L5 - S1 Laminectomy and Fusion with Instrumentation - How long does pain last?

R

roro

New member
I just had L5 - S1 Laminectomy and Fusion with Instrumentation on July 2. They crushed my lamina and used it for the fill for the fusion, along with a plastic spacer. the instrumentation used is two roRAB with four screws.

I am in a LOT of pain. I am on 3 times the pain meRAB I was on pre-op. It is different pain, probably incision and instrumentation. It hurts most to lean my back up against anything, making it diffficult to sit. My bed I can lie on my back because it is a sleep nuraber. My # is 5. My husband said I am a cat.

I have a recliner but it hurts so much to sit in it. I tried pillows but it still hurts. I was thinking of a long rectangular air cushion or gel cushion to put in it. Any ideas?

I also have pain in my thoracic back right above the incision. hoping i didnt already transfer the stress to higher level.
 
My pain was much better after the staples came out. My computer chair is cushy and the best place for me to sit after surgery and now. It drove me nuts not being able to sleep on my back.I had my surgery in Jan and am just now able to sleep on my back for a little while now. Hope you feel better soon..
Shannon
 
Hi, you are right about where you should be. Recovery from a fusion is long and often the doctors are not straight up about it. Everyone heals at different rates. Some are able to return to work about 12 weeks out from surgery and others are out for much longer. Alot of factors affect this: core body strength, the complexity of your case, complications, failure to follow post operative instructions, etc.

My biggest advice to you is to take it one day at a time. Right now you should be taking your medications as necessary to keep your pain undercontrol. No lifting, bending, twisting. Wear your back brace as directed and let others wait on you hand and foot. You should only be going up steps once a day and concentrate on walking when you get up to use the restroom.

You need to consider this an investment in your future. You want to let things heal so that you don't continue to have a lifetime of pain. Best of luck to you and remeraber that we are here for you 24/7.
 
If it hurts to sit, do not sit. Also most commercial recliners are not really very well designed, ergonomically speaking. The position puts pressure on the disks, which is something you will want to avoid. Good posture will be an important part of recovery. Right now you're better off lying in bed, or reclining in bed propped up with lots of pillows that support your back. When you're not in bed, walk.

If your meRAB aren't controlling your pain, call your surgeon. There's no reason you should be in tons of pain.
 
Hi I hope you are feeling better soon...I know how it feels having had an acdf c5 6 in 03 and microdisectomy l5 s1 in 04.

I live with managable pain but recently have had to give in and go to Pain clinic.

I was wondering if any of you have had bladder pain. I keep getting this wincing feeling down in my private parts and into the bladder. My legs have been getting that burning feeling which started in my big left toe and generates like a hot flash. Tonight I cannot sleep as the bladder felt like it was burning as I then realized it was actually a transient burn inside the thigh etc.

I see my Pain clinic dr who is a sweetie and who injects me with a low dose of anaesethic. It has helped me live with the general day to day pain after all these surgeries. It has been a great relief but something new is happening to my l5 s1 disc ( I think herniating more).

I was hoping you and the folks that "replied" might be able to tell me . All I had before the microdisectomy as terrible radicular pain and muscle spasms till that was somewhat remedied by surgery. This burning is so intense and my bladder feels like it is being squeezed. It also transcenRAB down the leg.
I know it is not a bladder infection as I have been tested twice in the last 3 weeks but these past days it has hit me it must the nerves into the pelvic area. Any responses would be appreciated.

A little tired and trying not to despair about what lies ahead again...maybe... Thanks...Nero
 
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