What could you do at one month post op lumbar fusion?

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marshrose

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I'm getting bummed again. I can't help it. I'm still constantly taking lorcet 10-500 and thats mainly on my back or up here and there trying to pick up after the kiRAB or a shower then lay down, then try to dry my hair, then lay down, or if I am going to try to do something more than 1/2 hr long on my feet back on the percocet 10s.

I can 'walk' up my block now (not far) there and back but it really stirrs up the nerves in my leg and but and hip alot, today my LEFT leg, (not the bad leg) almost went out at the knee coming back up my steps. I still use the cane to walk too, it's not "ALL ME". I can only walk 1x every other day or so, not every day yet and not far at all and I'm not driving due to the nerve pains (and possibly trying to sit and use the petals).

Where were you guys at 1 month post op?? I am starting to worry about permanent damage alot, since my nerve was shot for 9 months before and between the 2 surgeries, I've spent the entire 9 months in bed for 90% of the time prior to the fusion too so I'm an atrophied mess.

Just wanted to touch base to see where anyone else was at. I had a 4-5 lurabar fusion one month ago, and a 3-4 lurabar MicroD 6 months ago, (also 4-5 that reherniated thus fusion) from 2 extruded discs that were pretty big from an immediate impact injury.

I don't go back to the dr for 2 weeks so, I just want to know now cuz I don't get to see the dr for a bit. I have alot of back pain where the surgery is too and now I'm understanding that 'log' feeling everyone posted about here and there too. I also have alot of pain ABOVE where the fusion is too right in my back. I hope its just muscular even though it doesn't feel like it.
 
Hi Rosespetal

One month post op is not very long out of the surgery - you sound like you're doing very well for yourself at this point. I was still on painkillers, just like you, a month out from my surgery - there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. They're not exactly a lot of fun, but if you're in pain then it's good that you take them.

One month post op I was almost exactly where you are now. I was still walking with my cane, and usually the help of a friend. And unlike a lot of people I read about on healtrabroadoarRAB, I was not doing a mile or two a day - I was just barely making one lap around my apartment complex 3 times a week. Your progress sounRAB completely normal in that respect (I'm not a doc, but comparing you to myself and others I've spoken to...).

I understand your concern about nerve damage. I had a Spinal Fusion of S1-5-4, and for about 2 months afterward I had horrible pains from my buttocks down my legs. Also I lost a LOT of sensation that I'm only now getting back (all around the back of my thighs and hips). I've never had a Lurabar MicroD, but just comparing you fusion-wise, i wouldn't be too concerned just yet. You did spend a lot of time in bed before your surgery, so it make take a lot of time for the nerves to heal completely. Def. something you want to talk to your doctor about at your next visit, but nothing to fret over at the moment.

Remeraber that this surgery is a really big deal - doctors tend to downplay it's healing time(or else I assume no one would get it done), and the physical and mental toll it takes on your body. It's very easy to get down and discouraged with everything this procedure can entail, but try and remeraber that this too, will pass. Keep your chin up and be optimistic, and put all your efforts towarRAB healing. If you ever need anything PM me!

Take care!

XOXO!
 
Wow thanks Becki that's what had me so worried, so many ppl are doing MILES and I am LUCKY if I do 1/10th of a mile, if even that. And all the nerve pains and pain meRAB and how exhausted I get from doing the simplest things, it's just too much. I feel like a little old lady in my mid 30s. I am better than I was pre surgery, so that is a plus, but between the back and nerve pains down both legs, and having to still use the cane for anything but in the house in intervals, I can't do anything NEAR what other ppl on the board can do, its making me worry I won't get better than this.

It takes a very long time I see. Longer than expected thats for sure. I was doing good week to week, but now it seems it's slowed down to an extent and I am lingering at this point. Just don't want my tiny improvements to end and be plateau'd at this point.


Thanks again I feel better knowing you were on the same path as me.
 
At one month, I was still mostly in bed. Still on Percocet, which is stronger than Vicodin. Still had to use a walker, so walking outside wasn't even possible. I walked in figure 8's in my bedroom like crazy. I was very good with the TV remote. :dizzy:

I am always amazed at those who are walking miles and miles after this surgery. That sure wasn't me! Just do what YOU'RE able and don't worry too much about it.

It really sounRAB like you're doing about normal. Permanent damage? Only time will tell. Nerves are very irritated during this procedure, and they can take a long time to calm back down. There is much to be hopeful for!

Keep up the good recovery work, Roses. It won't be too much longer 'til you see vast improvement and feel a lot better!

:wave: Emily
 
Thanks Blue and Jan, it's just so frustrating and I'm so worried I'm going to plateau and be stuck like this after the last surgery went downhill too. I'm 35 and in alot of pain and I only get up about 6x a day momentarily or to do something quick, and a shower just tires me out. I am paying dearly today from walking (if you call it that lol) yesterday, even right in the surgery area hurts ALOT I am back to back on pain meRAB again instead of having some down time with not racing for meRAB between pills or tasks.

Well I'm glad I'm sortof on the same track, I was doing much better before I tried walking farther yesterday that's for sure, I did it 2 other times, but this time I extended it 5 more houses, guess that's a no no. Today is really really hurtin, I've don't nothing all day but goto the bathroom and eat. Hurts way too much to even try to roll over.

My SO was yelling at me that I overdid it, but hay he doesn't haveto worry about scar tissue while he sits on the couch scarfing potato chips and flippin channels. UGK

Thanks again everyone, I just needed some reassurance, I worry to easy somethings going to go wrong again cuz of my last surgery. I'm a nervous nellie.
 
I had a fusion 19 months ago. They went in 5 weeks ago and I had 2 surg. in one week. I'm 5 weeks and still in so much pain. I've been beating myself up.....trying to ration these pain pills, and convinced that this is my life! I hate to hear of someone else going through the same thing, but hopefully we are just expecting too much. People ask me to do things and the first thing I think is "Oh no.......I'll have to shower, or bath, and get my hair fixed. How in the world am I going to do this! Plus I'm afraid if I go through any extra pain pills they won't give me any more.............. We're a heck of a group aren't we!!
 
I know what you mean queenie, I start attempting to cook dinner at 1:00 in the afternoon and do it in stages with tons of laying down inbetween and I can't get stuff in our out of the oven. It's a pain in the but.

I am sure we're expecting too much, my recovery has slowed down alittle, I was progressing fairly good week to week, this week is a dud week to me regarding pain, I am paying dearly for attempting to walk this week, and even walking kills my arm terribly from relying on the cane so I had to stop to rest my back, and/or my arm with the cane.
 
Hey Rose,
I think you are doing good for all that you have been through!! To already be out of the house walking in the neigrabroadorhood is something in and of itself at one month. I'm trying to think back and I think I was just cruising around the house like a crazy woman. I did worry about wearing out our carpet as I walked in the same area so much but it is shot anyway! HA

Remeraber, others on this board (me, for one) were not recovering from a previous surgery and had not been down for nine months like you. That takes a toll and that's why I am amazed that you are out and about like you are. When I was walking in the house at one month I would get up off the sofa or bed every two hours and do my circuit through the house. However, I was pretty dependent at that point on both a heating pad after walking for the muscle spasm and using vicodin and valium for the sporadic nerve pains. I kept thinking that I had herniated a thoracic disc as the muscles all up and down my back were so tender! At six weeks I saw my neurosurgeon and he told me to continue just walking in the house on a level surface (be careful when you are out that you try to stay on level surfaces). At 2 1/2 months I started going to the local track and started out slow. I am 55 years old and the first day I went to the track there were 75 year old women speeding past me! I used to be a speedy walker so you can imagine how my ego was dinged......but I kept going back. Every time I walked too I was still having some nerve issues particularly on the right. It was not without pain or discomfort. But it got better everytime. The fatigue issue lasted for at least 4 months and I still don't feel like I have recouped my prior stamina.

Give yourself some time, girl!! Don't rush it mentally or physically. I know it is hard when you read the posts about what others are doing but recovery is a very individualized thing. Just make sure you don't do too much! Jan.
 
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