[Spinal Fusion / Lumbar] Update - 3 Month Post PLIF X-Ray and Doc. Appt. Today

[Jan P]

I had my 3 month post plif x-ray and NS appt. today, yeah finally!

The really good news is the doc. came in and said the fusion is healing really well. I was so scared this am thinking he would say the worst (no healing, etc).

1)He said I could take off the TLSO Back Brace - wear it if and when I felt the need.
2)Did not feel PT was necessary, but if I wanted it, he was okay with that.
3)Still no BLT - of course I still have healing to do.
4)No need to come back for further exams or x-ray's unless I was having any problems
5)Follow-up with PM - I still have to take 1800mg Gabapentin due to tightness/tinglining right leg, knee to ankle. This was the first kind of pain/discomfort I had 2 years ago, so maybe it will be the last to go!

Since I do not have shooting leg pain from buttock to leg and the extreme back pain he pretty much has done what he can.

My husband and I had a 2 hour drive each way, so of course on the way home talked non-stop about NS appt. I know that just because I take the brace off today, that my back is no stronger than it was yesterday. I know that just because he said I have great healing that I can not go back to heavy household chores tomorrow, when if I did them two days ago I would be in tears. I know that I am still in for months of total healing and even though I can string good days together, if I overdue I will set myself back.

I am "Spine Patient" and will forever be one. I am so eternally greatful to this forum, Justin, Cindylou,
Kbear, Allison, Hooch and everyone else for being here for me. Without all of you, these last 5 months (pre/post surgery) would have been filled with more fear, stress and uncertainity. I know I have a long ways to go to complete recover. I know I will have the need to call on your strengths, empathy, encourgement again and again.

Now, I have a question. PT or no PT. I have been in the back brace since Sept. 27th - 5 months.
Just walking around the house this afternoon since we got home, my back feels way more tired than lets say yesterday. I know my back muscles, core muscles, etc have been on a holiday all this time, not needing to work much. Am I making a mistake not doing PT in your opinion? Should I give it a few weeks to see how I do? Your thought would be appreciated.

Thanks, Jan

[Hooch]

Absolutely PT, u need to start working on your deep core muscles and work out from there. You will be very deconditioned now. If they start you off doing lunges or something like that walk away.

Glad to hear you are doing well.

[Jan P]

Thanks Hooch, - I agree on the PT and wish I had walked out with the referral. However, I just emailed NS secretary with my request. She will get this first thing Thursday when she gets to work.

Will run for the hills at the first sight of a lung.

[ajj1001]

Thanks Hooch, - I agree on the PT and wish I had walked out with the referral. However, I just emailed NS secretary with my request. She will get this first thing Thursday when she gets to work.

Will run for the hills at the first sight of a lung.

def pt, you will learn how to move correctly

you need to have an x ray at 12 months to check that the fusion has completed and all is well and probably periodical check ups to see if it is impacting elsewhere.

[Jan P]

Alison, yeah I was surprised when NS said I did not need to come back for additional x-rays, etc. I guess I was just expecting periodic visits to support the fact that everything was still okay. I suppose one could say, if you're not having any problems then why would you need additional x-rays. At this point, I will just have to go with, if I have a problem I will call him, and if not I will go about my life - what else can I do?

The NS secretary did fact in a referral for PT for which I am very happy. Just walking around the house yesterday and this morning, I know my muscles are mush and really need conditioning.

[ajj1001]

I've not heard of anyone being discharged 3 months post op even with good signs of fusion happening but hey I'm no doctor! How will you know when to cease no BLT? Good news on the PT, its really helpful to get guidance post op when you are deconditioned.

[Jan P]

Alison,
Good question on BLT. Heck, I suppose I should have asked, but when you are in the middle of an appt. and trying to rattle off your questions, it's hard to think everything through.

Geeeeeeze, you walk out the doc's office and think you got it together - only to realize you have so many unanswered questions. I'm thinkig I will give them a call in about 2-3 months (if not sooner) and question the BLT and/or anything else that comes up. The doc has always been really good about calling me back personally.

I do have PT scheduled with first appt. this Thursday, so that's a step in the right direction.

[Justin]

Hi Jan,

Thanks for the update. Good luck with your physical therapy. It's great to read that the Spine Patient Society has been instrumental in your journey.



I wish you the very best.

[Jan P]

Thanks Justin. I will let you know how it goes.