3 mos post op PLIF - still difficulty sitting

**krismmic** · 01-20-2011, 11:35 AM

Hello everyone. I am now 3 months out from my PLIF and actually returned to work as an underwriter this week. I am only working for 4 hours a day for this week and next, but am having much more difficulty sitting than I expected. I have had a relatively uneventful post op course. I am getting up and moving a little every 30 minutes or so, but at the end of my 4 hours the last few days I am quite uncomfortable. If I have learned anything as I have recovered from this it is that everything takes time. I know each milestone has it's own adjustment period and I am sure this is no different. I have been doing everything I should be, and have been hitting PT as hard as I can. Should I still be having this much trouble? For how long? I'm concerned that when I go back to my usual 9 hour days in a few weeks that I am going to have a very hard time. Any input? Other things I can do?

**ajj1001** · 01-20-2011, 12:23 PM

I couldn't sit for more than 10 minutes at 3 months. It got gradually better over a long period of time. I'm not surprised that you feel bad after 4 hours of sitting. Only suggestion is to take longer breaks more often.

**Cindylou** · 01-20-2011, 01:26 PM

Sitting is one of the hardest things after this type of spine surgery and I'm not surprised either that you are experiencing the amount of pain you are, after 4 hours of it. In addition to longer breaks, the only other suggestion I have, if it is at all possible, would be to continue on the 4 hour schedule, for perhaps another month, and gradually increase your hours after that. This is still such a major surgery and you want to do everything you possibly can to get your recovery right. You've only got one spine. One shot at recovery. Take care of yourself, and good luck. Cindylou

**Hooch** · 01-20-2011, 07:18 PM

You are right, it just takes time. You are doing v. well.

Obviously still flexion intolerant? All I can say is

1. Ensure you are seated in neutral spine with core activated to provide stability. Sitting is a dynamic exercise.

2. Change sitting position frequently to load and unload different tissues. There is no 'correct' sitting position.

3. Get a stand up desk, I believe they make ones that can easily slide up and down so you can quickly change position and keep working? Probably expensive tho.

**KBear** · 01-20-2011, 07:22 PM

I agree with the others, if possible keep the 4 hour schedule and take more breaks. I can't imagine how I would have went and worked a formal job after surgery... I don't know how others do it. Best of Luck.

**jeanie** · 01-26-2011, 12:01 PM

Thank you for your input, it's helping me think through my options. I wanted to return to work for three hours a day on week seven, I'm a psychotherapist so it's primarily sitting that I would be doing. Everyone's input has helped me decide to take longer breaks in between clients, so I can walk around, or kick back my chair and lay back. I will keep an open mind about returning to work. It's hard to be self-employed with no sick time! And I miss my clients and my job.

**Cindylou** · 01-29-2011, 10:41 AM

Originally Posted by jeanie

Thank you for your input, it's helping me think through my options. I wanted to return to work for three hours a day on week seven, I'm a psychotherapist so it's primarily sitting that I would be doing. Everyone's input has helped me decide to take longer breaks in between clients, so I can walk around, or kick back my chair and lay back. I will keep an open mind about returning to work. It's hard to be self-employed with no sick time! And I miss my clients and my job.

Absolutely, it is hard to be self-employed and still disabled from surgical recovery....no one's giving you a paycheck if you're not working. That's tough. What does excite me about your post though, is that you miss your clients and the work you do. That is awesome, Jeanie, and a very good sign. You WANT to get back on a schedule. All good, but your mind might be just a tad ahead of your body. But that's okay. I think you are getting what we all are saying. Slow and steady is what your body needs right now to heal. It will come. Be patient. (not my best virtue, that's for sure) But you will slowly begin to have better days than worse days, and they will start adding up. I wish you only the best, Cindylou

**jeanie** · 01-31-2011, 01:02 PM

Originally Posted by Cindylou

Absolutely, it is hard to be self-employed and still disabled from surgical recovery....no one's giving you a paycheck if you're not working. That's tough. What does excite me about your post though, is that you miss your clients and the work you do. That is awesome, Jeanie, and a very good sign. You WANT to get back on a schedule. All good, but your mind might be just a tad ahead of your body. But that's okay. I think you are getting what we all are saying. Slow and steady is what your body needs right now to heal. It will come. Be patient. (not my best virtue, that's for sure) But you will slowly begin to have better days than worse days, and they will start adding up. I wish you only the best, Cindylou

I'm going to print and frame your reply, because it is what I need to remember. My mind is definitely ahead of my body. I did so many things in my life with such pain all these years! It would be easy to continue to push through this pain too, but I know that that's not going to help my recovery. Well, I need to be reminded that it is not going to help my recovery, and I thank you for doing that. I'm grateful for the spine patient society! And to you for posting such a supportive and helpful response.