[Artificial Disc Replacement / Revision] Post L5/S1 Fusion on Charite Artificial Disc Replacement

[Justin]

P.S. I love the great choice of smileys on this site!

Me too!
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Alison, may I ask if you are still on pain meds at only 3 months out? How would you rate your overall pain...are you "better" than before your operation?

[ajj1001]

I'm now back on exactly the same meds as a was pre op. I had fentanyl, oxycodone and diclofenac during the post op period but managed to come off these fairly quickly. I had a failed epidural block for my pain relief in my first surgery as I don't tolerate morphine. This combination proved to be successful which was a big relief (literally!) as it was my major anxiety in having further surgery.

I'm now on a high dose of gabapentin, zamadol, tramadol, paracetamol. I used higher doses of the tramadol, paracetamol and codeine for pain breakthroughs with some success. The pain is completely different to before my op but could not be classed as better. There are some good signs as pins and needles have decreased in my left leg but the op only addressed one level of three possible problem levels so its very early days.

[KBear]

You are very early post op, so it will get better. Glad you were able to get off of all the stronger pain meds, that's a great feeling. Glad things are going good for you.

[Justin]

As Kathy said, you are still very early post-op. Hang in there Alison.

[dalhousie]

It must be disheartening that the pain isn't better but if it's different then that sounds promising . You have to think long term when you have major back surgery as we both know. Hope you improve with time & your spine problems are siginificantly better with this surgery. Did you have any x-rays at your 3 month check? Been for a dip yet?

[ajj1001]

It must be disheartening that the pain isn't better but if it's different then that sounds promising . You have to think long term when you have major back surgery as we both know. Hope you improve with time & your spine problems are siginificantly better with this surgery. Did you have any x-rays at your 3 month check? Been for a dip yet?

the pain is very different to pre op and sensation has increased in my left leg so its much more usable, I was having trouble doing a couple of steps pre op. Its really early days yet, got to go and get x rays done as clinic was a saturday catch up special (surgeon in jeans and t shirt!). I'm going to wait till I have someone to go swimming with me incase I haven't got the energy to get dressed after (a definite possibility).

[Dave]

I'm going to wait till I have someone to go swimming with me incase I haven't got the energy to get dressed after (a definite possibility).

That is a really good idea! Be careful the first couple of times swimming and take it slow.

[ajj1001]

About to go swimming again tonight, really didn't manage an awful lot last time and am really tired tonight so it will just be alot of floating again. Still a nice change from swishing about in the bath.

Other good news, I have lost 6lbs since the end of July so extremely happy. No magic method just eating no rubbish and lots of fruit, salad and veg.

[KBear]

Good Job on the weight loss, that is awesome! I'm working on the same thing, so far 10lbs lost, 10 to go.... all this put on post-surgery! Yikes....

[Liz]

hi alison,

i'm sorry you are still in pain and on so many meds but that's GREAT news that you are able to swim again! I hope swimming makes you feel better mentally and physically. i hope it's encouraging that the pain is different than pre-op and perhaps just surgical pain and pain from the new biomechanics.

best wishes,
Liz