Quote:
Originally Posted by mckatie
Hi all ...
I've had back pain on and off for the last several years, tried going the chiro route and in February, started having lower shin numbness. Told my chiro, she went ahead and adjusted me and as soon as I got in the car to go home, the pain was unbearable. And the leg pain continued for the next 2 weeks - I couldn't sit, stand, sleep ... I laid on my side for 14 days and woke up sobbing in the middle of the night.
Finally got into an orthopedist, and had an MRI ... I've attached the pic. (Cheesy red arrow added by me!)
There's a massive fragment blocking about 70% of my spinal canal, I have foot drop and my doctor can't believe I'm not in more pain and having other issues. (Turning 40 has been wonderful!)
I'm scheduled for L4-L5 decompression and possible fusion - he'll decide once he goes in if he'll do the fusion.
This is all happening so quickly ... and I'm hoping someone who's gone through something similar can add their thoughts & experiences.
My surgeon said no cooking/cleaning for 2 - 3 months. This large amount of time is shocking to me ... it seems, so ... well, long.
How long will it be before I can drive again?
Am I really going to be down for the count for 2 - 3 months?
Is there a big difference in recovery time between just having the decompression and having that and a fusion?
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McKatie,
I am new on here and just read your post. I did not have to have decompression although I did have L5S1 fusion using my own bone from lt Ileac Crest. I can tell you that YES you will be under strict restrictions and if fused you will have to wear a brace for 3-6mo's. I was allowed to drive after 3 weeks post-op But absolutely NO BENDING,STOOPING, ALLOWED TO DO VERY LIGHT HOUSE WORK. They want you to walk walk walk! I was to be walking by the end of 3mo's post-op. they sent me home with an ICE PUMP in which I was put on that 3-4 /day. after surgery and to use after I walked if I felt an increase in pain and or swelling. I am 48 and was very active and this is a hard blow to us as we go from being so active to living a very sedate life. BUT trust me, if you do anything that u are not supposed to do, the price you will pay if so not worth it. I live alone and do not have a good support system even with my Church family and I was feeling better and there are things that have to be done and had to do them, but when I did I was very careful and always have my brace on- but it would cause me to be down for a day or so. Its very hard and I hurt for you as I understand your fear and questions. I would assume that the restrictions would be the same for decompression as the spine has to be allowed to heal properly and you have to follow the restrictions or you will end up in more pain and will not heal properly. Keep us posted as I would really like to know if you have to have fusion. I pray you do not. It is so hard for those of us who are younger and very active to be told that we cannot do even the simplest of things. but remember that when it comes to our spine, those simple are no longer simple after any kind of back surgery. I am constantly forgetting to not bend down to pick something up but my back lets me know. taking a shower is a chore for me. Ask a lot of questions to your surgeon and if you have family you MUST have them do the things that you are not to do even though it is hard to accept and do. That was so hard for me after I came home from surgery to have to have my 26yr old daughter having to get me in the shower and helping me bathe. I had to have a shower chair and a bed side commode at 48! but I did what I had to do to make it easier on her and on me. Talk about swallowing your pride- hang in there and i would be more than happy to talk to you if you need to talk. let me know and I will give you my cell # and or email addres