ALIF Fusion 5 weeks ago and still in pain

[jamie07735]

I had an ALIF fusion(L5-S1) five weeks ago on 6/1/06, My doctor told me that when he did the surgery he screwed 2 cages that expand the disc space and re-establish the normal anatomic alignment (he joked he made me taller), my problem is that when I seen him on the 19th, he liked the way my incision area was healing and said I can start walking around alittle at a time and go down to our pool and go swimming.When I feel pain coming I try to stop most of the times and lye down on the bed,(here is were I need help), is it normal to have pain down both legs and pain in buttocks when lying down,and a shooting pain and my leg going numb when standing up, I don't look forward to lying down to rest or go to sleep because the pain and discomfort are unbearable, the doctor said this is normal and will last for a month or 2 while my spine adjusts to its new alignment.Has anyboby had this kind of pain or problem,I take vicidon for the pain and Neurontin 300mg 3 time daily for nerve damage.I hope that I'm not doing to much and messed up my fusion, I also at least 3 or 4 times a day ice my back down lying on a ice pack, any thoughts

[mamakitkat]

Hi,
I wouldn't be too concerned right now about your level of pain, 6 weeks post op is very soon to expect lil pain. If you have nerve damage, I'm assuming thats what your Dr. is thinking is going on. It can take up to 18 months for it to heal completely, I have severe nerve damage in foot & leg since nov, two level fusion. I take 2400 mg of neurontin, Es vicodin every 4-6 hrs., flexiril every 8 hrs. and pamalor at bedtime. I still feel some pain and other feelings, but it's tolerable with the meds. If it's too bad call your doc and ask if he can up the neurotin a bit. I had mine increased 2 times since I started on it.

Take your time and let your body tell you what you can do. Trust me you don't want to rush this. The water is probably the best thing, it takes the weight off of the body, but be careful you don't do too much in it. Bending and twisting can probably be the worst things to do, so watch out for that.

Every person is so different, it's hard to tell what is normal for you. Since it seems your dr. is aware of your complaints and is not too worried, then I would just take it easy for a few weeks and see what happens.

I was not allowed out of bed,except for potty breaks for the first five weeks post op, I can't imagine getting into a pool then let alone swimming. So your way ahead of most I think.

Good Luck & God Bless

Carol