@annie1 You know who you should ask, right? And you can probably guess how I would answer. You are still healing, and need to fuse that little piece of bone(s) that was removed and reattached during the laminotomy. After that bone is solid, I'm sure you'd be able to do your normal routine.
My surgeon's office didn't say anything about riding in a car, although I have read elsewhere that I shouldn't do that until two weeks after surgery. What is the consensus ? I will message the PA in the morning, Monday.
My surgeon's office didn't say anything about riding in a car, although I have read elsewhere that I shouldn't do that until two weeks after surgery. What is the consensus ? I will message the PA in the morning, Monday.
@annie1 I think a grabber would work well for you for pulling up blankets and picking things up. You could use it to put clothes in a washing machine & drier, etc. The success of your surgery depends on following your surgeon’s recommendations and it’s better to err on the cautious side. It’s not forever; just until the bones heal together and you need that for strength for your spine. You have one chance to heal correctly.
Jennifer
@annie1 I think a grabber would work well for you for pulling up blankets and picking things up. You could use it to put clothes in a washing machine & drier, etc. The success of your surgery depends on following your surgeon’s recommendations and it’s better to err on the cautious side. It’s not forever; just until the bones heal together and you need that for strength for your spine. You have one chance to heal correctly.
Jennifer
I'm 8 years post-fusions on L3-L5 and total fused area (previous fusion) is L2-L5. I still use a grabber to pick up anything off the floor, transfer clothes from washer to dryer, and to put clothes into front loading washer. I have a grabber in almost every room including the master closet to pick up things that get dropped. And I'm amazed at how a grabber can pick up a tiny or thin item.
I'm 8 years post-fusions on L3-L5 and total fused area (previous fusion) is L2-L5. I still use a grabber to pick up anything off the floor, transfer clothes from washer to dryer, and to put clothes into front loading washer. I have a grabber in almost every room including the master closet to pick up things that get dropped. And I'm amazed at how a grabber can pick up a tiny or thin item.
Yes I0 have about three or four grabbers and they are great. One other thing, I was reading that one shouldn't sit in one position for more than 20 to 40 minutes or so. Do you know about that ?
I am eight days post op after a laminotomy at L-3-4. Is it safe to pull in my Abs while sitting ? My personal trainer/pilates teacher gave me a gentle exercise I do while sitting which engages my Abs. I pull my heels back towards til I feel my hamstrings working and my Abs lift up a little. Does anyone know if this is safe after the surgery ? As I said I had a laminotomy at L3-4. Thanks
No, I hadn't heard that, but I haven't talked to my back surgeon in several years, plus she has retired. I don't doubt that that is very good advice. And I've been here at my computer for several hours, which is not good.
@annie1 I think a grabber would work well for you for pulling up blankets and picking things up. You could use it to put clothes in a washing machine & drier, etc. The success of your surgery depends on following your surgeon’s recommendations and it’s better to err on the cautious side. It’s not forever; just until the bones heal together and you need that for strength for your spine. You have one chance to heal correctly.
Jennifer
I'm doing my best to avoid all the things they said. It's challenging, but I keep on. It's just sometimes mistakes happen, my foot got caught in the rumpled up sheet etc. I had horrible cramps last night, maybe walked a little too much. They told me to take short walks, maybe two a day. I am feeling anxious after the cramps, I couldn't sleep all night basically, got up and sat drinking chamomile tea til I felt sleepy then maybe slept an hour.
@annie1 I think a grabber would work well for you for pulling up blankets and picking things up. You could use it to put clothes in a washing machine & drier, etc. The success of your surgery depends on following your surgeon’s recommendations and it’s better to err on the cautious side. It’s not forever; just until the bones heal together and you need that for strength for your spine. You have one chance to heal correctly.
Jennifer
I am. Can you explain why the nerves healing is causing my legs to twitch and cramp ? That was happening before the surgery and now is continuing. They keep telling me that is to be expected, but it is very painful.
I am. Can you explain why the nerves healing is causing my legs to twitch and cramp ? That was happening before the surgery and now is continuing. They keep telling me that is to be expected, but it is very painful.
@annie1 I can't give you a specific answer, but I am sure that there must be inflammation at the surgical site, and it may take several weeks for that to subside as you heal. Twitches and cramps happen because the nerve is sending impulses to the muscles and that has been going on a long time for you. Squeezing the nerve has caused that to happen for awhile.
I had a similar situation when I broke my ankle a couple years ago. The injury had caused pressure and possible damage on a nerve going through the ankle and I could feel it pulsing right after it happened. Because of being in shock, it wasn't super painful yet, but felt like a twisted ankle. I used my hands and straightened my ankle to take the pressure off that nerve because I wanted to lessen stress on a stretched nerve.
When I was in a cast for several weeks and my ankle was swelling inside it, it was just pure torture because the swelling and inflammation increased the pain on an already angry nerve. The best thing I could do was lay on the couch and elevate my leg to take some of the circulation pressure off of it, use ice, and some pain medicine. It was a very long time before I could point my leg downward without increasing the pain because of circulation pressure from gravity. Often I felt like there was something extra under my foot on one side and it was just my perception of it because it wasn't really there, and that was an angry nerve. I have recovered, but my ankle still gives me some trouble and can swell a bit through the injured area perhaps because of a bit of nerve damage, and when that happens, I get a little bit of that same feeling that something extra is under one side of my foot.
It's been almost 4 years since the injury. I've also had pain related to tight scar tissue and I work on that which helps the joint move better. I use myofascial release on the scar tissue and the tight calf muscles that are putting pressure on the ligaments and tendons (sprained during the injury). I have walked a bit differently because of loss of strength, and that creates an imbalance between the weaker muscles on one side and the stronger ones that oppose them. Muscles do work in opposition with one side doing the work, and the other side, opposing that movement and providing a fine tuning to control the movement.
Healing and recovery is a lot of work. It takes time.... and usually more time that we think it should, but hang in there. I still have hope that I can regain the strength in my gimpy ankle now that I have figured out how to even out the imbalances. When you are further down the road of recovery, you may be able to work on scar tissue with myofascial release. Not now because your scars are still forming and healing, and the bone needs to be set and fused before you start pulling on them. I went through a period like that too with my cervical spine surgery when pain increased because of tightness of scar tissue and I just had to wait until about 5 months after my surgery to start myofascial release with my physical therapist.
One thing I have learned about pain is that stress increases that pain. Anything you can do to relax and not focus on pain, does help lessen the pain. Think of your pain now as "healing pain" rather than the "injury pain" that you had before. You have turned the corner and begun your healing. Right now you are taking "baby steps" and it all adds up slowly, but you will get there. BELIEVE that because that helps you get there. Don't let pain lock you up when HOPE can see the door that you want to walk through.
@annie1 I can't give you a specific answer, but I am sure that there must be inflammation at the surgical site, and it may take several weeks for that to subside as you heal. Twitches and cramps happen because the nerve is sending impulses to the muscles and that has been going on a long time for you. Squeezing the nerve has caused that to happen for awhile.
I had a similar situation when I broke my ankle a couple years ago. The injury had caused pressure and possible damage on a nerve going through the ankle and I could feel it pulsing right after it happened. Because of being in shock, it wasn't super painful yet, but felt like a twisted ankle. I used my hands and straightened my ankle to take the pressure off that nerve because I wanted to lessen stress on a stretched nerve.
When I was in a cast for several weeks and my ankle was swelling inside it, it was just pure torture because the swelling and inflammation increased the pain on an already angry nerve. The best thing I could do was lay on the couch and elevate my leg to take some of the circulation pressure off of it, use ice, and some pain medicine. It was a very long time before I could point my leg downward without increasing the pain because of circulation pressure from gravity. Often I felt like there was something extra under my foot on one side and it was just my perception of it because it wasn't really there, and that was an angry nerve. I have recovered, but my ankle still gives me some trouble and can swell a bit through the injured area perhaps because of a bit of nerve damage, and when that happens, I get a little bit of that same feeling that something extra is under one side of my foot.
It's been almost 4 years since the injury. I've also had pain related to tight scar tissue and I work on that which helps the joint move better. I use myofascial release on the scar tissue and the tight calf muscles that are putting pressure on the ligaments and tendons (sprained during the injury). I have walked a bit differently because of loss of strength, and that creates an imbalance between the weaker muscles on one side and the stronger ones that oppose them. Muscles do work in opposition with one side doing the work, and the other side, opposing that movement and providing a fine tuning to control the movement.
Healing and recovery is a lot of work. It takes time.... and usually more time that we think it should, but hang in there. I still have hope that I can regain the strength in my gimpy ankle now that I have figured out how to even out the imbalances. When you are further down the road of recovery, you may be able to work on scar tissue with myofascial release. Not now because your scars are still forming and healing, and the bone needs to be set and fused before you start pulling on them. I went through a period like that too with my cervical spine surgery when pain increased because of tightness of scar tissue and I just had to wait until about 5 months after my surgery to start myofascial release with my physical therapist.
One thing I have learned about pain is that stress increases that pain. Anything you can do to relax and not focus on pain, does help lessen the pain. Think of your pain now as "healing pain" rather than the "injury pain" that you had before. You have turned the corner and begun your healing. Right now you are taking "baby steps" and it all adds up slowly, but you will get there. BELIEVE that because that helps you get there. Don't let pain lock you up when HOPE can see the door that you want to walk through.
Thanks Jennifer. Wow your ankle story sounds harrowing! I think I spelled that wrong, but anyway, sounds terrible to be in a cast and have that inflammation. I have been wondering if this cramping and twitching will ever end even though it's only two weeks since my surgery. I don't sleep much because of it. I'm going to go to sleep now, hopefully. Thanks for your encouragement.
Thanks Jennifer. Wow your ankle story sounds harrowing! I think I spelled that wrong, but anyway, sounds terrible to be in a cast and have that inflammation. I have been wondering if this cramping and twitching will ever end even though it's only two weeks since my surgery. I don't sleep much because of it. I'm going to go to sleep now, hopefully. Thanks for your encouragement.
Hi Jennifer. Things are in a different phase in my healing that are difficult and I'm trying not to lose faith, although I consulted my senior surgeon, not the one who did the surgery, another older retired, well renowned surgeon. He was doing surgery for 45 yrs but now only consults. Anyway, I was doing well, maybe overdid it one or two days, walking a little only a couple of blocks farther. The next day I tried to get into a minivan and the driver put a step stool up for me to get in. When I stepped on it I felt a sharp pain in my left side, where I had been feeling tenderness already. After that I have been having sharp pain if I don't sit and stand extremely carefully and slowly. The Senior Surgeon examined me and said I have no nerve damage and the muscle is tight pulling me away from putting pressure on the swollen nerve as it tries to heal. Do you have any insight on this ? Thanks, Annie
Connect
Connect
Like
Helpful
Hug
My surgeon's office didn't say anything about riding in a car, although I have read elsewhere that I shouldn't do that until two weeks after surgery. What is the consensus ? I will message the PA in the morning, Monday.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@annie1 I think a grabber would work well for you for pulling up blankets and picking things up. You could use it to put clothes in a washing machine & drier, etc. The success of your surgery depends on following your surgeon’s recommendations and it’s better to err on the cautious side. It’s not forever; just until the bones heal together and you need that for strength for your spine. You have one chance to heal correctly.
Jennifer
I'm 8 years post-fusions on L3-L5 and total fused area (previous fusion) is L2-L5. I still use a grabber to pick up anything off the floor, transfer clothes from washer to dryer, and to put clothes into front loading washer. I have a grabber in almost every room including the master closet to pick up things that get dropped. And I'm amazed at how a grabber can pick up a tiny or thin item.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionYes I0 have about three or four grabbers and they are great. One other thing, I was reading that one shouldn't sit in one position for more than 20 to 40 minutes or so. Do you know about that ?
No, I hadn't heard that, but I haven't talked to my back surgeon in several years, plus she has retired. I don't doubt that that is very good advice. And I've been here at my computer for several hours, which is not good.
I'm doing my best to avoid all the things they said. It's challenging, but I keep on. It's just sometimes mistakes happen, my foot got caught in the rumpled up sheet etc. I had horrible cramps last night, maybe walked a little too much. They told me to take short walks, maybe two a day. I am feeling anxious after the cramps, I couldn't sleep all night basically, got up and sat drinking chamomile tea til I felt sleepy then maybe slept an hour.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI am. Can you explain why the nerves healing is causing my legs to twitch and cramp ? That was happening before the surgery and now is continuing. They keep telling me that is to be expected, but it is very painful.
@annie1 I can't give you a specific answer, but I am sure that there must be inflammation at the surgical site, and it may take several weeks for that to subside as you heal. Twitches and cramps happen because the nerve is sending impulses to the muscles and that has been going on a long time for you. Squeezing the nerve has caused that to happen for awhile.
I had a similar situation when I broke my ankle a couple years ago. The injury had caused pressure and possible damage on a nerve going through the ankle and I could feel it pulsing right after it happened. Because of being in shock, it wasn't super painful yet, but felt like a twisted ankle. I used my hands and straightened my ankle to take the pressure off that nerve because I wanted to lessen stress on a stretched nerve.
When I was in a cast for several weeks and my ankle was swelling inside it, it was just pure torture because the swelling and inflammation increased the pain on an already angry nerve. The best thing I could do was lay on the couch and elevate my leg to take some of the circulation pressure off of it, use ice, and some pain medicine. It was a very long time before I could point my leg downward without increasing the pain because of circulation pressure from gravity. Often I felt like there was something extra under my foot on one side and it was just my perception of it because it wasn't really there, and that was an angry nerve. I have recovered, but my ankle still gives me some trouble and can swell a bit through the injured area perhaps because of a bit of nerve damage, and when that happens, I get a little bit of that same feeling that something extra is under one side of my foot.
It's been almost 4 years since the injury. I've also had pain related to tight scar tissue and I work on that which helps the joint move better. I use myofascial release on the scar tissue and the tight calf muscles that are putting pressure on the ligaments and tendons (sprained during the injury). I have walked a bit differently because of loss of strength, and that creates an imbalance between the weaker muscles on one side and the stronger ones that oppose them. Muscles do work in opposition with one side doing the work, and the other side, opposing that movement and providing a fine tuning to control the movement.
Healing and recovery is a lot of work. It takes time.... and usually more time that we think it should, but hang in there. I still have hope that I can regain the strength in my gimpy ankle now that I have figured out how to even out the imbalances. When you are further down the road of recovery, you may be able to work on scar tissue with myofascial release. Not now because your scars are still forming and healing, and the bone needs to be set and fused before you start pulling on them. I went through a period like that too with my cervical spine surgery when pain increased because of tightness of scar tissue and I just had to wait until about 5 months after my surgery to start myofascial release with my physical therapist.
One thing I have learned about pain is that stress increases that pain. Anything you can do to relax and not focus on pain, does help lessen the pain. Think of your pain now as "healing pain" rather than the "injury pain" that you had before. You have turned the corner and begun your healing. Right now you are taking "baby steps" and it all adds up slowly, but you will get there. BELIEVE that because that helps you get there. Don't let pain lock you up when HOPE can see the door that you want to walk through.
Jennifer
Thanks Jennifer. Wow your ankle story sounds harrowing! I think I spelled that wrong, but anyway, sounds terrible to be in a cast and have that inflammation. I have been wondering if this cramping and twitching will ever end even though it's only two weeks since my surgery. I don't sleep much because of it. I'm going to go to sleep now, hopefully. Thanks for your encouragement.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsHi Jennifer. Things are in a different phase in my healing that are difficult and I'm trying not to lose faith, although I consulted my senior surgeon, not the one who did the surgery, another older retired, well renowned surgeon. He was doing surgery for 45 yrs but now only consults. Anyway, I was doing well, maybe overdid it one or two days, walking a little only a couple of blocks farther. The next day I tried to get into a minivan and the driver put a step stool up for me to get in. When I stepped on it I felt a sharp pain in my left side, where I had been feeling tenderness already. After that I have been having sharp pain if I don't sit and stand extremely carefully and slowly. The Senior Surgeon examined me and said I have no nerve damage and the muscle is tight pulling me away from putting pressure on the swollen nerve as it tries to heal. Do you have any insight on this ? Thanks, Annie