Spinal Fusion Recover Expectations
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I had a TLIF of my L4-5 done 3 weeks ago tomorrow. I thought it would be the MIS version but even though it was robot assisted it ended up being the open procedure. I spent 2 nights in the hospital after.
Going in to it, I did my best to prepare, I lost weight, got as healthy as I could, even got all the recomended equipment set up at home. But despite all that my recovery has been rough. I can walk short distances without my walker but its hard, and my feet kind of shuffle and it feels like I have hot brick strapped to my back. Taking a shower (even with the shower bench I got) can be agonizingly painful. I can't stand for more than a minute or so without severe pain. Plus, I'm just so exhausted all day long even with several naps.
I realize that I'm just 3 weeks out, but I really thought that with all my preparations, and things I did to get healthier before hand, I would be further along than I am. I know I probably shouldn't but I feel so discouraged right now!
0 likes, 2 replies
whitney17488 Olygal1215
Edited
Hello,
Sorry to hear you are in so much pain. I am 3 weeks post spinal fusion/decompression myself L5-S1. I was having some of the same symptoms you're describing especially the burning in my feet. I contacted my surgeon and they increased my gabapention dosage which has helped significantly. I still have some pain standing still and try to avoid it. But am able to walk and do my PT. They did stress it can take up to 6 months for the nerves to heal themselves. I hope this helps!
Olygal1215 whitney17488
Posted
Thanks for your reply, you're the only person to take the time. I'm almost 5 weeks post op now. some things have slightly improved, i am walking more without my walker, but it is still rather slow. I cannot stand for more than a few minutes at a time, and even though I wasn't at first, like you I am starting to nave some of the same nerve pains I had before the surgery. That's been really discouraging because i thought decompressing the nerve was supposed to alleviate that. i have my next post op appointment next week so we will see what they say, but I don't want to take gabapentin for it because the last time I did i gained like 25 lbs from it.