Hi All,
I'm a new member and had an anterior/posterior spinal fusion at L4-L5 with screws and rods and a spacer and bone growth hormone on Feb. 9th. Also had screws and plates from fusion in 92 at L5-S1 removed. So I am now 8 weeks post surgery.

What were some of you who have had this done doing at week 8. I walk well and the pain is substanially reduced but I did bedrest with walking for 6 wks.
Now I am up alot more but can't really do housework so what you do?

They won't let me start PT until the 3 month mark. I am getting depressed now because I don't do much and was very active before surgery (played tennis 5 days a week and involved in church and Bible Study).

Thanks for any help you can offer.

Arla

Arla, I'm sorry; I've not much to offer you in terms of info. following surgical fusion. I'm on the course to auto-fusion (Ankylosing Spondylitis).

I'm also sorry to see you feeling depressed, and it makes total sense. Being "held" back due to health isn't easy, yet, it is so important that you do ride out the time until your PT can begin. By doing so, you're less apt to suffer setbacks by pushing yourself too hard, too fast.

I do have an idea, which you are free to discard or maybe put to some type use...

Y'see, there will be others looking for insights and ideas, just as you are. What about journaling ... the steps you've been through, and, when you are in PT, that process as well? One day, you may be able to share your progress and thoughts with others facing the same as you are now.

I do wish you well, and I do hope that you will not "rush" your recovery, though I know it's difficult, especially when one has led an active life. I'm only suggesting a different way to remain active while your body goes through its healing.

I have had fusions several times. The doctors don't want you to do much. Last Sept I had 3 fusions and came home and started in fairly quick. I just forced myself, cause I was going to sell my farm and wanted to paint the porch. My husband had just died in July and I was going to have another sm. surgery in October. My Dr. just threw a fit & said it would slow down my healing. You know, I don't think it did, but don't take my advice. I know doc's don't want you to do much at all. I didn't have any PT. I usually don't.
_________
Fancylady

PT concentrates on muscle strengthening in most cases but that can happen naturally if things are working properly with daily activity as with the lady above. an advanced massage therapist cane make sure things ar responding properly and overcome habitual [facilitated] patterns that developed before and since the surgery.

Hi Arla ,
I had my spinal fusion on March 19 2007 . I had a nick which has not resolved so I am on bedrest .I suggest ;

small stretching gently
swimming if allowed
hydrotherapy if allowed

meditation
spiritual development
http://forums.riverofenlightenment.com/index.php?

online chat
free online international speech software chats ie TeamSpeak
art
music
new hobby
hobby chat
craft ie crochet
books on tape
alternate activity
embrace the gift of having nothing to do
counting blessings
invie family and friends to visit
set up an alternate bed for a change ie in the games /family room

I too found it really hard to find good information on spinal fusion until I came a across a University medical center called Rush, who has a spine and back center. The website on spinal fusion is very informative on the topic as well as possible treatments. They also offer a new procedure that i have never heard of that is supposed to be more flexible than the traditional fusion. You should check it out . Here’s the web address if you want to look it over: http://www.rush.edu/rumc/page-1160429743455.html

My suggestion to you is to walk....walk....and walk...Then read and do some puzzles...but other than that I would just take it easy and not do very much...It is best to just take it as easy as possible...It is best not to do too much so you do not mess things up....Please let us know how you are doing...

All i can say buddy is be patient!...seriously, don't jump the gun and then wreck the healing process, i am into my 3rd month of recovery and still only walk (alot), i use to play soccer and love it so much, but i can't play!!...not until the healing process has taken place, so don't ruin it for yourself, just wait, its worth it, i am pain free right now and WILL play again if i don;t do anything stupid , i'm letting the bone fuse correctly, it takes 6 months so i am told by my surgeon. i hope you have a full recovery , yes you will get fat, i am!!...lol..but i don't care cause i can lose the weight when i start training again....all the best!

Mike