Recent laminectomy, discectomy

**Tully** · 03-21-2010, 12:41 AM

Hi, I am new to this site also.
My situation is, 14 weeks ago i had a laminectomy, factecotomy and disectomy. I returned to work four weeks ago, but due to lumber and muscular pain, can't seem to get further than half a days work.
The catch is that I am on part ACC and they are now getting very difficult. Re saw an OT on Friday, and she said, to deal with the pain, it is not enough to stop me in my work, and I am expected to be on a full days work this week.
i have full range of movement, but the pain stops me after 2-3 hours.
I am a Diversional Therapist, and am either sitting or standing etc in 1 or 1 1/2 hour blocks.
My poor eldery residents notice my pain, and tell me to stop. Is this ongoing pain normal?
I end up hunched over with back spasms, and just need to lie down curled up for a couple of hours when this happens.
Any one else experienced the same situation?
Help!!!!

**Justin** · 03-21-2010, 09:14 AM

Hi Tully,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society!

You are still very early post-op. Continued pain during healing is very common and should fade with time.

Are you currently doing any spine stabilizing exercises / physical therapy? I will be a year post-op in May and if I miss my exercises on a given day, I really pay for it the following day (sore). As I'm sure you know, sitting places an incredible amount of stress on your spine. If you can, try and alter your position frequently (sitting, standing, laying down, etc.). It sounds like you are ahead of the game and are currently doing this.

The weeks will get better as you move along in your recovery. We are here to support you.

**Cindylou** · 03-21-2010, 09:26 AM

Hey, welcome Tully!

My one year old granddaughter's name is Tully, short for Tullia. I won't forget your name.

I totally agree with Justin on the healing time line. You are so early on, it is very normal to still have the pain patterns that you describe. I don't know what ACC stands for, but it sounds like your body is trying to tell you it is not ready for full-time work yet. Maybe not even ready for part-time work, because how can you heal properly and timely when you keep getting your pain levels too high from your work situation? Increased pain like that will, unfortunately, put you in a vicious cycle and definitely slow down your recovery.

Not good, any way you cut the pie. Hang in there and I hope things turn for you soon.

**Tully** · 03-21-2010, 05:18 PM

thanks everyone. Tully is my nick name, but of surname.
ACC is NZ's Accident compensation Corporation.
This injury did happen at work, transferring dementia resident.
Rehab has been stopped already by ACC.
I have only just started doing aqua jogging last week, and continue to go for a walk x 2 weekly.
Had been given very little physio, and that only started 6 weeks post up, and was stopped 2 weeks later.
So rehab was only a total of barely 4 weeks. So now on my own.
ACC are getting very difficult to deal with, and I would say, if I don't comply to their wishes this week, their contributing payments will stop. As they consider 3 months post op enough time for full recovery!!!!!!!
Unbelievable uh.
Yes I am very work motivated, and want to do the best job i can for my rest home residents, but i do look a sorry site by mid day.

**Keano16** · 03-21-2010, 05:44 PM

You returned to work to early after such a large surgery (laminotomy, facectomy, discectomy).

**Tully** · 03-21-2010, 06:48 PM

10 weeks off work, and that is an extension so I believe.
After 3 months ACC expect you to resume normal life. No exceptions.
I have made an extra appointment to see my ortho surgeon this thursday and have a chat with him, as I am under major pressure now to get on with my life, and pain is not an excuse. haha.

**WPKat** · 03-23-2010, 03:12 PM

Originally Posted by Tully

10 weeks off work, and that is an extension so I believe.
After 3 months ACC expect you to resume normal life. No exceptions.
I have made an extra appointment to see my ortho surgeon this thursday and have a chat with him, as I am under major pressure now to get on with my life, and pain is not an excuse. haha.

Tully,

Pain is not an excuse because they don't understand what you are going through.

I had similar surgery last March of 2009 (See my signature). I was told I would be able to go back to work in two weeks

... I am on full disability now. Although my surgeon dealt with my severe central stenosis and shaved off my burst disc, he did not deal with all of my spinal issues (which is why I am still in pain).

When you see your surgeon on Thursday, ask if it would be possible for him to order another MRI. Maybe it is too early after surgery to expect to be free from pain, but you may also have issues that haven't been dealt with or something new that is going on. It can't hurt for them to get a fresh look at your spine and it is worth the peace of mind.

K

**Tully** · 03-24-2010, 12:59 AM

Wow,
how on earth could you have possibly gone back to work in two weeks!!!!.
I could not sit at all, and stand only for a few minutes at that stage.
Unbelievable that they put you through that.
I will keep you updated after tomorrow's appointment.

**WPKat** · 03-24-2010, 02:05 PM

Originally Posted by Tully

Wow,
how on earth could you have possibly gone back to work in two weeks!!!!.
I could not sit at all, and stand only for a few minutes at that stage.
Unbelievable that they put you through that.
I will keep you updated after tomorrow's appointment.

Tully,

My point exactly. I wasn't even close to recovery after 2 weeks, and like you, I couldn't sit, stand or walk for long (still can't). After 2 weeks, I needed a lot of help with simple things, such as ... putting on my PJ's and socks. I had a very invasive "open" procedure done on two levels. They are not trained in minimally invasive procedures in Alaska. I have no ideal what the surgeon was thinking giving me such an overly optimistic recovery period. Personally, I felt it set me up for major disappointment and unnecessary worry.

My employers were "understanding" for a while and allowed me work part time remotely from home. But after the LTD insurance was approved, they immediately terminated my employment relationship with them even though I could have continued to work part time remotely and come in on the weekends to do maintenance routines for an hour or two. Oh well, they are not fairing so well without me now because after 5 years with them, I had their system down pat. I am an information systems administrator - a computer geek.

Although I am on disability and have income coming in, I would rather go back to my self-sufficient life and be able to work at least part time and enjoy my life otherwise. I have a teenage son and am missing out on band concerts, football games and wresling matches. Since all my spinal issues were not addressed the first time around, I am looking into minimally invasive procedures that could take care of them even if I have to go out of state or the country to take care of it.

Good luck on Thursday!

K

**Tully** · 03-24-2010, 09:29 PM

Gee, you have been the mill.
Saw specialist today, all is going well. No obvious complications, though lt) leg weakness still there, he feels it will improve in time.'
As far as pain goes, carry on, only do what I can manage, and he wll write a report to ACC, telling them to back off. he sees me again in a couple of weeks, for re assessment.
He says i am doing very well, and pain cannot be worked through, as well I know, and work life balance is important.
(All work no life,) sounds like you.
hope all goes well for you. I just would like to get on with things such as being able to go out for dinner or go to the movies.
All that stopped august last year. Means sitting for far to long.
At least now, I can tell the OT, to back off, which I did, as she phoned me on way home from dr, to ask, why I was not working full days.
At least then I had the answer for her. haha