[Spinal Fusion / Lumbar] Checking in at week 3

[jeanie]

I don't think I am doing this posting correctly, but I wanted to check in. My three fusions and laminectomy were done December 27. 2010. I was in the hospital four days, but between the pain killers and the anesthesia it could've been four months, I was to confused to tell. I am still using the walker, but I can walk without it and have so much more stability than I did before the operation. In the morning between say 8 and 12, my energy level is pretty good and I can get some desk work done. After lunch I'm very tired, and I have been dozing most afternoons. I wanted to read, but I'm too tired. I get up at dinner time and help out, go for a walk outside and then I'm ready to go back to bed around eight, and to sleep around 10. I been trying to get up only once in the middle of the night for medication. The nerve pain I felt before the operation is gone. I used to be unable to walk around the block without incredible burning nerve pain all through my pelvis. And the pain I felt in my right hip whenever I took a step is also gone. When I walk, there is pain, but it feels like it's in an area around the incision, inside as well as outside. It feels more achy. So I say so far so good, and thank you for all your support.

[KBear]

Jeanie,
Sounds like recovery is going well, at least as can be expected. I remember being extremely tired all the time too. I had bought all these books I was going to read and didn't read a single one of them (and I love to read).
Take care,
Kathy

[Justin]

Hi Jeanie,

Thanks for the post! It sounds like you are doing fantastic. Thanks for keeping us posted. Please continue to keep us updated, as it helps the countless Spine Patients that read these Forums daily and it will also help keep a record of the progress you are making when it feels like everything is going at a snails pace.

[Cindylou]

Hi Jeanie,

Thanks for the post! It sounds like you are doing fantastic. Thanks for keeping us posted. Please continue to keep us updated, as it helps the countless Spine Patients that read these Forums daily and it will also help keep a record of the progress you are making when it feels like everything is going at a snails pace.

I found this to be true myself. Good reminder Justin. It's a win/win for everyone! CL

[jeanie]

Jeanie,
Sounds like recovery is going well, at least as can be expected. I remember being extremely tired all the time too. I had bought all these books I was going to read and didn't read a single one of them (and I love to read).
Take care,
Kathy

That made me LOL and felt good to have a sister reader who couldn't get into a book!

[ajj1001]

I had stacks saved up for the recuperation period and could only manage to listen to the radio or have mindless tv on in the background. I think its due to concentration levels suffering. I'm re-reading the one or two that I did manage and am finding that I have no memory of them.

[Cindylou]

I had stacks saved up for the recuperation period and could only manage to listen to the radio or have mindless tv on in the background. I think its due to concentration levels suffering. I'm re-reading the one or two that I did manage and am finding that I have no memory of them.

Yes, I totally agree with this. So much energy is needed just for recuperation and recovery, I think any heavy reading is just too taxing and out of the question. I honestly did better with little "short" reads like a Reader's Digest, etc. That type of thing. No brainer reading. lol CL

[Hooch]

Yep I'm the same, just don't have the mental stamina for heavy reading atm, turns into a slog. Read a lot of magazines tho, or just starte at the glossy pictures.

Glad you're doing ok!