Connect
Disk replacement & spinal fusion (L4-L5): Post-op concerns
My surgery was done at Mayo, Rochester. It was 8.5 hours long. I can’t remember minute to minute.
The pain is horrible. They only gave me pain meds for 10 days and I have 2 left. Everyone said the first 30 days are the worst. The best things I bought before was the grabber, I drop anyway, toilet riser,
Slippery pajamas. Any suggestions this is rough.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Spine Health Support Group.
Connect
I would strongly recommend staying with someone for 1st few days.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI had L3-S1 fused. Screws and rods. I was in the hospital 4 days. I then went to a rehab facility for 10 days. We started the 6 hour drive home but only went 3 hours the first day and stopped for the night. Continued on the next day. I stayed on pain meds until one week after I got home. Started walking just one lap around the track the third week (11 laps equal one mile). Had worked up to a mile by the time I went back for my 6-week follow-up. Wore a turtle shell like back brace until I went back for 3 month follow-up. Surgery was 6 years ago. All has gone well. Only pain is due to arthritis flare-ups with the weather. I followed all of the doctor’s recommendations. Bought 2 grabbers...so I have one when I drop one...lol. Have to pull my socks on with a sock stretcher. Was told only to use a recumbent bike and no golfing or tennis. I do walk about 2 miles a day.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
5 ReactionsThank you all so much for your helpfull feedback!