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Disk replacement & spinal fusion (L4-L5): Post-op concerns
Spine Health | Last Active: Jun 28, 2022 | Replies (43)Comment receiving replies
I had a spinal fusion back in 1997 L5S1. The surgery went wonderfully. No pain, back to myself in no time. No hip pain or noises. Now 2018, I have many changes in fusion area, arthritis, peripheral neuropathy, have had facet blocks, radioactive ablation injection, pills for peripheral neuropathy. The fusion, as related to me by another back surgeon, told me it is only good for 10 years. Not sorry I did, had 10+ good active years. Now, is another story. Horrific pain in back, going to pain management center. My advice, dont overdo it NOW or for a long time, dont carry anything heavy, twist, bending..........and you should be good to go for years. I felt so good I did everything I shouldn't have. Shoveled snow, carried heavy grocery bags, mowed grass, moved many times by myself. PLEASE, listen, and treat your back as it were a baby. I am in chronic pain every day.
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@marleneace
Hi
I am 63. After years of pain. I had C5/6 replaced with artificial discs. The surgery went well and I recouperated quickly.
13 weeks ago I had an Xlift fusion on L3/4 . The recovery has been horrible.
I had a similar discussion with my physical therapist as you discussed.
I think that once feeling better many forget what the doctor said about how to care for ourself after surgery. No lifting, bending, twisting, hyper-extending or carrying anything more than a gallon of milk. When not following directions, all that surgery can go to waste.
The same holds true for any work done on the spine...shots, radio ablation, etc. and long past surgery, too (since a complete healing can take a year or more for the spine to settle in).
For me, it was after a shot. We got new tile floors
Dust flew everywhere and on everything even though the workers were careful. I even got someone in to clean up afterwards.
I took down all the curtains. I washed, ironed and rehung them. I moved furniture, climbed and hung pictures. By nightfall, I knew I was in trouble. After that, not any shot or procedure worked.
I've learned my lesson, too.
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)