M
mommyof2ak
Guest
I am 12 weeks post op (PLIF) and have already started to show some growth of bone in my fusion. Such awesome news to hear today.
I was released of all my restrictions also, I can lift, twist and bend as tolerated, although, I can't tolerate a whole lot at this point because I am still in pain. He has started me on 3 times a week PT though which will help strengthen my muscles and get me back into shape. Oh, I can't tell you how happy I am.
Also I may be able to go back to my very physical job in 2-3 weeks given my results from PT are good. He said to call him in 3 weeks to let him know how I am doing.
He did however keep me on my muscle relaxers and pain medications. He said it is not abnormal to continue to have pain from the surgery this far out.
He put it in a good way, he said, "this is such a major surgery, generally the last resort and given the significance of the surgery, one can't expect to be completely out of pain right away." He thought that I was doing great and was pleased with my progress.
I continue to have excruciating pain at times throughout the day, mostly in the morning and at the end of the day, but with PT I am hoping my muscles with get stronger and slowly the pain will decrease. Keeping my fingers crossed for that. I also talked to him about my weight and it being a factor with recovery and he said that the weight that I have put on since my back issues started will hopefully drop off once I am back to my normal working out routine and with PT. Yay!
Anyway, there is my update. There is hope for all of us. I told him I have been depressed given the length of time I have been in pain, he said that it was very normal and to not worry that with time things will get easier.
So far a positive fusion story for me. I am glad I had the surgery and just ready to get back to my normal routine. I will likely not go back to 12 hour shifts right away at work. I will start off slowly I think just to be sure I will be able to tolerate it.
Ok, so now I am rarabling. Thanks for reading and thanks for all the support I have received on here. You all are great!
:angel:
I was released of all my restrictions also, I can lift, twist and bend as tolerated, although, I can't tolerate a whole lot at this point because I am still in pain. He has started me on 3 times a week PT though which will help strengthen my muscles and get me back into shape. Oh, I can't tell you how happy I am.
Also I may be able to go back to my very physical job in 2-3 weeks given my results from PT are good. He said to call him in 3 weeks to let him know how I am doing.
He did however keep me on my muscle relaxers and pain medications. He said it is not abnormal to continue to have pain from the surgery this far out.
He put it in a good way, he said, "this is such a major surgery, generally the last resort and given the significance of the surgery, one can't expect to be completely out of pain right away." He thought that I was doing great and was pleased with my progress.
I continue to have excruciating pain at times throughout the day, mostly in the morning and at the end of the day, but with PT I am hoping my muscles with get stronger and slowly the pain will decrease. Keeping my fingers crossed for that. I also talked to him about my weight and it being a factor with recovery and he said that the weight that I have put on since my back issues started will hopefully drop off once I am back to my normal working out routine and with PT. Yay!
Anyway, there is my update. There is hope for all of us. I told him I have been depressed given the length of time I have been in pain, he said that it was very normal and to not worry that with time things will get easier.
So far a positive fusion story for me. I am glad I had the surgery and just ready to get back to my normal routine. I will likely not go back to 12 hour shifts right away at work. I will start off slowly I think just to be sure I will be able to tolerate it.
Ok, so now I am rarabling. Thanks for reading and thanks for all the support I have received on here. You all are great!
:angel:
Again, so happy for you...... and me! To everyone else.....if you're still struggling, whether its deciding on surgery or going through recovery..... there is hope and life after back surgery~~