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Will I ever recover from my operation for spinal stenosis?
Chronic Pain | Last Active: Apr 12 11:22am | Replies (47)Comment receiving replies
I just had a laminotomy for lumbar stenosis, L3-4 on March 1. The first nine days I was feeling great, could walk without pain, then I started noticing a dull pain on my left side where they had put the blood drain in. A few days later when I stepped onto a step I had a sharp pain on that side and from then on I can't sit down or stand up without a sharp pain. Which even makes sitting on the toilet a challenge. They gave me Oxycodone which maybe helps for a few hours but I still have the sharp pain.
I am starting to think I was better off without the surgery, although I was in a different kind of pain.
They just told me I have to be patient. Initially they told me in 6 weeks I should be mostly better, but I am at week three and that seems impossible.
This is hell, excuse my French.
Replies to "I just had a laminotomy for lumbar stenosis, L3-4 on March 1. The first nine days..."
Hi Annie,
I’m not sure of your age so that can make a difference in healing time. I am 78. I had 1st back surgery in 2021 and 2nd in 2022. Together they involved L1-L5. I had a couple complications and my recovery from 2nd surgery took about 16 mo. Once healed, I still have a lot of pain. About 3 weeks ago I started chiropractic care. The chiropractor uses the COX method. I am starting to feel somewhat better and using less pain medication. Perhaps, once your body totally heals you might want to try the chiropractor. Remember, nerves take a long time to heal.
My acupuncturist walked out of hospital and hasn't had the challenges that I've had, It depends on a lot of things. I didn't feel like I was making progress until about six months after the operation. I'm wondering if you have an infection where the pain is coming from? I'm not a doctor.
I'm going through old files and discovered a medical report that states that I have cysts in my liver. Now I'm wondering if that is the cause of all my pain on my right side.
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I wasn't told anything regarding recovery. I started noticing improvement around the end of September. Have you seen your doctor yet? Has he taken out the stitches yet? I thought there was improvement after they were taken out. I wonder if something else is going on?
I can go days without any painkillers now. I had a bad day yesterday. I had spent about 12 hours on the computer on Wednesday. Then towards the end of Thursday, I was in pain. It seems that the paid is delayed. Yesterday was miserable until about time to go to bed.
I am grateful I am not on opioids anymore. My mind is clear and that means I can function and complain.
I think you should see your doctor. This may be just a pain that was covered up with painkillers or it could be something else. Don't be a martre. Bon Chance!