Chronic pain and spinal fusion

Thank you, good advice to listen to one's body. So sorry you sprained your ankle on top of the recovery, double whammy! I feel quite stiff and pain now when I sit too long, more so on the right side. But then, I'm tight all the time. I am so hopeful surgery will give me the ability to enjoy life again. I did something really stupid yesterday, took the wrong envelope to surgeon appt. so didn't have most recent MRI. He wouldn't see me without the MRI, really no point. I live 30 minutes away so he could not accommodate that timing. I don't blame him, was my fault. Now I have another month to wait to see him. He is so busy and only one in town. So guess I wasn't meant to see him yet.

I would like help with contacts on Spinal Decompression surgery. I realize this is not Spinal Fusion but this is the first discussion that comes even close that I have seen. Any contact information about Spinal Decompression is much appreciated. My surgery went well but my problem is with my stamina, pain after extended standing and walking ( I still have to depend on a walker more than I would like ).

@tom2017
I had spinal fusionon my lumbar.
As far as what I had, I used a walker about 8 weeks then switched to a cane.
As far as pain, I had 4 months of pure hell.
All that being said, I would check with your surgeon.
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

Any experiences with lumbar fusions?

Hi @fjkphx you may have noticed I moved your post to this existing discussion on spinal fusions so that you can connect with others who have similar experiences. Simply click VIEW & REPLY in your email notification to get to your post.

I also wanted to tag fellow Connect members @grandmar @beckyann and @salsa have either had lumbar fusions or have had other spinal fusions and may be able to offer you support.

@fjkphx will you be undergoing a lumbar fusion? Or are you exploring your options?

Oh my goodness! I’m having fusion surgery this Wednesday on L-3 L-4 and L-4 to L-5. I have been having pain for about three years and I’m on Oxy. I’m able to walk(with my walker or cane) about 15 minutes before my legs give out. I am so concerned about the surgery and how long I’ll need to recover.
Being summer, my husband is looking forward to fishing, hiking, boating and tent camping. I’m think “Oh my...Lord help me!” I’m not sure how I’ll get through it. Almost cancelled several times. HELP

Thank you so much for the information you have shared. I am concerned about going up and down stairs. We have steps leading to our bedroom and bath. Thinking maybe we should put a bed and toilet down stairs. What is your experience? Thank you

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

@brendakaye
Hi!
Take a deep breath and calm down.
March 2018, I had disc replacements on C5/6.
It was a quick recovery and my painful symptoms were gone within a week!!!!

I suffered from chronic pain 24/7 for over a decade.
The pain was horrible and there was a time I stopped walking for almost 3 years!
I couldn't bare the pain!!!

I started to see pain docs, but none could help me.
I reitred on disability for a few ailments.
I lived in New Jersey and could not take the cold!!!!
My hubby and I moved to the warmth of Florida.
I eventually found a FANTASTIC pain doc who was able to help me!
After 4 years, his magic stopped and I could no longer stand the pain which was now in my neck and causing horrible headaches.
In addition, I couldn't stand the lower pain, either.

It was then I decided to take my life back.
After lots and lots of research I found a neuro-surgeon.
He did my cervical surgery and then the lumbar.
About 7 months after my cervical surgery, I had my lumbar surgery.
I had L 3/4 done. I had an X-Lift Fusion.
Don't ask me what it is, I have no idea!

It's been about 9 months since the surgery and I am pain-free for the first time in a decade!
I am not going to lie to you, the lumbar surgery, FOR ME was horrible!!
The pain was terrible and the recovery worse!
It took me about 4 months, then one day the pain was gone; just like that!
I was pissed with my surgeon that he did not tell me about the pain.
But I now understand why he did the cervical first.

Each person recovers differently in a different amount of time.
I am, however, pretty sure that it will take at least a month or two to start to feel well.
Follow all the rules set by the surgeon and take this time to baby yourself!!!!!
No lifting, bending, twisting, sudden moves, hyper-extensions, or carrying anything heavy.
Even after all this time since my surgeries, I still follow those guidelines!!!
Many people feel better and go hog wild then complain the surgery did not work.

I used to cry and ask myself WHY did I do this to myself.
Now, I couldn't be happier I did it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good luck!
Ronnie

I think that is a great idea! I actually slept in my recliner chair in the living room for about a week.
I then moved into a room that had a bed that was softer than mine and lower so that I could get in and out.
I live in a one level home.
Not to give TMI, but I would get spasms when I would sit to use the toilet, that my hubby would have to come get me off.
You will probably need a walker to get around and get you in and out of bed and on and off the toilet.
As far as the toilet, you might want to have the toilet paper ready before you sit down IF the holder is not right near you.
Showers feel great but you need to prepare for them, too.
If you have a free standing shower, that would be best.
If not, get help to step in and out of the tub.
Have grab bars available.
You do not have to get the permanent ones, they do make good ones that use suction.

Hope this helps and prepares you.
Ronnie