One thing I haven't seen in these suggestions is a BACK BRUSH for when you're showering, it's great for getting your legs and feet as well getting your back. When I had my last back surgery (3rd one in 7 months) I was told no bending, except for getting dressed. My first two surgeries was to remove a cyst caused by arthritis between L4 & L5. A month after my second surgery I started having pain again in my legs and hips. So this time my micro-neurosurgeon fused the L3 & L4 and L4 & L5 together. My spinal cord is being narrowed by my arthritis, hence the 3rd surgery.
I've been reading about everyones ALIF surgeries and it is really helping to make up my mind about having my own. I've been suffering with back issues for the last few years and have tried therapy, aquatic therapy, epidurals and nothing has really helped. I have such pressure in my lower back when I'm standing for long periods of time, that even when I sit down, it takes a good while for it to cease some. I've used heating pads also which helps and use my friend "Vicodin" only when needed. I am going to a lumbar surgery seminar this coming Tuesday and hope to get more answers. My husband planned a cruise for my 60th birthday which is to take place in August and my children along with the grandchildren are all going on this cruise. I don't want to miss this so I put off my surgery plans until September but I'm scared out of my witts. Any advice from anyone will and would be so appreciated. Thanks in advance!
if you need back surgery, i would have it...I had no choice as my nerves were being crushed and i was in complete agony, childbirth was a breeze compared to the pain..
was does your doctor say ? also i would talk to a few people that have had surgery and check how they are going, because there are good and bad surgeons...dont be scared !!, im so happy with how i am now, compared to how i was before..good luck and have a wonderful cruise with your family
I can only speak from my experience. I had 3 back surgeries within 7 months. My arthritis was causing cyst in my lumbard so I needed these surgeries. The pain was just the worst after the first surgery which indicated that and another cyst had developed. After the second surgery everything seemed just wonderful. I was off medication so much sooner. I was walking around the hospital before I was release more than the first time. I didn't need the nurses to wait on me hand and foot. I thought my surgeries were over. Then the pain started again and I got into see my neurosurgeon much sooner this time. I was NOT going to go through the extreme pain that I had after my first surgery. I'm still recovering from my third surgery which my doctor fused my 3rd, 4th and 5th lumbard to prevent anymore cyst from returning. Not so say that they won't return at the 1st and 2nd lumbard, prays it doesn't happen. I've heard of people having this surgery (cyst removal) done 5 or 6 times before their doctor does the fusion. Thank goodness I had a neurosurgeon that will on do that surgery twice! Everything I tried prior so the surgeries didn't work because the cyst was pressing against my spinal cord--therapy, vicodin, chiropractors, heating pads, tens units. Find you a good neurosurgeon. Good luck!
I am facing a L3L4L5 fusion surgery in the next few months, and all these tips are GREAT.
I have one I'd like to add that my mother recommended from her discectomy: tall stools strategically placed in the major rooms of the house, so you have somewhere to sit and rest when you need to without having to go all the way down.
I am so scared. Going to try to lose some weight before then and working on my core-strenthening exercises in the meantime. I have a sit-down job.
Thanks for the tip regarding the stools. That sounds logical. I, too, have a sit down job which I'm really thankful for at this time with back issues but I have also gained weight and would like to lose some of it before the surgery. I'm 60 and I sure hope I don't have a tough time recuperating.
Thanks MCE for the well wishes regarding our upcoming cruise. I am just hoping and praying I'll be able to keep up with everyone. I'm sure I won't with the grandkids though. I'll be taking a couple of books with me just in case. I heard my doc that I have is suppose to be really good but he surely has a horrible bedside manner. He is replacing 3 discs via the stomach area and then my body will be turned over and he'll put a place with screws and try to staighten up the spine some. My problem is scoliosis. My spine is in the shape of a double "S" but as it goes down low, it isn't really bad but yet bowed some which is pressing against nerves. It depends on the way I move that gives me pain but the pressure in the lower back and backs of my legs is vivid. Thanks for your reply.
I had a microdisectomy at L4/L5 3 days ago and those items have proven to be helpful. My question is how much movement is to much to soon. I have a friend that had rhe same surgery and told me he was up and walking with limted pain in 3 days. My pain has gotten a little better each day but currently about 3 times a day for about 10 minutes is enough to have me popping the pain meds and back in bed. Should I be pushing myself for more??
i had the same, only my nerves were badly damaged...this was last nov, and im still off work, everyone is different..remember yours was only 3 days ago..take it easy, for a while, then just try and push yourself more in about 6 weeks..also ask your doctor...I know its a pain in the butt, when some one else seems to be able to do what you want to do....but i guess, i know your a guy..its like childbirth, every one is different.....dont measure your progress against, some one else !!! as it can be depressing and you really need to mentally be ok....trust me it can suck...as i have seen others walk, when i needed a walking stick...just be cool and do it when your ready and ok...take care
Don't be scared Marrgaa. I had the same fusion done on the 30th of March. If you trust your doctor and have researched him and everything about this surgery you'll be fine. My fusion was my third back surgery in 7 months. The first two were to remove cyst and the third is to stop the cyst from returning. I've been up and around since I've been released from the hospital. Driving after 2 weeks. I used a walker for the first week and during the second week I only used it to get out of bed and to get off the couch. I'm learning how to pick up things off the floor without bending over. I have to wear my brace for another 7 week, I live in Texas so it's gonna be a long 7 weeks. The brace is very hot when wearing it so I lay in bed as much as possible. It's about the time that I'm allowed not to wear my brace.
Bear34: I stayed well medicated for the first week then I slowly reduced the medication I was taking. Don't overdo it. You'll recover at your own speed with the help of your doctor.
Good luck y'all on your recoveries and future sugery.
thanks for the tips, i did loads of them before i had my surgery and am so sooo glad other people took the time to share. my grabbers ( one upstairs and one down) are my best friends and attaching the tv remote to the bed is another one ive found really helpful.
The Following User Says Thank You to issymykitty For This Useful Post: Grammie76 (03-01-2012)
I am 8 months post surgery an am in a large amount of pain but I feel much better now after 8 months than post 8 days. Percocet 5 mg now. Was at 10 before. Walking 40- 45 minutes per day straight no breaks every walk, every day no matter what the weather conditions. First I needed a cane but now I walk an a lot of people give me compliments on my look of stabilit and strengh. L3-S1. Cost over 255,000. Plus medications. Walking, Water, Food, No Hard work an or bending or twisting. God is good.
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to slapshot173 For This Useful Post: Grammie76 (03-01-2012), workinmom572 (08-05-2012)
Re: Post Surgery Tips 
