L4 L5 Post-terrior Entry Wrap around Cage

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onyxgates

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My doctor is going to have me walking four times the day of my surgery. Does that sound right? I cannot believe how crazy all of his projections are compared to what I have read here on the boarRAB. Here are a few...

1-2 weeks: Walking 1-2 miles a day at a mall or healthclub (it's cold here so cannot do it outside). Able to sit and should only be taking one nap in the afternoon.

2-4 weeks: Walking 2-4 miles a day. Able to do light housework Only need to wear brace when either out or doing housework. If sitting than should have it off as it builRAB your muscles. Should be off any pain killers by the end of this time.

4-6 weeks: Returning to work (I drive and hour each way). Continue the rest of my stuff.

8 weeks start physical therapy

6-9 months back to normal

Does that seem accurate???
 
hi onyxgates....

Can you explain more about what your doc is going to do for surgery? What exactly is the problem?

LYNN
 
It sounRAB optimistic, but in the ballpark for a smaller fusion like yours. Not to downplay it; it's a big surgery. But fewer levels does make for a faster and easier recovery. You may move along even faster than that, or perhaps less quickly, but it's a good goal.

If your surgery is early in the day, yes, they'll definitely be making you walk the same day. 4 times? Hmmm, I don't know. They'll see how you're doing. But maybe.

I hope your doctor's optimistic outlook is right on the money for you! That would be great!!

Blessings,
Emily
 
I am sorry, I thought I gave enough information but I will try to give a little more. Here some more...They will go in through the back and wrap around to the front and place in a cage. Then put in protein material. I will also get roRAB in the back as well. It is a lot of talk but I think you are all correct in that this isn't as complicated as I first thought. My first two docs were going to cut me open in the front and back. At least this way I just have one scar :) So it really does sound doable...great!!! I am happy!!!
 
Good luck with your surgery! I am 3 weeks post-op from an L5/S1 PLIF. I am walking 2 miles a day, but I do it in 2-3 separate walks. I also live in a cold climate. If you can tolerate the temp and bundle up, I highly recommend walking outside. I walked a lot in the hospital and then in my house (I live in the boonies) after surgery and it felt SO great to walk outside and get fresh air (at about 10 days post op). As for the pain meRAB. I am starting to cut back. My parents are leaving next week, so I'll need to drive and don't want to do so impaired. Anyway, I'm not feeling too much pain even on the reduced meRAB. You're doc's expectations do seem high but not impossible. Listen to your body...it's okay to push yourself but stop when your body tells you to. Hope this helps. Best of luck to you.
Lisa
 
hi...

So you are having a posterior fusion? If I am understanding right....thats what you are saying? What level are you having done? If you are having a posterior fusion, it sure seems like your docs expectations are HIGHHHHH. I agree with the walking part though. I had a 2 level fusion done in dec and I was up the night of my surgery. Its not so bad really as far as that goes. As far as the brace.....I have to wear mine at ALL times except while sleeping. Off medication by 2-4 weeks, well, everyone is different but, I am for sure not off pain meRAB as of yet. I am weaning down but still on it. I have a weight limit of 5 pounRAB which pretty much leaves me to picking NOTHING up ha lol..... Your doc is way different than mine. Thats not to say your doc is bad or mine is bad. All docs treat things differently. And all people heal and respond to pain differently.....just go in with a positive attitude and try to obay your docs request to the best that you can....good luck with your surgery and your recovery....

LYNN
 
Lynn: Thanks for replying I am having a fusion at L4 L5 (which is in my title but oh well...we all have those days ;)). I haven't mentioned to you all that I am currently on the duragesic patch which scares the crap out of me because I have been on this for two years. My body is dependent on it...not addicted. So getting off of it within such a quick time period seems crazy but if I can, geez that would be wonderful. I am ready to start living my life again and not be in pain because I went to Chuckie Cheese with my son. Take care everyone. Thank you for the replies.
 
Hiya onyx....

Good luck on your up-coming surgery. I wish you the best for a successful surgery and recovery :)

LYNN
 
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