BobiM
03-08-2005, 07:23 PM
My son is having spinal surgery on April 14. He will have a
PLIF (L-4/L-5 and L-5/S-1). What type of limitations does a person have after this type of surgery? I don't mean immediately after. I mean long term. His job was in a greenhouse and it involved a lot of heavy lifting, bending, twisting, etc.
Bobi
carol632
03-08-2005, 08:46 PM
He would do well to avoid any heavy lifting from now on. With 2 levels fused, the rest of his discs are going to be taking the brunt of the weight which could certainly very quickly cause them to deteriorate. Every person is different, and we all heal differently. Many fusion pts never have any more problems, but most of them do and it is essential that we take every pre-
caution we can with our spines; and that means no heavy lifting especially on a regular basis. With his back being somewhat stiffer, he is going to find it very difficult to bend over and pick up heavy items. Easy for me to say, I know, but I would recommend a change in jobs.
I hope your son's surgery is very successful.
Carol
injured betty
03-09-2005, 12:27 AM
He had better work himself up to supervisor or get another job. :)
mamakitkat
03-09-2005, 12:39 AM
Every person is different. Many things depend on how he will recover and be able to perform after surgery. I know many people with fusions that have no restrictions, but they were young and very healthy other than the back problem. Your son would do best to ask his Dr. He will probably not be able to lift the heavy things like before, but he may not have the same restrictions as others do. God Bless and good luck on the surgery.
Carol
PsychLea
03-09-2005, 09:59 PM
I was told that longterm after my PLIF L4-5,L5-S1 that I would no longer be able to do any type of heavy lifting. It is to be avoided. I am a nurse, so having to reevaluate what work I can do after I recover, but I'm also in my 40's with multiple spine problems.
shawley
03-31-2005, 08:50 AM
My son is having spinal surgery on April 14. He will have a
PLIF (L-4/L-5 and L-5/S-1). What type of limitations does a person have after this type of surgery? I don't mean immediately after. I mean long term. His job was in a greenhouse and it involved a lot of heavy lifting, bending, twisting, etc.
BobiI had the same surgery, Its hard to bend over and tie my shoe , I cant lift to much weight either, My Dr. said I could do just about anything I did before, Hmmmm... No way I say ! I still have pain in my back and Hip and Butt,. But its better than before. :)
