What has happened?! 1yr. + surgery and worse than ever

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Backtobasics

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In July 2009, I had a laminectomy and an L4-5 fusion with cage and hardware. I was doing pretty well until a month or so ago when I developed weakness in the legs and return pain to the lower back. A few weeks ago, the wife and I took a 6 hour drive down to NC and my condition overnight got even worse and it hasn't gotten any better. Extreme pain/weakness in my thighs, weakness in my knees, tips of my fingers turning white, and more pain in the lower back. I will be going back to my surgeon in a couple of weeks (that's the soonest I could get an appointment). Could this be the result of scar tissue pressing on the nerves, problem with the hardware? I feel like I'm 110 (I'm 59). I have a hard time sleeping and don't want to go back on a daily regiment of pain killers. Thanks.
 
My guess is that you have irritated the nerves and muscles. You aren't that far out from your initial surgery for starters, and to take a 6 hour car ride isn't the best thing on your back-especially when you have had surgery! It takes 6 months to see fusion of the bones you know. If I were you, I would go back to what you were taught right after your surgery. No BLT, treat your back gently, ice it down to get swelling out of it, 20 min. on then off. Rest, with your feet elevated to take the pressure off of your back. Take your anti inflametories if you have them,stay away from advil. Take your pain pills so your body can try to heal your back. Give it a chance to heal....

Good luck!
 
Thanks. My mistake (typo) my surgery was over a year ago, July 2008 not 2009.
 
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