[Spinal Fusion / Lumbar] Just Under 5 months post op and I'jm feelin fine -- mostly

[nolonger_superman]

Hi Everyone,

So first off, when I first joined this forum a few months ago I planned to frequent it and if nothing else offer words of encouragement. I was doing well with that until I could actually get out of bed and do the stairs as much as I wanted. So my apologies for not helping the community. It was, and still is, great and I do hope to add some value still every now and then.

With all that said, just a quick update. I am 3 days shy of being 5 months post op from my L4, L5, S1 fusion. It is remarkable how fast my recovery has been since about the 6-8 week mark. Obviously bending and twisting is still not recommended as I still can't do much of that; however, I am pretty much back to doing just about everything I was pre-op with the exception of running and weightlifting. I've supplemented that with walking(Runkeeper for your smartphones with GPS is a great app in case anyone is curious), my recumbent bike, and some very VERY light dumbbell work with non-impact exercises.

My pre-op pain is virtually non-existent and within the past month I've finally been able to sleep through the night for the first time in literally YEARS. I know the healing process takes time and I need to be careful, and I am and will be, but I am amazed that I can do just about anything I could before with restrictions(i.e. I am not going to be moving solid wood doors myself any time soon) such as mowing the lawn, planting flowers (squatting or kneeling rather than bending), etc. I have almost no pain when I am just sitting/standing. The only time I feel anything is when I try to move at the fusion location.

I'm not sure if my recover is the norm or the exception, but regardless I am thrilled with my progress and just wanted to share. All too often I seem to hear about the horror stories and not the succeses...or at least that seems to be the case when doing random google searches. Maybe it's because I am young. Maybe it is because I was in shape. Or even because I still have my discs. But really, maybe it is because I REALLY AM superman (see user name).

Since I am doing so well, I was released from my surgeon's care at 4 months. To celebrate, my wife (couldn't have made it through the first 2 months without her, god love her) and I have booked an August vacation to the Bahamas. I know I won't be able to do much, but hey, sitting on the beach with a cold one is ok by me!

Sorry for ranting, but I just wanted to share a positive success story! Thanks for listening!

[trkdoc714]

Absolutely fantastic news! I'm glad you're ahead of schedule as far as recovery time too.

I don't think you have to do much in the Bahamas to have a good time. Maybe you could do a Corona commercial!

Bob

[nolonger_superman]

That's a great idea! I'll have to pitch that idea to Corona and / or Sandals before we fly down!

[Justin]

Congratulations! Thanks for updating us here at SPS. Your progress sounds quite amazing--ride that wave of feeling good as long as you can--it's an amazing feeling after surgery! Have fun in the Bahamas!

[Cindylou]

Hey........Superman! Congratulations is right! We love, love, love hearing success stories here at SPS! I think what happens is that many folks with success stories get busy living their new lives, and don't stop and take the time to post. And who can blame them? Often, it's the folks without the success stories that find us or stick around, because they need to be heard. So thank-you for taking the time to post how good you are feeling since your surgery! We all need to hear about your kind of success story. It gives people hope who are still trying to find relief. May you continue to heal ahead of schedule, Cindylou

[Kimberly]

Thank you so much for your post.

I am having the same surgery (L4-S1 fusion) one week from today.

Reading how well you're doing helps quiet the nerves a bit and makes me feel more hopeful.

I hope you continue to do well!
Kimberly

[nolonger_superman]

Thanks for the well wishes everyone. I agree that, much like consumer product reviews, the "dissatisfied" recipients are often the most vocal -- and understandably so. As has been mentioned, I just wanted to give a positive spin for anyone who may be facing surgery so they see it isn't all bad. I still have my moments if I overdo it, but that's to be expected.


Kimberly -
Please keep everyone posted post-op once you are well enough to use a computer. I wish you the best of luck and a speedy recovery. I will say it is not easy at first, but at least in my experience it got easier much quicker. I haven't been around here much lately, but if you've posted I'm sure you've gotten a ton of wonderful advice. I'm sure it has been mentioned, but make sure you have easy access to everything in your house(i.e. nothing down low you absolutely need) and also have plenty to stay entertained. I couldn't tell you how many books I read. I knew I bugged my wife for a Kindle a few years ago for a reason!

[KanRunMo]

Your success story is great to hear.

Kimberly - Best of luck to you. You'll be on the other side soon. Take it easy and you'll be with no pain soon too.

[Gilbert P]

Superman

Thanks for your post and sooo glad you r doing so well I wish the same.

I also am having surgery one week from today and the office is upstairs Will have the wife move the Mac to the first floor?

Take care and have a cold one for me!

Gil

[Kimberly]

Thanks for the kind thoughts everyone. I'll do my best to post how things are going as soon as I am able.

Gil,
We should stay in touch (if you want) as we'll be going through a lot of the same stuff at the same time. Feel free to PM me (or I'll send you one). Good luck!