Upcoming Anterior Posterior Laminectomy with Fusion L4-L5

[ChristinaE]

Well, it's been some time since my last post and, after a lot of tests and research, I'm now scheduled for an Anterior-Posterior Laminectomy with Fusion this coming Tuesday. They say I'll be in hospital at NYU's Hospital for Joint Diseases for approx 3 days, give or take barring complications. Can anyone give me an idea what to expect post op in the hospital, pain levels, ability to function at discharge, need for assistance, etc? I've read a lot but I guess I'm looking for more personal experiences. I've had surgeries before for other (non-back related) reasons but for some reason, this one is really making me anxious. Any insights, suggestions, etc would be very much appreciated!

[Justin]

Hi Christina,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society.

I'm running out the door now, but here's a great thread about recovery from spine surgery and tips to get you started:

Spine Surgery Recovery: "Must Have" Items & Postoperative Tips

[ChristinaE]

Hi Christina,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society.

I'm running out the door now, but here's a great thread about recovery from spine surgery and tips to get you started:

Spine Surgery Recovery: "Must Have" Items & Postoperative Tips

Thanks, Justin - I don't know how I missed that one but I'll definitely check it out! And sorry if I posted it in the wrong subforum. I thought since I already posted my new member posts back in January (I think), that this one should go in the Spinal Surgery forum. Oops, sorry!

[Justin]

Thanks, Justin - I don't know how I missed that one but I'll definitely check it out! And sorry if I posted it in the wrong subforum. I thought since I already posted my new member posts back in January (I think), that this one should go in the Spinal Surgery forum. Oops, sorry!

Hey Christina,

No worries...it was an error on my part. I was posting on my phone and I did not see your avatar and subsequently moved your post (I apologize ).

I'll move it back, now. Good luck on Tuesday---I'm actually working at NYU this month, so I am only a couple blocks from HJD. Feel free to send me your room number via private message at HJD, and I would love to come by and say hi after your surgery.

Initially after surgery you will be in pain; however, they should take care of this and make you as comfortable as they can post-op. In terms of function at discharge and needing assistance: you will definitely need assistance the first few weeks. Since you are having an anterior-posterior operation, you will thus have incisions through your abdomen and through your back. You will most likely need some help with activities of daily living like showering and drying off (remember, no bending!). Also, putting clothes on (underwear, pants, etc.) will be challenging at first as will putting shoes on (slip ons will be your best friend).

You will be sore when moving from a laying / sitting position to upright and walk. The first 8 to 12 weeks will be crucial in your recovery. Thus, your surgeon will recommend no lifting, bending or twisting. If your toilet is low, it might be helpful to get a toilet seat riser. Also, buy a grabber (something similar to this)--they are really helpful.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

[ChristinaE]

Thank you SO much, Justin - this is *exactly* the sort of information/advice I was looking for! I've passed along to my parents about the reacher/grabber, so hopefully they'll be able to find one and bring it with them when they pick me up at discharge.

Good luck on Tuesday---I'm actually working at NYU this month, so I am only a couple blocks from HJD. Feel free to send me your room number via private message at HJD, and I would love to come by and say hi after your surgery.

I'd love to have a visit but I have one question, since it's been a while since I was last hospitalized for any length of time - do patients have access to any kind of wifi? Otherwise, my Kindle that I plan on bringing has 3G, so maybe I can get on the forum using that and PM you the room info that way.

Again, thanks so much! I'm becoming more of a nervous wreck as the surgery date approaches, so having other people who've experienced similar surgeries give me suggestions and advice, is *very* helpful - thanks!