Has Anyone Had Back Surgery? - Page 2

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

My entire neck, from the base of my skull to the top of my shoulders, is all fake bones and held together with screws. It was an all-day surgery but I was up and doing normal things in a few days. Not really any 'recovery time' at all and certainly no rehab either.

TrustintheLord · ‎03-31-2020

Thanks I had L2,L3,L4,L5. I pray every day hoping for relief. Have good days and bad day's. Just try my best is all I can do.

2sisters · ‎03-09-2010

@Sage04 oh yes they are very Blessed! He was actually my third opinion. Mine was on L2 and L3. You are blessed for not having arthritis, I knew I had it before surgery but in that area was bone on bone. I do take Tramedol when needed and it helps.
I too believe in prayer and the One I pray to. 💕

@TrustintheLord I love your name as well!

Sage04 · ‎07-10-2011

@SilleeMee wrote:
My entire neck, from the base of my skull to the top of my shoulders, is all fake bones and held together with screws. It was an all-day surgery but I was up and doing normal things in a few days. Not really any 'recovery time' at all and certainly no rehab either.

@SilleeMee did they use cadaver bones? That scared me a little. Friends would say I would set off the alarms at the airport but of course everything is titanium.

With the first fusion C3-C4 I had to wear a neck brace (looked like a helmet) 24/7 couldn't move my head. I was given two and even had to shower with it on. I never went to rehab or physical therapy. The second C6-C7 I wore just a regular brace but only when I was walking around.

DrakesMomma · ‎06-02-2010

I've had two spinal fusion surgeries. The last being just three years ago. I have lost some range of motion but I still do everything I need and want to do. I still do all my PT exercises almost every day. If you are able being doing post-op PT stretches. You can Google post-op PT for whatever you are having surgery for. If you can't do the PT stretches walk as much as you can pre-op. Also consider taking a calcium supplement. Pre and post-op incease your calcium and protein intake with food. It doesn't have to be a lot. Just be aware. Go to PT post-op, even if it is just a few appointments. I think the first couple were the most important. They explained how I should move until the fusion was complete, like getting in and out of a car, pull a shopping cart instead of pushing it. Pulling a shopping cart it is natural to use arm muscles and pushing a shopping cart uses back muscles. Even if it feels good, don't lean over a shopping cart.

ETA: My fusions were L5, L6 (only 9% of the world's population has an L6), S1 and then L3, L4.

Sage04 · ‎07-10-2011

@TrustintheLord wrote:
Thanks I had L2,L3,L4,L5. I pray every day hoping for relief. Have good days and bad day's. Just try my best is all I can do.

@TrustintheLord I know the kind of pain you are in. I don't have to guess. There is nothing like nerve pain.

Yes that's all you can do and keep on believing.

JeanLouiseFinch · ‎10-03-2011

I had spinal fusion in my neck around 6 yrs. ago. I am very grateful. My recovery was 12 weeks in a hard collar, 23 hrs. daily, no raising arms above my head, and no bending over. My husband helped me dress, he tried his best to do my hair, and he made sure I got outside a few times a day for my little walks. I cooked a lot in advance and froze food so it would be easier for him, but he still some light cooking too. For me, it was easier to sleep in a recliner than in our bed. Overall I did excellently but the surgery didn't resolve everything. I lost some range of motion and I have some residual nerve damage in my pinkies that I'm stuck with. I'm still glad I did it. The pain and spasms I was experiencing beforehand were horrible and intense but I haven't had any since.

Good luck to you.

Sage04 · ‎07-10-2011

@SilleeMee wrote:
My entire neck, from the base of my skull to the top of my shoulders, is all fake bones and held together with screws. It was an all-day surgery but I was up and doing normal things in a few days. Not really any 'recovery time' at all and certainly no rehab either.

@SilleeMee I think we might have to change your user name lol. So glad you made it through.

Sage04 · ‎07-10-2011

@JeanLouiseFinch maybe we had the same collar. Also slept in a recliner and that helped. No fun just looking straight ahead.

Before my surgeries I did a lot of arts and crafts and sewing but now I don't do as much. It took me over a year and more to get my first surgery because the MRI machine and I did not get alone. Tried 4 times with valium and morphine and just couldn't it. Then alone came the stand/sit MRI and that was it.

So the Neurosurgeon said that putting off surgery for so long could have cause some numbness in my fingers.

JeanLouiseFinch · ‎10-03-2011

@Sage04 wrote:
@JeanLouiseFinch maybe we had the same collar. Also slept in a recliner and that helped. No fun just looking straight ahead.

Before my surgeries I did a lot of arts and crafts and sewing but now I don't do as much. It took me over a year and more to get my first surgery because the MRI machine and I did not get alone. Tried 4 times with valium and morphine and just couldn't it. Then alone came the stand/sit MRI and that was it.

So the Neurosurgeon said that putting off surgery for so long could have cause some numbness in my fingers.

I'm sure that has a lot to do with it, @Sage04. My own fault. I have always been the"ignore it and it'll go away" type. Now I'm paying closer attention.