Back surgery post-op questions

I'm scheduled for neurosurgery on August 8th. I understand it isn't nearly as bad as it was years ago, but I'd still like to get some things in order before I go in. I plan on staying on the main floor rather go up and down stairs. I have a recliner chair he said I'll probably want to sleep in for 4-6 weeks. Someone suggested to use a walker to help you get in and out of chair.
So any members with back surgery experience, what kind of ideas can you suggest to make my life a little easier while healing up? I do live in the boondocks, so I need to be set up before I go in.
Thanks.
(L4-5 microdiscectomy, L5 foraminotomy, L5 hemilaminectomy)

I had a L-5 microdiscectomy back in 1998 when I was 27 years old. The first day in the hospital was the worst, as they made me get up and walk as soon as the anesthetic wore off. I had 6 weeks of physical therapy after being discharged, mostly water aerobics and walking.

Walking is very important, as it strengthens the muscles in your back that are necessary to stabilize the spine. A pool is your friend, as it allows you to use the muscles while taking up much of your weight.

Ironhand said:

I had a L-5 microdiscectomy back in 1998 when I was 27 years old. The first day in the hospital was the worst, as they made me get up and walk as soon as the anesthetic wore off. I had 6 weeks of physical therapy after being discharged, mostly water aerobics and walking.

Walking is very important, as it strengthens the muscles in your back that are necessary to stabilize the spine. A pool is your friend, as it allows you to use the muscles while taking up much of your weight.

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I haven't swam in years, but I do live on a nice clean, warm, inland lake. Thanks for the idea.

Sir, FWIW, I had an L-4/5 microdiscectomy a few years ago and didn't have to do anything vastly out of the ordinary during recovery. The main thing is to have someone (wife, girlfriend, etc.) around to help you do things that you can't or shouldn't. For me, that included administering meds for the first few days, helping me put on and take off shoes and socks, and just generally running the household. Shoes or sandals you can slip on and off are good. Also clear away any slip/trip hazards.

Follow the doc's instructions to the letter, even if you're feeling good and "know" you can handle some forbidden task. That's a good way to at least undo the doc's work and maybe even screw yourself up for the rest of your life. Get instructions about how to get into and out of bed, chairs, etc.

Right after the surgery, move slowly and only after careful deliberation. Rest up for at least a week before you try to go back to work, longer if possible. When you do go back to work, start with half days for a few weeks. Don't push yourself or try to tough it out.

Go to physical therapy once the doc tells you it's OK to do so. Mine said it was OK about six weeks after my surgery. It's a little like being tortured by a yoga hippie, but it does work.

Even after the doc removes your lifting restrictions and such, take it slow and easy. Be careful--you may feel fine, but you're not all healed yet.

Again, FWIW, I followed the doc's instructions, did my PT, used what little common sense I possess, and am now the poster child for how such operations are supposed to work.

Good luck, and here's to a quick and complete recovery.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

Ron,
That makes sense. I'm sure I'll get instructions from the doc before leaving, I'm just getting kinda anxious, as it's getting pretty close. Just curious, how old were you when yours was done? (I'm pushing 62.)

Ron H. said:

Sir, FWIW, I had an L-4/5 microdiscectomy a few years ago and didn't have to do anything vastly out of the ordinary during recovery. The main thing is to have someone (wife, girlfriend, etc.) around to help you do things that you can't or shouldn't. For me, that included administering meds for the first few days, helping me put on and take off shoes and socks, and just generally running the household. Shoes or sandals you can slip on and off are good. Also clear away any slip/trip hazards.

Follow the doc's instructions to the letter, even if you're feeling good and "know" you can handle some forbidden task. That's a good way to at least undo the doc's work and maybe even screw yourself up for the rest of your life. Get instructions about how to get into and out of bed, chairs, etc.

Right after the surgery, move slowly and only after careful deliberation. Rest up for at least a week before you try to go back to work, longer if possible. When you do go back to work, start with half days for a few weeks. Don't push yourself or try to tough it out.

Go to physical therapy once the doc tells you it's OK to do so. Mine said it was OK about six weeks after my surgery. It's a little like being tortured by a yoga hippie, but it does work.

Even after the doc removes your lifting restrictions and such, take it slow and easy. Be careful--you may feel fine, but you're not all healed yet.

Again, FWIW, I followed the doc's instructions, did my PT, used what little common sense I possess, and am now the poster child for how such operations are supposed to work.

Good luck, and here's to a quick and complete recovery.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

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I ran this by my wife, a retired nurse who's familiar with this surgery. She states this is some of the best advice she's heard in a long time. She recommends you print this and post it on the frig. Good Luck!!

In 1994 when I was 48 I had a spinal fusion done on L-4 & L-5... I spent 8 days in the hospital... They stood me up on my feet late in the day of my operation and the next day and the days after worked with me to teach me how to walk and climb stairs etc with the walker... A few weeks later I would go "Mall Walking" every day to help build up muscle and would go to PT 2 or 3 days a week... I can remember my PT Trainer telling me when you go to lift something to "Clench your cheeks (yes your sitting down cheeks) and suck in your stomach" To this day it comes automatic when picking up something to clench and suck in.... Good luck with your surgery... Later, Dave

beaverislander said:

Ron,
That makes sense. I'm sure I'll get instructions from the doc before leaving, I'm just getting kinda anxious, as it's getting pretty close. Just curious, how old were you when yours was done? (I'm pushing 62.)

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Sir, I was 42 at the time. Given your age and that you're having more done than I did, your recovery may be longer and/or more difficult than mine was. On the other hand, you're less likely to do something stupid than an antsy youngster, so maybe it's a wash.

One thing that really helped me was that I work from home, so didn't have any kind of commute to deal with. Sitting for any length of time was painful. I raised my computer on a box on top of my desk so I could work while standing, which helped as well. If you can telecommute during your recovery (or better yet, just not work), that'll be a good thing.

**edited to add**
BTW, get the various instructions before the surgery. That way, you'll actually remember them. Afterward, you'll be in a drug haze for at least a few days and will have trouble remembering things that happen during that time.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

Mine was done in December of 09. The first 2 weeks were rough. I needed help with most everthing--showering, walking with a walker, getting dressed ect. Do as your Dr. orders. I was up walking the day after the surgery, very slow and not very far. I was walking with the walker outside on the driveway in about two weeks, again very slow and not very far. My Dr. told me not to sit for long periods. Walk or lay down. The more you walk the faster you will heal. My Dr. sent me to PT about the 5th week. PT consisted of marching in place in a heated pool twice a week for 6 weeks. In 6 months I was riding the Harley again, short distances of course. I would advise you to get off the pain meds. as soon as possible. Constipation is no fun. Buy a walker and crutches at Goodwill before your surgery and save a lot of money, compared to what they want you to pay. I guess I'm just cheap. I am doing very well now. I can walk anywhere now, ride the Harley anywhere I want, reload and shoot as much as I want, and I have "NO" pain doing it. BTW I was 63 when all this was going on. Good luck and get well soon.

i would disagree with the above poster about the pain meds. you need to take them so you can do the exercises. the constipation thing doesn't affect everyone and even if it does, take a stool softener when you are taking a lot of pain meds. i am just in the healing process of an anterior cervical fusion and will start physical torture in about 3 weeks. when my hip was replaced,, the rehab was not fun,but i did what they said and can now walk. if you don't swim, walking in the water is very good and not so stressful. try not to get in a cold pool too. good luck with your recovery. my second back operation is being set up for middle of october.

I had a laminectomy done on the two bottom discs in my lower back a few years back. I don't remember the disc numbers. The first one was the bottom disc and the relief was immediate but the nerve damage was pretty severe. The mistake I made was taking the pain meds. They constipated me badly and even with stool softeners I had a great deal of difficulty. When I had the second disc done, the second disc up, I got to the hospital early morning in severe pain. At approximately 3:00 pm I walked out of the hospital, I wasn't pain free but once again the relief was incredible. On the way home I walked into a restaurant and had lunch. I did absolutely no pain killers at all during the second recovery. The second day after the surgery was kind of rough but it was tolerable, and I improved from there. As the other posters have said walking is definitely your best bet. I started walking the day after surgery both times. Started with short walks, my driveway is about 800 feet and I would walk to get the mail and increase the duration from there. These days I can't say I am pain free, some days are better than others, but comparatively speaking I am worlds better, and am able to live a completely normal life within reason, although I did give up waterskiing! I would recommend the procedure to anyone. It literally changed my life. All the best to you and good luck, it is really not a bad procedure and it does provide relief from chronic pain.

Don't know what kind of back surgery you are having. I blew out a disc between my 4 &5 lower vertebra. Pain was terrible. Couldn't walk, stand or sit. Day after the surgery I was up walking doing everything I had done before. I lost about 10% mobility turning to my left to look over my shoulder and that was all. I needed no physical therapy. Went home 3rd day after surgery and went back to work on our home addition. Would have gone sooner, but the doctor was hiding from me. Everything was done with microscopic surgery. Great doctor. If recovery is going to take that long, perhaps you need a second opinion.

I am now 7 weeks post-op from a multilevel lumbar fusion. This is my 5th back surgery since 1985, I am 70. This last surgery was a XLIF (minimal invasive) surgery where they went in from the side through two 1" incisions. They removed any remaining disc material, and inserted a spacer with materiel that will grow the bone of the adjoining vertebra together. These were inserted at L2-L3 and at L3-L4, and a rod and three screws used to secure everything. I had previously had a fusion of L4-L5 in 2003, so now I am fused from L2 to L5.

Have a Walker for when you go home, you may need it for about a week or so until you feel confident on your feet. Walk, but do not go so far as to tire yourself out. Start going to the end of your driveway, then down the block. Remember you have to return as far as you went. Get up to a mile and a half at a time, and continue to do this the rest of your life.

When not walking, your recliner is your best friend. It has been the only thing I was able to sleep in for several days following most of my surgeries.

Mind what the Dr. tells you, especially the weight limits. With fusions, I can't bend, twist, reach, etc. It was at 4 weeks before I could put my shoes & socks on myself, having a loving person at home with you is important. Make sure you have good footing in your shower, and if possible use a shower stool for the first week +.

Physical therapy can be very beneficial, but not all Orthopedic surgeons believe in them. Be sure to ask. At least for the training in what to do at home.

Unfortunately, scar tissue will form over the years, and this can cause you as much problem as herniated disc. This may take ten + years to show up, and not everyone experiences these problems, I wish you luck.

Had C-6 taken out in July of last year, first week was no fun but after that got around okay.
In Feb. of this year I had L-4, L-5 done and I walked out of the hospital the afternoon of the surgery. The next day I was was outside sitting on the patio and haven't had too much problems since. Oh I have good days and bad days but nothing like before the surgery. L-5 had ruptured and L-4 was gone.
Do what the Dr. tells you, take your medicene and don't be a hero and you will be alright.

Had my back worked on in 2009.....I dont have the paperwork handy so I can not name the different type of procedeures done.....
It was major surgery and left a neat scar.... It would be better if someone could be around (close) for the first 3 weeks to a month......You will need help on certain activities....Also I would suggest a hi seat attachment for your toilet. You do not want to go down any lower than you have to.
Take your time and heal good brother......It will come with time....Good luck and God Bless.....

I would like to thank everyone for responding with their advice and experiences, it has been very helpful.
I do have feelers out for a walker, crutches, and an elevated toilet seat. Seems like an overhead trapeze (like hospital bed) for a recliner would be helpful, but I haven't come up with anything other than to mount an eyebolt to the ceiling above me. Not sure how that would go over with the wife though.
So far, everyone has been better off post-op than they were pre-op, and that's a GOOD THING!
Thanks.

I had mine in Feb 11. I had disectomy with hardware. I am still having major problems because it has been found out that after the fact, that everything that needed to get fixed didn't get fixed. The walker was a must for me the first week or two. It was a great help getting up and down as well as getting around sometimes. Also, I found that placing one of the kitchen chairs in the bathtub and sitting on it was much easier to shower. I didn't have the strength and was to high to stand there for a while...soaking felt nice! I also found that the handles on the side of the mattress were a lifesaver for trying to move to the side of the bed to get up and also turning. Grab those suckers and pull! It will take the pressure out of your back and put it in your upper body. Next, watch your mediation withdrawal. I wasnt well monitored and have always had a high tolerance for narcotics. They took me off too fast and I had horrible withdrawal symptoms for about a week 1/2. Walk as much as you can and focus on not draggin your feet. Also, use the soap/scrub that they have you shower with the day of surgery (I am assuming most get that) to keep your incision clean after your surgery until it is empty and it will help to dry the incision out quicker and help keep it stay clean at home and heal. more...ask them NOT to use silk tape! I am horribly scarred from it. Afte having so much fluid in me during the surgery, the covered my back in silk tape and I have a huge square scar from it now about 14 in x 12 in.

Sorry this is so jumble and choppy but being so recent, it is just flowing!

Good luck.

Good luck on your surgery. Do what the docs say and be careful. At least you have a great place to recover in. I love your little island. My friend Mike used to be the deputy on the island. Lots of good memories,riding on patrol around the island. Met a lot of good people. Take care and give us updates when you feel up to it.

One small issue regarding your inland lake. Be certain your incision has completely healed before you go into the lake. Bacteria are not your friend, and bacteria are in your lake. Your immune system will be compromised to degree and infection in your situation could be a really bad deal.

A pool is a better option early on.

Getting closer

Surgery is on Monday, so I'm trying to get everything caught up this weekend. I think I'm about as ready as I'm gonna get.
It's starting to look like an old folks home around here with all of this equipment
Hopefully I won't need it, but it's available if I do.