Did the pain in your foot feel like a super tight compression bandage around it? Or what was it like... How long did you have the pain before January? You were able to go back to work after a week? Sorry for all the questions. Thanks
I have had 4-5 fusions. Everytime I got a fusion the Vertebrae above the medal would break. So I'm literally screwed and nodded from S-1 to C-2. I'm diagnosed with incomplete paralysis and just diagnosed with s
evere osteoporosis, which I had forteo shots everyday for 2 years and when that was completed they gave me reclasp which I have had 2xs. This year I had horribly pain throughout my body, and gastrointestinal problems after taking reclasp. And, get this in November 2024 is when I had my 2nd dexa scan and that's when I was told I had severe osteoporosis. So I've done all these drugs an I've gotten worse. There for I'm stopping the meds. I would like some information on natural vitamins or herbs for help with osteoporosis. I also have Neuropathy don't know what kind. I'm not a diabetic they think it's from my broken neck which I was totally paralyzed no movement from waist down. I now can move legs and have feelings but my feet has numbness, tingling, pain, and no feeling in some of my toes. Any information on these diagnoses herbs and vitamins all natural.
I had severe weakness in my right leg To the point that my leg would buckle when I stood up after sitting for long periods of time. I also had foot drop, which basically means that the front of my foot would scrape the ground because I couldn’t pick it up all the way when walking. This still happens a little bit post surgery, but not as much as it used to and The buckling in my leg has gone away. I do get some numbness in my right buttock from time to time, but I am way ahead of where I was pre-surgery.
In 1987 my Si-L5-L4 was fused with bone from my right hip. I severely strained my low back that felt like a sunburn the morning after I operated this heavy equipment in mud.
Everyone’s back pain has a cause. Growth of curved spine, car accident, falling off a ladder. The reason varies, but the cure matters. If the disc is herniated, what caused it? If a strain that was huge, muscles are pulled and turned into scar tissue. This injury contracts as the muscles try to protect themselves. Unfortunately, this pulls down on the spine. An Epidural may give 100% relief but only last a few days, then pain returns.
The unknown factor is which joint and how bad? The nerves are pinched and where / which ones create problems.
So research what nerves are at your level of injury. If low in the lumbar (As Si-L5) you may feel pain into the legs. Same at L5-L4! So, knowledge is key to help answer questions your physician may ask, but more important is what you ask them. Doctors don’t talk unless you ask questions as they do no harm first.
I had severe weakness in my right leg To the point that my leg would buckle when I stood up after sitting for long periods of time. I also had foot drop, which basically means that the front of my foot would scrape the ground because I couldn’t pick it up all the way when walking. This still happens a little bit post surgery, but not as much as it used to and The buckling in my leg has gone away. I do get some numbness in my right buttock from time to time, but I am way ahead of where I was pre-surgery.
In 1987 my Si-L5-L4 was fused with bone from my right hip. I severely strained my low back that felt like a sunburn the morning after I operated this heavy equipment in mud.
Everyone’s back pain has a cause. Growth of curved spine, car accident, falling off a ladder. The reason varies, but the cure matters. If the disc is herniated, what caused it? If a strain that was huge, muscles are pulled and turned into scar tissue. This injury contracts as the muscles try to protect themselves. Unfortunately, this pulls down on the spine. An Epidural may give 100% relief but only last a few days, then pain returns.
The unknown factor is which joint and how bad? The nerves are pinched and where / which ones create problems.
So research what nerves are at your level of injury. If low in the lumbar (As Si-L5) you may feel pain into the legs. Same at L5-L4! So, knowledge is key to help answer questions your physician may ask, but more important is what you ask them. Doctors don’t talk unless you ask questions as they do no harm first.
That’s the truth Doctors don’t ask much, I’ve been to 6 neurosurgeons and a physiatrist who done my first stimulator . I had a failed L4-S1 fusion in 2023 . Surgeon #4 was Mayo Clinic who found a loose screw but suggested leaving it alone and put a stimulator in. I still have so much nerve pain . The surgeon wouldn’t order another MRI he said that’s what the stimulator that’s not helping me is for. So my PCP ordered one and it showed pseudoarthrosis and morrow with edema . I was going to talk to the surgeon about possible neck surgery but not until somebody figures out the pain I’m ready to go to a kindergarten class and see if one of the kids want to practice doctor and save me thousands of dollars. I could rub my fused area and it would send pain straight to my testicles without getting me out of the wheelchair he said you don’t have that( I beg your pardon I think I would know.) . Peyton Manning must of paid him a big tip because he wouldn’t have left Peyton like this.
Here's an update to my June 1 post regarding my April 1 fusion surgery at the L5-S1 level, which involved the use of rods and screws. I had my 10-week post-operative appointment last Wednesday, June 11, and the doctor has cleared me to return to all my usual activities. However, he advised me to take things slow and listen to my body.
I have also been attending physical therapy for a couple of weeks, which has been quite helpful. My lower back was still sore, so I was prescribed a Prednisone pack, and it has made a significant difference. I am now able to ride my bike, walk 3 to 4 miles, go to the gym, and I’m planning to play a few holes of golf today. The pain that was radiating down the front of my leg has completely subsided.
I feel fortunate to have chosen the right surgeon here in Southwest Florida. To provide some context, I will be turning 75 next month, and I have always been active, enjoying activities such as golfing, going to the gym, biking, and walking. I am hopeful that by the three-month mark (July 1), I will be able to play a full 18 holes of golf. Good luck to everyone contemplating this surgery. I wondered at first if I would ever reach this level of recovery, so hang in there!
After a fall down a flight of stairs during a small earthquake I broke my lamina’s L4 and L5 and accentuated my spondylosis causing a painful left leg with a limping gate. PT was no help. After 2 years I gave in and had surgery.
I had L4-L5 L5-S1 fusion surgery 8 weeks ago. I had sciatica down the front of my right leg and was taking hydromorphone for over a year. I tried epidurals and an ablation, which helped for only short periods. At 8 weeks, I can walk 2 - 3 miles but get very sore afterward. I was very fit and active before my surgery. My back is still painful when I get out of bed in the mornings, but it improves with time.
I am looking forward to starting PT this week and my 12-week post-op appointment. I would appreciate any comments on what to expect.
Hello davidjon, It sounds like you are doing great post op. I had 4 spinal fusions from L2-S1. The 4th was a revision of the 3rd as they did not use long enough screws the first time. Same symptoms as yours.
Post op... at 8 weeks walking 2-3 miles is great. I was not much of an exerciser prior to my surgeries. Plus the first surgery had to be pushed out a bit more then 2 months as I had a major heart attack and was not strong enough for such a lengthy tough surgery. Because of the lengthy wait time I ended up with permanent right foot drop and other lower extremity nerve issues. I need a cane or walker to ambulate. Post op all my walking consisted of walking a circle around my living room and dining room. I did spend 1 week in hospital and upon discharge 1 week in a rehab. then out patient PT and OT . OT was very helpful and I still use what they taught me. PT's focus is Core Muscles.
>Symptoms were: Pain down the front of my right leg to start: Mine got so severe at one point while waiting for surgery that I could not bear weight due to the pain and spent a few weeks in bed.
> PT: post op spinal surgery they focus on strengthening your core muscles. Being a fit and active person, as you said, you obviously have a good start with this.
In my personal experience with this I think you are doing awesome and both therapy and the doc at your 12 week appointment will be impressed. You are not at the end of your recovery but the worst is over.
My comments were all to my 1st fusion wanting to reply to you in the like manner you posted.
Best of luck to you! Keep moving !
Beckey
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First of December it started. Pain all the way down left leg. Could hardly walk by March.
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1 ReactionI have had 4-5 fusions. Everytime I got a fusion the Vertebrae above the medal would break. So I'm literally screwed and nodded from S-1 to C-2. I'm diagnosed with incomplete paralysis and just diagnosed with s
evere osteoporosis, which I had forteo shots everyday for 2 years and when that was completed they gave me reclasp which I have had 2xs. This year I had horribly pain throughout my body, and gastrointestinal problems after taking reclasp. And, get this in November 2024 is when I had my 2nd dexa scan and that's when I was told I had severe osteoporosis. So I've done all these drugs an I've gotten worse. There for I'm stopping the meds. I would like some information on natural vitamins or herbs for help with osteoporosis. I also have Neuropathy don't know what kind. I'm not a diabetic they think it's from my broken neck which I was totally paralyzed no movement from waist down. I now can move legs and have feelings but my feet has numbness, tingling, pain, and no feeling in some of my toes. Any information on these diagnoses herbs and vitamins all natural.
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Hug
3 ReactionsI had severe weakness in my right leg To the point that my leg would buckle when I stood up after sitting for long periods of time. I also had foot drop, which basically means that the front of my foot would scrape the ground because I couldn’t pick it up all the way when walking. This still happens a little bit post surgery, but not as much as it used to and The buckling in my leg has gone away. I do get some numbness in my right buttock from time to time, but I am way ahead of where I was pre-surgery.
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6 ReactionsAfter my fusion, two years ago, I have had a numb R foot. Motor function is intact but no sensation.
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2 ReactionsIn 1987 my Si-L5-L4 was fused with bone from my right hip. I severely strained my low back that felt like a sunburn the morning after I operated this heavy equipment in mud.
Everyone’s back pain has a cause. Growth of curved spine, car accident, falling off a ladder. The reason varies, but the cure matters. If the disc is herniated, what caused it? If a strain that was huge, muscles are pulled and turned into scar tissue. This injury contracts as the muscles try to protect themselves. Unfortunately, this pulls down on the spine. An Epidural may give 100% relief but only last a few days, then pain returns.
The unknown factor is which joint and how bad? The nerves are pinched and where / which ones create problems.
So research what nerves are at your level of injury. If low in the lumbar (As Si-L5) you may feel pain into the legs. Same at L5-L4! So, knowledge is key to help answer questions your physician may ask, but more important is what you ask them. Doctors don’t talk unless you ask questions as they do no harm first.
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2 Reactionshow long were you experiencing the foot drop prior to your surgery, and how long after surgery did it start to be better? Thanks
That’s the truth Doctors don’t ask much, I’ve been to 6 neurosurgeons and a physiatrist who done my first stimulator . I had a failed L4-S1 fusion in 2023 . Surgeon #4 was Mayo Clinic who found a loose screw but suggested leaving it alone and put a stimulator in. I still have so much nerve pain . The surgeon wouldn’t order another MRI he said that’s what the stimulator that’s not helping me is for. So my PCP ordered one and it showed pseudoarthrosis and morrow with edema . I was going to talk to the surgeon about possible neck surgery but not until somebody figures out the pain I’m ready to go to a kindergarten class and see if one of the kids want to practice doctor and save me thousands of dollars. I could rub my fused area and it would send pain straight to my testicles without getting me out of the wheelchair he said you don’t have that( I beg your pardon I think I would know.) . Peyton Manning must of paid him a big tip because he wouldn’t have left Peyton like this.
-
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Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHere's an update to my June 1 post regarding my April 1 fusion surgery at the L5-S1 level, which involved the use of rods and screws. I had my 10-week post-operative appointment last Wednesday, June 11, and the doctor has cleared me to return to all my usual activities. However, he advised me to take things slow and listen to my body.
I have also been attending physical therapy for a couple of weeks, which has been quite helpful. My lower back was still sore, so I was prescribed a Prednisone pack, and it has made a significant difference. I am now able to ride my bike, walk 3 to 4 miles, go to the gym, and I’m planning to play a few holes of golf today. The pain that was radiating down the front of my leg has completely subsided.
I feel fortunate to have chosen the right surgeon here in Southwest Florida. To provide some context, I will be turning 75 next month, and I have always been active, enjoying activities such as golfing, going to the gym, biking, and walking. I am hopeful that by the three-month mark (July 1), I will be able to play a full 18 holes of golf. Good luck to everyone contemplating this surgery. I wondered at first if I would ever reach this level of recovery, so hang in there!
After a fall down a flight of stairs during a small earthquake I broke my lamina’s L4 and L5 and accentuated my spondylosis causing a painful left leg with a limping gate. PT was no help. After 2 years I gave in and had surgery.
Hello davidjon, It sounds like you are doing great post op. I had 4 spinal fusions from L2-S1. The 4th was a revision of the 3rd as they did not use long enough screws the first time. Same symptoms as yours.
Post op... at 8 weeks walking 2-3 miles is great. I was not much of an exerciser prior to my surgeries. Plus the first surgery had to be pushed out a bit more then 2 months as I had a major heart attack and was not strong enough for such a lengthy tough surgery. Because of the lengthy wait time I ended up with permanent right foot drop and other lower extremity nerve issues. I need a cane or walker to ambulate. Post op all my walking consisted of walking a circle around my living room and dining room. I did spend 1 week in hospital and upon discharge 1 week in a rehab. then out patient PT and OT . OT was very helpful and I still use what they taught me. PT's focus is Core Muscles.
>Symptoms were: Pain down the front of my right leg to start: Mine got so severe at one point while waiting for surgery that I could not bear weight due to the pain and spent a few weeks in bed.
> PT: post op spinal surgery they focus on strengthening your core muscles. Being a fit and active person, as you said, you obviously have a good start with this.
In my personal experience with this I think you are doing awesome and both therapy and the doc at your 12 week appointment will be impressed. You are not at the end of your recovery but the worst is over.
My comments were all to my 1st fusion wanting to reply to you in the like manner you posted.
Best of luck to you! Keep moving !
Beckey
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