Can L3-4 and 4-5 Hemilaminectomy with L3-4 on lay androdesis at week 3

@nikole47 Good morning and welco0me to Mayo Connect. We are a community of fellow patients and caregivers, here to share our experiences with all the situations life throws at us. We are not medical professionals, and cannot give medical advice.
So, even though I have never had spinal surgery, I have had orthopedic surgeries in the double digits, including joint replacements, bone removal, and repairs. So instead of spinal advice, I will give you post-surgical advice that has serve me well for over 40 years.
Surgeons are notoriously busy and sometimes short on explaining things, but they usually have excellent staff to handle day to day questions. I am sure yours is one they have heard before! So please contact the surgeon and their staff and ask your questions. They can tell you exactly what might indicate that you have a problem requiring their attention. If you are unable to get a response from the surgeon's office, call you primary provider.
Have you contacted anyone since your message to hear what they have to say?
Sue

Hi Sue

I was not seeking medical advice. I also knew that this message board was comprised of laypersons. I would never solicit medical medical advice over an internet support board. With that said: I am a Critical Care RN with 40 years experience in the ICU-so I am well aware of the medical aspects. Since I never see my patients again once they leave the ICU; I have no idea what happens moving forward once the patient is feeling better and resuming the activities of daily living. On the other hand, I am also a patient- all I wanted to know was if other people may have had failed bone grafts do to some forbidden activity and what that activity was. That's not my case but could be. I wanted to know the recovery sensations that others may have experienced. This will also to confirm what I already know-or not know. Thanks

No I have not been contacted by any other individuals. I was hoping that the responses would be public for all learn from.

I too am a retired nurse with similar years and background with a fusion L4-S1 in 1992. Having been involved with PT since my surgery I wouldn’t worry about what’s happening in your sleep that could harm your surgery. That wouldn’t say much for your hardware attachments. I’m guessing you haven’t started with PT yet but that should be a big help too. And don’t ever stop your home PT program or else you’ll suffer into older age.

Hi There
I am 5 weeks out from L3, 4 hemi lam with on bone graft, and also right hemilam of L4-L5. All of the sudden I have become accident prone UGH!!!! I was pulling a stuck tree limb of my car and when the branch came loose i catapulted backwards onto the soggy ground hitting the back of my head. Now I have a muscle spasm in my back. OMG- I hope that I did not ruin anything. My first follow up is Aug 7th, they said at that time I can go back to work without restrictions! My only question would be "How easy would it be to reinjure muscle and soft tissue or even bone graft. I really cannot take stalk in what my neuro surgeon said pre op because I was adamant that that I could not be fully non BLT. I did pretty good until today (5 weeks out) Yes I am a nurse - realistically I probably just traumatized the re-attached muscles But the patient side of me looking for reassurance. UGH I will not be calling the office for this, unless of course other symptoms develop

Have you done any PT postop? You seem to be trying to do things you shouldn’t since surgery? Did you injure yourself or something else leading to surgery? When I had my surgery in 1992 I wore a hard clam-jacket for 6 months-1 year and was on disability for 5 years. I’m glad I’m walking still. I made the mistake of not continuing to do PT everyday after returning to work in 1996 and I’m paying for it now at 71. Give yourself time to heal since we all do it differently, talk to your PT about safety at home for yourself, be more careful in doing chores, etc. I hope you find your balance.

I had surgery for spinal stenosis. I think perhaps I will not get the answers that I am looking for in this forum. Most of the recommendations people have kindly offered I am quite aware of and I thank you all for repeating them. However, these are not the answers that i am seeking. People have to do what they have to do and I am no different.
If I could just sit around and do nothing- I would not be in this forum seeking answers. My questions are specific. Surely I cannot be the only one that deviates from the post op instructions. My neuro surgeon was aware that I could not do exactly everything that he recommends. There fore I have to pick and choose. He also said that with prudence I would not "ruin anything" .
Well thank you all for your time I do appreciate it. Your forum is a great support/reminder for those seeking routine general information, but I will move on in the hopes of finding the answers that I seek. FYI: I was told that all restrictions will be lifted on my first post op visit two weeks from now. Then Pt will be ordered. Thank You