L5/S1 Fusion with Laminectomy/Front and Back incision

[Mastermind75]

I have done alot of research but I havent really spoken to anyone that has had the same procedures as I. I'm trying to read all these posts and my heads just scrambling.

On a personal experience level I'm trying to get an idea of what to expect right out of surgery and the weeks to come. Again I know what I have read but the real deal I think helps also.

My doctor and the hospital I am going to are on the top of the best of the best so I know I am in good hands there.

Any info will be greatly appreciated from what to bring to what to expect when I get home.

My surgeon told me no driving for 4 weeks which I get.....but why not even as a passenger? I didnt ask because I was too busy writing down his answers to all my questions while taking notes.

Thanks again all.

[ajj1001]

My surgeon told me no driving for 4 weeks which I get.....but why not even as a passenger? I didnt ask because I was too busy writing down his answers to all my questions while taking notes.

Thanks again all.

Hi and Welcome, I had a fusion of L5/S1 (posterior approach over a problematic adr) 8 months ago and so have some experience of recovering from it. I suggest that at four weeks post fusion you won't even want to sit in a car as a passenger let alone drive. As a passenger you would be subject to all sorts of bumps and going round corners that would hurt with a new fusion. I started to drive 3 months ish post op but had problems with sensation in my left leg that meant it was not wise to do this sooner.

In terms of post op I found the inability to bend, sit and lift very debilitating. I have gradually improved but it is a long haul. People fuse at very different rates so be prepared that it might take a while. I have bone at one side of my fusion and not the other.

Hope it goes well and let me know if you have any specific questions.

[Justin]

Any info will be greatly appreciated from what to bring to what to expect when I get home.

My surgeon told me no driving for 4 weeks which I get.....but why not even as a passenger? I didnt ask because I was too busy writing down his answers to all my questions while taking notes.

Thanks again all.

Hi Ryan,

Here's a good list of "must haves" and postoperative tips: Spine Surgery Recovery: "Must Have" Items & Postoperative Tips.

With spinal fusion surgery, there is time needed for your spine to heal and for the bone to remodel for the fusion to "take" (or the bones to fuse together correctly). As you can imagine, successful fusion between vertebral bodies takes time and during this time it is pertinent to avoid activities that might compromise healing.

I hope this information is a start. Other members with personal experience with spinal fusion surgery (like Alison above) should chime in soon and provide you with more information.

[Mastermind75]

Thanks alot guys.

[Carmen]

I have done alot of research but I havent really spoken to anyone that has had the same procedures as I. I'm trying to read all these posts and my heads just scrambling.

On a personal experience level I'm trying to get an idea of what to expect right out of surgery and the weeks to come. Again I know what I have read but the real deal I think helps also.

My doctor and the hospital I am going to are on the top of the best of the best so I know I am in good hands there.

Any info will be greatly appreciated from what to bring to what to expect when I get home.

My surgeon told me no driving for 4 weeks which I get.....but why not even as a passenger? I didnt ask because I was too busy writing down his answers to all my questions while taking notes.

Thanks again all.

HI,
I am glad you are in such good hands. I almost have the same problems you have but may be a little worse. Read my signature. I need to add to it since I have been at the Doctor. Would you mind giving me your doctor's name and what hospital you went to...I would really appreciate it. I was okay until the doctor say my X-Ray. Then he and his assistant got real excited and started talking in some foreign language. He finally said to me that my spine was leaning way to the right. The X-ray machine was something I have never seen before. When the tech's were finished they said I was a real challenge. I will be looking forward to your reply if not tonight maybe on Monday. There is maintenance tomorrow. Thank you for any help you can give me. Carmen

[Mastermind75]

http://www.pennmedicine.org/Wagform/...r&P=PP&ID=2263

This is my doctor but each of those surgeons are great. The hospital is Penn Hospital on 800 and Spruce St in Philadelphia.

Wish you the best!!

[Carmen]

I have done alot of research but I havent really spoken to anyone that has had the same procedures as I. I'm trying to read all these posts and my heads just scrambling.

On a personal experience level I'm trying to get an idea of what to expect right out of surgery and the weeks to come. Again I know what I have read but the real deal I think helps also.

My doctor and the hospital I am going to are on the top of the best of the best so I know I am in good hands there.

Any info will be greatly appreciated from what to bring to what to expect when I get home.

My surgeon told me no driving for 4 weeks which I get.....but why not even as a passenger? I didnt ask because I was too busy writing down his answers to all my questions while taking notes.

Thanks again all.

Can I ask you what hospital you are referring to? I about ready for the same. Read what I wrote under dynamic stabilization. Carmen

[Carmen]

Can I ask you what hospital you are referring to? I about ready for the same. Read what I wrote under dynamic stabilization. Carmen

You can email me if you would like. langecarmen (at) gmail (dot) com

[Mastermind75]

I added the link in my last post. His name is Scott Rushton and the procedure will be done at Penn Hospital on 8th and Spruce in Philadelphia,PA. The clinic is called 3B Orthopeadics and all of the doctors are great. I believe Justin told me he has seen one of the doctors Dr Balderston as well.

[Carmen]

Hi and Welcome, I had a fusion of L5/S1 (posterior approach over a problematic adr) 8 months ago and so have some experience of recovering from it. I suggest that at four weeks post fusion you won't even want to sit in a car as a passenger let alone drive. As a passenger you would be subject to all sorts of bumps and going round corners that would hurt with a new fusion. I started to drive 3 months ish post op but had problems with sensation in my left leg that meant it was not wise to do this sooner.

In terms of post op I found the inability to bend, sit and lift very debilitating. I have gradually improved but it is a long haul. People fuse at very different rates so be prepared that it might take a while. I have bone at one side of my fusion and not the other.

Hope it goes well and let me know if you have any specific questions.

This is a woman type question but if you don't mind me asking..when were you first able to wash your hair? I have already talked to my sylist and she said she would come to the house for touch-ups and a trim but when was the first time you were able to wash your hair by yourself. I probably could think of some more but this one for now...the nurse told me that I would be going through 3 months of hell. Carmen