Post surgery recovery from L 345 laminectomy and discectomy

Glad you updated with the UTI diagnosis as I was thinking those symptoms would not be results of a lam/micro. With my first L5/S1 surgery I had relief from the sciatica immediately. Sorry you did not get those same results. If your doc would prescribe gabapentin that should help your nerve pain and make you sleepy. Stool softeners combined with a laxative should help ease the constipation caused by pain meds. Walking should help. Doc should have given you the no BLT instructions- no bending, lifting or twisting.
Best to you.

Thank you for your reply. Because I am already on Lyrica, the PA felt I should stay on that rather than prescribe the Gabapentin. So I am on Lyrica 200mg 3x daily. I'm on also Flexeril, which is making me very "dopey". But the combination of the Lyrica, Flexeril and adding on 800mg of Ibuprofen has helped the nerve pain in my legs alot and I am seeing a big difference. And the UTI is finally beginning to respond to the Antibiotic....

Almost 11 months following my laminectomy and fusion I am still in pain with muscles/bone in the area, stiffness and difficulty being as agile as before, and have no nerve sensation in the skin of my back. It is quite a long path to "recovery" if that is the right term. This is a big impact to the body and the surgeon was so blase and did not prepare me at all either. But I did not have bowel/bladder issues which may be a significant neurological issue that you should consult with your surgeon about ASAP.

I’ve had two laminectomy and a fusion in the last 6 years. Two different surgeons, Recovery depends upon many factors. Diet, supplements, alcohol, nicotine and mindset. Physical therapy is very important as well! I have had many…one had me doing too much, another did too little. Posture is crucial for many reasons 🙏

If a surgeon gives you a CHOICE, don’t let them cut! Synovial cysts are a part of arthritis and can stay the same size for years. Even “minimally evasive surgery “ is SURGERY

You aren’t giving yourself enough time, you just had the surgery! It takes months to heal. Your body has been through a trauma. Muscles, nerves, bones have all been manipulated.
I thought my laminectomy was painful, but nothing I didn’t expect. And it was nothing compared to the spinal fusion I had a year later. Yikes, that took over a year to recover from.
Is this your first surgery ever? I’ve had many surgeries over the years. Maybe you just didn’t realize how it impacts your body.

This is true, however, what I am now experiencing is "Post Laminectomy Syndrome" which happens to about 20% of people who have this type of back surgery. I have leg pain similar to the sciatic pain I had before I even had the surgery. As a result, the surgeon has ordered an MRI which I am having on Monday, followed by an appointment to see him on Tuesday. I will post the outcome of that appointment.

I wish you well.
I just had (May 9) 3 laminectomies with fusion and two lumbar discs replaced. Still in hospital in PHX awaiting drain removal.
The pain has been zero with NSAID application (no opioids) and I've been walking a lot on day two through now. The incision site is the only irritation from surgery and very slow bowel activity that cause distraction discomfort (or tolerable pain).
The surgery appears to be successful. I can lie on my back and sleep comfortably. I could not do that all year due to the worsening stenosis.
I pray that your situation is quickly resolvable and you can find peace better than even I am experiencing.
I may be discharged today (May 13).

Completely agree with your advice. I prepared for the surgery for many months and the outcome has been successful. Just had it May 9th.

Well it appears my Laminectomy has not been successful and is now considered "Post Laminectomy Syndrome". All of my pain has returned. I see the PA this morning, and the surgeon wants X-rays done. He has to do something as I can't live on opioids every 4-hours with NSAIDS. Please say prayers for me. Please. I really need them. Thank you all for your care and concern .....