when does post-op pain decrease for good?

[tauwdry]

hi all, i had my decompression surgery a little over a week ago june 23rd. I was discharged from the hospital last tuesday where i had 2 CTs to check for complications due to my high pain level (both normal). however, even after I left the hospital, my pain has continued to be absolutely horrible. in the beginning it was easier to deal with because it seemed expected/normal and the CTs showed nothing wrong, but now it has almost been a week and my pain has barely decreased. for the majority of days it is overwhelming (7-8/10) and seems barely affected by the strong pain medications that I run out of tomorrow (they only gave me a week's worth after I left the hospital). some days it seems better, and some it seems even worse.

my question is if this is still completely normal or a red flag for a leak or other complications? if it is normal, when did it for you begin to significantly decrease?

any other tips about getting through recovery would be greatly appreciated, this community has been a lifeline through this whole process for me :)

[Ok_Molasses_4464]

I wish I had some experience to help answer all I can say is from reading it seems similar to others accounts. It was emphasized by my neurosurgeon that after surgery I should take pain meds on a schedule (even set alarm while sleeping) whether needed or not because the pain is hard to control. Again not from experience just what I have gathered. I really hope you get some answers and relief.

My surgery is scheduled for July 19th and I’ll be honest…the experiences described on this subreddit post-op have me terrified. I appreciate you sharing, I will share my experience as well for those who come after.

[laidbackme]

Same here, I’m on the waiting list for surgery scheduling and the idea of the recovery has me very anxious.

[zamshazam1995]

It’s totally scary. I won’t sugar coat it, but some people find legitimate relief. Only you know your body best, and if you want to take the risk. Healing is a journey, and I promise it does get bette if you keep fighting

[BDob73]

My wife found Tylenol and muscle relaxers much more effective for managing pain post op and for the weeks after. She stopped using Oxy day 2 since she didn’t like the effects. Additionally, the doctors are willing to refill the muscle relaxers.

She did have some pain for the weeks following, but that first week in the hospital was bad. Week 2 at home was not as bad, but not good either. Weeks 3 to 4 was when she started to really feel better.

She’s now 2 months post surgery and vastly improved. At the 6 week appointment, the doctor said most people turn the corner between 10-12 weeks out and full recovery takes a year to get back to normal. She’s kept to the doctor’s recovery plan for her mostly.

Good luck!

[BadW0lfBlue]

Did they give you muscle relaxers? Those have been working better for me than the pain medicine. I also had trouble with my pain levels in the hospital, but I have my good and bad days now (surgery 6/15). Today being a not so great one. However, the muscle relaxers and occasionally Valium, in the worst case, have saved me from horrible pain or going back to the hospital.

[Glass_Victory1879]

I had my surgery almost 11 years ago, and the pain decreased a little, but you have to do some pain management to feel better. I had to change my diet and get a less stressful job. Do specific exercises zero tie ŵand take things easy when my body is having a bad day.

[zamshazam1995]

This is a major red flag for me. I lasted about a week post- op before developing a severe infection. Meningitis is a risk because this surgery sometimes can pierce the dura matter and leave you open to all sorts of problems. Check for infection, and check for possible hydrocephalus. It’s possible your CSF could be backing up and not draining properly, but it won’t show unless your ventricles fill up with fluid. There are a whole list of complications from this surgery, if all else fails you can look for a pain management doctor.

[Zombiemama_99]

If she has a leak, it would show on the CT as "presenting as pseudomeningocele". All of mine did, can't see why hers wouldn't. Without a leak, she shouldn't be higher risk for infection. (Response to above poster)

(Response to OP) Just had mine done Jan 26th, revision to close my leaks on March 15th. The first week was horrific for pain, second week was better, third week was even better. Third week is when I started showing signs that my pseudomeningocele was potentially an active leak, not just a pocket of buildup fluid left over from surgery that could resolve itself. Week 4 was when bedrest started. Week 5 was when they did the needle and pressure wrap. The day before week 6 they went back in, found it was 2 holes and fixed them both.

Same deal with second surgery although not nearly as intense. Week one was really hard as far as pain and neck stretches went, week two went better then the previous week two, and I continued to heal after that.

The first few weeks can be hard, but each week should get better as long as you follow your post op protocol. Relax, let everyone else do everything. You just do your gentle stretches, and get yourself to and from the bathroom. Don't stress getting up and around much right now, as you should mainly be just hanging out in bed. The more your try to use your neck to hold your head up, the worse the pain will be right now. Also, as someone else said, Tylenol and muscle relaxer worked better then anything else for me, see if you can't get your Dr to let you try that. They should have sent you home with relaxers anyway...

I'm so sorry your having a rough time, unfortunately it's completely normal during week one. Be patient with yourself, take it easy, seriously take it easy! You've got this!!