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Expectations for post major back surgery recovery?
Spine Health | Last Active: 5 days ago | Replies (41)Comment receiving replies
Ten years ago I had my first lower back surgery, I was 63. It was L3-5 spinal instrumentation. Was great relief for a couple years. By 2019 I had more pain and had MRI's of hips and spine. The spine surgeon recommended a huge surgery and I trusted him. That was Jan 2020, Covid was just starting making it worse. I had long rods and a bunch of other fusions etc. It took over 12 hours at Christiana Hospital in Delaware. Was on fentanyl for 3 nights. My back was squeaking from the hardware and my leg went numb for almost a year. I was 68 and have been on oxycodone ever since then. A few months after the surgery, the pains I had came back and I saw the orthopedic to review my hip MRI. He said it needed to be replaced and I had that done after it had gotten so painful I couldn't walk. It took longer because they shut the hospital to electives because it had become inundated with covid. I guess I learned a couple things, surgeons are in the cutting business and when you go to them, they'll cut something. And... constipation is a bitch after eleven days. I've seen a lot of stories here and it seems pretty common that if you have one spine surgery, you'll probably have more. I couldn't find a lawyer to listen to my story. Good luck.
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Thanks for sharing your story. Sounds like you've been through the ringer. Over the past 10 years I've seen 4 neurosurgeons who all said to hold off as long as possible, because there's no guarantees you'll get the level of relief you're hoping for, and once done it's done, you can't undo back surgery. At 73 years old, my back has gotten to the point where something has to be done. My local Brunswick, Ga. Neurosurgeon did all the tests and finally told me they just don't have what I need, so I was referred to the Florida Mayo Clinic. My wife and I really liked my Mayo Neurosurgeon and all of his medical staff. I go in on 16 September for my surgery, but this coming week he is having me take another thoracic spine MRI, Electrocardiogram, CT angio spine exam, and other tests. He wanted the most recent info before doing the surgery...which we appreciate. I may be in the hospital for 5 days or so before coming home. When able, I'll check back in with my status...hopefully it will be positive.