Shorty39
08-25-2006, 10:46 PM
thanks for all the replies.
Sponsor
lfoster21
08-25-2006, 11:11 PM
At 2 weeks, you are really too early to do much of anything (without pain following it). You will likely find it hard to sit very long, anywhere, for several weeks. All I can say is to please take it easy. Even when you start to feel good...you need a lot of rest in order for the fusion to take. My Dr. said that walking should be the only excercise I get until 2 mo. post op and then I could add water walking. Remember not to bend, twist or lift even when you feel alright. I am not trying to scare you...I just want you to know that you are right where you should be at 2 weeks. Please take it easy and keep us posted.
Lorie
Lorie
caszyman
08-25-2006, 11:24 PM
My daughter's dr pretty much followed the same guidlines as Lorie's dr. She could only walk for the first few months. Like Lorie at two months he allowed her to walk in the pool at the Y. She was not even to be a passenger in a car until we went to see him for her two week post op appt. She really did nothing for the first few weeks. She watched lots of dvds and slept. Then it was just walking, walking and walking. She did not need to wear a brace and sitting never really bothered her post op. I did have her sit in a nice dining room chair with arms and she sat on a pillow. Take it very slow and easy. Follow your dr's directions exactly. Best wishes. cas
Suzy-Q
08-25-2006, 11:45 PM
Hi Short-
Good grief - I'd have thought your medical staff would have kept you from even attempting an outing like this at this time! My doc made it clear I wasn't to even get in the car until I came for my first post-op apt. I am 9 weeks post-op and haven't eaten a meal out yet and I haven't driven more than 7 miles alone and wouldn't try to. I have started making trips out with my husband but I lie down for the drive into town and we time things so that I am only up and walking for about 20 minutes and then back in the car for another lie down between stores.
Your tissues/muscles just haven't had enough time to heal and they will not be able to work for you yet. Worse, once you overdo it at this early phase (oh, despite all my wisdom I have over-done it a time or two) you can get into spasms that will take years off of your life! After my first back surgery I decided to go to the grocery store with hubby at 6 weeks. Well, I made it to the rice and stuffing isle and thought I'd be leaving on a stretcher! I know you know what I mean. This time around I am very careful. I have gone into the store but for bread and milk - not a whole week's shopping. Baby steps.
And though it may seem like a terrible loss to have to wait so long to resume 'normal' life - that normal life just gets further away with every setback we cause ourselves when we over do it.
I'm so very sorry you were in such terrible pain. Relax. Take it easy. Enjoy take out and pizza for a while. Best of luck - Suzy-Q
Good grief - I'd have thought your medical staff would have kept you from even attempting an outing like this at this time! My doc made it clear I wasn't to even get in the car until I came for my first post-op apt. I am 9 weeks post-op and haven't eaten a meal out yet and I haven't driven more than 7 miles alone and wouldn't try to. I have started making trips out with my husband but I lie down for the drive into town and we time things so that I am only up and walking for about 20 minutes and then back in the car for another lie down between stores.
Your tissues/muscles just haven't had enough time to heal and they will not be able to work for you yet. Worse, once you overdo it at this early phase (oh, despite all my wisdom I have over-done it a time or two) you can get into spasms that will take years off of your life! After my first back surgery I decided to go to the grocery store with hubby at 6 weeks. Well, I made it to the rice and stuffing isle and thought I'd be leaving on a stretcher! I know you know what I mean. This time around I am very careful. I have gone into the store but for bread and milk - not a whole week's shopping. Baby steps.
And though it may seem like a terrible loss to have to wait so long to resume 'normal' life - that normal life just gets further away with every setback we cause ourselves when we over do it.
I'm so very sorry you were in such terrible pain. Relax. Take it easy. Enjoy take out and pizza for a while. Best of luck - Suzy-Q
technomom
08-26-2006, 12:19 AM
Oh my goodness... I had my fusion on 8/17/06 and I spend my day watching TV, reading & carefully walking inside my house. My doctor said no more than 25 mins of any activity at a time and no more than 30 minutes of sitting in every 3 hour period. I was told no riding in cars until my first post op appointment, which is next Friday. I expect to be on pain meds for at least the next month. The fusion surgery is hard on your body, so you need to give your body time to heal. A fusion isn't a magic cure-all. It is the begining of the healing and pushing yourself too hard doesn't give your body needed healing time. Just give yourself the time you need and the pain should go away.
Shorty39
08-26-2006, 12:52 AM
I feel really stupid now. I'm the exact cause of my hurting. I did feel like I was somewhat stronger and could handle it. My dr. just told me to stop smoking, don't bend or twist and that was it. Unless I was so drugged that he gave me other rules and all I seem to hear was those three. My husband was with me the whole time and he hasn't even said any different. He has had 3 back surgeries too. SORRY I'm gonna slow completely down from here on out. Thanks for all the great advice that I've missed somewhere along the way. This has been the most supportive board I've had ever been a part of. All have a blessed day & night. May God keep you close to him.
Shorty39:angel:
Shorty39:angel:
Justoneofus
08-26-2006, 01:23 AM
Hi Shortie, Don't feel stupid. I think you have just overdone is all, I am sure you haven't done any damage. My doc said, "let pain be your guide". If it hurts, dont do it. No bending lifting, twisting. That is about it. I have no brace. He said that I could drive as soon as I was able to turn my head easily in directions to be able to see traffic around me. I was out in the car as a passenger in the first week (I think), for a quick ride to dairy queen for an ice cream, then the coming weeks.. we would go for little rides in the countryside to see how I could do and get me out of the house for a while. When I needed to move, we just found somewhere to stop and I got out and stood up for a bit. hehehe. I was driving at week 3 or 4 and my first trip was to the mall to get some new slippers. Everyone was so helpful.. I guess by the way I was moving about everyone knew something wasn't quite right with me, and maybe the "grabby stick" i was carrying, was a bit of give away too! hehehe.
All our docs have different guidlelines; which are based on the doctors preference, your body and also experience of his/her previous patients.
My first two weeks postop fusion.. I felt fantastic.. then I had a huge setback and things went a little more normally.
You know your body better than anyone else. Be careful, always be aware of your spine alignment, don't stay in anyone place for too long, because it causes you to feel pain, don't over do things. Make your journeys out brief for now and you will find you will be feeling much better after coming home from those journeys. Don't deprive yourself of getting out if you are feeling up to it, just don't overdo.
I am glad to hear you quit smoking! Bravo!! :angel:
Take it easy.. things will ease up for you more in the coming weeks. Hang in there. Tammy:wave:
All our docs have different guidlelines; which are based on the doctors preference, your body and also experience of his/her previous patients.
My first two weeks postop fusion.. I felt fantastic.. then I had a huge setback and things went a little more normally.
You know your body better than anyone else. Be careful, always be aware of your spine alignment, don't stay in anyone place for too long, because it causes you to feel pain, don't over do things. Make your journeys out brief for now and you will find you will be feeling much better after coming home from those journeys. Don't deprive yourself of getting out if you are feeling up to it, just don't overdo.
I am glad to hear you quit smoking! Bravo!! :angel:
Take it easy.. things will ease up for you more in the coming weeks. Hang in there. Tammy:wave:
technomom
08-26-2006, 11:20 AM
Don't feel stupid...I've just had my 4th surgery on my spine...Surgery by surgery I've learned what not to do.
mkf
08-26-2006, 11:57 AM
don't forget to ice! it really helps me. I had my fusion 6/29 and i still have to take breaks during the day and take off the brace, lie down and ice my back, sometimes take meds, sometimes not. Still can't sit for too long - but more each time. I'm driving now but know my limits. I wasn't driving at two weeks. I got the ok to drive at 6 to 7 weeks. I was able to ride in a car with someone else driving at 3 weeks. Every doc IS different. And, you do know your own body. You have to stay on top of the pain. And, give your body time to heal. If it's telling you you're doing too much, then stop and lie down for a while. I don't wear the brace in bed and it's the only place I'm told I can go without it except the shower and the bathroom during the night. And, I just got those privileges (the shower and bathroom during the night) at 8 weeks out! :) So, that shows you just how different docs are. I still ice though, and it helps so much. Be safe, and take care.
Shorty39
08-26-2006, 05:57 PM
Thanks everybody for the advice....Today I've done not too much of anything. I'm fixing to get in the kitchen and try to put something together for supper. That shouldn't be too bad though. My husband has been washing the clothes. I found 2 white shirts this morning that he washed with something and one was partially red and the other partially blue. OMG I'm gonna see if I can fix them. LOL Please help me out by praying a little harder for me ....I'm wanting to pick that nasty cigeratte back up. It's hard not too.
Frosty6
08-26-2006, 06:40 PM
I agree with everyone else. Bless your heart! I had my fusion May 22nd and I really have taken it easy for the most part. I just started Physical Therapy 2 weeks ago and it is really helping with the pain. Like you, I started having pain again along with new pains about a month to a month 1/2 after surgery. My mother had this wonderfully soft leather recliner and that became my chair. I used it while staying with her briefly after surgery then we brought it to my house for a while. I purchased a really soft king size pillow and placed it behind my back while I sat there like a big whopper. It really really helped. I just started sitting on our regular furniture in the last month. It is very difficult not to lean to the side instead of sitting straight. I am a leaner and it likely has caused some of my pain. I still won't take long car rides over 1 1/2 hours until I am more fully recovered. Keep your doctor informed on what is going on, how the pain is different and what is the same. Hopefully it is just aggrivated and not a failed fusion. Good luck to you and please keep us posted on your progress.
Sincerely,
LJ
Sincerely,
LJ
settledintex
08-26-2006, 06:45 PM
Shorty-order a pizza. I can't believe are up and around this much! My doctor thought I was ahead of the pack at two weeks and I wouldn't have dreamed of driving thirty miles for dinner or going to WalMArt. You are amazing! You sound like on over-doer like me. I was lucky and had my Mom here to practially sit on me for three weeks. It was hard!!! PLease take it easy on yourself. If I had had a day like yours I would have spent two laying in bed with as many drugs as the doc would let me take including ice packs!! Give yourself some time and I pray you don't have to go thru a surgery like this again. We are all guilty of testing our limits so -ok- you found yours at Wal-Mart! Wal-Mart now carries everything!:jester: Actually Sam's Club was my first outing at three weeks and my Mom made me use the little driving cart thingy.-I am 45 years old!( I didn't do well):jester:
Bless you honey-I am praying for you!
Michelle:wave:
Bless you honey-I am praying for you!
Michelle:wave:
technomom
08-26-2006, 10:48 PM
Cooking dinner !!!! Go back to the couch & order take out! You need to give your body time to repair itself. If you are like most wives I know, we spend our lives doing for others....dinner, laundry, cleaning etc. Now is the time to take care of yourself. Aren't you just as important as all the people that you normally take care of.
A couple of hints that I've learned to help my husband take care of things:
Laundry: they sell Color Catchers. They look like a fabric softener sheet, but go in the washer and soak up colors that run.
Cooking- take out or frozen such as Bertolli frozen pasta dishes. Canned soup & grilled cheese is a healthy meal even my husband can make.
Cleaning- It can wait until you feel better, although I find if I invite some one over, my husband will straighten and pass the vacuum.
Grocery Shopping- I give him a list including what I need, who makes it, what size I want and what flavor. He takes his cell phone and calls home if he isn't sure. I also tell him to buy whatever else he wants because he deserves something for taking care of me.
I hope you are feeling better and are taking care of yourself!
A couple of hints that I've learned to help my husband take care of things:
Laundry: they sell Color Catchers. They look like a fabric softener sheet, but go in the washer and soak up colors that run.
Cooking- take out or frozen such as Bertolli frozen pasta dishes. Canned soup & grilled cheese is a healthy meal even my husband can make.
Cleaning- It can wait until you feel better, although I find if I invite some one over, my husband will straighten and pass the vacuum.
Grocery Shopping- I give him a list including what I need, who makes it, what size I want and what flavor. He takes his cell phone and calls home if he isn't sure. I also tell him to buy whatever else he wants because he deserves something for taking care of me.
I hope you are feeling better and are taking care of yourself!
lfoster21
08-26-2006, 11:27 PM
I have to agree with everyone here, carry out is the way to go:). A couple of things I thought of: If you are going to cook, make sure it's using the stove top or microwave. You wont be able to get anything out of the oven w/o bending and if your Dr. is like mine, he also said no lifting till my first visit with him. I found out the hard way, I could stand and slide things in the oven...but then when it came time to take it out, I was stuck. You may not realize how many activities cause you to bend, twist, squat and lift. There have been so many things I have finally realized that caused me to do those things. I only figured it out when I was suffering with pain and then realized what I had done. (Driving, cooking and cleaning are the main areas that I have now learned how much I move w/ ech. activity.) Here are a few things I have done: For the toilet bowl-I purchased a product called Kaboom which clips on the inside of the toilet tank and with every flush it automaticlly cleans the toilet.; For the carpets-I bought a swifter carpet sweeper; For the shower I got 1 of the automatic shower cleaners; For items I use daily (cereal, crackers, meds., trash bags)-they are all sitting on top of my counters; for cooking-it's all microwavable (lots of frozen meals or prepared meals from friends). I have learned from my mistakes and believe me I am still making mistakes, but not nearly as many as I did after my 1st fusion. I am now recovering from my 2nd one and I DO NOT want to do this again. Now I chose to purchase (or have others go out and get me) the automatic cleaners because I live alone. If your husband will do these things, that's great...but if not...pay the price for either automatic type of cleaners or have someone come by and help you. I have a friend that comes by 1 time a week to help with laundry and vacuuming. At 1st I felt bad having someone here working while I just laid down and watched...so I found a solution. I am able to now fold clothes, so as my friend is vacuuming, I recline or lay and fold the clothes that she takes out of the dryer and brings to me. That way I don't feel so useless.
Sorry this was so long, I just wanted you to know that you are not stupid...we all learn from either our past mistakes or the past mistakes of others. I hope there was something here you could learn, so that you don't hurt yourself by trying it :).
Hugs and (extra) prayers,
Lorie
Sorry this was so long, I just wanted you to know that you are not stupid...we all learn from either our past mistakes or the past mistakes of others. I hope there was something here you could learn, so that you don't hurt yourself by trying it :).
Hugs and (extra) prayers,
Lorie
mamakitkat
08-27-2006, 04:01 AM
HI,
I have to agree with all the others, your NOT stupid first of all. But you do really need to do NOTHING, I was't allowed out of bed for 5 weeks after my last fusion this past nov. only to potty. when I did get out of bed it took all i had to sit in a chair for 20 minutes.
If you dont' take your time healing your gonna be needing a revision and that not so much fun, I have had 2 failed fusions since 10/03. They dont' get easier, please for your own sake, no cooking or cleaning. Your family will survive just fine and maybe even appreciate you a lil more when your well. I had a very hard time like you letting them handle it all, it is a tough one watching them do it all, messing things up. But it all fixable, red & blue & white shirts, now your a lil more patriotic, lol.
Just so you know, I have had a total of 4 surgeries since 2003, I have to much scar tissue to fix me now and it wasnt anything I did wrong that caused the problem. The smoking thing is a BIG BIG No, your fusion will surely fail if you go down that road. I quit smoking 20 yrs ago, It is very difficult indeed, but so is another fusion. I'm so sorry that you have to struggle thru this, I will be praying for you to find the strength to get thru this. You may want to look for some support group for the smoking, they many telephone support counseling numbers out there that you dont even have to leave your house for. My hubby has used them to help him. Check your local phone book or even the tobacco companies have numbers you can call now.
God Bless & Good Luck
Carol
I have to agree with all the others, your NOT stupid first of all. But you do really need to do NOTHING, I was't allowed out of bed for 5 weeks after my last fusion this past nov. only to potty. when I did get out of bed it took all i had to sit in a chair for 20 minutes.
If you dont' take your time healing your gonna be needing a revision and that not so much fun, I have had 2 failed fusions since 10/03. They dont' get easier, please for your own sake, no cooking or cleaning. Your family will survive just fine and maybe even appreciate you a lil more when your well. I had a very hard time like you letting them handle it all, it is a tough one watching them do it all, messing things up. But it all fixable, red & blue & white shirts, now your a lil more patriotic, lol.
Just so you know, I have had a total of 4 surgeries since 2003, I have to much scar tissue to fix me now and it wasnt anything I did wrong that caused the problem. The smoking thing is a BIG BIG No, your fusion will surely fail if you go down that road. I quit smoking 20 yrs ago, It is very difficult indeed, but so is another fusion. I'm so sorry that you have to struggle thru this, I will be praying for you to find the strength to get thru this. You may want to look for some support group for the smoking, they many telephone support counseling numbers out there that you dont even have to leave your house for. My hubby has used them to help him. Check your local phone book or even the tobacco companies have numbers you can call now.
God Bless & Good Luck
Carol
Shorty39
08-27-2006, 01:28 PM
I'm beginning to get the picture!!!! I went to bed last night and during the night had to get up to go to the toilet and I almost die each time I have to get up to walk in the middle of the night. I can barely make it to the bathroom w/all the pain. My husband says I moan and grunt all night long and I know that I do. He suggested me walking more in the daytime. What is ya'll opinion on that???? He had 3 back surgeries. 1st one fusion with hardware; 2nd hardware removed and disk right above the fusion had collapsed; 3rd scar tissue removal and we go back to his surgeon on Friday the 1st and he'll mostly have to have more scar tissue removed. He's been through all this but my doctor (which is in with his doctor) didn't tell me anything about walking before the 6 week check-up. I was wondering if any of your doctors wanted ya'll walking before check up time. I also have very tender areas on my buttocks that I can't stand for anyone to touch and partially on my thighs. I think this is nerve damage from surgery and might get better BUT it hurts like crazy right now. I'm threw trying to do around the house for awhile until I can get some relief. I'm afraind I'm gonna get hooked on these narcotics. He gave me Tylox for severe pain and Lortab for moderate pain and I have Darvocet. I usually take the Lortab and Tylox in the daytime. Probably taking too much too. Not sure. Just looking for relief. Thanks you guys for trying to help me out I wish ya'll only the best and I'm glad I've met some new caring friends. Thanks and Big Hugs
caszyman
08-27-2006, 02:31 PM
If you are in doubt about walking, I would call your dr's office. Either he will answer you or one of his assistants. I called almost daily for a week with one question or another. That's what they are there for. One day he called me to see how she was doing since we had an emergency during the night and I had called him at 4:00 am. that morning.
My daughter's dr only had her walk. The first few days home we just walked through the house because she was still so nauseous. As that went away she began walking out side. We started off walking only a house or two and progressed as she felt better. But her dr's orders were to walk. She had no pt. She had a two week check and then a two month check. By the two month check she was feeling so well that she was walking a few miles a day, but she started slowly. After her two week check and he gave her clearance to ride in a car, we would go to the mall and just slowly walk. Each trip she would walk a little further.
Check with your dr and good luck. cas
My daughter's dr only had her walk. The first few days home we just walked through the house because she was still so nauseous. As that went away she began walking out side. We started off walking only a house or two and progressed as she felt better. But her dr's orders were to walk. She had no pt. She had a two week check and then a two month check. By the two month check she was feeling so well that she was walking a few miles a day, but she started slowly. After her two week check and he gave her clearance to ride in a car, we would go to the mall and just slowly walk. Each trip she would walk a little further.
Check with your dr and good luck. cas
lfoster21
08-27-2006, 02:35 PM
I am glad you are going to take it easy:) You really should be walking, but start out slow. Actually, walking should be the only excercise you do for the next several of weeks. My Dr. said to start out walking in the house several times a day with resting in between. Then when I started outside, to go till you start to feel anything (fatigue, pain, pulling etc.) and then stop. Each day go that same distance and add a little bit more. But continue to stop when you feel any negative feelings. (My first walk outside was only .05 miles and each day I went out twice and by 3 months was walking 3 miles a day). It is suppose to be better to take several short walks rather than 1 longer one. The reason you need to be walking is because as you move, the blood will go to any injured area in your body to heal it. If you don't walk...that healing power of the blood can't take place.
If you have any questions for the Dr. I would bet that when your husband goes to see his Dr., he could say that you just had a fusion and what is his thoughts about the situation.
Good luck,
Lorie
If you have any questions for the Dr. I would bet that when your husband goes to see his Dr., he could say that you just had a fusion and what is his thoughts about the situation.
Good luck,
Lorie
mamakitkat
08-28-2006, 01:20 AM
Hi,
I'm so glad your gonna take it easy, you feel so much better in the long run. Just keep in mind that your recovery can and will probably be very different from your hubby's recovery. I would write down all your questions when you think of them and then call your doc and ask him. There are some days that I have a million questions but then take a nap or get busy and forget half of them.
Don't worry about getting addicted as long as your taking them as prescribed. If your going way above and beyond the prescribed dose then you need to worry. You might want to ask your doc about getting something to help that nerve pain, I know how terrible that can be. I did use a tens unit for a while at first, it did help me tremendously and did help to avoid more meds for pain. I do take neurontin for my nerve pain and it does help alot.
It does seem like your never gonna get better, but you will. Every day is one day closer to better. You'll be in my prayers.
God Bless
Carol
I'm so glad your gonna take it easy, you feel so much better in the long run. Just keep in mind that your recovery can and will probably be very different from your hubby's recovery. I would write down all your questions when you think of them and then call your doc and ask him. There are some days that I have a million questions but then take a nap or get busy and forget half of them.
Don't worry about getting addicted as long as your taking them as prescribed. If your going way above and beyond the prescribed dose then you need to worry. You might want to ask your doc about getting something to help that nerve pain, I know how terrible that can be. I did use a tens unit for a while at first, it did help me tremendously and did help to avoid more meds for pain. I do take neurontin for my nerve pain and it does help alot.
It does seem like your never gonna get better, but you will. Every day is one day closer to better. You'll be in my prayers.
God Bless
Carol
settledintex
08-28-2006, 09:49 AM
Hey Shorty! I am so sorry for your pain!!! I understand! I started walking at 2 weeks per my doc but it was short walks-building slowly and at 5 weeks I am walking a mile a day now. It stretches the muscles and glides the nerves back into place and it does indeed get the blood flowing! I am tired after the walks and do gentle stretches laying down after then take a nap!
I worried about taking too many pain meds too but my doctor said I wasn't addicted-I am dependent on them now. Pain creates stress in the body-you want all your body's energy to go into healing your back and nerves-not combating your stress! Relax-stay ahead of your pain-walk where you can(even just inside the house!I used to circle the island in my kitchen!) and take care of yourself. Praying for you! And your hubby!!!
Michelle:wave:
I worried about taking too many pain meds too but my doctor said I wasn't addicted-I am dependent on them now. Pain creates stress in the body-you want all your body's energy to go into healing your back and nerves-not combating your stress! Relax-stay ahead of your pain-walk where you can(even just inside the house!I used to circle the island in my kitchen!) and take care of yourself. Praying for you! And your hubby!!!
Michelle:wave:
angelahprice
08-28-2006, 02:03 PM
Hi I so agree with everyone take it easy. Because if you don't its only gonna take you longer to heal. You mentioned itching my Dr. told me it was from the anthesisa (sp) , to just take benedryl. Also the pain in the hip area its been 3 months this Thursday and I still hurt if someone hits me on my backside, the Dr said this was very normal and would get better with time and it has. As far as the walking he wanted me walking at least 2 miles by my 1 month check up. I assure you he will tell me again when I go back Wednesday to walk,walk,walk. Hope you get to feeling better soon.
Shorty39
08-28-2006, 08:11 PM
Just wanted to update everyone that has been so kind as to read my thread and post a reply. I had a really bad time this morning. I did get out and walk just as much as I could stand w/o over doing it. My little boy broke his arm so we had to get him to Jackson to an ped. ortho. for the cast and that ride is approximately 65 miles one way. I loaded the car down with pillows and away my husband and I went with the baby. He's our youngest and he's 10. I have seem to feel better this afternoon, but as normal still taking all those meds. As I was telling my husband this morning, sometimes I feel like there is just something in my back and hip that just doesn't belong there. Of course there is Patti, all that hardware. I just hope nothing is on a nerve or came loose. In hopes to have a better night tonight. Will continue to update you. My husband wants me to call our doctor and tell him whats going on...he said that the doctor assumes all is good if he doesn't here from me. I'm gonna give it some more time before I call him because he is so busy. Take care and love you guys for all the encouragement.
Settledintx, I came back to MS from Texas just thought I'd share that.:)
Settledintx, I came back to MS from Texas just thought I'd share that.:)
caszyman
08-28-2006, 09:03 PM
Shorty,
I hope you and your son are doing better. Don't not call your dr because you know he is busy. Last week when my daughter's dr called me back I appologized to him and said I was sorry for calling him on his first day back from vacation when I know he is so busy. He told me not to be sorry. I guess it's his attitude that makes me so I don't really think twice about calling if I need something. He's a pediatric ortho and treats us really well.
In other words, if you feel you need your dr, call him. Take your walking in small segments and gradually build it up. Best wishes to you and your son. cas
I hope you and your son are doing better. Don't not call your dr because you know he is busy. Last week when my daughter's dr called me back I appologized to him and said I was sorry for calling him on his first day back from vacation when I know he is so busy. He told me not to be sorry. I guess it's his attitude that makes me so I don't really think twice about calling if I need something. He's a pediatric ortho and treats us really well.
In other words, if you feel you need your dr, call him. Take your walking in small segments and gradually build it up. Best wishes to you and your son. cas
technomom
08-29-2006, 09:40 AM
How are you feeling? Has taking it easier helped with the pain?
shawley
08-29-2006, 10:30 AM
Shorty are you seeing a pain management Dr ? I am and it helps me alot
lfoster21
08-29-2006, 11:09 AM
I hope your son is doing alright. I know that trip must have been hard for you..esspecially once you got home and started to relax. It's amazing how we can do things that we wouldn't have been able to do earlier, when one of the kids is hurting. I am sure your mind was completly turned towards his well being and not anywhere near thinking about the pain you were in:). Anyway, I hope both of you are dooing better.
As for the meds. I wouldn't worry about them. I did, for quite awhile until the Drs. both told me that they weren't going to let me become addicted and when it was time to come off the meds, they would be there to ween me off. Evidently, the pain causes more stress on the body and it can slow down the recovery/healing process. After my 1st surgery, I was on meds. for 6 weeks.
You're in my prayers,
Lorie
As for the meds. I wouldn't worry about them. I did, for quite awhile until the Drs. both told me that they weren't going to let me become addicted and when it was time to come off the meds, they would be there to ween me off. Evidently, the pain causes more stress on the body and it can slow down the recovery/healing process. After my 1st surgery, I was on meds. for 6 weeks.
You're in my prayers,
Lorie
BlueAtlas
08-29-2006, 11:23 AM
Evidently, the pain causes more stress on the body and it can slow down the recovery/healing process.
I won't have my surgery until next month, but that's exactly what I've been told. If you try to stay off the pain meds when you still need them, your muscles are going to be tense and you won't heal as well and may even end up taking backward steps. I don't know if that's physiologically correct, but it makes sense to me. I'm planning to take whatever I can take exactly as my doctor tells me, absolutely no more and no less. My two cents worth...
I won't have my surgery until next month, but that's exactly what I've been told. If you try to stay off the pain meds when you still need them, your muscles are going to be tense and you won't heal as well and may even end up taking backward steps. I don't know if that's physiologically correct, but it makes sense to me. I'm planning to take whatever I can take exactly as my doctor tells me, absolutely no more and no less. My two cents worth...
Shorty39
08-29-2006, 12:45 PM
Technomon......thanks I'm feeling somewhat better at times. I have this big lump my husband noticed in my back where the incision is. I guess its probably the hardware!!! Don't know....Any ideas???
Shawley...My surgeon sent me to pain management doctor and he gave me injections and then released me back to the surgeon. When my pain started getting worse I contacted the PM Dr. and he sent me straight to the surgeon and that's when they decided to do the surgery. My surgeon said he felt like I was gonna be back soon because of the trauma in my spine. Of course he didn't tell me this upon first seeing me though. Guess he just wanted to try the PM first. PM doctor said I could call him and he'd help anyway possible if I needed him. Thanks you guys for everything.
Shawley...My surgeon sent me to pain management doctor and he gave me injections and then released me back to the surgeon. When my pain started getting worse I contacted the PM Dr. and he sent me straight to the surgeon and that's when they decided to do the surgery. My surgeon said he felt like I was gonna be back soon because of the trauma in my spine. Of course he didn't tell me this upon first seeing me though. Guess he just wanted to try the PM first. PM doctor said I could call him and he'd help anyway possible if I needed him. Thanks you guys for everything.
lfoster21
08-29-2006, 09:42 PM
Just to comfort you about the lump...I had the same thing after my first fusion and was sure it was the hardware. The Dr. said it was normal and it was irritated muscles. (I didn't believe him at first becasue it was pretty big). There was a thread here on the boards at that time and I found many peple had the same thing and as it turned out...all the Drs. seemed to say the same thing and it seemed to go away for all of us after several weeks.
You just want to let your Dr. know if it becomes hard. That happened to me, 2 wks. post op) and it was actually a hematoma and needed to be drained. But even that was ok, once they drained it.
Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.
Lorie
You just want to let your Dr. know if it becomes hard. That happened to me, 2 wks. post op) and it was actually a hematoma and needed to be drained. But even that was ok, once they drained it.
Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.
Lorie