Recovery from spinal fusion advice
 

I am having my surgery February 8th and am wondering a few things from those who have been there and done that:wink:

What was easier than you thought during your recovery? What was the hardest part? What did you wish you knew ahead of time but didn't until you had the surgery? What was the biggest help during your recovery?
What did you do to keep your sanity? How much help did you need afterwards?

Sorry for so many questions =)

Better now than after. I've opted not to have surgery, so I won't comment further.

Doc

Can I ask why you choose not to do surgery and what your back issues are?
I have a 10mm slip of L5 on S1. I have severe bilateral narrowing of the nerves and stenosis as well. I deal with left leg pain/numbness and creepy crawlies and back pain every day. I take Ultram 50mg 1-2x a day and that doesn't cut it as much anymore to go to sleep. I tried the PT but we all know the results of that:) and he worries that doing the shots will allow me to do more and since I wont feel the pain that I may hurt myself worse.

Doc - yes, why did you opt out?

Candlegirl, I'm interested in the answers you get as well. I started out on Ultram with high hopes, but as you say, it just doesn't cut it.

I really need to make a note of where I posted this before.... :o

I have severe osteoarthritis the whole length of my spine. Bone spurs, Degenerative Disk Disease, Spondylosis/damaged disks (bone on bone), Stenosis at the top (c5-c7) & bottom (l5/s1 w/ annular tear).

I chose against surgery for the same reasons most folks here advise against it (but before I ever found this place), and my spinal surgeon (at a major medical center) advised against it, as the risks of being the same/worse were greater than being better. Also, back surgery is the only surgery I know of that fails so often they have a name for it:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Failed_back_syndrome

I didn't like those odds. Since then some things have deteriorated, and some have healed naturally (as my doctor told me they would). I continue to do PT exercises, myofascial trigger point and deep tissue massage; TENS & traction when needed.

Doc

Sorry for your woes, doc. What healed naturally?
Do you have good people around for support? I surely hope you do!

Woes? You asked! :confused:

It's hard to describe what healed. My neck, while getting worse in some respects, has gotten better in others - some from improved posture & habits. There are different ways it can occur (though none of these describe what my doctor said or what I feel):
Google: natural healing spine

Yes, I've posted the schematic of my support network many times now - it looks something like this (without the far righthand element):
© 2007 Used with Permission

I have Degenerative Disc Disease throughout my whole spine. I have had 3 spinal surgeries, and one of them was S1-L3 Lumbar Fusion. This was about 7 years ago and I have had very little issues in my Lumbar Spine since then. My surgeon is a Neurosurgeon - not an Orthapedic.

Recovery was tough, but so worth it. You will need help for the first couple of weeks at home - you should not be home alone. Getting out of bed, out of a chair and any steps will be a challenge, but you should be able to do it before you leave the hospital. The most Pain I had was from the incisions and muscles, not the procedure itself.

Try to slowly cut back on your pain meds soon after surgery so you don't go through withdrawls if you have been on them a long time. (I was on Percocet and Morphine for 2 years before my first surgery, and for about 6 months before my other two surgeries) Right now, I am just taking advil or Tylenol to help with some of the aches I have.

Don't over due anything - you may feel like you can pick something heavy up or go for a long walk or something, but you will get tired and winded quick, and then you will be twice as sore later on. Sleep when you can because it won't be for long periods of time because of pain and soreness, but eventually that will get better. I was out of work for over 3 months on each of my surgeries.

My last surgery was in 2010 on Thoracic and Cervical spine. I know I will have more surgeries down the line because of the disease. With that said, I don't take any chances and try to prolong the inevidible as much as possible! :)

Good Luck with everything!

I had a cervical fusion with titanium plate & screws on C5, C6, C7 March 2011. I'm slightly better in the neck area, but my peripheral neuropathy in my right hand is worse then ever. I am told I still need another surgery on my ulnar nerve for a double crush. But anyways, to your questions....

I am a pretty athletic and tough cookie, and I thought I would breeze through recovery, I was very wrong. I needed quite a bit of help for the first 3 weeks. Sleeping was the most difficult, finding a comfortable position mostly, I was in a hard cervical collar for 8 1/2 weeks, was not allowed to take it off at all, even showered with it. Raising my hands above my head was nearly impossible, my husband washed and dried my hair for me for a month. I had difficulty swallowing, but this subsided after about 6 wks, and had very little strength. I was always feeling exhausted. But probably after affects of anesthetic.

I made and froze homemade soups, stews and chili so I didn't have to cook or bother my hubby that much. Keep some bendy straws and cool drinks by your bed and lots of throat lozenges. Take your pain meds exactly as you are told to, don't wait until you are in horrible pain, by then its too late. Don't lift, don't bend or twist, just relax, read and watch lots of movies and TV. First 3 weeks is the hardest then slowly add some things to your day. Don't overdo anything. Be very gentle and kind on your body.

I had a really nice spring day about 4 weeks after surgery and decided to go for a long walk outside, I was in excruciating pain for 4 days afterwards. Felt great while I was walking though. Ended up back in ER for this. Usually anything you do has after affects, so take it easy and slow.

What kept my sanity? My iPad, I was able to prop it up and play some games and watch lots of movies. And I had my family with me to keep me company and try to make me laugh about it.

Good luck to you, post afterwards when you can so we can see how you are coming along.

Take care,
Cathie

Huh?
 

Isn't that a little like saying, "The fall didn't hurt - it was hitting the GROUND"? :p

Doc

Post operative incisional pain is different and temporary.

surgery
 

Before doing any spine surgery please get a few opinions. i also have decided not to do lumbar surgery and i deal with my pain in many ways. Unfortunately, i had to have cervical done because my spinal cord was flattened by bone spurs. Just make sure you check out all options and get a few opinions.


Take care.

I had a C2-C3 fusion(Very Dangerous). Did not help. I followed with a C2-C7 major fusion after. I notice very little difference before and after but glad I opted for surgery because it beats never knowing what surgery could have done for me. It matters none that my neck is full of hardware, I had nothing to lose. Physical therapy helps little and drugs other than opiates do not help when I get an attack of pain. Hell of a way to live. Attacks can last for months(can you believe it)? I do not ever look back. What it is it is. Debating about should I have had surgery or not is over with. Be strong and make sure you are in charge of your life

RX

I am to the point where I wonder what will happen if I do not have surgery. My leg keeps going numb and I am in pain the majority of the time. It stinks. I worry about it so much and the surgery is 3 1/2 weeks away. I hope and pray I am making the right decision.

Your attitude is one a good one and one I need for myself. Life is what is and we make the best decisions we can then we need to move on.

Fusion L4-5/laminectomy
 

I know it is not an easy decision; but when the pain is really bad; it sometimes causes you to go ahead, if all else seems to fail. I had mine fusion/laimectomy done 5 years ago.

Yes, I still have pain; but mostly from my Periphereal Neuropathy and Edema. The edema was after Bladder surgery 3 years ago. Still have spine pain as well, but not sure I would be walking today (use cane) if I hadn't had the surgery. I had a badly crushed nerve (the surgeon said he had never seen such a red angry nerve before) He is an orthopaedic spine surgeon. I hate to think what might have happened had I not had the surgery. At least the fusion took much of the pressure off the nerve; but it had been badly damaged. The laminectomy allowed a little more space for the spinal cord because of the stenosis. The doctor told me I still would have problems because there were additional issues.

I had to wear a brace for 6 months. It was a soft brace with velcro. It also was a good reminder for me Not to Bend. That is soooo very important. Before leaving the hospital, I was shown the best way to get out of bed, including the do's and dont's. Actually, I had more pain with my gallbladder surgery than I did with the fusion. But, I must say I had an IV with Fentanyl which controlled much of my pain. Also, did take some narcotic meds as well in the hospital and at home. Since those meds are addictive; best not to stay on very long, if possible.

Since I have a wool rug under my dining table, my husband got a chair matt (usually under desk chairs) so I could easily push away from the table. My husband did the grocery shopping. Got many quick, easy to make foods. Also, my daughters would bring over some meals as well. I did not vacuum. If there is no one to help do the vacuuming, close your eyes; but Do Not Vacuum.

The Doc is right though; there are many "failed back surgeries". Hard to say how much worse things would be without it. So much depends on the circumstances. In my case; I was desperate so I had the surgery. I doubt if many ever get back to where they were before problems ever began.

Wish you the best and will keep you in my prayers.

(ger)

If you didn't have it, you'd find out. OTOH, if you do have it, you'll never find out.

It's a difficult decision I don't envy anyone. I can only speak for myself - no-one else, and every single situation is unique. I've a bit more to say, but I'm rushed at the moment....

Doc

cont'd...
 

I've been at that crossroads. I may be there again. The surgery option will always be there; the option not to do it, or to undo it, will not.

First, I would exhaust every treatment option available (including, but not limited to, pain management, a pain pump and/or spinal cord stimulator) before even considering surgery. (I've already considered surgery not even knowing, let alone trying everything else, and I'm glad/thankful it was a surgeon who talked me out of it, and into trying everything else first.) Since then I've tried some things; I have others yet to try, but even with the pain, surgery is a way off for me.

Once I had exhausted all other avenues, and surgery was the only one left, I would get at least 2 opinions, and maybe more, depending on what those opinions were, the feeling I got about the surgeon(s), and the surgeons' backgrounds & reputations (lawsuits, complaints, sanctions, etc.) If I'm going to be unconscious, under the knife, with my life in the hands of this person, I want to know all I can about him/her; there has to be a good.... no, a confident feeling about the whole situation. I want to know each surgeon's track record (success rate), both in general, and with cases/procedures like mine. No two will be the same, but experience should be successful - not just numbers of procedures.

If the two opinions were not in total agreement, I would get at least 3 opinions, etc. I would listen to any/all reasons for their opinions, and I would get every question answered to my satisfaction before agreeing to anything. ("I don't know" is sometimes a valid/acceptable answer, and better than an "attitude".

Another thing I would do is make sure where my own head is at, and where my decision is coming from - clear logical thinking rather than the emotional response of pain, or out of some stage of grief, whether "bargaining" or "acceptance" or another.
http://www.livestrong.com/stages-of-grief/

There is probably more; I've probably posted it here previously. It all comes down to making an informed decision. I sincerely hope you're making the right decision too, and that it will be a total success and you will be pain-free forever. I hope that for everyone except my sham friends!* :p

* "Champagne for My Real Friends, Real Pain for My Sham Friends" - Francis Bacon

Doc

It is so hard to not be emotional about the decision and to remain clear headed. I have been doing so much reading on the internet and I am so worried either way. If I do the surgery I may have problems and without it I risk alot too.

Today my foot is numb and my hip/leg are killing me. I took Ultram and still feel bad. It is hard to imagine this getting worse.

My experience with PT was not good and my NS/I agree that the shots are a bad idea for me. The less pain I am in the more I do and is concerned I will overdo it and hurt myself even worse.

I have my pre op on Thursday and have a ton of questions for my NS. I am so overwhelmed at the moment.

I felt the same overwhelming feeling right before my surgery, it's almost where you have to hold your nose and jump in the water off the cliff. Just trust that you are making the best decision you can and keep a positive attitude on your recovery and you will do okay. It's a very scary step, but you'll be relieved to have it over with and to start recovering instead of just coping.

I'm facing another surgery soon, and I feel the familiar apprehension, overwhelming jittery feeling, I understand exactly how you are feeling.

Keep us posted on how you are doing afterwards.

Stay strong and think good thoughts!! :p
Cathie

That's perfectly understandable. Many people here and elsewhere complain about this doctor or that, their differences of opinions, skill, treatments, judgements, warts.... :rolleyes: But for some unfathomable reason, PTs are all supposed to be popped out of some mold someplace and be exactly alike? They're the same as doctors - different opinions, skill, knowledge, scarred psyches, etc., so a bad experience with one should not put you off all of them forever. Besides, PTs now specialize too, and it's important to get one that specializes in what YOU need. See:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_therapy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manual_therapy
and others.

Regarding being overwhelmed (Funny, I've never even heard/met anyone who was simply whelmed - Hmmmm :Hum: ) My suggestion is to sit someplace quiet (but awake/alert) and calmly go over everything once more, then put it down, relax for the rest of the evening, and sleep on it. Your subconscious will do the work for you without outside influences. We both do this all the time with various issues, and it works.

Candlegirl, I do understand your concerns. I did do the injections, Physical Therapy, etc. the year before doing surgery. Had a friend who had a very successful fusion and couldn't get an appointment with his doctor for almost two months. Unfortunately, my pain had gotten out of sight. (I did do a fall just prior to the pain worsening; didn't think much about it at the time; but looking back, that's when the pain started becoming unbearable.) My daughter had an epidural; but was told if the first didn't help; most likely more would not be of any help. Have you ever tried an epidural? Or did you doctor just tell you this would not work for you. Do you have an exact diagnosis for you problem that makes him feel injections would not work? Have you gotten a 2nd opinion? This probably makes matters worse; but surgeries can always be posponed, if need to get another opinion. The surgery option will still be there.
(ger)

Thank you Cathie :)

I feel I am making the best decision and have spent weeks agonizing if I am doing the right thing. The pain I am in right now is a reminder that I am pretty sure I am making the right decision. I always question every single decision I make so the bigger issues keep me awake at night wondering if I am doing the right thing or not.

I also have two children to take care of and I am dealing with the guilt of people having to take care of me and not being able to help my husband. It is hard for me to do normal things that are just for me let alone a recovery like this. On the other hand being in pain is not making me a good mom either. Sigh.:confused:

Dr Smith

I have done that several times and while I am laying there it is usually in pain which reminds me why the fusion is even a consideration. It is so frustrating and I wish I could get a few days respite from my pain to clear my head.

I will try to take some time in the next few days to see if I can sit quietly and just really think about things. It sure is hard in this house:)

Then make some time, and get out of the house. Have your husband, or a relative, watch the kids for a couple of hours, pack up your stuff, and go to a library (or a college/university library where they have study/conference rooms).

Whatever your decision is, it should be made under the best conditions it can be. This will be even more important later.

Doc

So today I had a blessing at work. One of the parents of the kids I work with is a Nurse Practioner and was able to talk to me about patients that she sees that have had a fusion done. I talked to her about my fears and my hesistations. I was able to talk to her for a long time and am almost 100% sure I am ready to do this. I see my NS tomorrow to discuss everything in detail and to give my final approval. I am ready. I need to be able to move on from this pain, I need to be able to play with my kids pain free, I need to do this for myself and my morale. I need to do this because I will never know unless I do this and I know how I feel right now is not how I want to live for the rest of my life.

So today I had a blessing at work. One of the parents of the kids I work with is a Nurse Practioner and was able to talk to me about patients that she sees that have had a fusion done. I talked to her about my fears and my hesistations. I was able to talk to her for a long time and am almost 100% sure I am ready to do this. I see my NS tomorrow to discuss everything in detail and to give my final approval. I am ready. I need to be able to move on from this pain, I need to be able to play with my kids pain free, I need to do this for myself and my morale. I need to do this because I will never know unless I do this and I know how I feel right now is not how I want to live for the rest of my life.

I am so glad for her taking the time to chat with me and it makes me feel more settled. I need to close my eyes and step off the ledge and pray it goes well for me.

I saw the neurosurgeon today and he put my mind at ease. He answered all the questions I had and was very understanding about my fears. He gave me Oxycodone to help with the pain so I am hoping tonight I will sleep for the first time in a few weeks.
I am going to go through with this and am going to take a leap of faith. My surgery got bumped till the 22nd of February so I am glad for the extra time to work=)

Candlegirl - I have been keeping up with your thread, just lurking till now. Know that you are not in the boat alone. I'm sure there's lots of folks. Glad you had a good consultation with your doctor and he gave you something to ease your pain. I have my appt. with the 3rd dr., the neurosurgeon, tomorrow for 1st consult. I know it must be hard for you with little ones, and I am sorry for that, knowing it makes it a tougher decision....but mommy must be healthy and kept healthy. I too cannot continue in the shape I'm in....percocet & gabapetin for months now. Totally understand your stating that your are worrier, aka "worry wort". Myself, I'm trying to think in terms of what a boss told me years ago, that when he was learning how to drive, his father told him "make a commitment and stick with it". In effect, make a decision and don't look back. Not bad advice at all - second guessing can drive anyone nuts. My thread is Newbie - L4, L5 problems, if you're interested.

As far as having some quiet time for yourself, if you don't feel like getting out while your husband watches the kids, ask him to take the kids out for awhile so you can have some meditation time at home. Not too much to ask.

Best of everything to you,
Seahorse02

Hi Candle Girl
 

I hope what ever decision you make turns out the best for you. I did wind up with a big surgery, a second one even and it turned out good. I do think there are more good results than negative ones, regarding a surgical approach. Living on those Medications all the time isn't easy eithor. If it were not for my horrible ankels I would be off my meds. My neck is fused C3-7 and I really am in pretty good shape considering how horrible it was before. I do wish you all the best no matter what you decide. Good luck and I hope your doctor is fantastic to you. ginnie

Thanks for all the support. I was a lurker for a long time and am glad to come out and get such positive support.

I am going to go ahead with the surgery. It is a leap of faith and I am going to jump off :)

I started the Percocet tonight and I honestly feel so good. I know I walk around in a lot of pain all the time but once it is better/almost gone I really realize how painful it is.

My neurosurgeon, the NP I talked with the other day and my friend who happens to do the neuromonitoring with my surgeon have done a great job reassuring me and are all there to answer my questions and talk me through my fears. I can do this and I appreciate all the kinds words and support:)

Hi candlegirl
 

We will be here for you the whole way through. We will be here for you during your recovery too. I was able to get out of bed after maybe one day, and briefly touch base here to let people know I was alive and kicking. Just take it easy after it, and all will be OK. I do sincerely wish you all the best with all of it. NO more pain is your gift, when this works as it should. ginnie

Miss Ginnie, You kick b***!! You are a WONDERFUL communicator and provide SUPERB SUPPORT!! Wishing YOU and EVERYONE, no more pain!

hey there seahorse
 

When I came here to NT I was sobbing so hard and shaking so hard that I could barely type. The wave of support that came to me was overwhelming. All my fears were talked about, and I calmed down. After my surgery, they were all here for me once again through the long healing process. My favorite saying is "do unto others, as you would have done unto You" this site does that over and over again. I am blessed to have found this place, I just decided it was the best place to be. I received support and I was able to stop freaking out. I think it was Waves, who was the first to talk to me. I want to be there for you too seahorse, as it made the world of difference for me. All will be OK in time. I hope you keep on posting and let us know how you are. Be good to yourself. ginnie

This place is a blessing. I was freaking out yesterday about my surgery and I know as Feb 22nd grows closer, it will get worse. I don't feel afraid to say something here about my fears and ask questions about things.
Thanks Ginnie for your support:hug:

Hi candlegirl
 

I posted the day I left for the hospital! I was right here down to the time I walked out the door. We will be here for you. I did the freaky deek more than once. It is OK, those jitters will come and go. If your anxiety goes too high Maybe your pHysician can give you a calming medicine while you wait for this surgery. I was given something, I gratefully excepted it. Waiting is often the hardest part.
This coming wed. I have another proceedure. I am nervous too! I get an endoscopy again, biopsy again, and my throat stretched. I always get nervous and I can't help it. I don't like any of it just like the rest of us! I don't like being stuck with needles. I have my whinning days for sure, where I make my self more miserable than I have to be. I think no matter what we all have to go through, none of it is easy. That is why I stay right here with you . I know that I get comfort here too when I am scared. We just hang together as a group, and it seems to make the way easier. I hope you are OK today, and not in such bad pain. ginnie

Hey Miss Ginnie, my brother gets his throat stretched on a regular basis and it's old hat to him by now. Bless his heart, he went years without eating steak because of it, and still would get choked in the middle of meal on most anything. Now he eats everything he wants to in comfort. I shall be thinking of you Wednesday and sending you all the good thoughts and well wishes that you so freely extend to the rest of us!!

Re: good to know
 

[I] am glad you told me about your brother getting his throat stretched. That sure helps me. I just plain get nervous for any proceedure. I have that risk with barretts esophagus which is more to worry about than the throat stretch. I know I will be OK, and then maybe I can eat again without choking. thanks for the post. ginnie