Comments on: 1 week Post Op from Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion L5/S1 http://www.zen5.me/a/37/1-week-post-op-from-minimally-invasive-spinal-fusion-l5s1/#utm_source=feed&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=feed Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:10:43 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.4 By: lynne http://www.zen5.me/a/37/1-week-post-op-from-minimally-invasive-spinal-fusion-l5s1/comment-page-1/#comment-3928 lynne Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:10:43 +0000 http://www.zen5.me/?p=37#comment-3928 As a matter of fact, I do feel the screws poking out of my back now. I kept telling my doctors about this lump that getting bigger and bigger and they kept doing scans and couldn't see anything. I went to the n-surg who did the surgery about it and his teaching fellow said it was a lipoma (which I knew it wasn't), finally my chiropractor told me it was the screw, which I realize she is right, it is the screw and yet NO ONE could figure that out!! Not even the damn n-surg, shows how stupid some of these doctors really are! Very frustrating! I don't know if it will cause problems later, the chiropractor said it wore down the fat pad that was there. As a matter of fact, I do feel the screws poking out of my back now. I kept telling my doctors about this lump that getting bigger and bigger and they kept doing scans and couldn’t see anything. I went to the n-surg who did the surgery about it and his teaching fellow said it was a lipoma (which I knew it wasn’t), finally my chiropractor told me it was the screw, which I realize she is right, it is the screw and yet NO ONE could figure that out!! Not even the damn n-surg, shows how stupid some of these doctors really are! Very frustrating! I don’t know if it will cause problems later, the chiropractor said it wore down the fat pad that was there.

]]> By: sheila messick http://www.zen5.me/a/37/1-week-post-op-from-minimally-invasive-spinal-fusion-l5s1/comment-page-1/#comment-3927 sheila messick Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:55:22 +0000 http://www.zen5.me/?p=37#comment-3927 can you see any thing poke out under your skin on your back. went to walk my mom yesterday at the rest home she fell i had to catch her,my back is really hurting,I had robs put in my back their is something pokeing out but i dont know if that was there befor can you see any thing poke out under your skin on your back. went to walk my mom yesterday at the rest home she fell i had to catch her,my back is really hurting,I had robs put in my back their is something pokeing out but i dont know if that was there befor

]]> By: lynne http://www.zen5.me/a/37/1-week-post-op-from-minimally-invasive-spinal-fusion-l5s1/comment-page-1/#comment-3583 lynne Sat, 26 Nov 2011 16:04:55 +0000 http://www.zen5.me/?p=37#comment-3583 Karin, I am sorry you are in pain, it WILL get better! It seems so long ago now that I can't remember the details of exactly when things started to feel better. I posted 2 videos on utube with a follow-up from the first week, so check those out. It has been 2.5 years since my surgery now. It is interesting when people ask if it is a success. I can say, Yes, it was but I am still in terrible pain - so I have to explain. I am slowly learning that my back pain comes from multiple areas and there are multiple reasons for my pain. One reason was because of the problem at L5/S1. The pain and trouble I had from that area has been fixed - and I am so happy for that. That was so terrible. I used to "lock" in place at the end of the day. I would sit down at the end of the day and my back would stick and to stand up would cause me to scream out in terrible pain - it was horrific! That is all gone! I would do the fusion again in a heartbeat for that reason alone. However, the pain is still there, because, as I have learned, it wasn't just the L5/S1 that was causing all my pain. I believe I have SI joint dysfunction as well and a twisted pelvis. I am just now learning about all this with the help of a chiropractor. It is all making sense including why the doctors can no long find anything wrong with my spine even though I continue to have serious pain. Unfortunately, SI joint dysfunction is really hard to treat. Injections did not work for me so now I am going to try to find a doctor who really understands this disorder (I am not optimistic since no one has been able to even figure out I have it except my chiropractor). So, I continue to work through this battle... I take narcotics daily to deal with the pain and muscle relaxers to fight the spasms that the muscles get in trying to compensate for the imbalance in my joints. I can't bend or be active without being in pain - but, I am still better off than I was before the fusion. Sorry for the long answer. Hopefully, your situation will be much simpler - if your pain was directly related to your back at the l5-s1 level, then I hope that you end up pain free. Keep in touch. Karin,

I am sorry you are in pain, it WILL get better! It seems so long ago now that I can’t remember the details of exactly when things started to feel better. I posted 2 videos on utube with a follow-up from the first week, so check those out. It has been 2.5 years since my surgery now. It is interesting when people ask if it is a success. I can say, Yes, it was but I am still in terrible pain – so I have to explain. I am slowly learning that my back pain comes from multiple areas and there are multiple reasons for my pain. One reason was because of the problem at L5/S1. The pain and trouble I had from that area has been fixed – and I am so happy for that. That was so terrible. I used to “lock” in place at the end of the day. I would sit down at the end of the day and my back would stick and to stand up would cause me to scream out in terrible pain – it was horrific! That is all gone! I would do the fusion again in a heartbeat for that reason alone. However, the pain is still there, because, as I have learned, it wasn’t just the L5/S1 that was causing all my pain. I believe I have SI joint dysfunction as well and a twisted pelvis. I am just now learning about all this with the help of a chiropractor. It is all making sense including why the doctors can no long find anything wrong with my spine even though I continue to have serious pain. Unfortunately, SI joint dysfunction is really hard to treat. Injections did not work for me so now I am going to try to find a doctor who really understands this disorder (I am not optimistic since no one has been able to even figure out I have it except my chiropractor). So, I continue to work through this battle… I take narcotics daily to deal with the pain and muscle relaxers to fight the spasms that the muscles get in trying to compensate for the imbalance in my joints. I can’t bend or be active without being in pain – but, I am still better off than I was before the fusion. Sorry for the long answer. Hopefully, your situation will be much simpler – if your pain was directly related to your back at the l5-s1 level, then I hope that you end up pain free. Keep in touch.

]]> By: Karin http://www.zen5.me/a/37/1-week-post-op-from-minimally-invasive-spinal-fusion-l5s1/comment-page-1/#comment-3582 Karin Sat, 26 Nov 2011 15:15:12 +0000 http://www.zen5.me/?p=37#comment-3582 Wow! Thank you for posting! When you said your first week was hell I felt better. I'm only 4 days post op but the pain I have in my butt is hell! Is this what tou experienced? I had fusion & rods at l5-s1. How long since your surgery & how are you feeling? Thank you sooo much! Karin Wow! Thank you for posting! When you said your first week was hell I felt better. I’m only 4 days post op but the pain I have in my butt is hell! Is this what tou experienced? I had fusion & rods at l5-s1. How long since your surgery & how are you feeling? Thank you sooo much!
Karin

]]> By: lynne http://www.zen5.me/a/37/1-week-post-op-from-minimally-invasive-spinal-fusion-l5s1/comment-page-1/#comment-3539 lynne Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:29:40 +0000 http://www.zen5.me/?p=37#comment-3539 Hi Steve, I am fully recovered from the fusion. I still have a fair amount of pain but I don't think my pain is all related to something the fusion could fix. I think my surgery was a success and fixed part of my pain. I used to sit down at the end of the day and my back would seize up and when I would try to stand up, I couldn't without screaming out in severe pain - that is all gone since the fusion! So - I wouldn't change my decision to have a fusion for anything! Yet, I am still need pain meds daily, my activities are still limited and I don't think I will ever not be pain free or fully functional again. I don't know what the rest of my problems stem from and neither do my doctors so I don't know how to fix them. I see a chiropractor weekly and that helps. I can feel my screw really sticking out on the right side of my back (which wasn't there a year ago) and I don't know why - but I am not about to go have them do more surgery right now so I will just leave things alone and continue on the path I am on. I don't have any regrets except not having someone stay at the hospital overnight with me since the care was horrific. If you have any questions let me know. I wish you the best. Are you have minimally invasive surgery or open surgery? Lynne Hi Steve,

I am fully recovered from the fusion. I still have a fair amount of pain but I don’t think my pain is all related to something the fusion could fix. I think my surgery was a success and fixed part of my pain. I used to sit down at the end of the day and my back would seize up and when I would try to stand up, I couldn’t without screaming out in severe pain – that is all gone since the fusion! So – I wouldn’t change my decision to have a fusion for anything! Yet, I am still need pain meds daily, my activities are still limited and I don’t think I will ever not be pain free or fully functional again. I don’t know what the rest of my problems stem from and neither do my doctors so I don’t know how to fix them. I see a chiropractor weekly and that helps. I can feel my screw really sticking out on the right side of my back (which wasn’t there a year ago) and I don’t know why – but I am not about to go have them do more surgery right now so I will just leave things alone and continue on the path I am on. I don’t have any regrets except not having someone stay at the hospital overnight with me since the care was horrific. If you have any questions let me know. I wish you the best. Are you have minimally invasive surgery or open surgery? Lynne

]]> By: steve http://www.zen5.me/a/37/1-week-post-op-from-minimally-invasive-spinal-fusion-l5s1/comment-page-1/#comment-3538 steve Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:22:45 +0000 http://www.zen5.me/?p=37#comment-3538 I am getting ready to go in for L5 fusion, came across your story and would love to know how you are feeling, any regrets and anthing that maybe helpful to me Thank you in advance Steve I am getting ready to go in for L5 fusion, came across your story and would love to know how you are feeling, any regrets and anthing that maybe helpful to me

Thank you in advance
Steve

]]> By: Mike http://www.zen5.me/a/37/1-week-post-op-from-minimally-invasive-spinal-fusion-l5s1/comment-page-1/#comment-3519 Mike Sun, 24 Jul 2011 08:09:18 +0000 http://www.zen5.me/?p=37#comment-3519 I had the L-4,L-5,L-5,S-1fusion done 5 days ago, I was able to come home today, 1st 2days after surgery they controlled the pain pretty good, but after that it's been hell, I have a 9 inch incision with 22 staples and the pain meds they give and want you to take at home are terrible, can't really tell how much improvement there is in my legs yet, you can only lay on your side so long, when you roll over to lay on your back it's a job then you get there and there is so much pain, I'm confident about what the results will be but as of 5 days after surgery it's miserable. I had the L-4,L-5,L-5,S-1fusion done 5 days ago, I was able to come home today, 1st 2days after surgery they controlled the pain pretty good, but after that it’s been hell, I have a 9 inch incision with 22 staples and the pain meds they give and want you to take at home are terrible, can’t really tell how much improvement there is in my legs yet, you can only lay on your side so long, when you roll over to lay on your back it’s a job then you get there and there is so much pain, I’m confident about what the results will be but as of 5 days after surgery it’s miserable.

]]> By: Walt http://www.zen5.me/a/37/1-week-post-op-from-minimally-invasive-spinal-fusion-l5s1/comment-page-1/#comment-2425 Walt Mon, 21 Mar 2011 17:00:51 +0000 http://www.zen5.me/?p=37#comment-2425 I am scheduled for a 2 level fusion that wil be done minimally invasive. ( L4- L5 and L5-S). Has anyone had experience with a 2 level infusion done this way, I had a lamenectomy at the same levels 10 years ago. It worked for 10 years, but now I have pain and numbness from the low back down the right leg and into the foot. I am scheduled for a 2 level fusion that wil be done minimally invasive. ( L4- L5 and L5-S). Has anyone had experience with a 2 level infusion done this way, I had a lamenectomy at the same levels 10 years ago. It worked for 10 years, but now I have pain and numbness from the low back down the right leg and into the foot.

]]> By: Jim http://www.zen5.me/a/37/1-week-post-op-from-minimally-invasive-spinal-fusion-l5s1/comment-page-1/#comment-2420 Jim Sat, 19 Mar 2011 04:17:58 +0000 http://www.zen5.me/?p=37#comment-2420 .Had my L5 S1 fusion March 9th.The first 2 days were a nightmare.I bagan feeling a little better each day,some more than others.Todai is 9 days post op,and the past 2 days have been tough,with alot of pain.My doctor,a workers comp doctor,is VERY STINGY with pain meds.He only gave me a script for Percosets that won't last me untill my next visit.I am trying 2 take it as easy as possible,but it's going to take ALOT of time 2 recover,which is something I can't afford.Does anybody have any tips for recovery??? .Had my L5 S1 fusion March 9th.The first 2 days were a nightmare.I bagan feeling a little better each day,some more than others.Todai is 9 days post op,and the past 2 days have been tough,with alot of pain.My doctor,a workers comp doctor,is VERY STINGY with pain meds.He only gave me a script for Percosets that won’t last me untill my next visit.I am trying 2 take it as easy as possible,but it’s going to take ALOT of time 2 recover,which is something I can’t afford.Does anybody have any tips for recovery???

]]> By: lynne http://www.zen5.me/a/37/1-week-post-op-from-minimally-invasive-spinal-fusion-l5s1/comment-page-1/#comment-2003 lynne Sat, 25 Dec 2010 04:06:18 +0000 http://www.zen5.me/?p=37#comment-2003 It is hard to fully answer that question. I had good pain relief from the fusion. One major problem I had (at the end of the day I was unable to stand up after sitting down with screaming out in pain) is totally fixed! So, for that alone, I would do it again. However, I am not pain free or even close - so the fusion fixed some of my pain but not all of my pain. I am still on pain meds daily, they tell me there is nothing else they can do for me. They have tried injections and that didn't work. It is hard living in daily pain. I guess it depends on what is causing your pain on whether a fusion will fix it all. I wish you the best, please post and let me know how it goes. Lynne It is hard to fully answer that question. I had good pain relief from the fusion. One major problem I had (at the end of the day I was unable to stand up after sitting down with screaming out in pain) is totally fixed! So, for that alone, I would do it again. However, I am not pain free or even close – so the fusion fixed some of my pain but not all of my pain. I am still on pain meds daily, they tell me there is nothing else they can do for me. They have tried injections and that didn’t work. It is hard living in daily pain. I guess it depends on what is causing your pain on whether a fusion will fix it all. I wish you the best, please post and let me know how it goes. Lynne

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