L5 S1 surgery recovery: what to expect re: what I can do for myself?

Posted by southernbelle13 @southernbelle13, Jul 24 7:44am

I asked a question about this, but don't see where I put it. Sorry for the repeat. Mayo suggested a L5S1 with both post and anterior entry. I have osteopenia, not full blown thankfully, Am wondering what to expect in so far as how to do things for yourself and when. Wash hair, go to a salon, sit in a soft chair, take a trip to Disney with grandkids or even overseas? I assume bathroom etc will be a learning curve but am planning to put a bidet on our toilet.
I did ask the Mayo doctor what he would say to his mother or family member and he declined to answer that directly. Simply said he never t ells his patients what to do about surgery. Not sure what that means as to if he really recommends it. It is an option for me since I have tried all the conservative things over the last 6-8 yrs and now the left leg and hip are acting up more often. Slight foot drop and weakness etc. Am waiting to talk to a local surgeon to avoid the flight to Rochester and see what he says about it all. If he agrees that will be good. If he disagrees that will be confusing.

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@ccchang Surgeom will be Dr. Kent Yundt, and surgery will be at St. Charles Hospital, Bend. OR. Surgery is not yet scheduled.

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@joanland Thank you. Online, he looks like a very good surgeon. i wish you all the best, please keep us posted.

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@ccchang
Baylor in Houston
Dr Alex Roper

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@sophie00 Thank you. Online, he looks great but I have Harrington Rods plus a recent XLIF fusion, so think I need a spine deformity specialist. Baylor sounds awesome. Wishing you the very best.

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