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Post-op Laminectomy. Week 2. This recovery is hard. Should it be?

Posted by denman55 @denman55, Apr 29 11:47am

I had a Lumbar Laminectomy/microdiscectomy on April 19th.
I was discharged on April 21st.
I am finding my recovery to be very challenging. I'm in pain, weak, fatigued, have bowel/bladder issues, and overall just don't feel as if this recovery is going .
Has anyone else had a Laminectomy and what you're post-op experiencce?

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wendyhobbie | @wendyhobbie | May 10 10:35am

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 🙏

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wendyhobbie | @wendyhobbie | May 10 10:41am

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

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lizziel1 | @lizziel1 | May 11 12:22pm

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.

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denman55 | @denman55 | May 12 6:41am
In reply to @lizziel1 "You aren’t giving yourself enough time, you just had the surgery! It takes months to heal...." + (show)
@lizziel1

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.

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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.

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victorkach | @victorkach | May 13 6:38am
In reply to @denman55 "This is true, however, what I am now experiencing is "Post Laminectomy Syndrome" which happens to..." + (show)
@denman55

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.

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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).

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victorkach | @victorkach | May 13 6:43am
In reply to @wendyhobbie "I’ve had two laminectomy and a fusion in the last 6 years. Two different surgeons, Recovery..." + (show)
@wendyhobbie

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 🙏

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

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denman55 | @denman55 | May 14 6:25am

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 .....

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2 replies
jenatsky | @jenatsky | May 14 7:33am
In reply to @denman55 "I had my Laminectomy on 4/19/24. I was discharged on 4/21/24. After coming home I realized..." + (show)
@denman55

I had my Laminectomy on 4/19/24. I was discharged on 4/21/24. After coming home I realized I had a UTI - obviously from the foley catheter used during surgery. I am currently on my 2nd Antibiotic to try and clear up this urinary tract infection which is making my life miserable. I still have back pain and I also have (R) leg pain, from the buttock to the ankle. This is similar to the Sciatic pain I had prior to surgery which caused the surgery to have to be done in the first place. I have not slept, the UTI has kept me up all night for over a week. I also came home with constipation. I have not really taken the Oxycodone for pain as I don't want to add to the constipation at home. So, all in all, right now I am feeling totally miserable with everything going on .

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@denman55 time is the best thing on your side for healing. Regarding your pain, UTI and constipation. You’ll need the pain meds as you begin PT soon. Take the meds before you begin PT each day so you’re ahead of the pain. Fluids should work wonders for you constipation and your UTI. With the antibiotics onboard and increased fluid you should beat the UTI. You’ll need to develop an anti-constipation diet. I increased my fluids and fiber via fruit to deal with this issue early on.

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tony1946 | @tony1946 | May 14 11:37am

Thank you all, just about to committ to a lamanectomy and coflex spacers. Anyone heard of this? At 78 I still walk 2-3 miles most days and can sit and lie down no issues. Must stop and stretch when walking or sit as right leg gets numb , sciatica , after rest walk again a little further.
Maybe I should wait till this is a real problem.
We can still go anywhere just can’t hike distances, golf or ski anymore; maybe that’s ok too.
Thoughts ?

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1 reply
victorkach | @victorkach | May 15 6:57am
In reply to @denman55 "Well it appears my Laminectomy has not been successful and is now considered "Post Laminectomy Syndrome"...." + (show)
@denman55

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 .....

Jump to this post

Praying for you, denman55, and effective resolution to the surgery condition.
I just finished 3 laminectomies and fusion. If you can, focus in on Psalm 23 as it was God speaking to you. Keep reading it. The diversion from your pain softens the discomfort. Also, if you haven't as yet, walk. Walk every two hours. The walking felt good and diverted my attention from the pain. Stop and talk with nurses and staff. This makes the day palatable.
Nonetheless, I will pray for wisdom in correcting laminectomies, improved and accelerated healing. Looking forward to a virtual smile from you.

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