Recovering from 4th Back Surgery

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DAJ819

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Hello Everyone.

I had my 4th back surgery 1 week ago today and I must say I'm doing remarkably well this time. I had lurabar laminectomies in 2003 & 2006 and 2-level fusion (L4/L5 S1) March 2008. I never fused from the March 2008 surgery and developed a very large cystic lesion which had to be removed as well as 2 screws replaced which is why I had to have the 4th surgery.

Surgery was only 3 hours this time, I stayed an additional day in the hospital and this time was sent home with a bone stimulator that I have to wear 2 hours every day. Emotionally and physically I think I'm doing ok. Granted I am in pain, having some difficulties sleeping, but I'm just amazed at how I feel compared to the last time. I only had to use the walker while in the hospital and so far have not used it since I've been home. But of course my cane is still my best friend (smile).

I do have a nurse and physical therapist that come out to my home and I'm still dealing with nurabness in both feet and ankles, but I've learned that with nerve issues, it takes awhile. I am concerned about one thing though, I now have weakness and nurabness in my left hand which I did not have prior to any of these surgeries and I'm also very swollen with fluid (hanRAB, legs, feet). The physical therapist said the hand nurabness could have resulted from how I was positioned during surgery but that I definitely need to mention to my dr. when I go this week to have my staples removed.

Just wanted to check in to let everyone know that everything went well and I'm now on the mend. I just pray for fusion this time!.
 
SounRAB good....I hope you fuse too! I go in on the 26 to see if I fused at all from a two level fusion.....fingers crossed!

Devon
 
I'm glad you're feeling so well. Keep up your walking and wear that bone stimulator. Fourth time's a charm? Let's hope so!

I wish you the best!
Emily
 
I am so glad to hear you are feeling better this time around..what a relief. Have you spoken to your DR or DR's nurse about swelling? Sometimes it just pays to check in with them even if it is to hear...yes yes its all part of it. I would expect that you should be able to ask them anything this close to your surgery. Keeping good thoughts for you for a great recovery. How lucky you are to have help coming to the home. At 9 weeks for me I still have 3 to go to find out what's what with my fusion..at my 5 week visit the Xray showed some baby threaRAB of bone happening so Im visualizing more good happening. I dont have physical therapy yet..what do you do when they visit if you dont mind me asking
Lena
 
I had my first post-op check-up yesterday. It went well (sort of) -- I had my staples removed and unfortunately for me, all 19 staples had started to grow into my skin! och, och, och. The nurse kept asking me how many days post-op was I because she said this normally doesn't happen this soon.

Anyway, I survived. Everything is stable. There is some concern about all the fluid retention in my hanRAB and legs, but my dr. will hold off prescribing meRAB for now.

My instructions were to walk as much as possible (using my cane) and to make sure I keep the pain under control and get my rest. Physical therapy in my home has been cancelled. My dr. said he did not order physical therapy, that was my insurance provider; he rather I just walk as much as possible for right now which is perfectly fine with me.

I'll have x-rays in about a month to see if we start to see signs of fusion. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and wearing my bone stimulator everyday.
 
Yea!

I think your doctor is right on the money! This seems to be the best way out there: rest, walk as much as possible, keep the pain under control, and don't start PT too quickly. PT can come later to just help you regain strength and learn how to do normal things in a way that will protect your back.

I'm happy for you!

Now you behave yourself, and we'll be looking forward to a great x-ray report in another month or so! :D

:wave: Emily
 
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