[Spinal Fusion / Lumbar] 4 days post-op, PLIF of L5-S1

[Jack-of-all-trades]

I had surgery Monday and came home yesterday. As soon as I woke up I knew the surgeon was at the right place. Pain is much worse but I suspected that it would be at this stage. A cane has been a big help getting out of bed at home and just to help keep me stable when something unexpected happens. I wish my arms were about 3 inches longer too. I was able to walk outside for a little over 1/4 mile today with my dog and could have probably done more.

The only thing about the whole affair that needs improvement was post-op care at the hospital. I'll have to go into it in more detail later.

[Dave]

I wish you good luck in a sucussful recovery. Please keep us posted on your progress. I am interested in how quick your recovery is because I will be looking at the same type of surgery in the not to distant future.

[Justin]

This is great to hear! The pain gets better with each day that passes.

I was able to walk outside for a little over 1/4 mile today with my dog and could have probably done more.

Make sure not to do "too much too soon" -- this will set you back a bit. Please keep us posted on your progress, as we do care.

Let us know if you need anything.

[Jack-of-all-trades]

This is great to hear! The pain gets better with each day that passes.



Make sure not to do "too much too soon" -- this will set you back a bit. Please keep us posted on your progress, as we do care.

Let us know if you need anything.

10-4 on the to much to soon. It is quite hard to keep from doing the simple things that involve bending. I wish my legs were two feet shorter. That way I'd be closer to the floor. It seems like everything I pick up falls on the floor. Thankfully, I had a good supply (5) of the gripper things from Wallgreens scattered around the house.

I hate not to be able to help my wife around the house. I helped her put sheets on our bed today, folded laundry, did dishes, etc., and paid for it later. Since this was a bone surgery with very little muscle involved, there is no "gotcha" spasm type pain. Seems there is a delay of several minutes. While I'm moving things are better than being still but after resting still for a bit, there is a considerable loosening up phase.

I still don't have down all the things that make the pain worse as it is different than pre-surgery. Before I could not sleep on my side, now I can and it hurts worse to be flat on my back. Before, sitting was difficult. Now it is easier than lying down. Today, while lying in bed, I hunched my belly up to slip a heating pad under my back flexing my back muscles. A few minutes later, I determined that was not a smart move. I have to watch for our miniature schnauzer as he tends to jump on me if I'm lying in bed to get me to play with him. He has been a good friend getting through this surgery though.

[Justin]

It seems like everything I pick up falls on the floor. Thankfully, I had a good supply (5) of the gripper things from Wallgreens scattered around the house.

This is so true. I remember dropping everything after my second spine surgery...this time around I was a little better.

I hate not to be able to help my wife around the house. I helped her put sheets on our bed today, folded laundry, did dishes, etc., and paid for it later. Since this was a bone surgery with very little muscle involved, there is no "gotcha" spasm type pain. Seems there is a delay of several minutes. While I'm moving things are better than being still but after resting still for a bit, there is a considerable loosening up phase.

I felt the same way after surgery. It is hard not to help out around the house. I had to force myself from doing chores throughout the day during recovery.

I still don't have down all the things that make the pain worse as it is different than pre-surgery. Before I could not sleep on my side, now I can and it hurts worse to be flat on my back. Before, sitting was difficult. Now it is easier than lying down. Today, while lying in bed, I hunched my belly up to slip a heating pad under my back flexing my back muscles. A few minutes later, I determined that was not a smart move. I have to watch for our miniature schnauzer as he tends to jump on me if I'm lying in bed to get me to play with him. He has been a good friend getting through this surgery though.

There are most definitely "layers" of what you can't do that peel away over time. Unfortunately, it is not a step-wise process and really had no rhyme or reason--it's a continual adjustment post-op, but it does get better (especially when you're able to take a minute and really reflective on the "little victories").

We have a dog and two cats--they have been great friends through my recoveries.