort, the pain is manageable with extra strength Tylenol. The pain down my legs is gone and I can't wait to start enjoying life once agian. I too wear the brace when up and moving around. I have a desk job, but am ynder a lot of pressure all day. Did your Dr. give you any recommendations on when you could return to work? My doctor told me I would be able to play baseball this summer. I sure hope he is correct. I have a goal to shoot for. Continued good luck with your recovery !!!!
 
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