So I had the surgery on the 19th, MOnday and I was nervous. I woke up in recovery with a lot of right leg pain and lower back pain which didn't last long as they made me very comfortable. I ended up having a fractured vertebrae that was a surprise for the surgeon as it did not come up on the MRI's or other tests so I have over 9 pieces of hardware in my back added some rods and screws. They took the lower discs completely out. I'm home today walked the halls the 2nd day and then did stairs the 3rd day, doc said I'm above the curve. Don't get me wrong I'm in pain and discomfort but trying to stay positive. So to all you guys out there anticipating fusions you'll be ok, I feel that I made the right decision and can't wait to be feeling better. Any thoughts and similar experiences would be great.


Jen

Hi glad you okay,did they use a bone graft?you get an anterior or posterior?Were you sick alot?

Jennifer:

How wonderful to hear you are doing so well! How long were you in the hospital? Does your hip hurt from a bone graft? Sorry about the questions, my big day is July 20th so I am trying to get as much information as possible. It is so wonderful to hear that you are doing so well! Don't over do it, but keep at the great work! You will be back in the swing of things in no time!

Best Wishes,
Lookin4somehelp

Hi Jennifer - thanks for posting. How many levels were fused? and did they do bone graft? Sounds like you're doing well. Do you have a brace?

I had a posterior fusion done and he fused two levels, he did not take bone from my hip at all. I was suppose to just have some screws put in which he ended up adding a few rods too. I was nauseous in the morning and I had a headache the next day from surgery thinking it might have been the morphine pump so I discontinued that and went to 2 percocits every 3 -4 hours. I lost a lot of blood during the surgery because the dr. said it was very vasular in the back region. I'm a little loopy from the meds so I might not make sense. I'm very happy so far that I did the procedure I hit lows but try to stay positive every day. The pain I have now is surgery healing pain I have no more of my regular back pain or leg pain, sometimes if i stand to long i need to sit and relieve the pain i get in the right leg and back. The raised toliet seat does wonders and extra pillows to put between the legs at night while sleeping on the side. I also got a catcher which helps with things on the floor. I have my mom staying with me for a few weeks and my fiance is here. My mom helps with meals and cleaning up. I showered today which felt so good. I have no staples in the incision I think they stitched from the inside. Also sent home with no back brace, Dr. said no need. Also, they had me walking the 2nd day with no walker in the hospital. :wave: :wave: :wave:

Wow! Sounds like you're coming along wonderfully! I'm having L4/5 and L5/S1 fused next week - posterior, with rods and screws. I do have a hard brace for 12 weeks. I'm not so anxious now for some reason - probably because I've been reading some positive posts. I really appreciate them too!

I got a pedicure, hair cut and eyebrow wax - I know it probably sounds vain - but I knew it would help me feel good. I'm prepared with books and mp3 and cable, have help at home and am just getting ready. I do have to have bone graft and I understand that can be uncomfortable - but I've also read a post or two from those who didn't have problems from it. I think my graft will be from my hip.

Thanks again for the uplifting post.