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Fusion recovery - milestones and tips

Posted , 3 users are following.

BizzieIzzie
BizzieIzzie

Hi again guys - so basically after all your advice last time I decided to go ahead with the surgery, and had spinal fusion surgery on Wednesday 15th July (2015) - now I'm wondering about milestones, such as when I can run/swim/get off the pain killers etc. I know that it differs for each person, but I just wanted a vague estimation? Thanks!

Also, the other thing was if you had any tips? Any products that helped with the scar or with mobility? Or just in general?

Finally, just a massive thank you for all the support that you have given me through this journey - couldn't have done it without you!

Much love, Izzie xx

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • chris00938
    chris00938 BizzieIzzie

    Posted

    I don't know you Izzie, but it sounds as though things are going well for you now and wish you a speedy recovery.   I do know that they use Vit E for burns but just googled it and it seems to be controversial, so the choice is yours.  I bought a sunflower oil cream from a hospital a while back that my husband used on a hand op and that healed very well and very quickly.  But maybe it would have done anyway!  I read just now that vaseline can be good because it keeps in the moisture and that's the most important aspect to reduce scarring.
    • BizzieIzzie
      BizzieIzzie chris00938

      Posted

      Thank you for the quick reply Chris, and thank you for your well wishes! smile I will definitely look into sunflower oil cream and vaseline - do you by any chance know when I can start applying it? I was told not to apply anything directly to the incision to begin with, but was given no real time scale smile

      Thank you! Izzie x

  • chris00938
    chris00938 BizzieIzzie

    Posted

    Izzie, I'm so hesitant to advise on this but can tell you my husband started using it as soon as stitches came out, if that's any help?  I was also reading about people who said they'd had success with Bio oil, the stuff they sometimes suggest to help with stretch marks and scarring.
  • Jay91157
    Jay91157 BizzieIzzie

    Posted

    Hi, I had spianl fusion endof Feb 2015. I was on pain relief for the first two months. There after things got easier. I had a lot of stinging and pricking that has only just gone. I was given Baclofen and Gabapentin for this. Best thing for your scar is Bio  Oil. Can be used 6weeks after the op or your first post op to your consultant. Swimming I was given the go ahead July so 6mths after op. running you are looking at a year according to my consultant.  I did not have stitches, the scar was glued. I am waiting on physio now from the NHS as I am slanting to my right. Need core exercises for the weak muscles. Mobility will come with each day. Keep walking and increasing the distance. 

    My operation day was also on a Wednesday, and was fortunate enough to have mine done at Stoke Mandeville Hospital (Uk) which is renowned for it spinal centre.  Seems like Wednesday is Scoliosis day. 

    Your recovery will speed up once the pain has gone. Keep positive even on the tough days. 

    I am  nearly  going back to work now, but the 6mths off was not all due to my spinal surgery, I had major shoulder surgery too. 

    Best wishes Jan

     

    • BizzieIzzie
      BizzieIzzie Jay91157

      Posted

      Hi Jan, thank you for your reply!

      Pain relief wise, I was unlucky in that I experienced mild nerve damage, so my back is numb, meaning that I'm not exactly in a lot of pain which I guess is good and bad!

      I'm really excited to get back to exercise, so your timings on that have given me something to look forward to! And thank you for the scar advice, I'll definitely go to Boots to find some!

      Thank you again - Izzie smile

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