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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

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  • lorilee1
    lorilee1 sandra38042

    Posted

    I had spinal L5 S1 Spinal Fusion on June 27, 2016.  From the sound of the entries I am very early in recovery stage.  I have a question - has anyone else experienced skin sensitivity?  I have what almost feels like a raw and bad sunburn on my hips / buttocks area.  There is no redness or other markings - just extremely sensitive / painful skin.    This is irritated even more by the back brace.  

    Thank you!

    • tamel15202
      tamel15202 lorilee1

      Posted

      Hi, lorilee...It may be the back brace it self i to

      experienced that too my back brace is plastic inside

      And caused me to sweat then my skin became irritated. So I just tried wearing it only when walking only. I hope this help .

  • cheri61574
    cheri61574 sandra38042

    Posted

    I am 2 1/2 months after major surgery. I too am having increased lower back pain but it feels more muscular. What you said about your hips hit home. My right hip hurts and almost feels like it's slipping. I was on line to see if anyone else was having similar, post op pains. I am seriously considering PT even though my surgeon said nothing about it. Still going to call my patient advocate Monday morning, just to be on the safe side! Any one have any helpful remarks on this topic?

    • patricia4866
      patricia4866 cheri61574

      Posted

      Hi Cheri61574, my name is Patricia. If you read my response to BREALL7 it might help. I'm not at all certain they won't tell you it's a no-go for steroid injections due to bone re-growth suppression this soon after surgery, but asking can't hurt. Sounds like irritated sciatic nerve to me, but your surgeon is the on to talk to about your problem. Good luck and take care.

  • judy67163
    judy67163 sandra38042

    Posted

    Yes. I had L345 fusion and laninectomy.  July 2016.  My numb symptoms went away.  But I have back pain now upon standing walking more than 20 minutes.  Does it get better? Did yours get better.  I am 65, very healthy and active 
    • lorilee1
      lorilee1 judy67163

      Posted

      I am now without taking any pain medication with the exception of an extended release Tylenol for the day and again for the evening. I do feel stiff and sore but it is tolerable. My surgery was June 27th.  I also recently started PT and while that makes me tired, it does seem to help.  My shooting pain seems to have disappeared but I continue to have severe leg cramps. In fairness, they weren't completely sure if that was spine related or not. My PT seems to think it may be a combo of not enough water intake and lower strength and flexibility in my legs so we are working that angle.  Each surgery is different but it does seem to slowly get better.  My hip aching just recently stopped (like last week) and even now it is there on occasion.    I am 47 but I would not say I was active - my issues before prevented me from even walking so I hope to become active over time. 

    • lorilee1
      lorilee1

      Posted

      Oh and yes - My tolerance in any one position is still only 20 -40 minutes (longer sitting than standing)
    • DonnaL
      DonnaL judy67163

      Posted

      I had my surgery, L4-5 S1, along with moving L4 which had moved toward my spine from a spondylolisthesis that worsened as I aged. Bone shaved, vertebrae moved, baskets of bone material in between 3 vertebrae, 2 titanium rods, 6 screws. I was 66 when I had the surgery at Barrows Neuro in Phoenix, AZ.

      I have to tell you all that the first year isn't fun. If you had a full invasive surgery, with screws and rods, this is a lengthy recovery. But you do recover. I no longer have any pain where the surgery was done and 90% of my terrible sciatic pain is gone. I do still have muscle issues - periformis muscles and hips and prolonged sitting isn't a good thing. I take tramadol and a muscle relaxer when I need them.

      This surgery changes your entire walking gait and calls on muscles, tendons, ligaments - all connective tissue - to adapt to the new you.

      I have no regrets even tho' at my age it was close to 2 years until I felt like the new me. I was warned on one of these forums by a couple people that this would be true for an older patient.

      It's super important not to push yourself. I was told a fusion can easily take a year or more to totally fuse. I listened to everything they told me - my surgeon is a big believer in walking as therapy.  Today I am so pleased to be about 80% pain-free. Years ago, I broke my tailbone and it still causes problems now and then, so I deal with that too - nothing there that the Barrows neurosurgeon could fix.

      My advice is to be patient and very careful. You all seem to be only a short time past surgery. I was told this could be the case by my surgeon, but sometimes they don't prepare you for how long the recovery can be and then you can hurt yourself. I also did physical therapy, but not extensive and not the painful things. Listen to your body - it will tell you what is good and what is not. 

    • BREALL7
      BREALL7 DonnaL

      Posted

      I HAD a laminectomy on may 3 2016 my back is 3 times worse. I'm still in therapy and it's been a nightmare. I sleep 3 to 4 hours a night in a recliner.

      I'm going to.keep it short. They the surgeon calls and says I seen on your mri that I missed something. That I have spondylosis l and need 8 screws. I WAS LIVID. I told my fiance and therapist I knew something was wrong. I got my ssd approval the first time around but I've been working since I was 16 years old this was devastating news. So, I'm in the middle do I have surgery or not. He also says it's not a guarantee fix. I mean wtf, that pain after surgery was the worst pain ever. Please anyone do not have anybody operate on your back. If over weight work out lose weight exercise take mild anti inflammatory's and walk a mile once a day

      I KNOW someone who had the same surgery and lost 103 pounds they weigh 198 pounds now and can do anything with just mild spasms. Stay away from the knife please

    • Pattieok
      Pattieok DonnaL

      Posted

      Good morning, 

      have you had a second opinion. Did a neurosurgeon do your surgery or an Orthopaedic  spine Doc.

      Definitely get another opinion before you have another surgery!

      i had a PLIF at L three four End of May. I have four screws, two rods and a titanium disc with bone graft and am doing great. I ride the recumbent bike six miles a day and went to PT for core strengthening, doing pretty well so far.

      Good luck and God Bless you

    • steven_36604
      steven_36604 BREALL7

      Posted

      I just don't know what to do my surgeon just pasted me off to another hospital saying they don't take my plan no more so for now I have to lawyer up as far as weight I'm 60 and weight 165 and my usual day is around 5 miles a day we own a Chicago news paper and very seldom drive now I'm lucky I can walk a block I walked in for surgery and never walked again

    • DonnaL
      DonnaL BREALL7

      Posted

      I am so sorry this has happened to you! If you're spondylo is serious (they grade from 1-4 or 5), you will likely need it fixed as it can continue to move - and who knows what he's done in there. Mine was a level 2, but it was very painful with sciatic pain. I needed 6 screws with the 2 rods. 8 sounds worse. Can you get another opinion from a well-reputed neurosurgeon on an emergency basis? There is no reason this should have happened if they gave you the right MRI's and you had a good surgeon.

    • patricia4866
      patricia4866 judy67163

      Posted

      Hi Judy67163, my name is Patricia. Please review my responses to BREALL7 and cheri61574. We are approximately the same age and activity level and we both had lumbar fusions.. yours slightly more entailed than mine since it also involved L3. Gee, July is only 7 months ago, but my Neurosurgeon had me joining the YMCA, doing water aerobics and conservatively walking a treadmill @ 6 months.

      Talk to your surgeon. If OKd it sounds like steroid injections might work, or at least help. Good luck.

  • steven_36604
    steven_36604 sandra38042

    Posted

    Hi Sandra I had my lower lumbar fusion before this I could walk 3 miles a day now my legs are numb and I had the top surgeon at rush downtown Chicago not only I'm screwed but now he tells me he does these operations no more I know what you are going through I'm getting a lawyer and getting this crap out of my back also I own the Chicago loop News newspaper which is on hold because of this doctor

    Any here is my cell if you want talk more my wife is just been ok since I can't walk unless I have a death grip on her I'm sure your husband is mad to thanks Steve and

    • DonnaL
      DonnaL steven_36604

      Posted

      Steven - I used to live in Chicago and Rush was one of the go-to places. I'm sorry this happened. I have friends there who have gone to Univ. of Chicago and Northwestern for a variety of issues - they are very good. Yes, it sounds like you need an attorney...so does BREALL7. Since I've gone thru this difficult surgery, I feel badly for anyone who does too - let alone have such bad results! Will you insurance cover you in AZ? The neurosurgeons at Barrows are state of the art from all over the world.

    • steven_36604
      steven_36604 DonnaL

      Posted

      Hi Donna I applied for sis in Chicago I owned the the newspaper Chicago loop news for 32 years and after this operation I'm ruined this is hell but I hope you are better you sound like in good spirits me my life is ruined

    • DonnaL
      DonnaL steven_36604

      Posted

      I know Oak Park. I used to live in the city near the Hancock, but many years ago. We go back to Indiana to visit friends and always stay a few days in the city. I know I have picked up your paper. This is terrible - you definitely need to see an attorney. Do keep the universities in mind - along with Barrows. I know at least half a dozen people who have had surgery there and all are doing well. I wish you well...
    • steven_36604
      steven_36604 DonnaL

      Posted

      Hi Donna we use to live on lake shore Drive before we moved to oak park and as Indiana we go to Madison there for the hydroplane races today I find a lawyer it's getting worse my back also I filed for ssi which was easy over the phone

    • steven_36604
      steven_36604 DonnaL

      Posted

      Hi Donna also did you ever attend celebrate state street our news paper sponsored it Chicago Loop News
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