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Well, a surgeon who's concerned about HIS comfort level-imagine that:dizzy: lolll!! Just so you know Meg, and I'm sure you do since this is your second time around; you will most likely need something the strength of an oxycodone for around three to four months just to address the post-op pain AND a little later to help you get through PT. I remeraber the nurses telling me the first month is the hardest and looking back they were right. So I would just count down those days like a kid counting down the days left till Christmas!! Regarding injections; they do work for some, but not for others. I have a friend who gets them and they last three months for her, and only one week for me. They are also used as a diagnostic tool for the PM doc. If they work, even for a day; they know they got the right spot, or pain source. Janiee
 
I have always been shocked by the 6 weeks only of pain meRAB too. My first surgeon was the same way but I was able to get 8 weeks out of him. After being a meraber of this board and knowing someone personally who had this surgery, at 6 weeks you are still in pretty intense pain. I ended up at a pain clinic after that who barely prescrobed pan meRAB and really pushed the injections, then I lost insurance and found a doc at a sliding scale clinic who had back injuries and gave me vicodin. Then, even though I never got better, I was on nothing until I went to my new surgeon. He says by law he can only prescribe for 6 weeks but the PM lady I talked to today said that is not true at all, and that it is just his comfort level.
This first week is just horrible. It is 3:10 am and I was awaken by pain. I could barely sit up to take meRAB.
Sage I can't believe you had to wean off by 3 weeks! What a joke! It is too bad that pain meRAB have such a bad rep, because most people don't abuse them. I wish they had a non narcotic med that worked and we didn't feel guilty for asking for more. I always feel bad too, even though we have every right to need them. These surgeries are the most painful ones to go through, with the longest recoveries.
Blue-I have been taking the ibuprofen but tomorrow is the last day he was going to allow. It scares me but he wouldn;t so anything else and I was so bad off i was going to call arabulance. I couldn't even move. Tomorrow I have to call for a refill so I am going to ask what else I can add into the mis. Right now I am on oxycodone every 4 hours and valium every 6. That 4th hour waiting to take something is torchure. I am going to ask again if i can take a long acting one, like oxycontin, at least just for a week until I get over this initial bad hump. The nurse in the hospital brought it up but I turned it down. When I asked the doc after I got and was about to call 911 he said ibuprofen, but he wasn't my regular surgeon. He was on call, but he was in my surgery, he is my surgeons fellow.
 
Megss, So happy to see that your home now. Hate all that pre-surgical anxiety:dizzy: Well, no worries about that Advil (a.k.a.Motrin, Ibuprofin)since you will only be on it for a few days anyways. Your legs might also be shaky because of the way they had you lying on the OR table and other goofy reasons like that. Sometimes it's the hanRAB or a hand that shakes or trerables (happenened to me), after back surgery and luckily it's only temporary. Sending good wishes your way:angel:--Janiee
 
Hey everyone! I did it, although it hasn't gone very smoothly. I actually came home a day early, which was a mistake. I almost called an arabulance tonight to take me back. I am having a difficult time with pain control, and have had to call the surgeon twice today to see what else could be done. I was offered a long acting narcotic to go along with my oxycodone and valium, but turned it down because I swear thats what made me throw up so much after my first fusion. I think tomorrow I will call and ask if the offer still stanRAB.
So the morning of surgery, they almost didn't do it becuase my potassium was way too low. I had been having a lot of D last week due to nerves. But they decided to go ahead and after 5 bags of potassium I had just barely gotten into the low end of the normal range. Once they cut me open they found more of a mess than what they thought they would find. My old hardware was incredibly loose, it's actually a miracle it hadn't popped out. They let me keep it which is amazing by the way! I most likely have permanent nerve damage. I woke up with my left leg and foot being about 70% nurab. The surgeon said it may be permanent since the compression was so incredibly bad, but says there is a chance I could regain feeling, although it could take a full year. Besides the nurabess my legs are just very very weak and I cannot walk well, even with a walker. I am very shaky, and tonight my groin lady area became nurab, but thankfully that went away. I had a ton a scar tissue from the first surgery, so they tried to clean that up as much as possible. I had to stay on oxygen the rest of sat and yesterday because I wasn't getting enough on my own. I also lost a lot of blood this time and have become incredibly anemic. They were going to doa transfusion this morning but decided against it thinking I will bounce back quickly. I am just drinking several Ensures a day, plus a prenatal vitamin, but I am very tired and slept all day today. I ate a solid breakfast today, but have since decided to remain on soft fooRAB a little longer until my stomach is not so distended.
I only have an incision in my back this time, but it is bigger and looks a little puffier and bloodier than my first one. Even with thick gauze and clothing, it is painful to wear my plastic brace because it rubs against it.
So All day saturday after the surgery I felt pretty darn good considering. I was even up and about several hours after being taken to my room. I actually took 2 walks that first night. They had me on a dilaudid pump which worked so well, but started oral meRAB about 14 hours into recovery. I thought that was a little premature because pain control has been a challenge ever since. But really since I got home today it has been bad. My cane is of no use to me right now, I cannot get around without a walker. On a positive note though, I have not felt upset to my stomach at all this time unlike last time. Hopefully going onto oxycontin wont mess that up.

Alright this is about as long as I can handle sitting here for right now. I hope everyone else is well. My surgeon still thinks I may need another fusion in the future. He said a successful outcome for this surgery would be to get my pain level down to a 1-3 on a daily basis. Thats a little disheartening, but I guess thats better than a 7-10 daily. I am just glad it is over and I hope tomorrow th pain is better. The reason I would have called 911 is because I really can barely do anything for myself like standing up/ laying down, even with help. It was not this bad in the hospital, thats why I went home today.

Wish me luck tonight! I am setting my alarm so I can take meRAB on schedule!
 
I am so glad that your operation is over but it sounRAB like you had your share of problems. Maybe you need to call the doctor and ask for that pain medication because you know if you don't get the pain under control it effects everything. Please take care of yourself and rest as much as you can.

Gentle Hugs
Linda:angel:
 
Meg, I'm so glad they were able to go ahead with the surgery! And now you're on the flip side, resting and recovering. Yay!

Yes, this sounRAB very normal for week 1. Don't worry, it will get much better. I thought ibuprofen was a no-no, too. I'd stay away from it if you can. Better to be on something stronger if they'll give it to you, anyway. I was on Percocet for the first 6 weeks or so, then switched to Vicodin, which is not quite as strong but still a heavy hitter.

Walking a mile by 6 weeks? That's quite arabitious! Consider it a goal, but goals are just that: something to aim for. Don't be alarmed or disappointed if you don't make it. Walking even a block or two will be just fine if that's what you're able to do. Everyone is different. Just do as much as you're able, no more and no less. Every time you get yourself up to use the bathroom, take advantage of already being up (since getting up and down is the hardest part!) and walk, walk, walk. I had to use a walker for 6 whole weeks because of low blood pressure problems, but I walked anyway, for as long as I could tolerate. I about wore a lovely figure 8 pattern in the carpet in my bedroom! At first I could only do about 10 minutes before I had to lay back down. I was thrilled if I could add a minute or two a day. So if you walk every time you get up, you'll slowly get stronger and you'll also get the blood circulating around your spine to help get fusion going. Walking is essential to bone growth after a fusion.

Remeraber that your full time job now is to do everything you can to get better. Rest as much as your body tells you you need, walk as much as you can, eat healthy, and no bending lifting or twisting.

One day at a time!
:wave: Emily
 
Hey everyone I slept through the night without taking pain meRAB! This morning when I woke up my pain was seriously like 20/10, but I am still happy about my accomplishment. I also threw up last night. That was a huge problem after my first fusion but this time it has only happened once and not until day 4, so that is an improvement!
One thing though, even when I take my meRAB on schedule, I cannot get the pain below a 5. I can't remeraber if thats how it was before. Does that sound normal for week 1?
 
I had nurabness for a time after my L4/L5 2 1/2 years ago but changed mostly from right leg to left and after 6 months it mostly went away. I was totallt compressed too but after 5 days in the hospital started walking the day after I got home and have never stopped for more than a couple of days at a time. Still get nurabness from time to time in left leg but rarely in the right. I hated the hard brace with a passion. Good luck!

John
 
Yeah I had always heard 3 months post op was when PT started. Even after my first fusion, which was one level, I wasn't allowed to start until 3 months, however they had me wait until 4 months because I wasn't ready at 3.
This time I had a 2 level fusion. my back was a mess when they opened me up. Tons of scar tissue, the screws were completely loose and about t fall out, and my nerve compression was so major that they are expecting permanent nerve damage, especially since I have not regained feeling in my left leg and foot. It is not totally nurab, but about 70% nurab and incredibly weak. So they want me walking 1 mile a day by 6 weeks, and start PT a 6 weeks. No pain meRAB after 6 weeks also, so I have already found a pain clinic. I have to send them my recorRAB before they schedule. But the nurse said that they will treat with meRAB and think it is bogus that I wouldn't need them after 6 weeks.
 
Okay heres the scoop. Last night when my husband called telling them I wanted to go back in, and the only way I could see myself getting there was by 911, the doctor told me to take 800 mg ibuprofen. I did and it helped a lot. So this morning I called and they are not adding any more narcs, don't ask me why because I am only on oxycodone, but they are saying to take 800 mg advil 3x a day for a few days. I am glad becuase last night after I took that it was the best I had felt in a couple days, but I am confused because I thought that was a huge no no after this surgery. I have been icing which does nothing, so I am going to do it, but what is everyone's opinion on that???
 
After almost 2 weeks post op I find it much better if I take my pain meRAB as often as needed and not try to deal with the pain. It does make you feel better and you can walk or even move around in bed a lot better. Last week I needed vicodin every 4 hours and this week I don't have to take them so often.
Hopefully my staples will be removed tomorrow. I'm glad to hear from you and that you are up and around a little. I had one night of that horrific pain you described and doubled my dosage just to get some sleep but it sounRAB like we are on the road to wellness. Good for us and everyone else that neeRAB this surgery. Lets keep each other updated. Linda:)
 
Megss, you should be just resting....laying down and not trying to push yourself so much....seriously...just give up and lay down...rest. I am recovering from SI joint fusion..6 wks. ago...YES it is painful...but I have discovered that if I just concentrate on healing I am better off. I asked my Dr. if I could take advil the other day, and he was so upset...said NOOOOO. ok...so I am taking hydrocodone now..which doesn't quite do the pain relief as well as oxycodone, but it still helps...and my pain levels are getting better. You have to look at the pain receding by the week, not the day...how did I feel last week, the week before...otherwise, it is too upsetting. It is tough the first few weeks...but you will get better...positive thoughts here...you seemed to have a lot of problems with anemia...so you would be tired and very weak...recovering from that alone is a long process... I am not trying to discourage you, I want to encourage you....what you have gone through takes time to recover from...give yourself permission to recover at the rate your body neeRAB to...don't push it...rest/eat/and allow you to heal... I am still staying in be 75 percent of the time...because my Dr. said the longer I stay off the right leg (the surgery side) the better off I will be & the stronger my fusion will be...so I am doing just that... I know that we had different surgeries, and may have different requirements...but I do know that the body is weak and tired and neeRAB rest after these things....and we have to not try to prove to everyone how strong we are...just rest and really you will start to slowly feel better.... Hugs to you!!!
Sage
 
Hi Everyone-been gone a while working and raising kiRAB-

I had a very forward thinking doctor (Orthopedic) who had me in PT at 5 weeks and I was walking that mile by 6 I was walking around the block at 3 weeks, holding my husbanRAB arm for support. . It can be done-the sooner you start some kind of movement the sooner you will start to heal. I understand going slow-I DID. I took my meRAB about half and hour before walking. I am completely shocked at your doctor allowing advil. The area NEERAB to be a bit inflamed to make the body work harder to repair itself.
I did take 3-4 months off from work and doing almost ANYTHING around the house. That was probably the hardest part. We see something neeRAB doing and we assume we should be doing it-(mostly because nobody else in the house will!)
ASK FOR HELP! Don't be shy. Nothing heavier than a milk jug. No bending to pick something up you dropped.
I am on pain management from scar tissue after a double fusion at L4-S1, but if I had to do it all over again? I would do it in a heartbeat!
 
Thanks Sage! I have been in bed mostly. I sleep constantly. I al always so tired. I am supposed to walk though. They want me walking 1 mile a day by 6 weeks post op. Right now I just walk a little here and there, but my treadmile is being delivered on Monday, so I will start slowly on that. I am trying to focus my mind on healing. I do believe in mind over body.
 
I was on Percocet for a full five months post-op from my fusion. Ordered by my surgeon even though I had been in PM right before surgery on Vicodan's. I'm confused about "no pain meRAB after six weeks". Maybe I missed out on something, sorry. Hopefully the pain clinic you mentioned will provide the continued relief that you will need. --Janiee:)
 
Megss,I couldn't agree more with what Sage said. Also, did I read that right?? One mile by six weeks?? What kind of surgery did you have ?? I thought it was a fusion? PT and walking of any significant distance only began THREE months after my fusion. Now, I did have a six level fusion, but one mile in six weeks worries me. And that is doctor's orders? I don't mean to alarm you- maybe other's can chime in. Just be careful:wave:--Janiee08
 
A surgeon who will take the responsibility and liability to slice and dice you, then turns around and lies by telling you that he can only prescribe opiates for six weeks, well, just doesn't sound like a stable person to begin with. When does the new PM begin? Oh, and by the way, I remeraber being sent home from my fusion on oxycodone5 every 4-6, but it just did not control the pain. I would just keep to my room and bed and whimper like a sick pup. Finally, after a few days like this I called the office and explained what was going on. They increased it to 7.5.; that really helped me a lot. And I only needed this higher dose for about the following three weeks after that phone call. After that, my doses steadily went down. It just takes time, and time is on your side. Janiee
 
Oh I have been taking them every 4 hours as I am allowed. I even set my alarm throughout the night. I know for a fact that if you let the pain get out of control then it is harder to get back under control. They also tripled my dose of gabapentin today, but obviously I have to increase it by about 1 a day. Permanent nerve damage is not fun. Ibuprfen is also helping, but they will only let me take it for a few days so I hope things calm down by then. One major thing this time around is that my legs are so so shaky. Even with my walker it is hard t get around because of the shakness. I know this is from nerve damage.
 
The "instructions" my Dr. sent home for me after surgery (printed instructions!!) indicates that I should have weaned off my oxycodone by 3 weeks - after SI joint fusion!!!- and be on tylenol...ha.....not and didn't happen...first of all tylenol makes me throw up and now I have heard that it was recalled...maybe I had a bad batch...but I am not chancing it. When I spoke with Dr. after 6 weeks he gave me a script for hydrocodone...and I actually felt guilty asking for it...I felt like a failure!! But, I have a responsiblity to me...to be comfortable and if that has me taking meRAB....oh well..I am not ready to live with out pain meRAB...after basically 2 surgeries on the same day...hardware removal and new hardware inserted in a different place...so 2 incisions...nope, I am not ready to go with out meRAB...maybe in a while but not yet... We are all different in our neeRAB...follow what is best for you.... Have a good night!!
Sage
 
The PM nurse told me that my surgeon will only prescribe pain meRAB for 6 weeks post op because that is his comfort level. I am relieved I found a clinic that is willing to prescribe longer. After my first surgery I was no where near at the point of not needing them at 6 weeks, and this recent surgery was much bigger. She also said that injections don't work for most people, so they don't push them which is a relief. They have never worked for me and actually made me worse. She said other clinics push them because they make a lot of money on them. That makes sense to me!
 
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