What should I expect after my back operation?

I had a double operation for stenosis in both my neck and upper back which probably exacerbated my post op but it may be helpful. My first suggestion is to follow closely to any post op instructions and start activities/PT slowly j til you know what your body can handle. For example, when I left the hospital I was told not to lift anything over 5#. I jokingly replied, ‘So I can’t lift my 7# dog?’ I was told under not circumstances to lift anything over 5#. I was experiencing intermittent electric shocks that with went through my arm and hands leaving them numb and tingling or through my legs and feet. I couldn’t walk barefoot for 4 months before surgery. I was blessed to experience immediate relief while I was in the recovery room. I do have some continuing numbness in fingers and feet but I barely notice it unless I’ve been standing/walking or keyboarding for more than 20-30 minutes. My doctor said his goal with surgery was to stop the problem from progressing and very few recover as well as I did - I had lots of prayer going for me. Pre surgery I was unable to walk my dog, we used to take two one hour walks/day, or lift any weights for a year. Because of this, and having both surgeries in one operation, my muscle recovery has been very slow. After two years I can only walk my dog one or two blocks without back pain. However, my muscles are recovering and I find I can do things I couldn’t do 6 months ago. I was 71 at the time of my surgery. I only took five of the heavy duty pain pills and that was because I was told to. After a few days, I didn’t need them and haven’t taken any since. Lidocaine patches work great for muscle pain along with Tizanidine muscle relaxers.
I hope this helps.

Thanks. I will let you know how my operation turns out. My 16 lb. doggie is going to have to do without me picking her up. Fortunately, she can jump up on the bed on her own. I am going to think positive. The end product can't be any worse than what I have now. I am looking forward to getting off my pills.

Complete the PT; make sure the PT increases in strength and building a really strong core! Take Taekwondo after healing, it builds the best core and strength throughout your body!

I have the same as you, plus a pinched nerve in L4. May I ask your age? I’m 73 and afraid of surgery at my age. The pinched nerve has caused my leg to be partially crippled and in terrible chronic pain...worse than the stenosis.
I hope the surgery is a success and you have a good recovery.

I am 84 and I have a pacemaker. I had two choices. Stay on the painkillers (Tramadol & Gabapentin, 2 pills of each 4 times a day) or the operation. I chose the operation. I have no desire to spend the rest of my life in pain. If the operation doesn't work, at least I know I tried.
You are only as old as you think you are. I am in better shape than many of my friends.

Before this happened, I only took one pill of rosuvastatin, one of chlorthalodon and 1 pill every second day of Prednizone. I was walking my little rescue dogs 40 minutes a day.
Oh, I have a pacemaker and its good for another 12 years!

I don't like being a slave to pills especially when I am afraid to drive while I am on them. I believe if I have an accident, I will be blamed regardless because of my age and the medication.
I can hardly wait until the day that I can hop in my car and go shopping by myself.

Thanks for the advice. I plan to follow it.

Best of Luck. I will let you know how the operation goes.

Good luck today! As someone who just finished her 10th and 11th spine surgeries in August last year (scheduling #12 this August/September)…Make sure to have someone get you a garbage bag/plastic bag for the trip home. Put it on your car seat before you attempt to get into your car so you can sit on it…you will appreciate how much easier it is to turn your bottom to get your feet in the car with much lesser effort/twisting!

Be careful of percocet for pain. It creates a dependence. I needed it for the next 10 years because my fusion didnot relieve pain. It is difficult to stop.

I had L4 L5 done after years of debilitating pain. I was 73 at the time of the operation. I had an excellent surgeon and PT afterwards. Do the PT exactly as they direct. I am as good as new after 3 months. I have no restrictions. I hope all goes well for you.