[Rehabilitation / Postoperative Spine Surgery Publications] Still so tired

[jeanie]

I would be connecting more on this site, but I am still so tired that my free time I spend napping. I am now over 3 months out and doing pretty well. I tired to work full time, but couldn't. After 5 hours I sat in my car and cried, went home and cancelled the rest of the day. Unless I overdo it, the pain is minimal and I only take 1/2 minimum dose percosett in the evening when I have had it. I think of you all and send all my best healing energy!

[Justin]

I would be connecting more on this site, but I am still so tired that my free time I spend napping. I am now over 3 months out and doing pretty well. I tired to work full time, but couldn't. After 5 hours I sat in my car and cried, went home and cancelled the rest of the day. Unless I overdo it, the pain is minimal and I only take 1/2 minimum dose percosett in the evening when I have had it. I think of you all and send all my best healing energy!

Jeanie,

I'm so sorry about the work situation. However, 3 months post-op from major spine surgery is still early days. It takes many Spine Patients much longer to get back to working full-time (most work a few hours a day to start and slowly progress back to a full-time schedule).

Don't be hard on yourself--I know, easier said than done. Your body needs sufficient time to heal and you also need to get "strong again" (good physical therapy at home or in a focused program).

Spending your free time napping, indicates that you are still "deconditioned" from the surgery. This is common after surgery, as spine surgery often results in decreased activity & utilization of muscles for an extended period of time. It will take time to get back to your "old self."

I wish you the very best, and remember to listen to body...try not to push things, change your position frequently, work on strengthening your core (abdominal muscles), walk as much as you can, safely & slowly incorporate activities that you find difficult (of course, follow your surgeons post-op guidelines to a T), walk some more , take a nice bath, eat well and remember the small victories daily!

Good luck...you'll do great!