Connect
← Return to Chronic pain and spinal fusion
Discussion
Chronic pain and spinal fusion
Spine Health | Last Active: Apr 4, 2023 | Replies (173)Comment receiving replies
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
Replies to "Oh my goodness! I’m having fusion surgery this Wednesday on L-3 L-4 and L-4 to L-5...."
Connect
@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