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Chronic pain and spinal fusion
Spine Health | Last Active: Apr 4, 2023 | Replies (173)Comment receiving replies
Hi Beckyann, if you have a fusion, I would ask your doctor about your specific questions, taking trash out etc. I would say from my experience, do as little as possible so you can heal, at times I think I should be doing more, but then I realize I have metal rods in my back and a fake bone that are all trying to grow together to make me strong again. I realize that I must not push it, I would not overdue it at home after your surgery, your back will not be happy. I highly recommend buying some grippers to pick stuff up off the floor, they are lifesavers. A walker, or cane might help too, I used a walker for the first few weeks because it hurt a lot and I needed something to balance on. thats all i can think of for now, good luck to you.
Replies to "Hi Beckyann, if you have a fusion, I would ask your doctor about your specific questions,..."
Thank you Salsa. You provided good tips. I will be sure to get a walker. Have been using grabbers for awhile now trying to not bend or twist. Am hoping I'm not weak for too long.
Such good advice. This group is really helping me come to terms with upcoming surgery. I have to say I’ve been feeling alone on this. Thank you
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Good advice,
I actually went home with a walker. I used it for the first couple of post-op visits then switched to a cane. I wore a back brace for a few months.
Yes, grippers are a great idea! Also have some ice packs and heading pads available. I don't want to scare you, but the first couple of months can be difficult.
As far as what you can and can't do, don't rush anything. As a matter of fact, do NOT do any of the things you know can reinjure your back. I believe that the reason some back surgeries are NOT successful is NOT because of the type of procedure or even the surgeon. I believe it is because people do too much, too soon.
I was told that even though the surgical area can look good, it can take a full year for a cervical surgery to be healed and 18-24 months for a lumbar to be completely healed.
I fell several months after my lumbar surgery.
I was 'healed' according to my f/u xrays.
Because of issues I am having, an MRI was taken.
Although I don't have pain, they can see that the spine moved at the fusion site.
Things are just so delicate and the older you are, the longer it takes.
I was 63 yo.
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)