Artificial Disc Replacement Surgical Outcome ~2 weeks out with the Pro Disc L

[Flycolorado]

Hello again,
I just wanted to give an update and I have a couple questions.

Today is 2 weeks post op. No back pain! CRAZY!!
I realize now what the "distractinon pain is". I am almost 3/4 inch taller~ my poor ligaments and muscles are confused why I had a growth spurt at 37 years of age

My pain is in the left groin, Left pubic bone (as if I was kicked?) ~ apparently this is normal. Would have been nice to know before hand! I swore It had a blood clot. I guess the manipulation of moving the abdominal cavity to the right put a ton of strain on everything on the left.

I was told not to bend, twist and lift more than 5 lbs for 6 weeks... I called the office today and clarified what I can do and they pretty much said everything my body will allow except not to lift more than 5 lbs for 6 weeks to keep from getting a hernia. Funny because I have been using my grandmas gripper to not bend over.. Apparently I could have been doing this.

I'd love to know what exercises, stretches, strengthening or anything else y'all have done to get you back on track! I have been getting a weekly massage for the tight ligaments in my legs and it helps a little and with walks i ice my sore hips after since they tend to get angry! I'm a flight nurse and they pretty much said all limits will be taken off at 6 weeks and I can go back to work (even tho it's strenuous at times and i need to at least lift 50 lbs). I have an approved 12 weeks off but only have 10 weeks of pay.. should I keep at least 10 weeks off?

I would just love some thoughts. I'm sure my body will tell me more in the future. I just want to be a good patient and do whats best!

Oh on a side note.. any recommendations for the hideous abdominal scar ~ Wondered if the gel patched work?

Thanks for the love and support! This site helped me more than you know!

Andrea

[Justin]

Hi Andrea,

Congratulations on being 2 weeks post-op!!!

My pain is in the left groin, Left pubic bone (as if I was kicked?) ~ apparently this is normal. Would have been nice to know before hand! I swore It had a blood clot. I guess the manipulation of moving the abdominal cavity to the right put a ton of strain on everything on the left.

Your pain does sound like distraction pain.

I was told not to bend, twist and lift more than 5 lbs for 6 weeks... I called the office today and clarified what I can do and they pretty much said everything my body will allow except not to lift more than 5 lbs for 6 weeks to keep from getting a hernia. Funny because I have been using my grandmas gripper to not bend over.. Apparently I could have been doing this.

Those instructions sound good...the gripper is a lifesaver!

I'd love to know what exercises, stretches, strengthening or anything else y'all have done to get you back on track! I have been getting a weekly massage for the tight ligaments in my legs and it helps a little and with walks i ice my sore hips after since they tend to get angry! I'm a flight nurse and they pretty much said all limits will be taken off at 6 weeks and I can go back to work (even tho it's strenuous at times and i need to at least lift 50 lbs). I have an approved 12 weeks off but only have 10 weeks of pay.. should I keep at least 10 weeks off?

In terms of a formal physical therapy program, I would wait at least 8 weeks (personally 10 to 12 weeks). The massage will help greatly, especially with the distraction pain. Personally, I was very cautious with post-op rehabilitation and only did the few very simple stretches that I was taught in the hospital.

The best thing to do now is walk as much as you can. Avoid twisting, low-level bending and anything that puts undue stress on your spine.

Oh on a side note.. any recommendations for the hideous abdominal scar ~ Wondered if the gel patched work?

A lot of people like the over-the-counter scar reducing creams. Even a small capsule of vitamin E can help. I'm sure the ladies can chime in with good suggestions.

Thanks for the love and support! This site helped me more than you know!

This is such great news to hear! I wish you the very best and we are here to support you as you recover.

[ajj1001]

Welcome to the forum

I'm sure the ladies can chime in with good suggestions.

my suggestion - bio oil once the scar is healed (you are probably a couple of weeks off) really works well in easing the scar and helping it to smooth. a reasonably strong massage helps break down any lumps.


I agree with justin to hold off a bit on rehab, let your body heal up first.

[Flycolorado]

Thanks so very much you both! That's exactly what I needed!

Andrea

[Cindylou]

Andrea, I do agree with Justin and Alison as well on the holding off on any major rehab right now, 8-10 weeks minimum, before you start. And when you do begin, continue to listen to your body. For example, if the day after a rehab work-out you can hardly move, then obviously you've done too much. It's really a fine line and a juggle to get just the right amount of exercise in, without setting your recovery way back. And in regards to the walking, I totally agree again with Justin. Just walk, walk, walk. It's the best thing you can be doing right now and it's weight bearing exercise to boot. Congratulations on being on the other side of surgery, and I hope you can have a smooth, relatively uneventful recovery. We are definitely here for you, for any and all the bumps in between! Cindylou

[Flycolorado]

Thank you so much Cindylou!

I couldn't have survived without my new relax the back chair (zero gravity) and tempurpedic bed... Insurance denied my surgery and the study is paying for it so I splurged with the $$ I thought I would have to pay for the surgery with..

The problem is that it feels good and I get lazy and sit too long. Walking feels great so I will listen to my body.


Andrea

[KanRunMo]

I have found Polysporin to be a great help in preventing scaring from surgery. - Not Neosporin. It may just be the jelly or oil in some of these ointments that help but that's what worked for me.
Congratulations on your surgery and recovery. Ten weeks sounds like a great deal for healing and you should take it- not because you're lazy but because you need it.

[Flycolorado]

Has anyone had intermittent abdominal bloating and swelling.. It seems to come and go~ I look 6-7 mo pregnant. I get so full fast but not constipated?

Also Im sure everyone experiences this, but I have been having great days and today is bad.. Bad left groin pain and left low back aches.
Maybe I'm doing too much.. I drove for 2 hours yesterday.. I'm organizing a non profit charity run for May 22nd and we had a meeting an hour from my house.. I'm sure I'm just feeling the side effects from that.. Just having a pity party and a cry day... Yuck!

xoxo

[trkdoc714]

[QUOTE=Maybe I'm doing too much.. I drove for 2 hours yesterday.. I'm organizing a non profit charity run for May 22nd and we had a meeting an hour from my house.. I'm sure I'm just feeling the side effects from that.. Just having a pity party and a cry day... Yuck![/QUOTE]

Andrea.....you're doing too much. I realize it's difficult but you're only going to get this one chance to heal right. Go easy on yourself. Be good to yourself. Pamper yourself. For once, try to remember this IS all about you.

Good luck,

Bob

[Flycolorado]

Andrea.....you're doing too much. I realize it's difficult but you're only going to get this one chance to heal right. Go easy on yourself. Be good to yourself. Pamper yourself. For once, try to remember this IS all about you.

Good luck,

Bob

Thanks Bob, I figured as much.. I took an oxycontin and feel much better now.. I haven't needed pain meds in a week so I was pretty frustrated today.

Andrea