L5/S1 Fusion with Laminectomy/Front and Back incision

[Nairek]

My surgeon told me no driving for 4 weeks which I get.....but why not even as a passenger?

The problem with sitting in a car after surgery is that the spine is flexed somewhat when you are in a bucket seat. The other problem is trying to get in & out of the car without twisting your spine. I had a Hell of a time with getting in & out of a car after my surgery. It was extremely painful.

I had an anterior/posterior fusion at L5/S1. I have a horizontal incision in my lower abdomen as well as 2 vertical incisions on either side of my spine. Talk about ouch!

When I received a copy of my hospital bill, after recovering from the sticker shock, I seen that there was an entry for the pathology department. As I understand it, anything that is removed from the body is sent to pathology. I am guessing that they removed some bone from my spine.

I will tell you that the first 2 days in the hospital were Hell for me. After that, the worst part (other than the 5 days of a liquid only diet) was when I had to turn over for them to look at the incisions on my back.

[Mastermind75]

Thanks alot Nairek