I had a 2 level fusion l4-s1 with metal instrumentation in sept 2002. I am still not feeling that well. My surgeon has me doing almost nothning, except bed rest, and standing with a little walking. I looking for other with same experience. Not sure of what is next. I still have a considerable amount of pain in the area. It seems if I try to walk more, which they say is good for you, my lower back swells and the pain gets worse. I still have pain in my left leg. The doctor doesn't like to give pain pills, says to take tylenol. Am home bound, unable to drive or ride in a car or go up or down stairs, etc. Any response with like surgery or ideas would be appreciated.

Hey babybird,

Welcome to the forum! I had the same operation about a year ago. Mine was a Anterior and Posterior surgery with instrumentation.

Did your Surgeon go in through the front as well as the back? It definatly makes a big differnce in the recovery time! That is,with both surgeries it will be a tough recovery and it will be slow going for awhile.

I can't believe your Surgeon didn't give you pain meds. It is common to get them for the first 3-4 months.

Do you have a back brace or belt to wear? I found the brace to be very helpful in the beginning.

It doesn't sound right that you are getting some swelling when you walk. Not after 3 months. In fact,the swelling from the surgery should be going down by now!

Also, if your Doc hasn't taken an x-ray as yet, then I would suggest seeing him for one to check the hardware and bone grafts. Just to make sure nothing has moved.

Feel free to ask questions! There are a lot of us here that have gone through the same surgery.

Take Care,
Tony

Yes, have a back brace, and it helps a lot, go back on the 17th this month. The surgeon only did a posterior surgery. Was to do 3 levels, but decided to do only 2 when he got in there. I looking for what comes next. I expect physical therapy. Had hoped to go back to work at 6 months, but don't think I'll make it.

Hi babybird and welcome to the boards! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif
You know, if you have swelling, I would take anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or Aleve. Tylenol is more of a pain relief medicine and doesn't help with inflammation. I haven't had experience with your particular surgery, but I just had an IDET last Monday (8 days ago). My surgeon gave me Vicodin for the pain, but right now I am just taking Aleve and it is really helping keeping the swelling down. I notice the difference immediately when it wears off! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/eek.gif It's over-the-counter so you don't need a prescription.

I am homebound too so I understand your frustration. Hang in there... you will heal with time.

Feel free to post any questions or just vent... the people here are very supportive and knowledgeable http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Best wishes,
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif Telzey

Thanks for all the support, I cannot take any anti-inflamatory medicines, as they say it inhibits bone growth. I was taking celebrex before surgery, but had to stop. I am having a hard time sleeping all night, as the pain wakes me up. One of my other drs has given me a sleeping pill, but I guess they don't work that well. Hope Dr has something good to say next week.

[This message has been edited by babybird (edited 12-10-2002).]