I'm 13 1/2 months post op from back surgery for a herniation and my doctor has approved me to lift 30 lbs. But he frowned like he really didn't want me to and he said it hesitantly, andI got the feeling that he doesnt think it would be good for me.

I had torn my disk all the way open, top to bottom, and he said my recovery would depend on me and not doing anything to re-tear that disk. He wouldn't let me bend for 8 months, except enough to spit the toothpaste into the sink. i have been careful and the MRi in April showed no retearing.

He said it would scar over in 6 weeks, but I have heard it takes 18 months to fully heal. Also, he said it would never be as strong as before and susceptible to retearing, especially since he thinks I've torn it numerous times. Basically, I've got a really bad disk.

So, I've been exercising and all that and slowly doing more and more but I am TERRIFIED of lifting. Before surgery, lifting an 8 oz glass of water sent a knife like pain into my spine. that's gone, but I fear it coming back.

It scares me to lift a 9 lb bottle of milk. If i lift anything heavier, I use proper body mechanics as taught in PT, but I definitely feel it in my back and then get all scared that I've reherniated. I told the doctor about my fear and he said, "Good. You should be scared."

There is a difference between being wary and being terrified and t his is becoming phobic for me. I am terrified of tearing that disk again. I know that one slip up and next time I tear it it means an ADR. I don't want to go there because I already have nerve damage in my leg and foot that I am recovering from.

It is hard to walk this tight rope, trying to gauge what you can do, and do so without undue stress from fear.

How are you all handing this? I just feel for me, it is best I not lift more than 20 lbs.

Anyone else feeling this?

Lady Bird

Follow your intuition.

Be cautious and careful and go with YOUR feelings of what YOUR limit is. If it doesn't feel right when you reach/lift a certain limit - then, it probably isn't.

I wish you well ~
Bionic Witch

I may not have the same injuries or pain as you, but I do know the feeling you have. I sometimes get very frustrated at the thought of living the rest of my life being careful and being scared that I will hurt my back. Even if I have surgery at some point, I'll always be scared that I will re-herniate.

However the thing that keeps me going is thinking that, if I can be careful, I can live a fairly normal and functional life; and that is so much better than so many other people who have injuries or illnesses that are more debilitating than mine. So, I guess I try to see the positive in it, and it's difficult when all your friends are healthier than you. But I'm sure people who look healthy to me may have so many other problems that I am not aware of, so I am thankful that things are not worse. I hope you are able to be careful but also be happy at the same time...

Also, I am sure that as you increase the strength of muscles that support your back (abs, back, legs, etc), you'll be able to lift more with less problems. Plus, have you thought about using a belt/brace when you need to lift something. Wouldn't that provide additional support and reduce strain on your spine?

I just wanted to let you know that your fears are normal, after all you have been through. As the previous posts have mentioned, don't do anything you are uncomfotable doing. As you get stronger, you will become more and more comfortable. A little fear, though, can be beneficial. It makes you aware of your strengths and weaknesses. I have been fearful lately about lifting anything more than a jug of milk...and that I can only do if it's picked up from chest level and I carry it w/ 2 hands close to my body. I am also scared I will fall...since I have fallen 3 times this year and numerous times of stumbling. So, I use a cane now. I walk carefully and lift in the same way. I just try and keep my fears in check. I don't want them to overwhelm me and keep me from living. I just wanted you to know that I understand and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Lorie :angel: