Post lumbar laminectomy

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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.

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  • Posted

    Hello Sandra 😉, my name is Joan  and I just had major disc and spine repair surgery 8 long

    Weeks ago. I had ruptured three discs in the 1&1/2 years prior to any surgery since I have a severe case of osteoporosis that stemmed from an a undiagnosed parathyroid tumor which was sucking all my calcium from my bones into my bloodstream, so I was a mess

    And was put on forteo injections for a year. 

    Had my surgery and for the 1st time in a month I was able to walk again. What my problem post-op is terrible back pain& the 

    Surgeon say's it's from the artificial bone

    Hardening since they had to remove 2  bones.,

    And also since the time I woke in the Recovery 

    Room I 've  had no feeling in my feet at all! Have you experienced anything like this? Sorry I took so much of your time,sincerely

    Joanieko 

    D

    bone

  • Posted

    Hello Sandra 😉, my name is Joan  and I just had major disc and spine repair surgery 8 long

    Weeks ago. I had ruptured three discs in the 1&1/2 years prior to any surgery since I have a severe case of osteoporosis that stemmed from an a undiagnosed parathyroid tumor which was sucking all my calcium from my bones into my bloodstream, so I was a mess

    And was put on forteo injections for a year. 

    Had my surgery and for the 1st time in a month I was able to walk again. What my problem post-op is terrible back pain& the 

    Surgeon say's it's from the artificial bone

    Hardening since they had to remove 2  bones.,

    And also since the time I woke in the Recovery 

    Room I 've  had no feeling in my feet at all! Have you experienced anything like this? Sorry I took so much of your time,sincerely

    Joanie 

  • Posted

    I'm having l4 disce replace and l5 repair and a cage installed, has anyone else had this done and what was the outcome?

    • Posted

      Hi David , hope your not in to much pain right

      Now& if you are your seeing a Pain Management Doctor. What state are you in?

      I was supposed to have the cage immediately 

      After surgery, but was put in a hard plastic wrap around 1940's thing for about 1 month

      Until even my physical therapist called the

      Surgeon & they got me a great super supportive one that was also not painful to wear & you can easily put it on yourself. 

      The end results is after you recovered  from

      The surgery you have a very great chance of such a better life,Take Care & Best Wishes&

      Stay in touch

  • Posted

    I am to have a 4 vertibrae decmopressive laminectomy in January, the consultant says it will be a 6 hour op & I have to stop the blood thinner (clopidogrel) I am taking since a stroke last July, 10 days before. Am I right to be terrified ?

  • Posted

    Hi Sandra,hope you feeling better, I had 4 back surgerys and now,I found out that I have a leak,I have fluid, and 5 disk bulges,I have headaches,I don't want to do surgery anymore,bit I guess I have to,what do you think ,I should do?

  • Posted

    Hi I had a Laminectomy in June 2017 8 Months ago.  The pain was excrutiating before so I was jubiliant afterwards when I only had post op pain.  This was so different. Once I had recovered from the surgery I gradually started to excercise gently now I am doing Hatha Yoga.  I only do what I can manage so many on the moves are impossible.  My problem is lower back ache during standing or walking for any time over 5-10 mins.  It becomes so painful I have to sit somewhere for a while then I'm off again.  I am thinking of getting a back support to see if it helps at all. I wouldn't use it all the time but I am fed up not being able to walk without leaning heavily on someone.  My worry is that I will become dependant on it and those muscles that support the whole upper body may weaken.  Is there anyone who may have any advice about this option. The ones Iv'e seen are made from Neoprene and velcro around to the front.

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