Hi Everyone
I'm new here,and have lots of questions. Hope someone can answer them for me. I am having L5-S1 PLIF on 11/8/06. Needless to say my neuro says one thing about the recovery, and what I am reading here, I am learning quite the opposite, or really what I imagine the recovery must be. I live alone, and my children are all out on their own. My children asked if I will go to a rehab facility after the surgery, and the neuro says I can go home. HOME ALONE?
Also, he says I can probably start driving one week after I get home. Is this right, I can't see how, considering he is doing and Open surgery! Also, anyone know how large the incision is? How long the surgery takes? I am also having interoperative neurophysiologic monitoring during my surgery. Any info would be greatly appreciated. kdk
Multilevel DDD
L5-S1 right herniation. L2-L3 and L3-L4 bulging
Canal encroachment produced
Hypolordosis
I had PLIF L4-S1 in May. I stayed with my mother for 3 weeks after the surgery. I didn't need too much help as far as getting around. I would get out of bed, then go sit in the recliner-with a soft pillow behind my back for extra support. I couldn't cook, I couldn't shave my itchy legs. Showering was difficult but manageable. You have to be very very careful not to fall. You can't bend over AT ALL for the first 6 weeks or more and you will find that you drop absolutely everything you touch. They said I could drive at 2 weeks but then only a short distance. You will be on heavy meds (likely) and the biggest fear will be to drive while in an altered state. Get your surgeon to fill out a disabled parking permit so you can get that prior to your surgery. Then you will be able to temporarily park in handicap parking and you will want that in the beginning. If you have a CVS Pharmacy (others might have it) check near the pharmacy counter for a stick that has grips on the end (like tongs almost) that you can use to pick up things you drop. I didn't have that but when I saw it I knew that would have been a blessing. You won't be able to clean, change your bedding or lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk for a while. The surgery itself varies, mine was to be 6 hours long but lasted 7 1/2 and the hospital stay was 4 days for me.
I hope this answers some of your questions. If you have anyone that can stay with you for a while, you really want them to. Good luck to you and please keep us posted.
My experience was nothing compared to what my surgeons said it would be. If you're not in such severe pain you can't stand it, I wouldn't have it done. The recovery can be difficult and long, and no one ever told me what side affects I could have just from having this surgery. Severe hip pain and leg pain, etc. When your spine is fused, your spine will try to compromise when bending and moving and discs above and below tend to rupture.
You're definately doing the right thing by coming on this board. Please read as many people's story's on here as possible so you will have a good idea what to HONESTLY expect.
Hi Kdk, I had L4-5, L5-S1 fusion with hardware on July 19th. I was in the hospital for 4 days. They got me up to walk the very next day. I did not have a walker or cane. Many people on ths board did have the use of a walker. I also did not have a brace. It is very painful. You will definatley need someone with you for the first week at least. My husband had to write down the times he gave me meds. I could not bathe or shower for 4 days after I came home. Then I made sure I had a seat in the shower and a seat very close to the bathroom to sit on and dry off as well as put on my pajamas. I did not wear anything but pj's for 2 weeks. I still 3months later do not like the feeling of jeans on my incision. I also had extreme burning and pain in my foot and right leg. I still have some of that. I have not gone back to work yet and will not be any time soon. It has been determined that I have an abnormal amount of scar tissue that is pressing on nerves. I have just been scheduled for surgery. It will be Tuesday, Oct. 24th. It is that same kind of surgery with out the hardware. Not to happy about it. I am in more pain now then before surgery. I also have RSD.
I would be happy to answer any more questions you may have as the dr's do not tell you the real truth.
I am the worst case so I hope you have better results than I have had.
Hello KDK-
I, too, would urge you to have someone with you for the first week. Paper plates and cooked, prepared meals are a must for me. I was not able to do any housework for close on to 6 weeks. I am 4 months post op and I still have a housekeeper coming in to do all the bending and scrubbing and lifting. I have had 2 lumbar surgeries and I never drove before 4 weeks post-op. And I have to agree that depsite walking every day and many times a day, my recovery goes slower than I expect.
There is a ton of good tips at the top of this board. And many people here can give you their favorite tips: mine is Huggies! I keep a tub of baby wipes all over the house and next to my bed (outfitted with a big card table to hold all of my 'recovery gear'. There's nothing like being able to reach out and clean up and avoid having to make the trip to the bathroom! Best of luck-Suzy-Q
I agree with everyone. It's not at all what you'll expect. I had my fusion July 11th & like Barbara am having some other issues post surgery. Not everyone is the same so your recovery will probably be totally different. But it is really helpful to have someone if possible with you the first 2 weeks. Showering is difficult, managing your meds is difficult & I would not recommend driving until at least 6 weeks because of the meds you'll be on. Go by how your feeling but take care because you can do more harm then good. The one thing the nurse who attended me told me is to be careful when you start feeling better because you'll try to do all the things your not supposed to and wind up doing more harm than good to yourself. Good luck with your surgery. Hope you come out ok.
Hey Barbara, we seem to be in the same boat. I'm 14 weeks and still at home. Nerve issues in left foot and alot of pain post fusion. I'm taking it easy and not stressing it. I want to heal properly than mess things up. Take care & know someone else is here that's feeling the same as you.
I also may be scheduled for surgery soon to try to find cause for nerve pain in left leg. Mri's, ct's don't show anything pinching nerve only emg showed nerve damage. Doctor tried epidural injections to ease pain but no good. I'm terrified of another surgery as I'm sure you are. I have my appt on Halloween of all days to find out where we go from here. Good luck with your surgery.
Hi All!
Thanks so much for the fast replies. I knew I wouldn't be able to stay by myself, that is why I asked the neuro about a rehab. I work in the health field, so I kind of know how their minds work. They tend to downplay, I guess so they don't scare the heck out of you! I know I need the surgery, because the pain is just awful. I had an auto accident in April (was rear-ended at a red light) broke my shoulder, torn rotator cuff, and my back problems. Had rotator cuff surgery in June, shoulder feels better, but I can't do all of the physical therapy that I am supposed to, because it puts too much stress on my back. Haven't worked since April. I've had 3 epidurals, which did nothing. I also have urinary and bowel urgency(sorry, I know its gross), so if the nerves can get relief, I'll be happy. I guess thats why the neuro has also included neurophysiologic monitoring during my surgery. Has anyone had this? I can't thank everyone enough for responding. I feel very alone, and of course putting on the brave act for my children. Prayers and love to all. kdk (Kathy)
Hi Kathy! Being alone is not ideal, coming home from the hospital. BUT, if there is no other choice.. it is doable, just not preferable. I felt comforted knowing someone was there for me, but if I had to do it on my own.. I could have. I was self sufficient from the get go, but I liked having someone there when I showered, just in case something happened.
I had all my home ready for the recovery journey. Everything was bought I needed for several months actually, except food items, which i stocked a good bit of also.
I am 45 this Friday. I am fused at l4/l5 back in april. I had minimally invasive posterior fusion. Instead of one long incision I had six small ones. Most of my incisions have already diminished and two look like cat scratches (which is post 6 months now). I think my surgery was a bit over 4 hours. I think it's great you have someone monitoring your nerves during the surgery. Some of us might have this and it's just not told to us. I dont think I had that.
I was driving at week 4. I was a passenger at week one for really short distances and then "had" to get out and move. It's not comfy sitting in one place for very long right after surgery or the first 6-8 weeks for most. Then it eases up some and you can sit for longer periods without as much pain.
As much pain as you are probably in now, the surgery will more than likely eliminate that pain and you will just be dealing with surgery healing pain. That is what I dealt with, but I did get some nerve issues that were not an issue before the surgery. That is so much better now though.
I had no brace, no walker, and was told to let pain be my guide (no bending, or twisting) & to do home exercises. If it hurt, dont do it. He didnt even advise me about log rolling in/out of bed. He figured I was a veteran of back pain for so many years.. I knew how to get about as needed. The only thing I did not prepare for was the height of my bed. I go to get in bed and oops.. too darn high. Had to find a megshift short step to stand on to get in/out of bed for awhile. No problems.
If you can have your kids come for the first couple of days you are home.. it would really help you immensely. But just know.. if you are a self sufficient woman now and managing on your own in the amount of pain and limitations you have now.. you can also be post surgery IF you HAVE TO. The ONLY thing that was a bugger.. was that I didnt want my house to get all super dirty while I was first recovering and I hired someone to come in and do some basic cleaning every two weeks, just to control it. I have 3 large dogs.. and they play more inside than out.. so it's like having 3 young boys in the house daily. Constant upkeep, and I live on a dirt road.. so lots of dust if you dont keep up.
Make sure you get some "grabby sticks" for when you do drop things, so you can pick things up. I have two. I still use mine both of them.. I even take one with me to work each day.
If you are have urinary and bowel disfunction.. this surgery is a real must for you. I wish you the best. Take care. Tammy
I had TLIF one level on 9/18, and 5 weeks post op, I am have alot of incision pain and sometimes a dshooting pain down my leg(which never happened b4)
Besides that I think all went well. I just lay on the sofa all day, and just do my walks and light microwave cooking.
Pain sucks but I think it is getting better. I still take alot of meds, and I just hope they continue giving them to me.
GL 2 you.
I had the TLIF double fusion in July and also had the monitoring. Made me feel alittle bit better because someone was there watching the nerves and making sure nothing gets damaged. Not to alarm you but it came in handy because my doctor actually almost hit a nerve when drilling for the cages but thank god did not go thru to hit a nerve. I was rushed right after surgery for a CT scan just to be sure. Neuro doctor that did monitoring shows nothing damaged during surgery. Take comfort that they will watch everything and do everything to be safe.
Hi Teresa,
I feel very safe with my neuro, which is a good thing. I am also very grateful that he has ordered the neuro monitoring during my surgery. I am surprised they all don't utilize this service. Maybe it depends on how much your nerves are involved before the surgery? All I know is I don't like this game anymore.
LOL. I just feel like saying lets play something else! I am amazed at how brave and caring all of these people are on this board. Its great to know that you can ask what some surgeons would consider silly questions, and get educated answers and suggestions from your peers. I guess you really can't imagine the pain unless you've been there!
Kathy
Hi Kathy, I think I had the monotring. They did not tell me anything about it and then started putting wires on my feet and head. The had to scrape the skin to put the wires on. I had forgotten about that part of it until I read your post. I am having surgery on Tuesday so I am kind of glad I remembered. I still remember the first 3 weeks of extreme pain. I am very scared to do this again because I know what to expect. You probally should get something to help you sit on the toilet. That is very hard to get up and down. At least you don't have a man around who forgets to put the seat down. My DH would close the lid. He never did that before and I could not lift the lid up. It became a joke until one day I could just lift it myself.
I thought of some other tips last night when I could not sleep but I have since forgotten them.
Just take it easy and let things go. And get a grabber. I do not have one but will be getting one for the next surgery. My knees have gotten worse since this whole ordeal.
Oh boy is she right!! Make sure to get the toliet seat riser or chair. Makes a BIG difference. My husband and I had a joke about when I could use the big girl's potty again,hahaha. No joking though when you get up in the hospital to use the bathroom be prepared and hang on to that bar beside it. Not going to lie about it, it hurts but it gets better. Also a shower seat is good too. The best thing I found was getting a removable shower head since it is very hard to shower the first few weeks & also a shower back scrubber the one with the sponge. I still use this since I still can't bend(14 weeks). Make sure to put everything at your level & get dixie cups for washing your teeth. I'm thinking of all these things now but they are a big help. Take care.
How are you? I would have to disagree with your doctor. Following my fusion I had someone with me for a month. I had my bed out on the main floor and my boyfriend stayed with me. I was up every couple hours because I needed to get up and stretch and take my meds etc. But my boyfriend was needed because I was a little drowsy, and unstable from my meds so he was there to help me out when I had to get up and walk around. I probably could have managed it on my own but I would have needed my walker and easy access to everything.
During the day it was nice to have someone around because this way I didn't have to chance anything as far as over doing it. I was basically served and well taken care of until I was able to do it for myself. I also had someone help me cover up my incision when I showered and I never showered without someone there.
As far as driving goes, I didn't drive for at least 1 month. I was comfortable enough with it physically and mentally. I had never been on the narcotics like I was then and I didn't want to take any chances.
I hope this has helped a little. You will know what you can and can't do. But I wouldn't take any chances, if you can line up some help from a family member or friend, I think you would greatly benefit from it.
Good luck and let me know how it goes. Take care. Beachgirl.
Hi Barbara,
Thanks for the tips. Again. You really must be petrified going through this again. Its funny (not HA HA funny) that you mentioned your knees. My knees ache and give out constantly. I have to keep remembering not to grab on to catch myself with my left arm, cause that was the shoulder that was fractured, and I had rotator cuff surgery on, so I'm still babying that. I'm 52, and feel like I'm 92! I'll keep you in my prayers. Kathy
Thanks for the info. I KNOW MY DOCTORS WRONG!! No one on this board sounds wimpy, and I am going to take everyones word for what to expect and what to prepare. I truly appreciate everyones input. Kathy
Thanks for the info. I KNOW MY DOCTORS WRONG!! No one on this board sounds wimpy, and I am going to take everyones word for what to expect and what to prepare. I truly appreciate everyones input. Kathy
Thanks for the info. I KNOW MY DOCTORS WRONG!! No one on this board sounds wimpy, and I am going to take everyones word for what to expect and what to prepare. I truly appreciate everyones input. Kathy
Tammy,
Thanks for the info. One of my sons is going to take care of my dog for me.
Thats at least one problem solved. My Mother has some of the bathroom equipment from my grandmother, so I guess I'm covered there. Thanks again.Kathy
