Laminectomy on dec 29th

**OzzieandHarriett** · 12-11-2009, 04:26 PM

Hi,
I am new to the forum. I am having a laminectomy on Dec 29th to decompress L3 to S1. I also have multi level cervical stenosis and a disc 4-5 that should probably be removed after this surgery. C 5-6 have auto fused. I was wondering how painful this surgery is and if I will need help when I return home. I believe the neurosurgeon said I would be 3-4 days in the hospital. Any info would be greatly appreciated. I had a colon resection in August for diverticulitis and lost a foot of colon. I figure this can't bad - I was hospitalized for 9 days for the colon surgery. Thanks again, Mary Anne

**KBear** · 12-11-2009, 04:33 PM

to the forum and sorry you have to be here. This is the best place to find all the information you need. Everyone is super helpful and knowledgable. I have never had the surgery you are having; but did have disc replacement in March of this year. I was in horrible pain for the first 2 days and literally prayed for death. However, I have many issues with pain medication, as I am super tolerant. They have trouble getting me to go under, knocked out, etc. So, I am not the 'norm' to the rule. By day 3, things were getting much better. Each day was better than the last and improvement came, yet slowly.

I had help for 6 weeks, for everything. I used a wheelchair for the first 4 or 5 days and a walker; but for very short distances. I rented the wheelchair from a medical supply store and it was very inexpensive and super helpful. I used the walker for a few weeks and then graduated to a cane. I didn't drive for 6 weeks, did not twist, bend or do much of anything. I had people come in and clean my house, do laundry, do dishes, take care of my kids and everything. I would definitely suggest lining up some people to help you, even ask if some people could bring meals.

Oh, and totally off topic, but my youngest turns 4 on the 29th, so I will definitely be thinking of you on your surgery date. Good Luck and ask any questions you may have!

**OzzieandHarriett** · 12-14-2009, 02:12 PM

Thanks so much for your advice. My children are grown so I don't have to worry about taking care of them. The doctor told me I would need help at home for a while afterward. My husband was going to take off a week when I come home. I hope you have a great Christmas. How are you doing now post surgery?

**KBear** · 12-14-2009, 10:10 PM

I'm doing alot better post surgery. I still have pain, like a 3-4 out of 10; but nothing like before. Prior to surgery, my pain was a 9-10 out of 10 on a daily basis. With meds, I could get it down to a 4 or 5. Now, with meds, I am pain free. So, it is an entirely different existence.

I'm glad your hubby is taking off of work, you will need alot of help in the first weeks. There is a list of items to have post-surgery on here, search for it, as it has a lot of things I would never have thought of; but that came in super handy.

**OzzieandHarriett** · 12-15-2009, 03:08 PM

Thanks K Bear. I am getting nervous but anxious to walk better and be out of this pain. I had a colon resection in August and that was the pits. I am not expecting this to be that bad. I was 9 days in hospital with NG tube with that surgery. Glad that you are so improved!!!

**Justin** · 12-15-2009, 06:17 PM

Originally Posted by KBear

I'm glad your hubby is taking off of work, you will need alot of help in the first weeks. There is a list of items to have post-surgery on here, search for it, as it has a lot of things I would never have thought of; but that came in super handy.

OnH,

Here's the list that Kathy mentioned above: Spine Surgery Recovery: "Must Have" Items & Postoperative Tips. Your husband should be a huge help--I know my wife was a life saver!

**Gilbert P** · 12-16-2009, 10:42 AM

OH

I received a lam in 1995 and did Great for 15 years you will be fine keep us posted .

All The Best

Gil

**OzzieandHarriett** · 12-16-2009, 11:11 AM

Thanks so much for all your help and suggestions. I don't know if I will be home by New Years day, if not, I will be watching the mummers parade in Philly from my hospital window. lol. Hope everyone has a pain free Christmas and Hanukkah

.

**Justin** · 12-16-2009, 07:27 PM

Originally Posted by OzzieandHarriett

Thanks so much for all your help and suggestions. I don't know if I will be home by New Years day, if not, I will be watching the mummers parade in Philly from my hospital window. lol. Hope everyone has a pain free Christmas and Hanukkah

.

You'll be on the other side before you know it. Happy Holidays! BTW: who's doing your surgery? You can send me a private message if you prefer.

I wish you the very best!

**roomba** · 12-19-2009, 12:56 PM

Hi Ann,

I had an L1-L5 4 level laminectomy on 10/7. While surgery is never easy (I've had quite a bit), this really wasn't bad - and mine was 4 levels. I was in the hospital 3 days and back to work in 2 1/2 weeks (I wouldn't recommend that). The nerve pain I experienced (in my case from severe stenosis) is gone. My issues have been with my incision (which is likely much bigger than yours will be) and some hormone issues that were probably a result of the trauma and my age.

I just started PT and have been walking and doing the elliptical more regularly. Some days I have no pain at all - it really is a miracle.

So good luck - I think you'll find this particular surgery relatively easy (as surgeries go). Feel free to ask me any questions.