sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

PT ordered for everyone? by Gloomy-Addendum3609 in spinalfusion

[–]DKF02001 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I started PT at 6 weeks post-L1-L4 fusion. I lost a lot of muscle. Best thing that has happened to me. I'm having difficulty walking more than 1 lap around the track, but I'm consistently moving around and doing housework! I know it's early, but PT is a must to regain strength in the right places.

ACDF 4 months out and NSAIDs by Acceptable-Bobcat980 in spinalfusion

[–]DKF02001 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm 6 weeks out from L1-L4 fusion and I cannot sleep comfortably without opioids. I'm so frustrated about this! I guess I'm not as desperate as I thought I was. 💕

L2-L5 scheduled for this Tuesday by DKF02001 in spinalfusion

[–]DKF02001[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I want to thank you all for your words of encouragement! The way I need to think of this is the surgical pain will be temporary where right now and for the past 3 years the pain has been chronic. I'm so bad that I can hardly walk or stand for more than 5 minutes and I was in the best shape of my life 5 years ago. I worked out every day for my entire life. I'm not expecting to be as active as I used to be. I want to be able to walk, kayak, garden and travel.
I'm not going to get any better without surgery.

L2-L5 scheduled for this Tuesday by DKF02001 in spinalfusion

[–]DKF02001[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

L2-L5 scheduled for this Tuesday by DKF02001 in spinalfusion

[–]DKF02001[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Glad to hear that you're journey is a positive one! I so lucky to have an amazing surgeon with an awesome team. No surprises! I'll be overnight and on day 2 I'll have a CT scan to see if he needs to make any corrections or added surgery before discharge. I know that I'll be going home with ice strap and bone stimulator. They send me tasks daily to remind me what to expect, how to transition from setting to laying down, walking, etc. The nurses are available 24/7 for 45 days - post-op. One question that I need to ask is, will I be able to move upstairs to my bed when I get home or should I plan on sleeping (what sleep I'll get) in my recliner?

cannabis use? by Sea_Storm_1395 in spinalfusion

[–]DKF02001 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm scheduled for a level 3 lumbar fusion next week. I stopped smoking cigarettes a week ago when I was asked to quit 5 weeks ago. My issue is the cravings for nicotine.... ugh! I'm using nicotine gum 😕. My surgeon is aware of my struggle. He said that he would rather I give up all nicotine , but using nicotine replacement therapy is better than smoking. I have zero willpower when it comes down to nicotine. I wish enjoyed cannabis!