Post Fusion questions

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mznell

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I am almost one month post surgery on a one level PLIF at L4-5. I feel like my recovery is coming along well. My surgeon is the casual type that doesn't believe in any specific routines. As a result I feel like the structuring of my recuperation is pretty much up to me.

I would like to know from those of you that have had fusion if you went to physical therapy at some point after surgery? If so, at what point did you start physical therapy? I have found a group that only works on spinal issues but I don't know how long I should wait before starting with them.

Also, was anyone else bothered by gas? I seem to have worked out the constipation issues, but I continue to be bothered with gas on a regular basis.

Any input is appreciated.

xx MM;)
 
Hiya MM:

Congrats on getting past the one-month mark and I'm so glad to hear your recovery is going well. I had a one-level fusion at L5-S1 and my doc was strict about no PT for 12 weeks. I remeraber being so inpatient, feeling that I was doing nothing, but my doc explained that it was important to let the bone grow and not to do any lifting, bending, twisting. All he let me do was walk, and I walked around my yard and then progressively further, working up to a mile walk most days after maybe the second month. Some days I walked too far and had to call someone to come get me 'cause I knew I couldn't make it home. Then I'd rest for a day or two and walk some more.

It's wonderful that you found a good PT group, and you should definitely check with your surgeon about when to start and what you should be doing. I wish you much success with your recovery.

Schragie-girl
 
Hi Congrats on the 1 month post-op. My surgeon made me start physical therapy 3 weeks after surgery. PT is in the same office as the surgeons and when I went in for 2 week check-up they had an opening that day and I said I wasn't ready yet. Ok so I started PT at 3 weeks post, I was afraid but it was very gentle. All of the stuff we did was pilattes related. They were working on my abs getting them strong, so that they would support my back. I was surprised but I really liked Pt. At about the 6 week mark I had to quit because my insurance wasn't covering it and I ended up with a huge bill. Luckily, for me, they (PT) gave me a bunch of instructions for the excercises I was doing and I made a little routine out of that and still do it. The best thing about the place was 2 of the therapists were both fusion patients, so they understood what fusion was like and were full of helpful hints about how to do everyday things without hurting myself. Hope that was helpful. Take Care, Dee
 
I started PT just after my 10th week. I am fused at the same level as you. My doc also was the same as yours. If you have a PT group that only does spines.. that is a huge plus! I got lucky with my therapist as well. This lady specialized in rehab spine patients. She was nothing short of amazing.

You will feel so much better once you get your body moving more normally again. Dont be surprised if you get flared up a few times through it. It is to be expected. Just completely tell the PT everything you feel, where, the good and the bad. That way they get to know you, your body and how it responRAB best.

cant help you with the gas thing. I was very careful with my diet so I knew what was going to keep me in a good place and what wouldnt. Have you tried a zantec or a pepcid and see if that helps?
 
Hi M&M :D,
Like Schragie, I didn't start PT for quite a while. My doctor didn't want to take any chances with disturbing my growing bone. Even though I started showing bone growth early, at only 6 weeks post-op, he didn't start me on PT until about 4 months. Maybe it was 3 1/2, I can't remeraber. I was in the brace for 5 months. Maybe if there are fewer levels, it's safe to start earlier. I had 8 done.

PT was not intense at all, just learning how to isolate muscle groups and strengthen them, especially the abdominals. As I progressed, she slowly added different things to regain my normal strength, but it wasn't a workout or anything like that. Not that it wasn't hard, but it wasn't stressful to my back at all.

My doctor didn't give me much to structure my recovery, either. I learned a lot here on the back board, and that's what helped me to figure out what my recovery should look like. Don't feel like you should be doing ANYTHING in particular. Take it a day at a time and let rest be your priority.

Take care,
Emily
 
HI and good luck on your recovery!
I had my first fusion surgery and my DR started me on PT 3 weeks after the surgery.
I had my second surgery 6 weeks ago at HSS in NYC and my surgeon said for now my PT is walking as tolerated. Only after 3 month he will see if he senRAB me to out for PT or not.
I was told once that not every surgeon believes in PT after fusion surgeries since not much we can do.
Actually my first time PT for 8month mostly was ice/heat, stretches, some bike (later one) and that was it. All this I could easy do at home.
I do at home my upper body free weights, some mild leg excercises and some stretches. That is all for now.
 
Thanks everyone for your replies. ;) It helps me to know what others have done and how it worked out.

xx MM :)
 
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