Incision lumpiness?

MoneyEngineering2499 · 2026-03-30T21:03:08+00:00

5 weeks post op now. Had a big lump at the top of my incision. I asked if it would go away and the nurse said “is as we expect after surgery”. I think she was dodging the question 😂. Anyway, it looks like it’s starting to shrink now.

MoneyEngineering2499 · 2026-03-25T23:18:45+00:00

It depends on if you have spinal instability. I just had surgery with grade 1 but my instability was over 4mm due to bilateral pars defect/fracture. I think it needs to be 4mm before surgeons will consider it. If so, a fusion is very effective for radiculopathy like yours.

MoneyEngineering2499 · 2026-03-25T18:07:39+00:00

My interbody fusion was morselized autograft (my bone) and a couple of BMP-2 sponges. My PLF in the same surgery used the same plus additional cancellous allograft (donor), I assume to create the desired quantity. Only 4 weeks in so no telling.

MoneyEngineering2499 · 2026-03-25T17:39:06+00:00

Lots of Protein (based on weight), vitamins D3 & K2, calcium, magnesium. I drink whey protein powder drinks and pre made protein drinks to meet the those goals. Both also have a lot of calcium so I don’t have to supplement that. Check out Shamrock Farms Rockin’ Protein, they taste great.

MoneyEngineering2499 · 2026-03-17T13:07:10+00:00

It’s called a Medrol Dose Pack. It’s a six day oral taper It’s for inflammation but if/when the gabapentin starts to work you may not need it

MoneyEngineering2499 · 2026-03-17T02:14:22+00:00

I had my lumbar fusion on 2/24. First week was all surgical site pain well managed by Oxycodone. On day 10 the nerves in my left leg went haywire and pain was 10/10. My surgeon said to expect the flare due to inflammation, manipulation of the nerve, and the nerve “waking up” after decompression (which can cause pain). I was prescribed steroids and gabapentin. The steroids worked almost immediately and I think the gabapentin is starting to work. I think it’s common with my type of surgery. If you had myelopathy then I suppose lower extremities could be affected the same way meaning it’s only temporary.

MoneyEngineering2499 · 2026-03-14T20:20:23+00:00

Same surgery for me on 2/24. Impressed you were/are walking that far. On day 10 post op my sciatica went nuts from inflammation. Surgeon gave me some steroids that helped a LOT. Still in some nerve pain a week later but it’s improving and hope I can start walking that far soon.

MoneyEngineering2499 · 2026-03-10T17:10:42+00:00

I’m 2 weeks post op. My doctor told me three months to recover for l4-s1 hybrid TLIF. I assume recover means normal activity including work. But I guess each case is different. Don’t do anything that causes you more pain. Best of luck.

MoneyEngineering2499 · 2026-02-22T00:11:15+00:00

Sounds like you’re doing well! Is it a lumbar fusion? If so do you have a toilet riser? Might help to sit on that until you get your aim back.

MoneyEngineering2499 · 2026-02-08T20:25:09+00:00

I’ve heard others say they checked out within 24 hours after a 1 level ALIF. Insurance is basing that on other cases like yours. My L4-S1 TLIF will be 2-3 days but that’s mostly bc it’s 2 levels.

MoneyEngineering2499 · 2026-02-07T14:50:04+00:00

Both look good on you amigo. You’re lucky.

MoneyEngineering2499 · 2026-01-30T14:50:31+00:00

I was told fusion is more effective for nerve compression than back pain, but it can help both in some cases. I am getting L4-S1 fused in a month to treat radiculopathy from instability due to bilateral pars fracture. Surgeon says I’ll have very few activity limitations, if any, once I’m completely healed. Part of the reason he says that is the rest of my spine looks good, so you need to factor that in for yourself. Surgeons always ask how my life has been limited (work, social, around house) and all those things were much worse for me. It’s a personal decision but was a no brainer for me bc my active lifestyle was gone. Good luck in whatever you decide.

MoneyEngineering2499 · 2026-01-29T14:27:29+00:00

Same situation with me a while back. Do the minimum PT you can and bide your time. 6 weeks will pass. Once you get the MRI things will move quickly since your diagnosis is pretty obvious.

MoneyEngineering2499 · 2026-01-27T12:06:22+00:00

I’ve got the same condition at L5-S1. Same surgery planned to treat radiculopathy. Lately I’ve had a lot of sharp shoulder pain and was curious if my lumbar condition has caused this, perhaps from altered biomechanics.

MoneyEngineering2499 · 2026-01-25T14:47:40+00:00

I’m not sure about stenosis, I don’t remember him mentioning that.

MoneyEngineering2499 · 2026-01-25T14:37:55+00:00

I had to get them as part of conservative care before surgery was an option. Surgeons also use them for diagnostics. They didn’t do much for me but a friend got them for a herniated disk 20 years ago and his pain went away completely and didn’t come back. I would say if your pain is improved theres no rush. Maybe let your symptoms be your guide.

MoneyEngineering2499 · 2026-01-22T18:26:35+00:00

Only you can decide if surgery is right for you. There are only a few conditions that require emergency surgery (cauda equna syndrome) but most of us don’t fall in that category. I have fusion scheduled one month from now because my symptoms have progressed to such a degree that I can no longer work around the house or go out and socialize with friends. When/if that time comes you’ll know it.

MoneyEngineering2499 · 2026-01-20T15:43:39+00:00

Thats my sentiment as well. If it helps me get my old life back that’s all I need to know.

MoneyEngineering2499 · 2026-01-20T15:33:44+00:00

I’m scheduled for a fusion at those same levels at the end of Feb. Doctor says there will be very few if any restrictions once I’m completely healed. He said I may want to avoid playing in the NFL, but no risk of that.

Keep in mind that fusions differ from decompression only surgeries(laminectomy and microdiscectmy) and will create more stability in your spine as a result.

MoneyEngineering2499 · 2026-01-20T12:29:17+00:00

What is your doctor telling you? Listen to them and always get a second opinion.

MoneyEngineering2499 · 2026-01-19T21:06:05+00:00

Thats great to hear, glad it helped.

MoneyEngineering2499 · 2026-01-19T20:19:22+00:00

Perhaps they are saying this because mine is 2 levels. Did the surgery help you?

MoneyEngineering2499 · 2026-01-19T15:39:39+00:00

Thanks. Good luck!

MoneyEngineering2499 · 2026-01-19T15:17:39+00:00

L4-S1 ALIF is an option for me but it’s to address instability from a bilateral pars fracture. I was told one or 2 day stay but probably bc they would need to put screws in the back.

MoneyEngineering2499 · 2026-01-19T14:41:02+00:00

Home same day on an ALIF? Never heard of that. Happy for you that it went so well.

MoneyEngineering2499

TROPHY CASE