had my surgery

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Mel52

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thanks to all the well-wishers prior to my surgery on March 12. I was in the hospital from Tuesday until Friday night. Workmanscomp started having fits about me being in there. Geez, I waited for 2 1/2 years for treatment. oh well. I had the laminectomy and discectomy L3-L4-L5. I had chosen to not have any hardware or fusion for the arthritis so I will still have to deal with that.
I do have to say this surgery kicked my butt. It's ok to walk but it is difficult to sit or lay down. If I had one suggestion to give if you are going to have surgery is get your legs and arms strong first. I haven't done much the last couple years but hubby bought an elipitcal that I started using just a few weeks ago. I could only go a short distance but my legs were strong enough to get through the necessary movements to get up out of bed, sit down on the bed, toilet, etc. The arms to pull and push need to be strong.
So hopefully, the worse is over. I can sit at the computer for a few minutes now without difficulty. I do have feeling in my legs. Sometimes it is like a poker, sometimes a spasm and other times they feel "normal"
It is good to be home. My chihuahuas are sticking to me like velcro
 
Hi Mel ~

Glad you're through the worst of it, and are back home with your pups. Be sure to post as your questions come up. I found it much more helpful than listening to my surgeon.:D

Don't be alarmed by the various pains that are bound to arise as you get a bit more active. Every time I'd get the smallest amount of tingling in my leg, I would freak out. Now I'm much more mellow, and just tell myself it is part of the healing process. I am assuming your doc went in from your back...but I suppose this actually makes sense regardless of where the "entry point" was. The surgical assistant, who, from the head up looked like she was dressed to go to a party, i.e., full makeup!!, told me that I was on my stomach, on the surgical table for almost 4 hours. She said during that time, they put you in these weird positions as they tug to release nerve endings, and saw and drill and such. She said it's no wonder I had some angry nerves that were crying from their abuse. That made me feel better.

I'm almost 11 weeks out from my PLIF and I am really feeling so much better.

So just take it easy -- enjoy your recovery time...and you'll be feeling great by summer, if not sooner.

xx M:cool:M
 
Hi Mel,
Glad the worse is behind you! Don't the little pups make you feel special when you come home? Hang in there girl and take it easy. Keep us posted on your progress and have a good week-end!

Deb
 
Mel I am so glad everything has gone well with your surgery and you are back home. I sure do know what you mean about the body strengthening. I had a ALIF and PLIF on L5/S1 and I sure could have used some stronger arms and legs. I never even thought about it at all until it was too late. What kind of limitations did they put on you?

Take care of yourself and take it easy because you have been through a lot and you deserve a rest.

Gentle Hugs and prayers your way.

:angel:Linda:angel:
 
Ladybug, at this time I do recommend the surgery. My surgeon had told me that even though it had been 2 1/2years there would be no permanent nerve damage. Ifelt I had to have the surgery. The last 3 months the burning, the nurabness and pain was getting worse. I was having thigh and foot pain. I couldn't deal with it anymore.
I am having the little jolts and hot rushes off and on through my legs and in places I didn't have before, but I am not concerned for some reason. The nerves have to be reacting to being moved and my brain probably neeRAB to get the message. I actually find when I walk I feel best. This morning I went to the nursery with hubby and picked out my veggies to plant. It was tough getting my jeans on but no way was I going out in spandix sweatpants in public. My legs felt weird in the car so I kind of shook my feet and that helped. I had no back pain and walked around the nursery for about 15 minutes. It did feel good to get home though but I sat outside in the beautfiul sunshine (80 today) for awhile.
I am just so glad to have this part of the journey behind me. I do still have severe arthritis and moderate osteroporosis but I can do so much more if I have my legs back. I even asked the surgeon if he ever thought I could get on a horse again and he said yes.
 
you can have a disctecomy without hardware?I would love to get a surgery without having hardware.
 
Mel,
I am glad you are back and doing great.
Having all this sensations so soon after surgery is expected. I am glad you are able to move around.
Best wishes on your recovery!!!!:angel:
 
Mel52...i hope that you continue to get better and better each day. Im not sure yet when...or if..I will do the surgery.....right now, Im focusing on quitting smoking, losing excess weight that ive gained since getting hurt..and then hopefully, if wc approves, i will be back at pt for a few weeks....so im going to wait to see how all 3 things go before i commit to a surgery date. but in the meantime, i would love for you to post on occassion to let us know how you are doing.....and if you continue to do well by the time i am ready to set a date....then i will feel much more optimistic...i feel like im using you as a guinea pig to determine if i have it done....lol....sorry!!
 
thanks. Linda my restrictions are no lifting, bending or twisting. SounRAB to me like a good reason to sit on the couch and eat bon-bons. Actually the pain isn't bad today, I haven't taken anything for it but my hips are sore from laying on my side and I get sore sitting. That is my biggest gripe. On the plus side I have to admit it is kind of nice to just relax and put off the everyday stresses.
 
so do you think the surgery is going to help you after all this time?? im wonderin because ive been recommended for the discectomy and laminotomy....and my injury was 18 months ago.....so am worried that it wont work after this long.

glad to hear that you are doing good.
 
Gosh Mel you got to go out for awhile? Lucky you but you deserve it just don't overdo and get yourself down. It got up to 70 here today but the wind was really strong so I was inside looking out. They still won't let me get out but I go to the doctor Thursday so I am hoping things will change.

I finally made my surgery decision when the pain started sucking all the life out of me and I had no desire to do anything. That isn't like me and I have always loved my gardens and I can't do anything at this point but tell my husband where to plant everything. That works for me but I don't know how long he will take it. Ha!Ha!.

Have a great and Happy weekend.

Gentle Hugs
Linda:):angel:
 
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