Re: How long for lumbar fusion pain?


"Matt" <matchorno@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1141058740.650604.174230@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I had a fusion done at L4-L5 three months ago. I still have a lot of
pain. Although the pain is better than right after the surgery, the
pain is definitely worse than it was before the surgery. I have been
very careful not to overdo it, and have faithfully worn my brace
consistently. It especially hurts when I lay down...whether it be on
my side or on my back. I never had that happen before the surgery.

So I'm starting to get a little worried about my progress. I got an
x-ray at 6 weeks and doc said x-ray looked fine and it just needed some
more time. I'm getting another x-ray today (3 month x-ray) and am
going to surgeon in two days. I will talk about things then. But I'm
just curious to what you guys thought about this. I know people heal
at different rates. But what should one normally expect at 3 months
post-op? I don't feel like I've made any progress the last couple of
weeks.


What kind of recovery program are you in. I would hope that you're in PT
with the pool exercises included. When I had my fusion (front and back at
L4-L5, L5-S1) we waited about three weeks then went into PT. PT went on for
6 months. Then again for another 6 months. I only wore the brace in the
beginning. My doctor believed that sometimes the brace can do more bad than
good. But I wore this electronic belt that was designed to help with the
bone fusing. But the surgery was a failure along with 3 others. But during
my first surgery where they did a simple disectomy at the L4-L5 and L5-S1
levels after 6 weeks of PT I was back on the job without any pain.

It does take time and you can't rush it. But you need to be sure that you're
taking advantage of all the recovery programs there are. I don't care what
any one says, after they do surgery on your back it has become a life
changing event. You have the internet and you can do all kinds of research.
And it will help you and the doctors in your recovery. Good Luck.


.

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