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2weeks post op L2L3L4l5s1

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Weritapreciosa
Weritapreciosa

had spinal fusion, discs removed. Titanium screws rods placques etc and and I have problems with missing myelin in some nerves. I feel l like crap.my legs are like  boiled noodles, I can hardly walk to my ensuite bath with help.  I have an intestinal infection so I am wearing diapers. Tomorrow I have my first physiotherapy. I am terrified. 4 years ago I had a double mastectomy for breast cancer and then skin cancer. I am just so tired and depressed. Someone tell me this gets better, please.

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • angie42070
    angie42070 Weritapreciosa

    Posted

    Hi Weritapreciosa, I am 5 weeks post a 2 level fusion L4/L5/S1 so not as complex as yours. My first 2 weeks were awful, I cried all the time and was so tired. But it did improve and by 3 weeks I was able to leave the house and walk. I don't have any pain except around the scar and have been left with a numb little left toe and an odd sensation down my calf.

    I have not started physio yet, as can't until I see my surgeon in 3 weeks. I am now able to walk 10k and have just started swimming, plus I go back to work at the end of this week.

    Sorry to hear that you have had a complication of an infection and this will also be impacting on your recovery.

    Try and take things slowly, move around as often as you can and hopefully things will improve soon for you. The legs will be the most affected as they moved nerves to do the fusion.

    • Weritapreciosa
      Weritapreciosa angie42070

      Posted

      OMG 10 km. I can barely walk 10 meters. I can't sit for more than15 mins. My back hurts but it is bearable. It's my legs that killing me. I feel them getting weaker everyday. I was a little overweight before the surgery (20 kg). I lost 8 before the surgery and I weighed myself today I have lost a total of 30 kg.now with the constant diarrhea and vomiting I am afraid I will lose. More weight. Tomorrow I start physio I hope they are gentle as I hurt all over. One question where do you walk 10 km everyday and who holds you up?
    • angie42070
      angie42070 Weritapreciosa

      Posted

      Hi I was exercising almost up to my operation even with bad sciatica, so it's normal for me. I've been walking unaided and on my own since week 3 and off all medication. Are you taking any medication specifically for nerve pain? I had vomiting and diarohea from day 3 but the doctor gave me some tablets to stop this which worked after 2 days. I put this down to a reaction to the anaesthetic. Don't worry too much about weight, just try and eat plain food little and often.

      It's major surgery so it will hurt unfortunately but rest and gentle moving will help the nerves settle down. Ask your ohysio for comfortable ways to sit. I found in the first 2 weeks that laying down was the most comfortable position and sitting up the worst.

    • Weritapreciosa
      Weritapreciosa angie42070

      Posted

      Unfortunately I couldn't do any exercise before my surgery because I was on crutches since January.due to a severe fall that brought everything to a head. My scoliosis is not too severe but at the bottom end the sacrum and coccyx it is curved and twisted around so the front of the spine faces towards the back.. I plan to work hard cause I want to walk and dance and wear my high heels ....once in a while. I still have another surgery pending.. An artificial hip replacement. Years of compensating for my spine screwed up my hip plus I walked like a penguin. But that is a year away.its ironic that the pills I took for five years for my breast cancer leeched all the calcium from my bones. Why is life so hard. Thank God I have children to pass any

      of these illnesses to them. I just want to enjoy life, sing in the church choir and raise my Persian cats.

       

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