Lumbar Spinal Fusion, Post-Op. Should I have these symptoms?

Posted by denman55 @denman55, May 28, 2024

Today is Day 6 Post Op from having my Lumbar Spinal Fusion - which is one month from having my initial Laminectomy. So I guess at this stage I am recovering actually from 2 surgeries. I am stiff, sore, in pain, have areas of swelling and numbness, and I believe I also have foot drop on my (R) foot. I also have constipation brought on by the opioid medication I chose to take which is now wrecking havoc on my life. So I guess I need to talk with others who have been on this journey and ask all of you.....Should I have all these symptoms on Day 6?

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annie1 | @annie1 | 22 hours ago

In reply to @ken219 "Had An L3-S1 fusion. The surgeon used an antibiotic Vancomycin. Now have hearing loss. Anyone experience..." + (show)

@ken219
Why did they give you an antibiotic? What part of the country did you have this surgery in that they gave you antibiotics? No one has ever suggested that to me I mean the surgeons I've been talking to. Did the fusion help?

cateh | @cateh | 21 hours ago

In reply to @annie1 "@cateh I have never found a good physical therapist here in New York City / Brooklyn...." + (show)

@annie1

I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. There is an excellent surgery clinic that specializes in knee surgery but which has outstanding PTs who do myofacial release and manual therapy in addition to exercises. My particular PT had a doctorate in PT and was an amazing healer. I owe my recovery to her and her guidance. It's called Stone Clinic in San Francisco and it's private pay (they do not accept insurance but will give you paperwork to submit for reimbursement.) They focus on getting you fit as possible which helps in recovery immensely. I would search for clinics with practitioners with expertise in myofacial release and manual therapy and perhaps training in the Australian method. Do not accept a PT assistant putting a TEMS machine on you and then 10 minutes with a real PT. That's bunk. You should be getting 45 minutes of hands on (manual) work, progress assessment and new exercises tailored to you at each session.

cateh | @cateh | 20 hours ago

In reply to @annie1 "@cateh I have never found a good physical therapist here in New York City / Brooklyn...." + (show)

@annie1

I did a quick Google search and Brooklyn Body Works came up as a PT place doing myofacial release. I would check them out or at least call them and find out what a session consist of, how their practitioners are trained, whether they use assistants or you are getting a real PT. Anyway, good luck! I feel confident that you can find a well trained PT in NYC. You will probably need a PT prescription from an MD but I bet you already have one.