Fushion Of L3 L4 L5

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PeggyL

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I am 3 1/2 weeks post-op had anterior approach wound up looking like I was 9 months pregnant with stabbing pain in left side of abdomen. the stabbing pain is still there and feels like alot of pressure also pain in the lower left back and left leg feels nurab Has anyone experienced this??????????????????
 
I had the looking pregnant part, but I didn't have stabbing pain. If it persists, I would call the doctor and let him know. It may be nerves that were moved or irritated. Nerves take a long time to calm back down. Or it could be infection. Do you have any redness or tenderness at the site? Any fever? I don't really think it's infection, but I wouldn't rule it out.

I hope you feel better soon. How are you doing otherwise? Resting and walking as much as you're able?

Have you seen the thread at the top called "post surgery tips"? It has a lot of suggestions that will make your recovery easier.

One day at a time...

Emily
 
Hi Thanks so much for sharing your experience I had blood work and urine test and thank god no infection I go back to the back surgeon next Wed the surgeon that did the stomach opening and moving everything around just said its not right and put me on stuff to help me go and did the blood tests and thats it I told him about the lower pain in the abdomen and he said it takes time and didn't have me come back so I guess its just everything settling back in i am resting and walking but my leg gets weak and I have to sit then sitting also bothers me so its a win and lose game right now
I'm praying

Peg
 
If I can ask...how large is the abdominal incision for the lurabar fusion. I may be facing something similar so I'm just curious.

Thanks
 
SpineAZ, mine was about 7-8 inches. And like Peggy said, they don't cut through as much when they do the anterior approach. A general surgeon does the initial cut and moves everything out of the way, then the spinal surgeon takes over. That's why it feels so weird for a while. Everything has to kind of get settled again. Pros and cons both ways. I had the 360, both front and back incisions. I found the front to be more painful than the back. Others have found the opposite. I personally think it has to do with which muscles you're used to using. I have very strong abdominal muscles and very weak back muscles because I've had back problems for 35+ years.

You'll do okay. You've been around here for a long time and know what to expect. That helps so much!

Blessings,
Emily
 
Hi,
I had POSTERIOR one level fusion L4/5, and had a huge swollen stomach, very tender too, for like 2 months it wa tender and any slight pressure would hurt my stomach more and into my back. Must have just been swelling of some sort going on in there. I'd only wear sweat pants constantly, (or mens boxers they were loose n comfy and sagged below the incision line).

My cat would come to lay with me (6lbs) and walk over and try to stand on my stomach while I was laying in bed sometimes and I had to hurry and move her due to the pressure of just one of her feet on me.

Rest rest rest when you're tired, and feel better :)
 
Thanks so much for your replies I do try to walk but the left leg is still week and at times gives out on me i am resting and doing what i should I guess patience and rest is the key God Bless you all
Peg
 
My incision is 7" long goes from above the belly button along the left and down
Good luck to you
 
Hello Peggy , I just had a similar surgery "anterior l4/5 - l5/s1" on Sept. 14th and I am still lots of pain - this was a revision surgery from a posterior approach that I had 2 years ago on the same levels. This surgery is know walk in the park and you need to be patient and listen to your doctors orders - NO BENDING , TWISTING ETC.. All that I can tell you is that going in from the anterior is much more easy and less painfull than going inn threw the back , I hope that all goes well for you.. I am walking for about 15 to 20 minutes right now and that is important as well , need to keep your blood flowing..
GOD BLESS BILLY
 
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