11 Weeks after PLIF Surgery and and the pain has returned

**Sparky** · 07-12-2010, 05:27 AM

Hi All

I had Plif surgery on April 26th 2010 and I am currently at week 11 post op,however all my pain has returned in my back and have been getting muscle tightness either side of the scar.
At week 8 I had no pain at all until my Physio/Consultant advised it was time to start bending but all the pain came back twice as bad !!!!
Is this normal as I can hardly move for the first hour in the morning and have read that I will have ups and downs....
.....but is this how it will be......

Regards

Mark

**ajj1001** · 07-12-2010, 05:47 AM

you've probably just overdone it when starting pt. are you still seeing someone to help with pt? if so get them to advise on a less rigorous regime, if not just ease up, take your meds and see if it settles down. 11 weeks is still really early on in terms of your overall recovery time.

**Cindylou** · 07-12-2010, 08:10 AM

Welcome Mark to SPS

I remember this happening to me when pt was started too early. Stopped pt, took extra meds, iced big time, and eventually things did settle back to the new normal. I totally agree w/ Alison...way too early in recovery to start second guessing. Worrying? I guess it's human nature. That's why we're here.

**KBear** · 07-12-2010, 08:23 AM

I second Allison and Cindylou, you have probably overdone it. I had times where I felt pretty good after surgery, then would feel horrid for a time. As you get further and further into your recovery, the bumps start getting fewer and farther between, just takes time. Eleven weeks is very early out, try not to worry and take it easy (easier said than done).
Kathy

**christytaf** · 07-12-2010, 09:21 AM

Originally Posted by Cindylou

Welcome Mark to SPS

I remember this happening to me when pt was started too early. Stopped pt, took extra meds, iced big time, and eventually things did settle back to the new normal. I totally agree w/ Alison...way too early in recovery to start second guessing. Worrying? I guess it's human nature. That's why we're here.

Guys whats pt? post treatment?what does it include?

**Cindylou** · 07-12-2010, 09:30 AM

PT=physical therapy. A rehab therapist who works/helps to get you strong again with different exercises they prescribe.

**christytaf** · 07-12-2010, 09:33 AM

thanx so much for answering,,
and are 11 weeks really to soon???its like almost 3 months,,right???
Shouldn't a patient start physiotherapy,,,sooner after a surgery?????So that he/she gets sooner stronger??
Im new to all this,,,

**Gilbert P** · 07-12-2010, 11:13 AM

Hello Mark

You have been given some great advice take it slow and steady,

I always thought P.T. was Pain and torture

All The Best

Gil

**ajj1001** · 07-12-2010, 11:28 AM

Originally Posted by christytaf

thanx so much for answering,,
and are 11 weeks really to soon???its like almost 3 months,,right???
Shouldn't a patient start physiotherapy,,,sooner after a surgery?????So that he/she gets sooner stronger??
Im new to all this,,,

.. there's no hard and fast rule, my fusion was on a previous surgical area and I didn't start physio until 4/5 months post op. I was doing little exercises at home but with the restrictions on bending and twisting post fusion it was quite difficult to progress. I'm still not fully fused but have responded well to physio though it was a long and slow process.

**Rob** · 07-14-2010, 03:55 AM

Hi Gilbert,

I'm at 17-weeks post-op from a 2-level ALIF. I started PT at week 15, just after my late '12-week' check-up. I believe I would have been starting PT in week 13 had my doctor had an earlier appointment available.

Every time I go to PT, today for example, I am sore that evening and the next day. My therapist is good about trying to make sure I'm not over doing it, but after 15-weeks of no 'BLT' (bending, lifting, twisting) it doesn’t take too much to make me sore.

My 'no BLT' restrictions weren't lifted until my 12-week check-up where they took an x-ray to confirm every thing was still in place and took a CT scan to confirm that there was new bone growth (not a fusion just the beginning of new growth to creat the fusion).

I agree with everyone else, talk to your PT about easing up a bit. If you’re doing your exercises at home than I would tone them down and see if your pain subsides. It really doesn't take much to make me sore!