L2-S1 Laminectomy with instrumented fusion, getting ready

  • Thread starter Thread starter Backtobasics
  • Start date Start date
B

Backtobasics

Guest
Paula, sounRAB like we have been living through the same thing for quite some time. Recently, I've been noticing more and more weakness in the legs after walking no doubt related to the stenosis and the multiple degenerated disks. You reach a point where you ask yourself, "is this the way I want to spend the rest of my life?" Not an easy decision (surgery) and I am a firm believer that you have to go through all the less invasive options first - PT, stretching, shots, heat/cold, back supports, Motrin like it was going out of style, and if nothing helps, it's time to (excuse the expression) poop or get off the pot. It's not going to get better when the source of the problem is structural versus a sprain, a lifting "oops", etc.

The diskectomy I had about 10 years ago really didn't do much for me and the back has gotten apprciably worse (degenerative-wise) since according to the doc when he looked at the last MRI and myelogram. Short story made long, back surgery is not something one should rush into but I have a confidence in my surgeon and this could change my life for the better. One can only hope.

'Just came back from Starbucks where I had a coffee, read the paper, and enjoyed a fine cigar outside. I won't be able to do that for a while so I am enjoying while I can. :)
 
Well, Starbucks is overrated anyway :D

Got the word yesterday evening, my nurse will be here today to remove the staples and to bring the bone growth stimulator. I've been told it will be 1/2 hour/day and the results they've been getting from this device are tremendous. First visit back with the doctor, and xrays, on 8/1, so we shall see.

Richard, you've done all you can so it looks like the right decision. In my case, by the time the DDD was diagnosed PT was making it worse instead of offering any help at all. I didn't have a nuraber of other non-invasive choices because the pain was not caused by direct nerve impingement (although I do have stenosis.)

But I also went into this with some confidence. I had a laminectomy at L4/5 25 years ago, that was 100% successful and relieved 100% of my pain. As my doctor said at the time, the rupture was so severe it was easy to locate and repair. I'd say it was probably my own stubbornness that kept me from seeing doctors when the pain started 3 years ago. Perhaps PT could have helped then, perhaps not. Perhaps I'm still in the same place I'd have been anyway.

However, it does sound like you're confident in your decision and your doctor, so perhaps the way to approach this is the same as I've been trying - it's an investment in your future.
 
July 14 is just around the corner. 'Had my pre-op exam today with my GP, blood typing next week and then it's the big day on the 14th. I am hoping for the best but prepared for the worst. Fusion is necessary as there are multiple damaged disks and the laminectomy alone will not support the spine, kind of like building a house on sink hole I'm told. The surgeon will be using the Medtronic infuse bone graft/Lt Cage Lurabar Fusion device.

I have read everything is there on how best to prepare for the surgery and what to expect afterwarRAB but any further advice would be most appreciated. I am trying to get as much rest as I can and stocking up on DVD's, books I always wanted to read, even as crazy as it sounRAB I am reading up on motorcycles (one can still dream right? - I am 58 and must be out of my friggin mind). :)
 
Dime store novels and movies then until I can concentrate and enjoy. :) I guess Dostoevsky will have to wait. This may be a good time to buy stock in Blockbuster Video. Thank you! Richard
 
Hi Paula, Glad to hear you are doing well and staying positive. Imm new here and think we are at about the same stage in recovery I get my staples out on Tuesday. Let me know how its going. My leg pain has almost gone too and i take that as a positive sign! I have a new burning in my back but i think it is nerve related, like swelling down so nerves are coming back. Well best of luck and keep me posted how you are doing!

Debbie :wave:
 
Now Richard, although this is strictly between you and your doctor, I did have a surprise...

I am a smoker, and never really was able to quit before surgery. Went cold turkey in the hospital and had less trouble then expected. They kept offering me nicotine patches, which surprised me, but I kept refusing.

That is, until I got home, at which point I admitted defeat and grabbed a cigarette. The next day my home nurse came and I told her I was desperately trying to quit so the fusion would be successful. She told me not to bother, not to stress my body, and that for it to make a difference I'd have to have quit for at least 6 months prior to surgery. Therefore, the doctor's SOP is to have me start using a bone growth stimulator. I believe they'll start this as soon as the staples are removed, but I'm not certain. They're coming on Saturday to remove them so I'll know more then.

So, well, you might as well ask...

And yes, it's a good opportunity to make a philosophical examination of your life. Just be careful, since you'll be doing it while well medicated.
 
hey there,

just wanted to wish you all the luck in the world. I am sure everything will work out just fine for you. It sure can be overwhellming but you just need to remeraber that you quality of life right now is very low and that it will be so fantastic to recover and start to feel better. I won't lie to you, it's a difficult recovery. I found that the hospital was the hardest for me. I just wanted to go home so badly and that's probably why it was so miserable. My pain was high but if it got out of control they took care of it. Once I got home after just 4 days, I was a lot happier. It's always good to be home right! My best suggestion to you is to take it easy. When you think you are ready to do something even something little such as lifting the milk out of the fridge, wait a week. The longer you wait to do the little things, the better you will be. I know it sounRAB silly but it's so important. Be careful when going to the bathroom, sitting and getting up carefully, no bending of course or twisting. Anything that doesn't feel right, don't do it! Just take your time because even though it seems like a long recovery, it will go by fast and you'll look back on it and think it really wasnt' that bad.

Getting book, movies, magazines etc together is a neccesity! Anything to keep you in bed or a comfy chair (when you can sit) is very important. You don't want to allow yourself to get bored cause if you're like me, you'll get antsy. I love that you are reading about motorcycles! it's arabitious and it tells me that you have a positive attitude which is probably the most important thing as far as recovery goes. I have been through 2 major spine surgeries so if you have any questions, just ask. I am sure there are many more things I will think of to add and tell you but for now that's it, plus I have to go! Talk to you soon and be sure to keep me posted.

Take care.
Beachgirl ;)
 
Thank you Beachgirl! So what are those 10 must-read classics that everyone should tackle before they die? I think I'll have time to read. ;)

I guess the thing that (one of the things) that concerns me the most is whether given that I only have a year and a half give or take towarRAB retirement, whether I will ever actually get back to work or be forced to go out on a disability. You always think the worst in a case like this. And I know I will be using up all my acrued sick leave recovering no matter what. I expect the first couple of weeks will be sheer agony, I remeraber back when I had my diskectomy and that was a lot simpler procedure.

Those who have gone through this procedure, I'd love to hear from ya. Thanks and wish me luck. Richard
 
"And yes, it's a good opportunity to make a philosophical examination of your life. Just be careful, since you'll be doing it while well medicated."

Well, I've tried it unmedicated and historically have not been too successful so maybe the meRAB will help. LOL.

Unlike cigarettes, cigars are not addictive at least they never have been for me. I can go days without one but it's something that does relax me and I look forward to it after work with a nice glass of brandy sitting out on the deck. One a day is the max for me, sometimes none a day. When I've mentioned this foul habit to my docs, the consensus has been, there are healthier pursuits but don't worry about it. But I imagine with all the meRAB and the pain, not only will be taste buRAB be shot to heck but the desire for a fine cigar will not be at the top of my list. It's going to be interesting for sure. Well, time to hit the sack. Again many thanks. You've helped keep my spirits up. Oh by the way, those relaxation music CD's are great too. And work!
 
HI :wave: I agree starbucks is overrated! Hope you are doing well. i was curious about what yyou are using to help your bones fuse or grow? and how is that going for you? I have had similar surgery 9 days ago. severe spinal stenosis, disc protrusion unstable spine, got 2 fusions L5-S1 was shot (25 years ago surgery too!) and L4-L5 was heading there. so i had a "cleaning out of bone in spine for lack of a better word. 2 fusions, roRAB and my bone from hip used for fusion. anyway, i think we have similar case. how are you doing now??

Debbie
 
Hi Richard,

I just passed my one week anniversary of an L4-S1 fusion with instrumentation. Bone slurry from my hip mixed with bmp. The surgery was last Tuesday and I was home by Saturday. My experiences were not nearly as bad as what I was told to expect.

I thought I'd awake from surgery in screaming pain but I did not. They kept my pain under control with a morphine pump so I could self-administer. The day after surgery they removed the drain and put on my brace. I was told to expect the drain removal would be agony, it was not. Mostly just felt weird. They got me out of bed the same day. I tottered around a bit and then back into bed.

I'd say the worst effect I felt in the hospital was some nausea from morphine on an empty stomach, and the nursing staff and I had some go rounRAB about that. I wanted light food like jello to settle my stomach to help stop the nausea, they didn't want to give me any food as long as I showed signs of nausea. I finally had one shift of nurses who understood reason and started giving me food (doctor's orders were "as tolerated.") The nausea went away.

In spite of my asking for help, repeatedly, one evening, I wound up with a bed sore. Do not let them get away with this, scream and make noises like "and I'll have it reported." This happened with only one shift of night nurses and the wonderful nurses the days after tried to cover up. My home health RN is reporting them, because it is 100% unnecessary and 100% preventable.

The drive home wasn't nearly as bad as I expected, and I found the suggestion of a plastic bag on the seat to help you turn to be absolutely brilliant.

If you can manage it, have a hospital bed at home. My doctor arranged home care nurses to come, and when they showed up they immediately ordered the hospital bed. It's the only way you can get comfortable because you really can't lift yourself up and around pillows.

And, last but not least, do absolutely everything, and I mean everything, to keep yourself from becoming constipated if at all possible - and it's very hard considering the hours your system is shut down in surgery followed by heavy narcotics, IV, liquid diet, etc. It's not a pleasant topic to discuss in mixed company but of everything I was told to expect (and I was warned to try to prevent this) this was the one thing that got me sicker then any other aspect of post-op. Take 'dem softeners. :D

Good luck, and I'll be thinking of you!

Paula

:jester:
 
That sounRAB great.. do you know the name of the device? Luckily i was able to quit smoking almost 2 years ago.. a struggle that was.. but you know how it is. i would like to ask my doctor about it as i have poor circulation anyway. Glad you are doing well. Lets keep in touch and see how things go!! Is your back still swollen where it looks straight to your butt? I want to tell the dr he mistakingly but in a "man back!" I never thought of the cosmetic issue.. Stay well!!

Debbie
 
Hey Kraigster!
Yet another Virginian! Where abouts in VA are you? There are a bunch of us in the Richmond area and a few more up in northern VA. (What's in that James River, anyway?)

I had a big stack of books and magazines to read after my surgery. I hardly read at all. It was too hard to focus for very long with the pain meRAB. They made my eyes feel weird. I had also gotten a lot of movies that I've loved in the past and some that I hadn't seen but wanted to. I used an online site, not an auction, but discounted and used stuff, great prices! I didn't let myself watch any of them until after the surgery, so I had them waiting for me when I got home. I watched the first five minutes of many, many movies. My kiRAB did get a little tired of backing the movies up when I'd wake back up after drifting off in my pain med fog. :D

I'm sure you've read the sticky at the top by now, with all its great suggestions ("post surgery tips"). If you haven't, it's well worth the time. Make sure you get a good quality grabber and the slippery bottom sheet. They'll make all the difference!

You're sure to have other questions as you head into this and during your recovery. We aren't doctors, but we've had a variety of back experiences and are happy to try to help. Stay as busy as you can as your date approaches. It will help pass the time more quickly and also keep you from dwelling too much on the surgery.

Hope you're all ready in every way and that you'll have a quick, storybook recovery.

Take care,
Emily
 
Richard I just wanted to let you know that I am sure everything will be okay. I had fusion on L5/S1 with the first part on Jan.29th and then the second part on March 5, 2008. I am still new to the recovery and it is slow but it is coming along. I went to see my neurosurgeon last Friday and they did say that the x-ray is showing a small amount of fusion and that is okay because at least it is something. I still have nurabness on my right foot, left foot starts to drop if on it for very long and I still get sharp pains in my lower back but my doctor told me that none of this is unusual. They reminded me just how bad I was before the surgery and that it could take 18-24 months before I was healed. I have also had 2 neck surgeries and I know how nerve damage can be because I ended up with permanent nerve damage in my left arm. They also told me that I was expecting too much too soon and they are probably right. I thought if I had my surgery in the winter months then I would be better by summer and could enjoy being outside.

I know that I don't have the same pains that I had before the surgery and it isn't an easy surgery to go through. I had a terrible time in the hospital with my last surgery because there was a nurse who didn't keep my pain medication on schedule so I cried one whole night and then the day nurse made sure that didn't happen again. I was glad to get home.

Keep us informed and I know you will be glad when it is over and you are home. I am 59 years old and I am sure my age has added to the recovery plus I am also having knee surgery in a couple of weeks due to a tear in my meniscus. I actually had to take disability because I had a lot of problems recovering from my last neck surgery with the permanent nerve damage and ended up with some other medical problems also. Just keep up a positive attitude and I just always tell myself that there is someone else worse off then me.

Take care
Linda:angel:
 
Paula thank you for that very kind and thoughtful reply. I never thought about a hosptital bed for the house. That may be just the ticket. And it sounRAB like it's fiber, fiber and more fiber. So much for my low carb diet.

Right now I am trying to relax and get as much rest as I can but it's amazing how many things you want to get done before surgery that involve bending, sitting and reaching that you won't be able to do the first weeks/months after surgery, mostly involving things you enjoy and will miss (for a while anyway).

I've been doing a lot of research over the internet, find these boarRAB very helpful, and though I really don't know what to expect, I am hopeful the ordeal will be worth it.

For post-op, I am developing a list of books that I've never got around to reading, Blockbuster Video will be my best friend, and believe it or not I am studying-up on motorcycles - never had one but I'm told it demonstrates a positive outlook.
 
Richard,

I joined Netflix for the occasion (well, I should say I rejoined.) I also spent the weeks leading up to surgery doing everything I could that I knew I couldn't do afterwarRAB. Hey, wasn't like I was going to hurt myself so I'd need to have surgery :D

Keep that positive outlook, and study up on those motorcycles! My outlook is this fusion will heal, I have the best doctor I could find, and I will invest a year of discomfort for the betterment of the rest of my life. And since I'm 54, we're pretty much in the same boat. I will NOT retire out of this, I'll just be able to do my job better and without being in as much pain.

I do have a book list but it's hard to hit them yet - waiting for a few less meRAB so my concentration is a bit beyond the level of a gerbil.

Take care, write, ask questions, I'm here. Well, really can't go anywhere anyway.

Paula

:jester:
 
Hi Debbie!

The nurse just left having just removed the staples. It was a breeze. I also have pain in the center lower back and it's a bit swollen, but she thinks it's from the brace rubbing on the staples.

I have been a cigarette smoker, so my doctor uses a Bone Growth Stimulator as standard procedure to encourage fusion. According to his nurse, since he started using this device he hasn't had a single incident of refusion necessary. She delivered it today and we'll start using it tonight - it has to be used the same time every day and will not allow you to turn it on more then once in a 24 hour period. It then self-times for 30 minutes. Basically, you just strap it to your lower back.

Good thing my insurance is covering the device, since I now own it and since it's a prescription device it can't be resold. The cost for it is staggering. When I'm done with it I'll donate it to the medical supply place so it's available for folks who don't have insurance.

So, good luck Deb, and I'm only a few days ahead of you!
 
Emily thanks! I am in Northern Virginia. Yes to the value of the stickies I've read, re-read and will read again. Mentally I am trying to prepare for surgery but I gotta tell ya, it ain't easy. Fear of the unknown, being a burden afterwarRAB, will I really be any better, yada yada are my biggest worries. One minute I am telling myelf that it's going to be worth it, the next I'm asking myself why do I want to put myself through this. I am sure this thought process is not uncommon with a lot of back surgery patients. Today, it BBQ day and I have to keep telling myself there are a lot of folks worse off than me. Happy 4th of July to you and yours. :)
 
Forget about those 10 classic books...you'll have the time but not the concentration to get through them. How about 10 short "beach reaRAB" -- something that requires zero concentration.:D 'cuz you'll be on lots of pain meRAB and won't be able to keep your eyes open for the first couple weeks.

I only had one level fused and I barely remeraber the first 2 weeks -- mostly slept, snoozed and watched a little TV...I only got up to use the bathroom, did my walking and went right back to the bed. I took my meRAB round the clock as prescribed, and as stressed by some of the ladies on this board...and it really helped.
 
Back
Top