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Lumbar Spinal Fusion, Post-Op. Should I have these symptoms?
Spine Health | Last Active: Jul 26 1:58pm | Replies (53)Comment receiving replies
Thank you for your comment. I'm on Day 9 post-op. You're right this is the worst time in this recovery process. But I didn't get a lot of information to prepare for this post-op recovery from the hospital or the staff or my medical team about all sorts of things that I now have questions on, like how often should I walk, how long can I sit? Yes, I'm in a recliner, but no one told me I can't be in a recliner, so now I have a whole new slew of questions for the surgeons office. My constipation cleared up once I stopped the Opioids. The stool softeners still help and are really necessary. The foot drop issue was only temporary and lasted only a day or two at most. It was post-op and I didn't have this issue prior to surgery. I am currently on Lyrica (Diabetic Neuropathy). Yep, my progress is slow and I still have pain/discomfort and keep wondering when it's just gonna stop! So, thank you for your words, they are much appreciated.
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Glad to hear you were able to come off the opioids - that is a good thing.
Also, glad to hear the foot drop was only temporary. Any new muscle weakness is important to keep track of.
Hopefully you were taught how to successfully get out of bed or couch when laying down. (Roll to side, push up on elbow closest to bed when simultaneously moving your legs together onto floor). You can find videos online that will demonstrate this.
You should have also been told the no BLT rule - no bending, lifting and twisting. My advice is to keep things you need to reach at counter height or use a grabber. I was told 8 lbs is about the max you should carry ( roughly a full gallon of milk) and keep it close to your body.
I was told to walk as much and often as possible. For me sitting wasn’t as comfortable as laying down because of lingering sciatica but that may just be my experience.
You should be seeing your care provider soon to get stitches removed correct?