topic Re: Pre and post op back surgery in Wellness

Pre and post op back surgery

Shiloh09 — Fri, 23 Nov 2018 20:57:52 GMT

I am scheduled for minimally invasive back surgery in December. I am a bit nervous about it, but my L4 and L5 are not my friends anymore! I have gone through all the medical protocols for my stage 2 (almost stage,3) spondylolethesis. L4 has shifted forward significantly over L5 and MRI shows severe stenosis in the same area. Needless to say, I am in pain particularly in the morning or after sitting. I have had both knees replaced and this pain is worse as it covers a larger area. Regardless, my condition has isn't a y better than when I started PT several months ago. If you have had this surgery, what prepared you the most before the surgery and do you have any tips for post surgery care at home. I know everyone is different....what did u take to hospital? What preparations did u make at home? Did you purchase a grabber or special pillows etc. Was your brace uncomfortable?

Re: Pre and post op back surgery

arizona babe — Fri, 23 Nov 2018 21:07:21 GMT

I had an L4L5 disectomy in the 90's so way before the lasar surgeries- I didn' t do anything special pre-op- had to be off work for 6 weeks post-op( was an RN in a hospital)I remember I could not do any sitting for two weeks so I had to be laying, I could walk ok but no stairs at all and of course no lifting of anything- I did not have much PT afterwards just gave me some exercises mostly for stretching- when I did go back to work I went wearing a TENS unit for pain as I was having nerve issues- but the pain went away and stayed away for over 20 years unless i did something stupid- they did not fuse me either which i think is best, the body can do that naturally- so now in my late 60's I go to the chiropractor every two weeks but I now have alot of back pain, haven't had any MRI's as I really don't want to know what is going on- good luck with your surgery I am sure you will feel much better

Re: Pre and post op back surgery

glam_girl — Fri, 23 Nov 2018 21:58:29 GMT

I also had a L4-L5 disectomy, but I had it with fusion and disc implants, if I'm not mistaken back in 2009 or 2010. I just turned 40 and I deal with lower back pain but it is definitely tolerable. My pain was really bad and I couldn't sit or walk without leg pain before surgery.

The biggest thing for me is trying to keep a healthy weight. Back then I was easily 25-30lbs lighter at 5 41/2 and 121 lbs. Now I am stuck in the mid to high 140's. Which is still normal range for somebody with my muscle mass (I exercise consistently since I was 12 years old) but it definitely is easier for my back when I weigh less.

I took minimal things to the hospital. It varies depending on where you will have your surgery. They usually give you a list. I wore a brace and special shoes for a couple of months and I had PT for a few months as well, but none of those felt uncomfortable. I also have a special mattress and pillow, I don't remember the brand right now but I buy them at a specialty store, however I've always used those for my back. I hope this helps. Good luck with your surgery.

Re: Pre and post op back surgery

Pook — Fri, 23 Nov 2018 23:02:09 GMT

@Shiloh09 If it's the minimally invasive laser spine surgery then there is nothing to be nervous about. Just show up - nothing to do to prepare. My SO and his sister both had this surgery and there were no restrictions whatsoever post op. It was just an overnight stay, was up and walking normally within a couple of hours with no pain and back to normal life.

There was just a small bandaid for the one inch or less cut. The laser did the rest. It was amazing to see all those who had just had that surgery that day all smling and walking around with no pain.

Good luck and don't worry!

Re: Pre and post op back surgery

JeanLouiseFinch — Fri, 23 Nov 2018 23:25:25 GMT

@Shiloh09 I have no experience or advice to share. I just wanted to wish you well. I’m undergoing ACDF surgery at C5/C6 soon so I understand your concerns. Stay positive.

Re: Pre and post op back surgery

BirkiLady — Fri, 23 Nov 2018 23:47:50 GMT

@Shiloh09and @JeanLouiseFinch Sending best wishes on your successful surgery and recouperation. Sounds like you will both feel so much better!

Re: Pre and post op back surgery

Shiloh09 — Sat, 24 Nov 2018 00:03:55 GMT

Thank you for the reassurance! My spine specialist says Tha it is a small incision in abdomen and lower back. He will insert a disc replacement and secure it with a couple of screws. He may also use some robotics for precision. It is basically a spinal fusion. It will take some time for the bones to fuse.

Thanks again for your kind words and encouragement.

Re: Pre and post op back surgery

meallen616 — Sat, 24 Nov 2018 00:21:00 GMT

@Shiloh09,

Re: Pre and post op back surgery

CatsyCline — Sat, 24 Nov 2018 01:21:43 GMT

@Shiloh09 i had that surgery October 2017; an incision was made on my left abdomen. my recovery was very slow. i think i posted about it on here. This was my 2nd surgery (my first in 2009 was open back L2, S1).

This 2017 Dx was arthro Spondylolisthesis - bone on bone L2, 3. the surgeon placed plastic disks robotically with assistance from a second surgeon who monitored my nerves.

i had a lot of post-op issues including deep-tissue muscle spasms. i had not had spasms that intense since over 20 years prior when i first injured my back. I had to ask for a muscle relaxant; they had sent me home with a script for only pain meds. ( my first surgery was a cake walk; i was up and moving after 4 weeks.)

ask for Zofran if you get nauseaous with anesthesia and ask if they will cut through muscle. Then ask for a script for them to have ready at home. They cut muscle with my surgery and that may have triggered the muscle spasms. the muscle relaxers allowed me to sleep, i was in agony was waking up every 3 hours in pain.

Good Luck ! oh i brought nothing with me except my fone. i was knocked out big-time and so out of it for two days. there was a TV in the room and it was right next to a heli-pad so i was seeing choppers coming and going day and nite!

Re: Pre and post op back surgery

hckynut — Sat, 24 Nov 2018 20:02:11 GMT

@Shiloh09

I have had 2 separate back surgeries. The 1st one way back in 1974. That one I had my L-5 and S-1 discs removed via full open surgery(still have the prominent 7" scar"). Things were much different in those days.

I spent almost 3 weeks as an In-Patient prior to having the actual surgery(milogram no MRI back then). Went to PT twice every day, and had "traction" on my bed and was told to stay in bed because of the Demerol and high dosage's of Valium. Both the L-5 and S-1 were completely ruptured, found this when starting the surgery.

Had the surgery on a Monday and went home to my apartment that Friday. Told not to go down my apartment stairs until after my Ortho visit to remove stitches(10 days later). Walked every day around the floor of my apartment, I'm guessing maybe 2+ miles a day.

PT at hospital for 2 weeks(plus every day at home), which included walking 3 times a day 2-3 miles every walk. After 3 weeks given the ok to start my running again. Was back ice skating after 8 weeks and playing hockey after 6 months.

My 2nd surgery was to remove my L-3, back in around 2005-2006 area. Had so many health issues then I don't remember the exact year. Had to get off my Plavix and Coumadin meds for 2 weeks before my friend, who is a Spinal Specialist, would even consider doing surgery. He also insisted I have a Greenfield Vena Cava Filter installed in my groin pre-surgery, because of my 2 prior bouts with PE(lung blood clots).

He did the surgery in his office and I watch the whole procedure on his monitor. Went in with lots of lower left leg nerve pain, 2 hours later I walked out pain free. Never quit doing the exercises I learned back in my PT of the 1970's, and added more of my own over those many decades. Have never quit doing the exercises when I was well enough to do them.

Your situation is much different than either of mine. Be as mentally ready as you can, and bring lots of Optimism with you. It has always been my best healing friend.

My best to you with your whole procedure and recovery.

hckynut(john)

Re: Pre and post op back surgery

Shiloh09 — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 01:37:35 GMT

@glam_girl i'd be interested in knowing more about the mattress and pillow...our mattress is a pillow top and the guest room has a temperpedic. I bought a my pillow and I can take it or leave it. My go to pillow now is made by Casper which I bought at Target.thanks for your response.

Re: Pre and post op back surgery

Shiloh09 — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 01:40:10 GMT

@Pook...as surgery time gets closer, I came back to my original post and responses. Thank you for the encouragement and sharing. I am committed to this process and look forward to living without severe pain.

Re: Pre and post op back surgery

Shiloh09 — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 01:47:27 GMT

@CatsyCline thanks for those tips! I will follow up on the muscle cutting. My spondy is l4/L5. Along with severe stenosis in the same area. The MRI is very telling about the nerve compression. I asked for anti nausea meds when I had both knees replaced. The key is not to be sedentary afterward...I am pretty much of a rule follower. My last two steps are chest crazy tomorrow and brace "ftting" then I should be good to go.

Re: Pre and post op back surgery

Shiloh09 — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 01:55:07 GMT

@CatsyCline..thanks John. While I have been through 2 knee replacements, somehow this just feels different...maybe because I am 10 years older. I am still only 61, so better now than later and further because I have met my insurance deductibles for the year! I know some days will be better than others, but I am lucky to have a good support system. Everybody's situation is different and clearly you were put through the ringer. I have no preconceived notions about the success of this surgery other than it will be a success as long as I do my part post-op and pack patience and optimism. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Re: Pre and post op back surgery

glam_girl — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 02:00:21 GMT

@Shiloh09 I used to have a Tempurpedic, but my doctor told me it would go softer with time and according to him I needed a firmer mattress. So I bought a bed and mattress at a specialty store (that was about 10 years ago) with adjustable firmness like the sleepnumber beds but that I can also move up and down in height, or lift the feet and/or legs like a hospital bed. You can get those in split king where you and a partner can have separate firmess and position adjustments or get a king or queen with only one way to adjust everything. I don't remember the brand of the pillow either but I've tried the ones from Casper and they are nice. I would say with the pillow is more of a preference in firmness and whether you are a side, back or stomach sleeper. The mattress however is an important investment. If the pillow top that you are using is not comfortable anymore it is time to change it. Please ask your doctor for recommendations. Again, I wish you a speedy recovery and I truly wish you the best with your surgery.

Re: Pre and post op back surgery

Shiloh09 — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 02:17:21 GMT

Will,do that... a friend just suggested the adjustable bed frame...the king size are pretty pricey. When I went to Pt today, a woman there suggested this thing that you can put it between mattress and box spring at the head of your bed to raise it. She said it' blows up with an attached air compressor.and really works! Regardless, I will look into both and talk to doc. Thanks again!

Re: Pre and post op back surgery

Shiloh09 — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 23:39:00 GMT

Here is an update on my revovery: i completed my PT and continue at home. There have been some really good days/weeks! Unfortunately, i have experienced some physical pain too that i am not used to. I last saw the surgeon on 1/28 and felt like a million bucks. The last 3 weeks post op are concerning to me. I am not sure if it is nerves waking up angry or what. The discomfort is not tingling but more of tiny pin pricks almost a burning sensation across the top of both hips. It makes me want to crawl out of my skin!!! Sometimes there are small muscle spasms too...not severe, but enough to notice. Sometimes my thigh just kind of twitches/jumps slightly. The stretches and exercises i have continued at home seem more difficult...some i cant do anymore without feeling a jolt of pain and weakness. It is also much more difficult to turn grom my back to my side. Getting up off the floor after exercising is getting more difficult too.

So i dont do as many or hold the stretch as long. I am going back to surgeon this thursday. I want to see if this fusion has started...maybe its growing pains! The tylenol 3 does absolutely nothing and is prescribed for every 12 hours as is the muscle relaxer which doesnt do much of anything for me. I dontt know if any of this is normal in a year long recovery.

Does any of this make sense? My biggest concern is flying for 3 hours to Chicago on April 3. I am gonna need something stronger to calm down my back pain or i will be a basket case! I dont generally think so negatively but i must do thus trip.

Has anyone ever taken a TENS Unit on a plane before. Mine is wireless.

Any words of wisdom? Thanks!

Re: Pre and post op back surgery

dex — Sun, 24 Mar 2019 01:35:21 GMT

@Shiloh09 sorry to hear your recovery is rough.I hope the surgeon has some good news for you such as the painful feelings possibly just part of recovery and will subside soon? Take care and keep working on that full recovery.

Re: Pre and post op back surgery

Sammycat1 — Sun, 24 Mar 2019 05:20:19 GMT

@Shiloh09 wrote:
Here is an update on my revovery: i completed my PT and continue at home. There have been some really good days/weeks! Unfortunately, i have experienced some physical pain too that i am not used to. I last saw the surgeon on 1/28 and felt like a million bucks. The last 3 weeks post op are concerning to me. I am not sure if it is nerves waking up angry or what. The discomfort is not tingling but more of tiny pin pricks almost a burning sensation across the top of both hips. It makes me want to crawl out of my skin!!! Sometimes there are small muscle spasms too...not severe, but enough to notice. Sometimes my thigh just kind of twitches/jumps slightly. The stretches and exercises i have continued at home seem more difficult...some i cant do anymore without feeling a jolt of pain and weakness. It is also much more difficult to turn grom my back to my side. Getting up off the floor after exercising is getting more difficult too.
So i dont do as many or hold the stretch as long. I am going back to surgeon this thursday. I want to see if this fusion has started...maybe its growing pains! The tylenol 3 does absolutely nothing and is prescribed for every 12 hours as is the muscle relaxer which doesnt do much of anything for me. I dontt know if any of this is normal in a year long recovery.
Does any of this make sense? My biggest concern is flying for 3 hours to Chicago on April 3. I am gonna need something stronger to calm down my back pain or i will be a basket case! I dont generally think so negatively but i must do thus trip.

Has anyone ever taken a TENS Unit on a plane before. Mine is wireless.

Any words of wisdom? Thanks!

I'd call the surgeon's office now, particularly because you're feeling weakness.

The kind of pain you describe sounds like your nerve roots are giving you fits. I have stenosis due to a spondy L3/4/5, no surgery, just PT and epidurals. A big issue with me is the chronic nerve root disorder. Perhaps it is temporary in you due to surgery; I take gabapentin for it.

The reason I suggest you call is that you were doing well and now you're not. I would not assume "growing pains," particularly when feeling weakness. Tell them you have to do a plane trip also and the tylenol isn't cutting it. Surely they can give you something more substantial to allow for the travel. Good luck!

Re: Pre and post op back surgery

Shiloh09 — Mon, 25 Mar 2019 00:17:56 GMT

@Sammycat1 . Thank you for your reply and suggestions. I met with the surgeon this past Wednesday. I had an xray to compare the way things were immediately after surgery and the present. He showed the pics side by side. There is a disappointing amount of bone growth. He asked if i was still smoking and i said yes. (Please dont judge) he expalined that in order for a solid fusion to take place, there must be optimum oxygenated blood flowing to the site. Smoking inhibits the optimum flow. Soooooo, i own what i created myself and understand it. Anyway, he has prescribed a bone stimulator to help. I have not heard from the vendor yet, but the nurse saysthey sre probably talk8ng with insurance company.

Today has been a good day. I am slow to get out of bed as i am very stiff. Once i move around, i feel better. I did my walk and a few stretches that just felt good. Surgeon gave a stronger med for my flights too. If things continue down this lane i will ask about the gabapentin as it has worked for my sister. Thanks again!