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Post lumbar laminectomy

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sandra38042
sandra38042

Hi there. I am a 50 year old female who had lumbar laminectomy at L3/4 eight weeks ago for lumbar stenosis and spondylolisthesis. The surgeon also performed a dynamic stabilisation at this level. As I understand it, this involves the insertion of a flexible and rod and screws, similar to fusion but allowing more flexion at this level while at the same time preventing the vertebra from slipping. Prior to surgery, I was unable to walk or stand for more than 5 - 10 minutes without becoming uncomfortable because of weakness in my legs and a tight cramping sensation in my buttocks. Surgery has relieved me of these symptoms, but I now have aching in my lower back, groins and hips when standing or walking for more than 5 - 10 minutes. I wasn't given any physio follow-up after discharge from hospital, but have had a couple of sessions with a private physiotherapist. She seems to think that these pains are due to the ligaments and muscles having to stretch as my spine as been realigned and my pelvis is now tilted forwards instead of backwards as it was before. Has anyone else experienced similar pains and if so, how long did it take for them to resolve? I am also very stiff first thing in the morning and when getting up from a sitting position. I do not have any pain when sitting or lying down. Many thanks in advance. All comments will be gratefully accepted.

6 likes, 107 replies

107 Replies

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  • clive_10133
    clive_10133 sandra38042

    Posted

    Hi Im 67 I had spinal fusion in December 2013' with six screws and four rods. I can not walk very far I have a very sharp pain in my left groin and my left  thigh and  have pain in my left leg, too, my back Also aches, my knees are bad as well but put that down to my age. But could all this be connected to my operation, the pain I had in my back has gone, since I had my op. Will I ever go back to normal. 
  • Mickeylynnc
    Mickeylynnc sandra38042

    Posted

    Hi Sandra,

    Thank you so much for your article. I'm so excited to have found someone with the same problem from the same thing, spine surgery. I have so much to all you and so much to tell you. Unfortunately, I don't have Wi-Fi where I'm at. I will have Wi-Fi next week tho. I'm sorry your suffering! I do hope we can help rather. You can call anytime of you like or email me.

    I'm in the U.S.

    Look so forward to to talking to you!

    Michele

    (949) 280-4240

  • janice19233
    janice19233 sandra38042

    Posted

    Hi Sandra. I am a 74 year old female who had unsucessful lumbar surgery feb 4th 2014. I am still suffering pain, leg numbness and I can hardly walk. It's been 17 months since my surgery. I refuse to go back to the ortho surgeon as my back is getting progressively worse and I blame the doctor. When I was in the hosp for my surgery I lost one whole week in a sceaming coma, was in hosp for 3 weeks instead of 3 days and I have suffered back pain, leg numbness and weakness ever since so my recommendation would be to anyone thinking about having lumbar surgery.....DO NOT HAVE ANY SPINAL SURGERY OR YOU RUN THE RISK OF IT NOT WORKING. The risk is too great if something goes wrong. I don't take any opiates any more because I was on them for 7 years before surgery and I know how they effect you with long term use. That is one of the reasons I had surgery.....to get off of opiates and get rid of existing pain. I weened myself off of the meds 7 months ago and it was hard to do especially because I was on methadone and vicodin. My family doctor says go back to pain management. I say no more opiates please.

     

    • DonnaL
      DonnaL janice19233

      Posted

      Oh Janice, I'm so sorry this happened to you. I had my surgery a year ago but with a neuro-surgeon. Your ortho may have done nerve damage - that's what this sounds like. Can you see a neuro Dr for a consult? Possibly nerve-block injections would help. I've been telling everyone that neuro's are the best for anything having to do with the spine.
    • susan72937
      susan72937 DonnaL

      Posted

      Hi Donna.I am a 71 year old female. I had a 2 fusion surgery L3/4 and L4/5 9 weeks ago. Also with a neurosurgeon. I had a minimally invasive procedure called ILIF which included spacers in my spine. I had severe spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis.  Suffered nerve damage in buttocks and legs prior to the surgery.  The only med. I take is Tylenol. Back pain is gone but still have the nerve damage  Doctor said at least 6 months. I do a lot of walking as well as water aerobics and will begin PT next week.  Hoping I will get my life back. Wondering how long it will take. 
    • pain80786
      pain80786 janice19233

      Posted

      Yes they are called Fluroscopy Steroid shots and they work but only for about 1 good week and it fades off the rest of the month. But u have to get a doctor who know what they're doing! Pain management doctors don't know how to inject them right but a good orthopedic surgeon would & they are done in a quicker fashion.

  • donna39036
    donna39036 sandra38042

    Posted

    I have been a massage therapist and hair stylist for 30 years , which ruined my back,  then I had a bad fall in my home . And the severe pain began,

    i had my surgery on l 4 and l 5 and s1 with bone great from my right hip ,

    my surgery was april14,2015.   My surgeon told me that I would fine in six weeks. I am now in my ninth month and have severe pain in my back and right hip, my surgeon has released me , and I don't know what to do,I have 

    finally almost stopped having leg cramps, I started physical therapy a few months ago but he was too aggressive and ripped a tendon in my right hip . I just had my 70th birthday, and I have always worked hard so it is driving me crazy having so much pain just in my normal day.   Also just set before my surgery, I recently got married, just wondering how long does it take to stop having so much pain? I do not take medication, it works funny with he , I feel that my doctor released me too soon.   Does any one have any answers for me ? Some encouragement maybe?      I feel for all of you and 

    you all the very best recovery ,

  • carin_59242
    carin_59242 sandra38042

    Posted

    hello, i just joined this forum.  It'll be 3 years in July that I had a laminectomy, nerve decompression and bone fusion at L4-5.  I have never been the same since.  I have servere sciatic discomfort, my lower back muscles and glutes are in chronic spasm along with my hamstrings and hips.  Nothing helps.  I choose not to take any narcotics of any kind.  Stretching relieves it a litte but it's constant.  I'm considering another surgery but afraid it'll just be the same... anyone have same issues?
  • laurie68899
    laurie68899 sandra38042

    Posted

    Hopefully your not having problems with fusion...have you had xrays since surgery...I only ask because I had my surgery 2 1/2 yrs ago unfortunately bottom screws have not fused with bone so I am now on crutches as spine won't hold me up and if I try to walk without crutches I have terrible lower back pain...They have suggested I have a full rod down length of spine into pelvis now...They will put bone from cadarva onto pelvic bone both sides to strengthen pelvic bone to accept screws...I am trying to find someone I can talk to who has had this procedure to see what their quality of life is like...
  • ann2402
    ann2402 sandra38042

    Posted

    Hi Sandra

    I had a laminectomy decompression at L4 /5 back in Feb of this year. I was recommended the fusion but chose not to have it. All I can tell you is it takes time! 8 weeks is nothing! The pain in the buttocks etc is very normal. I still have pain and it is 6 months on. I do t think they give enough info about post op... Do try to look on some us websites for spinal recovery after this op. It takes up to a year to heal, you are just at the beginning of your healing. Do be careful with your move me and rest.

    All best to you with your recovery

    Ann2402

  • audrey__87518
    audrey__87518 sandra38042

    Posted

    Sandra,  I don't know what your status is now, a year after surgery, but this is my 1st time on this website so I've jseen your entry. 

    I had a hemilaminectomy at L3, 4 and 5  ten months ago.  The recovery has been intense,with some symptoms improving and new symptoms popping up.  My doctor says that with back surgery, the pain moves from the low back to the legs, feet and arms, not following any sequence. While one pain goes away, others take its place.

     For the 1st 3 months, sitting, especially  bathroom sitting was excruciating.  Sitting in general,   finally improved, by using an office chair  back rest, made of very dense memory foam.  After that, it was painful getting up from a chair for 3 months, then I had hard muscle spasms in the calves, then pain in the toes and fingers.  Never all places at once.  It was a progression and part of the healing process.

    I have been in Physical Therapy for 1 1/2 years, first trying to avoid surgery and then as part of my recovery.  It's made all the difference, especially the "Dry Needling" PT technique that they started me on 1 month ago!  What a God send!

    It's not like accupuncture, where the needles are  intended to interupt nerve (pain) signals.  These needles are inserted in the muscle that's spasmed - the site of the main pain - for me the buttocks. The needles break up the spasm and by the time I leave the PT office, that pain is gone.  If the pain returns to a lesser degree    the process is repeated.  This technique has been around for 10 years, but it is new to our small town.  I highly recommend it

    The physical therapist also has me doing 5 - 6 exercises to build my core.  Exercises resolved the hip pain that wrapped around into the buttock, when I walked.  Now I walk without pain.  Stress on the lower back has now activated upper back pain, so now  I'm having new pain - in the last joints of my hands. What a long process!

    I hope this helps!  Let me/us know h'ow you're doing.

  • BREALL7
    BREALL7 sandra38042

    Posted

    I had a laminectomy of the L4 L5 S1 May 3 2016. I AM 50 years old. The pain before surgery was the pinching of my nerves up and down my right leg and buttocks. ALSO laying in bed on back with a pillow between my legs for 2 hours a night the rest in a chair for 3 was the only way I could get relief. Post op my right leg getting numb at times and all across my back severe pain keeps me up all night so so sad.Everyone sleeping comfortably but me.

    My surgery cured the numbness in my toes but my leg starting to feel bad again. As for pain across my back Im not sure if this is muscle spasm or ligament damage. But I swear its so severe I wake up at 2am in tears. I refuse pain meds because I thought sugery would cure me. What living hell have I got myself in. I BEEN like this for 2 years had gotten laid off and thats when all the problems started.

    Please anyone why cant I lay on my back for more than a hour before I have to put pillows between my legs. Why is this so painful. IM up at 4am every morning sitting in chair with blankets trying to rest and it's still painful. It almost feels like im being bent over backwards in my sleep. Please anyone going through this? Any suggestions? Any directions? I cannot continue my life this way. Im supposed to have another Xray and 2 Mri next week.

    HE better have some answers. Pretty sad coming from a 16 year old guy worked until he was 50. Never asked or begged for nothing and thats where Im at now fussing with Ss. Please contacr me for any possible solutions.

    • tamel15202
      tamel15202 BREALL7

      Posted

      Hi, I'm sorry to here about your pain I've been where you been al the restless nights. I had a 2 spinal fusions in 2014 had to get the second surgery because the two of my screws broke and I was still experiencing leg pain from the pinch nerve. All can say the second surgery worked for my leg pain which was the worst for me, but I still get back pain but not as bad. I don't regret the surgery because my pain was a lot worse. I don't know if this will help but the only way my doctor could tell my screws were broken was through the xray on the side in a bending .

      position. I hope you get better.

    • laurie68899
      laurie68899 BREALL7

      Posted

      Hi breally7...i have to lay on back with legs slightly bent with folded pillow under joint...cant sleep any other way....nerve damage after op left me with numb buttocks and down right leg...this went on for over 12mnths then sensation started coming back so sleep like me and hold on in ther as sensation comes back slowly over time as nerves mend...unfortunately the surgergy doesnt always get rid if all the pain so some pain relief is sometimes the only restbite you will get from it...i found that taking the pain relief b4 the pain gets bad is best way as if you then take it on 4/6 hourly basis its pain management...always better to have it in your system rather than taking it because your in pain...hope this helps...laurie
    • laurie68899
      laurie68899 tamel15202

      Posted

      Hi tamel15202....well i saw surgeon yesterday and we discussed cementing screws in but it can only be done if screws havnt put hole right thru bone as nerves at back of bone wld be irriversably damaged by leaking cement...he has done this quite succesfully he said...only problem i have now b4 he will even consider testing bones for holes is my osteoporosis has gotten worse hence fracture in pelvis whichwhich hasnt fused so now i have to see another surgeon who specialises in pelvic surgery to see if i need a plate in pelvis to join fracture but the problem ther cld be that osteoporosis cld stop screws in plate from fusing to bone...banging head on table at this point...anyway i obviously was a bit upset at all this and he reassured me it cld be sorted out..he said the meds im on arnt doing what needs to be done to strengthen bones so he wants bone density scan to see what state bones are in and how to fix problem...i didnt realise it cld be fixed butbut he reassures me it can...so thats wer im up to..waiting for scan and appt with other surgeon...then just to cheer me up i had appt at my docs as ive found a lump under arm pit. .after examination i was told it isis attached to my right breast so im waiting for appt at Linder McCartney centre for tests...bummer....laurie x
    • patricia4866
      patricia4866 BREALL7

      Posted

      Hi Breall7, my name is Patricia and I had a more entailed surgery Nov of 2014. Mine was a Laminectomy, fusion w/bone graft, Disectomy @ L4-L5 for severe stenosis, a herniated disc and bone spurs ( Osteophytes ) I was 66 then and almost 69 now. I came out of surgery pain free, achieved the promised 80% recovery of normal ADLs after 1 year. And all went well until 2 yrs 4 days post op when I had to stand in line for 2 1/2 hrs to vote Nov 4th 2016. I had 2 children and never knew pain like this...did not feel like it was from the fusion, the excruciating pain was worse from deep within my right buttock and traveled down to burning hamstring and upper right foot. It only happened when I stood up or walked. Sitting gave instant relief. I kept waiting to see if it was going to quit on its own and called a local Neurosurgeon since I moved to a different state last summer. It took another month for me to see him, but at least When I did, he reaffirmed my sanity. Who relieves pain by sitting down? The trouble was the Sacral vertebrae had broken free of the spine and just floats back and forth...and pops back in place when sitting. The official terminology is Spondylolisthesis. Having to sit on a screw for the rest of my life and the pain that accompanies it, for me is out of the question. So I began injections (6) last month with very little relief at first but more as the month progresses. #2 will be on Feb 9th and at this rate, I expect very good results. They inject 3 times each side. Oh yes.. the Floating vertebra crushes the sciatic nerve and at least one other every time I stood up and took a step.

      So, my question for just about everyone post op who is suffering pain, why not at least ask your Doc about the possibility of injections? I am in the infancy stage of them, but I figure anything that might help with the constant sciatic nerve irritation beside more surgery is a plus for sure. I will let you know next month how the second injection goes, in the meantime take care.

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