6 weeks post L4 L5 fusion....going nuts!!!

[Mistina]

Well, I'm getting along here. I'm walking about 1.20 miles a day and I guess I'm better than I was 2 weeks ago but sooooo frusterated still.
Has anyone had such muscle discomfort in their legs that it has made them want to go crazy? My doctor told me that I couldn't really do any stretching especially hamstrings and leg stretches cause they are connected to the back and that is not alound. Soooo, my legs are killing me. They are so tight and ache like crazy cause they need stretched out and I just don't know how much longer I can take it!!! Did anyone else experience problems with their leg muscles and discomfort?
I'm also wondering if you guys were doing certain positioning. Like if your putting your shoes on, are you all aloud to sit, bring your one leg up and rest your foot/ankle on the other leg to put shoes/socks on that way. And are you stooping, like to pick stuff up? I'm waiting to hear from the doctor but I'm curious if anyone else is making these kind of "movements". My muscles in my legs feel like they are like a foot to short they are so tight and my legs are so jello/weak like!!!!

One more thing, when I run my fingers up and down my incision and where the hardware is, it is still so tineder and sore to touch where they put the hardware in and all. Is this weird or what?

Thanks guys,
Christina

[Losy]

Have experienced similar pain post op - I used hot packs to ease the pain placing them on my legs. Massage also helped - good luck and hang in there

Losy

[Rhonni]

I put my foot up to my knee for shoes and socks right from week 3. This was part of my in home physical therapy.

So was squatting but I sure couldn't get to the floor to pick something up.

Your muscles could be aching because of how far you're walking already. 1.20 miles - wow thats great.

I'd try a nice hot bath (but not too hot).

[lfoster21]

Hi Christina, what you are discribing is all part of the normal recovery. I can say that because I bothered my Dr. so many times about the same things. I couldnt believe I was suppose to be so sore and some of the pains (miainly in the legs), started hurting around the 4 wk. point and hadn't hurt prior. I had the leg pains until 3 mo. and the pain at the incision area for closer to 4 mo. And if I over do it, the incision area becomes inflamed and hurts. Also, once I started P/T and they were touching my incision, I realized that there were areas that were numb on the incision. The P/T told me that was normal. Those areas are just now getting feeling. My Dr. said no P/T (stretching) until 3 mo. I have heard others say 4 mo. and others that said 8 wks. I absolutely do not stoop. It still hurts to do that. But my P/T showed me that if I need to pick something up...as I start bending at my waist, extend one of my legs straight back to balance out the weight. ( So, basiclly when your bent at the waist and your back is parrallel to the floor, your leg should be straigt back...1 long line from head to toe.) Thats the best description I can come up with. But it works.

I was able to bring my right leg up and lay it over my knee for putting on my shoes by 3 mo. but I have just recently been able to do my left foot. It just takes some time. I know, a long time...sory I dont have a brighter picture to share with you. Once you start P/T...things will really change. I am now able to do most anything, well...not running or anything...but you know, I feel like I have a life now.

Hugs and prayers,
Lorie

[Mistina]

Thanks guys! I really thought this leg thing was, well I though I was alone.
I'm actually sore from driving yesterday. Maybe cause I haven't used those muscles to manuver the steering wheel but I have soreness at the incision from driving, I think.
Thanks for making me feel like I"m not alone!!

Lori, so are you starting to bend at the waist now, is it aloud already?

God Bless you all!!!
Christina


Hunni, I had the leg thing before I started walking so much. I can really tell it's just from not being able to stretch. And, how could I ever get into a bath. Were you able to get down into a bath so early. I haven't been able to even get to the floor for three years cause of my back so I don't think I'm ready for that! YOUCH!