Post Fusion leg/feet pain

**MaddySpondy** · 06-02-2010, 07:56 AM

Hello,
I had a L5/L4 S1 posterior fusion (I'm working on getting some more detailed language as it was a 6 hour surgery

) 11 days ago. I'm having a lot of swelling in my right foot/ankle/toes

. It itches and is warm and pink. I called my MD's nurse and she said not to worry about it. I feel a sensation up my leg to my hip that seems to be related. I know walking it a big part of recovery, yet it's making that hard to do. Am I positioning myself wrong on my couch/bed? Should I push it more with my doc? Any suggestions for relief would be greatly appreciated!
Madeline

**Katie** · 06-02-2010, 09:33 AM

Hi Maddy,

How long have you had this swelling? I had two level lumbar fusion plus an ADR put in C5/6 in mid-March. I started to say that I only had pain in my legs for a while after surgery, but then I remembered that I too had swelling post-op. I remember being quite worried about it, thinking the worst...blood clot, etc., but I was told not to worry as well, and sure enough, it was gone in a few days.

I'm not saying that yours has the same causes as mine (which I never discovered), but that I went through the same thing. However, trust your gut a bit, and if it lasts more than a few days, I would push harder for a second opinion.

**KBear** · 06-02-2010, 09:41 AM

I had a lot of swelling post op; but it was equal in both legs and no weird sensations (other than achy feeling). I would definitely ask to be seen. Just tell them you are worried about it and it would give you peace of mind if they would just see you. If this doesn't work, ask them why they aren't concerned? Be sure to stress that it is 1 leg and the sensations you are having. I would definitely trust your gut feeling, if they won't see you, try to get into your family dr or a minor emergency clinic (like Care Now type place).

**Cindylou** · 06-02-2010, 09:42 AM

Very good advice Katie. I whole-heartedly agree. I don't remember swelling in my legs with my fusions, but I do remember it after my 3 lumbar adr's. My feet got extremely swollen. I'd push for the doctor visit if things don't improve in the next 24-48 hours. Are you having any other symptoms along with this swelling?

**MaddySpondy** · 06-02-2010, 09:01 PM

UPDATE:
I ended up going talking to my nurse and she told me to go to the ER to make sure it wasn't a blood clot. Good news, it's not.

It's an infection, called cellulitis, which is common after surgeries. I'm on an antibiotic, and hopeful that will clear this all up.
THANKS again for thus suggestions, feedback, etc.

**KBear** · 06-02-2010, 10:24 PM

Originally Posted by MaddySpondy

UPDATE:
I ended up going talking to my nurse and she told me to go to the ER to make sure it wasn't a blood clot. Good news, it's not.

It's an infection, called cellulitis, which is common after surgeries. I'm on an antibiotic, and hopeful that will clear this all up.
THANKS again for thus suggestions, feedback, etc.

So glad that you got it checked out and it did not turn into anything serious.

**Cindylou** · 06-02-2010, 11:22 PM

I didn't want to scare you, because I have had two blood clots/pulmonary embolisms, but I was nervous about that for you too. Sooooo glad it isn't anything too serious and you are on the proper anti-biotic. :thumpup:

**MaddySpondy** · 06-05-2010, 10:53 PM

Oh, this just won't go away! Since starting antibiotics for foot/ankle swelling and tremendous pain walking, up to the knee, I've gotten worse. The swelling and pain are unbearable, worse than my back, even though I'm only 2 weeks post fusion. My internist doesn't think it's cellulitis, so he had some blood work done, and x-ray and a visit to a rheumatologist to see if this is an unrelated thing- gout. She ruled that out and sent me back to my internist to refer me for an MRI on Monday.

If this is unrelated to the surgery, i think this is unbelievably coincidently, since my fusion was so recent?
My right leg also feels better elevated and on ice, and as soon as I walk it hurts, almost feels like a circulation issue. I wonder if I should demand to see my surgeon?

The surgeon on-call was not pleased that I was ordered to bed rest for the weekend and put on prednizone.

It's so frustrating that my back recovery was going so well, and now I can't continue my 3-times-day walks and it absolutely painful to take a step. I've hopped a few time which doesn't feel so good with the back.

Anyone have anything similar occur post spinal surgery?

**Katie** · 06-05-2010, 11:21 PM

I'm sorry I can't offer more, and that you are going through such agony. My swelling was so short lived as to be uneventful after I was reassured that it wasn't a problem, but yours is something else all together

I would push to see my surgeon, but that's just me...I'm very pushy that way. I always want answers, especially if pain is involved.

I hope you have resolution to this soon. Hang in there.

**Cindylou** · 06-06-2010, 10:20 AM

Maddyspondy, I am so sorry this is still an issue. Something is clearly not right. Hell yes, you absolutely need to demand to see your surgeon. This is not standard recovery here, especially for this amount of time, as Katie suggested. Get on the horn and demand to be seen, the sooner the better. And please keep us informed. We care.