Time in hospital??

**bigdogchief76** · 03-01-2011, 02:06 PM

Hi folks -

So I've scoured this site and the web and I'm seeing a huge curve in the mean time in hospital after an ADR surgery. I know the amount of levels performed on makes a difference.

So what will be the stay time in the hospital for a single level (L5-S1) ADR ?

**ajj1001** · 03-01-2011, 02:38 PM

I did 2 weeks for my 2 level. I had issues with ineffective pain control for the first 3 days and much of the second week was spent waiting for my blood to show the correct inr. I was pretty mobile at 10 days.

**KBear** · 03-01-2011, 04:15 PM

I spent 2 nights in the hospital. The day of surgery I was in recovery most of the day, in horrendous pain. I then got sent to ICU because my blood pressure was so high (from the uncontrolled pain), spent the night and all of the next day there. I then was sent to a normal room that night and went home the next day. I was so ready to go home, that way I could be in control of my pain medication, because the hospital just wasn't doing it for me.

**Justin** · 03-01-2011, 04:44 PM

Hi Matt,

You will probably be in the hospital for 48 hours max barring any intra-operative or post-operative complications. (An interesting point--I left the hospital after 10 days after my 2-level Artificial Disc Replacement [ProDisc] with Dr. Bertagnoli in Germany. I did not have any complications--they let me leave when I felt comfortable.)

Good luck!

**trkdoc714** · 03-01-2011, 07:04 PM

Just like Justin, I was allowed to stay until comfortable with leaving. I think it was 6 days after surgery. The longer stays reflect a medical system run by medical professionals, not accountants that see the world through actuarial tables.

Bob

**Cindylou** · 03-02-2011, 12:12 AM

I also was in the hospital for 10 days after my 3 level lumbar ADR surgery with Dr. Bertagnoli in Germany. Then in hotel 1 night, and bam, back in hospital for 2 nights due to an infection and the wound having to be opened up and cleaned out again. Bob and Justin hit the nail on the head.....about being able to stay until comfortable enough to head to hotel for another 2 weeks of recovery before getting on a plane for the long ride home. I did have a few complications though, with needing 2 blood transfusions and then the infection. But my guess is also 48 hours you'll be in hospital here in the states. They'll boot you out pretty fast. CL

**bigdogchief76** · 03-02-2011, 12:21 AM

I hate hospitals. The sooner I am home the happier I will be.

I am a horrible patient as well. I've been in the hospital before for a pretty intensive surgery. I didn't like being bothered.

I'm going in on a Friday. I'm guessing I won't go home until Monday.

Thx for the feedback

**KanRunMo** · 03-02-2011, 03:02 PM

Remember you aren't recovered just because you are home. I hope your wife agrees with you on the length of hospital stay. You may not have a choice due to insurance requirements. I've had several surgeries (not the back) and was very glad to get home. However, my husband is not a good nurse, tho he tried. He had trouble facing the bandage changes. The caregiver needs a say too.

**bigdogchief76** · 03-02-2011, 05:03 PM

I'm blessed in the fact that my wife and I have known each other for 24 yrs and have had the best and worst of each other.

She knows my persona better than anyone. She knows when I need and when I don't. She's also had to change a few bandages on me, so she's good with that.

I'm already trying to get my heart right to accept help. I know my recovery won't go well if I don't swallow my pride.

Thanks for the reminder...