Hello All!

So I am sceduled to have L4/L5 Decompression and Fusion with Instrumentation surgery on the 23rd of February. I'm pretty freaked out about it. I have a few questions. I am 24 years old and very healthy. I was wondering what the typical recovery time is, how long I will be out of work, how long will I be "non-functional". The reason that I am wondering is because I'm getting married on July 3rd, and really don't want to be a burden with the pain and all. Any help/tips/info.... Give me all you have!

Thanks so much!

Matt

Hi Matt, I am 24 years old as well, and also very healthy (well I was anyway, before all this back stuff). I am going in on the 12th for anterior/posterior lumbar fusion. I'm not too sure how similar our surgeries are, but I am going to need a week in the hospital followed by 4-6 weeks very limited movement. After my surgery I'll get on this forum and let you know what it was like (surgery) if you want.

Hello & Welcome ,
Didn't your surgeon give you any kind of time frame for your recovery?

I wish they would give people a paper with general info about these things...
and then make a note for any specifics to your issue...

are you seeing him another time before the surgery?
if so take a list of your main points and questions, it's so easy to forget what you want to know and then the appt is over with...

I'm sure others will be along to share their experiences with you soon.

welcome...sorry your needing surgery, and I can't offer any info, I have other spinal issues. I have many friends that have had this surgery and it is different for everyone....Good luck....

My surgeon told me 4 to 6 weeks but reading other peoples stories that seems a little optimistic. I didn't know if he said that because I'm young and thinks I will be able to heal fast. I am going to book another appointment before my surgery.

Hello. I feel the same way! I am not scheduled for an appt before my surgery on the 24th and have many questions! Such as, recovery process, will I be bale to walk around or do I have to remain immobile, when can I get back to work, etc. It would be nice if there was some kind of handout addressing these issues. Thanks.

Julie,

Looks like we will only be a day apart on our recovery! It would be nice to go back and fourth on our progress! I wish you the best of luck! Are you nervous?

Matt

Yes that would be great! Thanks and good luck!

How are your now 4 months after surgery? I would realy like to know since a similar surgery is in the picture for me as soon as 09/2009?

I am scheduled to have an L4 fusion with instrumentation on February 24, 2009 and am a little freaked out about it myself. Not so much the surgery itself but the recovery period. At least it will be warm here by the time I'm fully recovered!