Upcoming Laminectomy recovery period?

[Backtobasics]

This will be my second back surgery. Last time about 10 years ago I underwent a discectomy. I have severe narrowing of the spinal canal (L4/5) and a laminectomy is the preferred option according to my orthopdedist unless I want to continue taking prescription NASID the rest of my life. My surgeon wants to do things incrementally - first the laminectomy, see how I do and then he'll decide if a fusion is required (I have a severely degenerated L4-5 disk and arthritis up and down the spine.) A couple of questions....what is the typical recovery period after a laminectomy? What are the chances that it will cause instability requiring a fusion afterwarRAB? And how dangerous are these procedures? I am a 58 year old male who has suffered lower back problems since the age of 35. Many thanks.

 

[ms_west]

I was down for a good 6 weeks with my laminectomy where I did little. Then I gradually increased my activity. My biggest advice is if you do this, plan on guarding your back for the six month. Don't lift, don't bend, and don't twist. Do alot of walking and take off any extra weight if you have any on you. Let it heal then slowly start building up. You may never be able to move furniture around but just use common sense.

I know guarding your back for a long time may sound silly but you have to realize that your back carries your body weight and when it is injured it really neeRAB time to heal.

Personally, my laminectomy failed and I needed a fusion. However, when you ask a question like this on the board regarding the suceess rate, you have to realize that your results are not going to be that great. The people on this board are the ones that did not get better. Those that got better are gone and out there enjoying their life to the fullest.

Hope this helps.

 

[Mel52]

I had a laminectomy and disectomy in March L3-L-4 and L-5. I was told not to do anything for 3 months. However, when I went for my check-up at 2 weeks the surgeon said let pain be my guide. I would suggest stopping short of that. If I do too much my back swells and I have a hard time sleeping.
THe first two weeks were pretty difficult. It was hard to sit too long and too painful to lay down. I honestly felt best standing and moving my legs.
I am glad I did it. No more pain down the legs and I have less and less tingling and nurabness in my feet. I still have back pain and grating but I do have arthritis and osteroporosis. I didn't want to have a fusion.
I do suggest prior to surgery have good thigh muscles as you will need them to get up so you don't use your back. Turning on your side is a challenge at first. The ordeal of surgery is fading away and I am on my way. I am going to be starting physical therapy next week. Good luck

 

[Baybreeze]

Hi, I had a multi level laminectomy in 2006 (L3 through L5). My surgeon was also conservative and didn't do a fusion. I was told the average recovery time was 6 to 8 weeks, however it took me personally 10 weeks. But I also have some other problems and had alot of fatigue and such, so it took me a little longer. I had severe compression in there which felt like I had a vice grip around my lower spine inside. After surgery, I was finally able to walk upright and walk normal. Of course I had surgical pain afterwarRAB for a few weeks, but then I was feeling alot better.

However, after about 6 months later, I developed severe sciatica, caused by scar tissue, and disc herniations. And ever since I've been having problems and in nerve pains in new areas. BUt this does not mean that this would happen to you.