10 weeks post op. Only pain really is leg & foot, not much back at all.when I wake up in the am, bad bilateral heel pain for several hours, sometimes longer. Also, when sitting with feet resting up on an ottoman, if I bend my head down, I get lumbar pain, anyone experience either of.these? I don't see my ns for follow up until December. I do have herniation in cervical, partial collapse and arthritis cervical, but why would my lumbar hurt from bending neck downward? My heels hurt like I walked a million miles barefoot on hard pavement. I also have back thigh pain and calf pain. It seems worse at night, esp when lying down, so here I am, just back from walking with a flashlight at 10:30pm, ugh. Just wondering if.this is part of the nerve healing process? Not sure if I have to put up with it or if It's not normal and I should mention it to a Dr? Thanks.
I think it sounds like your PT has you doing things that will aggravate the sciatic nerves as well as irritate the si joints and piriformis...I want to go back and read through your earlier posts because I don't clearly recall all the details of your surgery, but as I recall, you didn't have what I would consider a typical fusion experience to begin with...and I think you need to be treated with kid gloves at this point.
You are still VERY early in recovery. I know we are all different and different surgeons have different theories on PT but having been through three surgeries I do know that there is no place for aggressive therapy in a multi-level lower lumbar fusion recovery.
I'll write later when I have more time.
The Following User Says Thank You to teteri66 For This Useful Post: workinmom572 (09-30-2012)
My Pt stopped that exercise as soon as I told.him. said I prob really upset a nerve. I noticed tonight after a pretty painful.first half.of.the day, then super hurting heels.after being on my feet after a walk and then some cooking, so I layed down and was just unknowingly rubbing my behind and Wow is.there a specific spot in my butt on each side if I press down that hurts a lot. Could.that be related to.the calf and foot.pain? Because only 50% of.the time do.I.have backside thigh pain, it seems more.often just the calf and feet pain. Its just hard to know.when.pain is a normal.part of.healing or if.It's.Something more and I guess that is.what I.am.trying to.figure.Out.
The pain on your bottom is sciatic. If you hit the right spot on your sitting bone, you can almost levitate sometimes! Your Neurontin should take care of that pain and the one down the back of your legs. All of this is nerve pain...It can be a pst surgical thing. Nerves get moved and pushed and they don't appreciate it and it takes time for them to settle down.
Personally, I would change PT NOW. Any PT that has you doing lunges 10 weeks after surgery is cruel..and should know better. Gentle touches only. You are a fragile person at this point and need to be treated softly. In fact, I am amazed that you are in PT that early....
Please back off and take gentle care of yourself...
The Following User Says Thank You to ibake&pray For This Useful Post: workinmom572 (09-30-2012)
I told the people.at PT.that I normally move at a.slower rate, I know my body from 17 yrs of.pain and.PT. I am glad.he stopped it.the.minute.I told.him. I have also.told.them.that It's not possible.for me.to.do.PT.at home 2-3 times a day on my days off. I go.to.them three days a week and I do not do.any at.home. I must rest on my days off and once.a.day is enough also. I pray this Nuerontin helps. J also.had stopped pain meds, so.I am Now back.to.taking 100 mg Tramadol.in the am, It's.slow.but helps some. I.still find walking the best thing I do, even.if.the more.I hurt if I walk it helps so much.
Thank you for.the reply. I may call my surgeon and see if he wants me to.continue pt or.to back.off.
Wanted to add that I've been doing PT since day 1 post op. First it.was in home PT.for.maybe 5 weeks. Then it was right to Out patient. I feel.the core.work.I.do laying Down after heat, and massage and upper arm stuff is.very good, but anything leg is not my friend. I plan to figure.this.all.Out tomorrow hopefully.
