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Expectations for post major back surgery recovery?
I'm having 8-9 hour back surgery encompassing T-10-pelvis posterior fusion, L-5-S-1 lumbar fusion, multilevel Ponte osteotomy, tethering to T-9 (if you understand the medical jargon), and I guess whatever else the Dr. finds during surgery. I'm going to be in what I term a "frankenstein" back brace (keeps me from bending or twisting) for at 3 months post surgery. Additionally, I won't even start P.T. until after 3 months. I'm curious if others have had similar surgeries and if so what can I expect during recovery, i.e., pain, trouble with walking, stairs, driving, etc.? Thanks...
OpsO
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Hello, I’m 3.5 years past a 6 level, T11-L5 segmented fusion & I assume your symptoms reached a point where surgery wasn’t an option. It’s a difficult recoup but manageable & more positive when compared to the real pain & frustration of pre-surgery symptoms. They’ll likely have you up within hours of being out of the operating room. Baby steps on a walker, increasing daily, motion is life’s lotion & walking is CRITICAL to successful recovery. Use the pain meds for the first week or so and WEAR the back brace per Dr instruction, no exception. As far as driving, I believe I was restricted for 4-6 weeks, but frankly, even riding in a car was uncomfortable for longer than that. My only PT was & still is daily walking, increasing pace & distance over time. Best wishes!
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1 ReactionThanks for the info...much appreciated! I served 35 years in the Marine Corps and have always been active, even after retirement. I know one of my big hurdles to overcome will be being patient with my recovery. My Dr. said I would be in a back brace for 3 months to restrict bending and twisting and would be very limited picking up anything more than 8lbs or reaching overhead. After 3 months he said I would then start P.T. Your recovery experience was educational. Perhaps I'll keep my status updated after my surgery. Hopefully, my recovery experience may also prove useful to someone.
OpsO
Thank you for your military service OpsO, it is appreciated. Good for you in recognizing your (lack of 😊) patience is not conducive to spine surgery recovery. Post-op, my spine doc (sternly) advised “being prudent will positively impact my initial recovery & beyond”…please keep updated here as I am positive someone, somewhere will find it very helpful.