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Lumbar Spinal Fusion, Post-Op. Should I have these symptoms?
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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@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?
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@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.
@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.
@cateh There is a provider search for myofascial release at mfrtherapists.com
@annie1 Hi Annie, as soon as I got home in my own bed (about 2 weeks after surgery) It was a magically experience!!! I could turn over in bed with zero pain. I asked a friend of mine "why aren't you doing fusion?!" I don't know why you didn't do it but a lot of people don't want to suffer the recovery of fusion surgery. One and done! You should go to a variety of orthopedic surgeons and get their input. I did. I had 4 different opinions. I knew when I met my prince charming! I have degenerative disc disease so as I age more of my spine degenerates. That means more discs will fall out and I will need to return at some point. But its been 7 years and I am THRILLED that I can work, do my taxes, do my art and not complain. I have a bad tailbone so the pain there can never be fixed. But my back is great. The parts around my fusion continue to degenerate and I will go back but I am confident. I suggest that you must talk to a doctor because 73 starts to get to a point where they may not recommend surgery one day and then you are STUCK feeling crappy. Get a good surgeon and go for the gusto!
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2 ReactionsYes I am going to do it. My pain is mainly in my legs, throbbing in my calves and sometimes my hamstrings after I walk, even a few steps. I have spoken to about seven surgeons actually! I thought I might move to Cal so I talked to two surgeons there, but I won't move after all.
After care is very important also because I live alone. I did a decompression a year and a half ago that only held up for about four and a half months. I liked the surgeon, but the aftercare team was almost non existent. He said he could do the fusion, but I don't know if the aftercare will be a repeat, which if it is, I don't think I would do it with him.
@annie1 what is your Dexa scan status Ann? If you have osteoporosis surgery may be an issue.
I have to look it up but I saw a surgeon today who was at least honest enough to say that there are complications and he would wait another month or two at least for me to be on a Evenity which I have been on now for 4 months. But all the other surgeons I saw were ready to just go for it and do the surgery. They said it was good that I was on the osteoporosis drug but they didn't say anything about the possibility of complications which I am going to question them further about now. It kind of scares me that they don't think it's a big deal. I have to look up my dexa score and I'll send it to you. Thank you so much. The other surgeon who said it could be dangerous wants me to do another Dexa scan soon. Thanks for your help and concern. This is a very invaluable resource I have to say.