Pre and post op back surgery

Shiloh09 · ‎07-03-2013

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?

arizona babe · ‎05-05-2010

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

glam_girl · ‎05-30-2011

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.

Pook · ‎03-20-2010

@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!

JeanLouiseFinch · ‎10-03-2011

@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.

BirkiLady · ‎02-22-2015

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

Money screams; wealth whispers.

Shiloh09 · ‎07-03-2013

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.

meallen616 · ‎01-10-2013

@Shiloh09,

CatsyCline · ‎07-24-2013

@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!

hckynut · ‎03-10-2010

@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)