prfesor of sports

**haris** · 10-24-2011, 02:34 PM

My name is Suad, I am from Bosnia. I had a back bone surgery at dr. Bertagnoli's hospital in Germany. He implanted two parts at the level I4I5 and I5s1. Surgery took place on 15 september 2011. Before that I had two surgeries of microdiscetomie at that levels. I still have pain in my back, I feel insecure while walking and I can walk/sit for 15 minutes without pain. Then pain starts and my legs are becoming slightly numb. I also noticed that one leg is more red then the other one. Did anyone had similar experience and what do you suggest to me? Most of all I would like to know when will the pain stop.

**trkdoc714** · 10-24-2011, 07:37 PM

Suad,

Have you contacted the surgeon's office? Recovery rimes vary from almost immediately to a few years. The redness may indicate another issue. I'd contact them at the earliest convenience to be sure.

Welcome to Spine Patient Society. I'm sure others will offer opinions and advice.

Good luck,

Bob

**KBear** · 10-24-2011, 10:36 PM

I second that. The redness could indicate a more serious problem, so I'd have that checked out as soon as possible. The pain will most likely last from 6-18 months post surgery. There are a few that are better quicker than that and some take longer, but I'd say the average is that time frame. You jut had MAJOR surgery 6 weeks ago, you are very, very early in recovery. Your body has just had trauma from the operation and that takes time to heal. Many (myself included) suffer worse pain after surgery, before it gets better. I had awful leg pain for awhile after surgery. It will get better, just takes time, and you taking it easy and not overdoing it.

Oh and welcome to the forums!

**Justin** · 10-25-2011, 07:34 AM

Hi Suad,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society.

You are still in the (very) early post-op phase. Meaning what you are experiencing in terms of pain in your legs and sitting / standing tolerance is normal. The pain in your legs is commonly referred to as "distraction pain" after artificial disc replacement. The implants restore the disc height and this inherently stretches the nerves that surround the spine. Nerves do not like to be manipulated (or stretched) and respond by sending a pain signal to your brain. This distraction pain can last a few months to even 2+ years post-op. However, most Spine Patients that I have spoken with over the years really start to turn the corner and feel better around the 6 month mark.

In terms of one leg being "more red" than the other, it warrants at least a phone call (or email) to Drs. Fenk-Mayer and Bertagnoli. However, since you are fresh out of surgery I would follow-up with your primary care physician and if you feel that something is just not right with your leg, be safe and go to the Emergency Room to rule out deep vein thrombosis, infection, etc.

Good luck and please keep us posted on your progress.