New Member, New Post Op Fusion (Two Level Lumbar Fusion)

**dridobits** · 01-07-2010, 07:38 PM

Hello, I was recently told about this site by a friend.

I am three months out of a two level lumbar fusion. Years ago I had an accident which left me with annular tears, chemically sensitive disc, DDD and a few other things. I am also a cancer survivor three years ago

.

The biggest problem I had before besides pain was this thing called a "chemically sensitive disc". It is now gone since the fusion.

This recovery is pretty rough...as any one who's done this knows. I feel like I am either overdoing it or underdoing it. Next week I'll see the doc for my second set of X-Rays. The last two weeks have been a nightmare. It seems either I do next to nothing and can keep pain level to a minimal but the minute I try to do something (laundry, etc.) I hurt myself.

It's seriously frustrating but of course you know that. I wanted to join to find out how other people are doing with this surgery and if I can help anyone in making the decision. I have no regrets so far but it's rough going and it would help me greatly to know others going through similar. Thanks and I'm looking forward to being here.

**Justin** · 01-07-2010, 08:08 PM

dridobits,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society!

Congratulations on being a Survivor!

That is absolutely wonderful to hear. You are still very early post-op at only three months out from a fusion operation. I understand your frustration all too way. It's one step forward, two steps back. There really is no "linear" healing where things just fall in place, as you know. However, the good days truly start out numbering the bad days as you continue to heal.

What levels was your lumbar fusion? Feel free to add a signature to your profile (go to "User Profile" at the top of the Forum).

Once again, welcome and I hope we can support you along the way!

**scduggan** · 01-07-2010, 09:32 PM

Dear Dridobits,
Hello! I also want to welcome you to the website. The only thing I can tell you is about my friend. She recently had a one-level lumbar fusion. You are describing her EXACTLY. I can only hope that encourages you to know what you are feeling is very common and quite the norm. Keep on hanging in there. You are strong beyond measure!

CD

**Katie** · 01-07-2010, 11:56 PM

I hope to be going through exactly the same thing in a few months, if that's any help

By then you should be through all of the nasty stuff, and will be there to hold my hand.

Hang in there. As others have said, this is probably very normal and early in your recovery period. I can only go on their stories too so far, but have heard it so often that I have to trust them.

Again, welcome aboard!

**ajj1001** · 01-08-2010, 04:21 AM

Originally Posted by dridobits

This recovery is pretty rough...as any one who's done this knows. I feel like I am either overdoing it or underdoing it. Next week I'll see the doc for my second set of X-Rays. The last two weeks have been a nightmare. It seems either I do next to nothing and can keep pain level to a minimal but the minute I try to do something (laundry, etc.) I hurt myself.

It's seriously frustrating but of course you know that. I wanted to join to find out how other people are doing with this surgery and if I can help anyone in making the decision. I have no regrets so far but it's rough going and it would help me greatly to know others going through similar. Thanks and I'm looking forward to being here.

Hiya, I'm 8 months post op from a one level posterolateral fusion on a previously operated on disc. I've possibly got other stuff going on at higher levels but am awaiting further tests. Learning to pace yourself is the hardest but most important thing to get right. I still don't manage it all the time. I don't do any jobs that involve lifting such as laundry or shopping.

Hope your x rays are good, its still early days. My last lot in December showed that fusion hadn't taken place, there was some bone forming on the right hand side but where I had most messed about with on the left isn't behaving yet.

alison x

**Cindylou** · 01-08-2010, 09:28 AM

Dridobits, welcome to SPS!

Glad you found us. Sorry for the circumstances that led you hear, but still glad that you found us. I have had two separate fusions, and 3 lumbar adr's. I do have to agree with everyone that the fusions are very slow going in recovery, just like the adr's. It's a roller coaster recovery, no doubt, which can be very frustrating. You especially need to take it slow so your fusion can heal properly. I hope you are following the no bending, twisting, etc. My Grandma used to say "getting old is not for the weary." I like to add "fusion recovery is not for the weary."

(or substitute adr) And that is where we come in, because no one should have to go through these surgeries or recoveries without the proper support and encouragement. So

again, and I hope you will tap into us for continued support. :thumpup:

**Jack-of-all-trades** · 01-08-2010, 06:20 PM

I am with you 100%. I am also so glade you took the time to post here.

I am now 11 days out from posterior lumbar fusion myself and can sympathize with your position. Yesterday was the first day since I have been home that the temperature outside has been above freezing. I took the opportunity to walk as I was told this is one of the best activities to do post-op. My dog and I enjoyed the 0.8 mile walk but I can tell it today. I use to run 10X that distance and after working all day. This is the first time since I had mono 40 years ago that I have to sit around doing nothing and am not happy.

The worst for me is when I get up in the morning, usually after only 5-6 hours sleep. As the day progresses, and my pain meds kick in, things get better. Something else, that old wives tale about weather and pain seems to be true as I do notice a difference when we have a high pressure cold front come through. Maybe part of recovery should be a cruise someplace warm.

**Carmen** · 01-08-2010, 08:11 PM

Originally Posted by scduggan

Dear Dridobits,
Hello! I also want to welcome you to the website. The only thing I can tell you is about my friend. She recently had a one-level lumbar fusion. You are describing her EXACTLY. I can only hope that encourages you to know what you are feeling is very common and quite the norm. Keep on hanging in there. You are strong beyond measure!

CD

Welcome to what will keep up all normal when we l find that you are not the only one feeling this way. What I can't help thinking is that if some people have had problems with from one to two level fusion, what will happen to someone that will be having from 5-6 level fusion.

Carmen

**Dave** · 01-09-2010, 05:13 PM

Glad you "transferred" over to this site. These are awesome folks who will always want to support you.

**Katie** · 01-10-2010, 10:31 AM

Carmen, I understand your worry...I'm in a similar boat. While I hopefully will only have one or two levels fused out of five, that thought runs through my mind a lot.

But all I can do is think of the end results, why I am going through all of this in the first place, and have faith that it will be worth it...sort of like having children.

And they last a lot, lot longer