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

It is not easy, but it is worth it.

April 23rd hemi- laminectomy; discharged same day; within 24hours sciatic nerve pain was off the charts for me; result was late-night ER trip for heavy-duty pain shot. Week later got on Oxycodone for 10 days. I’ve experienced all that you’ve described. We’re both about 5 weeks since, and it’s slow going but I believe the expected recovery is certain but likely longer than we might have initially expected based on results of others. Hang in there - pray that God’s grace abound unto you in this healing process

I will pray for a surprising turn in your nerve pain as your spine become calm and healing. That you will rise and walk with minimal discomfort sooner than you imagined possible.
Tony

Hi Folks,
I have the pleasure of having recently a spinal fusion/laminectomy for severe spinal stenosis. I suffer from severe constipation so I opted out of any pain killer post op except for acetaminophen. No opiods. Recovery for the first 4 weeks was like out of a horror film, but I made it and am now in week 7. Started p/t for back/legs and only have tingling in mostly left foot. The real issue for me is this chronic constipation. I have tried everything but pharmaceuticals either make me extremely crampy, bloated, nauseous, full, no appetite, et.al. I have also tried fiber supplements and I believe I ingest enough water, but that doesn't work either. RD's suggestions for a fiber smoothie only cramps me up. I literally do not know what else to do. I have good days followed by very bad days. Sad thing is that the constipation affects my walking (significant pain), hence back recovery. Any thoughts?

Beth

Are you using stool softeners correct dosage and eating prunes or drinking a large glass of prune juice.

@bkatz43 Hi Beth. Some spine issues can cause constipation because of nerve or spinal cord compression. If you're in good shape now with your spine since your surgery, another reason for constipation can be low thyroid function which is very common. It also will depress your appetite. That may be worth a discussion with your primary care doctor.

Jennifer

Thank you, Jennifer! I have had complete blood panels taken a few times in the past few months. Thyroid is good. I wish it were the case. Appreciate your comment to me!

Beth

I am 3 months post op L4-L5 laminectomy. At one month post op was doing well. Two weeks later pain increased, standing and walking less than a quarter mile results in intense pain. Did PT for 3 weeks and continue to do exercises/stretches as directed. Not getting any relief, pain in back down thigh. Repeat MRI unremarkable. MD doesn’t seem phased. I’m looking for a second opinion.

I just got home from the hospital yesterday after having a L3-L5 spinal fusion. Because I chose to take Hydrocodone in the hospital for the pain, I ended up one heck of a case of severe constipation, and nothing would work to help it, until one of the nurses decided to mix prune juice with Mir-A-Lax, and that was the key, but now I'm home and faced with the same dilemma because I am taking the Hydrocodone. I'm going to eat Sunsweet One's every day to help the process along in addition to the stool softeners. But this recovery so far is difficult, the pain is challenging to keep on top of and I just can't move my body normally.....This is definitely going to be a long recovery.

Wife had laminectomy, intertranverese fusion and removal of 3 interspinious spacers plus discetomy about 13v moths ago. Net result spine has now shifted(have x rays to prove it) and in greater pain than before for past year. Cannot get another spine surgeon to comment on her problem. They all stick together to cover one another. Original surgeon says i can fix your problem with an OBLIQUE operation=No Thanks. Very discusted with spinal doctors