How do I get thru spine surgery recovery? I need people to talk to

I too had two surgeries
second was due to a loose screw from the first surgery that hit the nerve and cause severe sciatica pain, of which I was in rehab for. they not knowing at first what ws causing it. X-ray showed nothing until a MRI was ordered,

surgeon said I shouldn't have been told to see my primary when I called his office.

the area where I had the excoriating pain is starting to ache now and its been 6 years

Dear @denman55 and others,

In this April, 2024 Surgery Lumbar spine is great and my age is 68 yo. I stated 5 days at that hospital - and eating morn, aft, eve & the food was pretty good - and gave me meds for my pain. Every 3-4 hours for 5 days, I couldn’t sleep and the give me meds. But at home, the pain meds stopped. NO PAIN was gone.

Before my surgery for the past 2 years ago, pain killed me from rear-ends to the bottom of my feet, by walking. Now today, I can walk… but part of me in injury of falling down in my right-side - 2 years ago. Now, still, my injury of falling down is less than before, but I walk in my front 4-wheels by holding it and walking inside that.

Today, 3 mths ago, after my surgery, works better by walking. Still I hold the 4-wheels, but way down, in my right leg by falling. My strength is better and working on my legs & using different way on my use of my brain-control.

12 years ago, I have an bicycle accident that caused me as a TBI person. I’ve lost a lot of these things, incurring on my brain-injury. No more swimming, cause my right side of my legs not used enough of my brain can’t control that.

But, for now, 2 yrs ago from deep-pain to ZERO pain! Today, again, I exercised my body that help me from the right-side body of my legs. So, I hope with Christ Gives me to exercises from my backs to my feet - daily..it every 3 times a week.

Using physically exercising, I’ve done this for decades, and even during my accident that causes TBI: lifting, bending, swimming, stretching, and holding. Now, during exercises is a little different way of lifting, stretching, bending,vbut zero swimming (for now).

The pain is gone - that was 50% of pain. That gives me the other 50% needs to help & change my body by working my lifting, stretching, bending.

Thx,
Greg D.

@unclejay As a newer member to Connect, I wanted to welcome you. I just read your other post about water therapy after spine surgery. I used to help patients with MS in water therapy where being a bit more "weightless" helps when you are having difficulty moving and walking. It's great to share experience like that. I am a spine surrey patient too, and mine was a cervical fusion. I'm glad you have a positive outlook and I do too. I truly believe that helps in healing and in achieving better results in healing. Glad to have you aboard!

Hello everyone-
New to this support stuff so forgive me I not up to snuff on etiquette.

I am 56 and had L4 & L5 fusion because of severe sciatica nerve pain. I finally got the guts to do it; they said 6 months to 18 months recovery. I had it on 10/31/23 and now it is back & very emotionally deflating. I just wanted to share and connect w/ people who have had a similar experience; what else can I do to get rid of this pain? Thanks

Hi, @chefguy23.
I am so sorry to hear of the pain you're in following surgery. I don't have any personal experience with the type of surgery you had but, while we wait for other Connect members with that experience to weigh in, let me ask you this: It looks like it's been 15 months post surgery. What do your doctors say you should expect at this point in your healing process? Did they indicate that the pain could return? Have you had any recent scans to see just how the healing process is coming along? Please let us know.

@chefguy23 ,
Welcome to Mayo Connect. I am going to tag @jenniferhunter who is very familiar with spine surgery and may be able to point you other discussions by members in similar situations.

Hi- welcome to the group. I had the same fusion, plus a fix to spondylothesis during the surgery. The best thing I ever did was go to PT, faithfully do the Home Exercise Program, return yearly for a PT update, and continue to do the home program. PT has been very helpful in education about “pain pathways” , which has really helped me manage pain.
If it’s been awhile, I really recommend asking your PCP for a referral. If the pain is new or feels different, your PCP may order tests in case something new has happened. Wishing you the best.

Thank you! appreciate the comments. I believe you are correct; I should do more PT and be diligent about Home Stretching; thanks again.

Thank you Laurie; anything to assist is much appreciated!

Surgeon said in the beginning that once he does L4 & L5 it might be necessary to do 2 & 3 as well. Yikes I thought. So they did indicate that pain may not be resolved. Recent MRI in 8/24; screws and bones healing properly.
Thank you for all the assistance.