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Post-Lumbar Fusion Recovery Question
Spine Health | Last Active: 24 seconds ago | Replies (22)Comment receiving replies
@peterpaul
Sorry to hear about the returning pain. I have had a laminectomy in 2002, then an L2-L3 fusion in 2017; both 100%; Last year, the left side lower back and leg pain, dull ache, returned. Minimally invasive "cleanout" on 28 Oct for two interior vertebrae, lumbar. Now, there is a persistent dull ache over left hip and down entire left leg when I stand or walk very long. Doc says I have room in the area operated on; but the nerves around it are not settled on my left side only. I'm 76. We chose to do this instead of expanding my previous 1-level fusion to a second level. Now I wonder.
In reflection, in 2010, when some pain returned from the original op, I had 2 spinal injections directly into the facets, with medicine, and that made everything settle down...until 2016. They wanted to insert a TENS wire into my spine to stimulate--I said absolutely not.
Good luck, don't give up. Hang in there and ask your surgeon to try to do something!
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@leeman25
I had last 3-level fusion 28 April this year...following a "cleanout" prior October, which failed, and left me with excruciating pain daily and developing scoliosis. Fusion was my 4th operation; and now I am much better! Pain almost gone; but I take 30 seconds to straighten up after sitting because of the 98 screws and 2 stabilizer rods in lumbar spine; L2-L5 I think...Lordosis is straight (spine curve when standing).
Recovery was a roller coaster; but I think I am now out of the woods so to speak; Dr. very pleased with healing...Did PT; but it is difficult to prove that helped. I think it helps orthopedic patients more who have knee or hip replacements, Spine is different. I only occasionally need a Salonpas patch or some Tylenol if temporary pain emerges...
Remember everyone's situation and fitness for surgery differs. Pre-surgery, the better shape you are in, and if in "chart weight"...the better. I am taking it slow; working out 3 days a week at the fitness club; but skiing done; no running or cycling...Dr. said golf likely fine...a half swing?
Hang in there...