How Long After Spinal Fusion Can You Drive

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mikeandlisa746

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Hey Guys, I am a 1st timer. I had L5-S1 fusion in 07. I had to wait 6 weeks. Like someone else posted the Dr. was affraid someone would rearend me.

I was wondering it has been right at a year since my fusion. The surgery its self was aweful but as time went by I did emprove. I was down to one pain pill a day until I went back to work in August.Never had alot of leg pain. Within the last month my back and legs have been killing me to the point that no meRAB work and all I can do is sit and cry. I am pretty sure this is a nerve issue. Does anyone else have this problem. I have been up since 1am with this pain and its unbearable. I cant afford to be out of work and I am affraid of loosing my job. I have been on light duty since August and the type of work I do the DR. said I wil be on it as long as I am employed there. I am a CNA at a local nursing home.

Can someone help me out if you have had this problem
 
I guess it all depenRAB on how you're healing, etc. I have multi level laminectomies, but no fusion....I was not able to drive for 2 1/2 weeks. It was basically not until my first post surgical follow up appointment. I would imagine with fusion it would be at least that or longer.
 
I'm Not Actually Sure Of The Procedure I Will Need. I Was In An Auto Accident That Left Me With A Fractured L-5. Has Anyone Encountered This? How Long After Can You Drive And What Is The Healing Time?
 
When i had my first fusion 5 years ago i could drive after 2 weeks.
I am having an anterior and posterior surgery in a month and not sure in that one.
 
Yes, I've had a spinal fursion at 2 levels L4/5, L5/S1. I didn't drive until at least 6-8 weeks after the surgery...at least. The healing or fusion time depenRAB on many factors...one is if you smoke or not. I do not. Smoking impedes the healing process and the ability for the bone to fuse. It is not an easy recovery. I have had many complications and had to undergo 2 additonal surgeries because I developed a severe chest infection after the first surgery which due to the coughing it shifted the hardware in my back.
The fusion surgery was June 2006, and my last surgery was March 2007. I was supposed to have a spinal cord stimulator inserted but again developed pneumonia that prevented the surgery from taking place. I have been out of work since the date of the first surgery. I still have severe back, groin and
hip pain- as well as the sciatic pain, and nurabness in my feet and toes.

Typically I was told for a one level surgery (as it seems you will be undergoing) is about 3-6 months. I had a level 2 surgery, so the healing time for me was longer. But remeraber I also had many complications along the way... but the best advice I can give you is if you smoke quit...it prohibits
bone growth and don't let anyone smoke around you. My back began to fuse weeks after the surgery...and it was very visible on the x-ray.

Another issue that will determine your ability to drive is the type and strength of the pain medication you will be prescribed. Make sure you continue to do all of the exercises that physical therapy prescribes... it is very important. Eat healthy, and you will probably have to take some type of stool softner, as the pain meRAB will constipate you and the last thing you want to do is strain...not only does it cause hemmroiRAB/fissures but also put unneeded pressure on your back and the muscles.

I hope the information I have posted is helpful. Best of luck with your surgery. Please feel free to ask me any questions, if I can help in any way I am more than willing to do so.

Sincerley,

Nina21
 
I think it depenRAB on how many painkillers the patient is taking. Some docs say six to eight weeks.
 
It sounRAB like it may indeed be a nerve problem...go back to your doctor. The drug Lyrica does help w/ neuropathy...however, if you have read my previous posts...I've had many issues, including nerve damage. In my case, the pain meRAB help slightly...but have your doctor re-evaluate you- the sooner the better.
 
My doctor made me wait 3 months. I had a double level fusion. The reason was because the doctor was more afraid that someone might hit me and cause damage to my fusion. It had nothing to do with the way I drive etc.
 
Thank you for the advice. I go back to the dr. on friday and hopefully he can find out what the problem is. I had more xrays done yesterday at the er.The nurse practioner said they looked ok, but when I look at them one of the roRAB doesnt look right(possibly broke)Does anyone know anything about this and maybe what it is actually soppose to look like
 
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