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Posterior & Anterior Lumbar Surgery: What is recovery like?
Spine Health | Last Active: Jul 15 10:14am | Replies (28)Comment receiving replies
I am currently experiencing intractable pain from the left side of my lower back into that foot. I can no longer put any weight on my left leg nor pressure on my lower left back without excruciating pain. I went to the emergency department on Sunday who tried to control the pain.They were unable to. I was sent home with steroids for the next five days (50 mg once a day). I’ve now asked for a wheelchair. I’m scheduled for another epidural in two weeks. After that, my only option is repair of the two herniated discs at L4-L5 and L5-S1. . I also need surgery on the adjacent left facet joints. I also have been told this will be a very difficult recovery. I live alone and have no support. Has anyone else had surgery and what was the outcome? How long did it take to recover? I’ve already had two cervicals fusions and I’m currently fused from C4 to T1 and that was a difficult recovery. I’m not really prepared emotionally or mentally to go through another recovery.
Replies to "I am currently experiencing intractable pain from the left side of my lower back into that..."
My surgery was L3-S1. Like you, I’ve had prior surgeries C2-T1. Knowing I had a long recovery, I arranged in advance for relatives & friends to come and help. If flying in, I offered to help with airfare. A week or so at a time will help. You may spend more time @ in-patient rehab if no one would be at home with you. Only you can decide if you can deal with what you have now, or power through recovery. After the epidural will buy you time to decide.
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@yrm - Sorry for your difficulties. Seems like you may have reached the point where surgery is your next best option.
I believe you are asking the correct questions about lumbar surgery recovery. I've had both cervical and lumbar fusions and the recoveries were markedly different. The lumbar recovery - because the lower spine plays such a prominent role in body support - was much longer and more challenging. Personally, I believe it would be very daunting to manage on your own - at least for the first weeks or even months.
If you cannot have someone come to be your full-time caregiver, maybe you can find a limited-stay medical "hotel"? Your medical facility should have folks on staff who can help locate what you need.
Post-lumbar surgery will likely be much more limiting than your cervical work.