Back Surgery

[pattysunshine]

Happy Thursday,

Has anyone in the group had back surgery? Im schedule to have Lumbar fusion surgery in April. Thoughts???

[Royjr]

Och!!!! I wish you the best🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[pattysunshine in reply to Royjr]

Thanks

[jimeka]

pattysunshine hi, yes I have had a trans thoracic disectomy of T7/T8. It went ok, and they gave me adequate pain medication to cope. The recovery is a little longer due to the ms, a couple of years later, I had another disectomy and fusion of C4/5. Again you just have to be sensible about the recovery . Hope it goes well, blessings Jimeka 🦋

[pattysunshine in reply to jimeka]

Thanks:)) Not schedule until the end of April. Weighing options

[Doubled51]

pattysunshine . I had diskectomys with spinal fusions in 2004 and in 2006 but they were before MS so that part I can’t help with.

Just take it easy and don’t overdo til you’re well healed.

Donnie

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador]

pattysunshine what options are you talking about?🤔

I have had 2 back surgeries.🙃

J🌠

[pattysunshine]

Thanks; one of my major concerns!! Take Care

[rlh1974]

pattysunshine Hi! My name is Rob. 16 years ago I had 6 level fused in my lumbar spine. The biggest thing I can tell you is walk walk walk! Listen to your Dr. As soon as your able make sure you are up and walking. It was embarrassing for me in my clam shell and walker going up and down the street with my wife. However, It kept up my strength. It was also on advice from the Dr. Also, don't do stairs more than once a day. Doc told me. Come downstairs, stay there until bed. Then go back up. That surgery changed my life. I went from not being able to pick up a gallon of milk, to being able to hold my daughter the minute she was born 2 months after the surgery. To this day, I have had no problems. I still hurt or shall I say ache from time to time, but nothing anywhere near pain.

Oh! Also, use your own bone! let them take bone from your pelvis. I did not have that when I had fusion in my C spine and it failed, Had my own bone in my lumbar and no problems. Also when they redid my C spine they used my pelvis again and again healed like a dream. If you have any other questions feel free to ask away, You can PM me or just ask on this thread. I would be so happy to help!

Rob

[pattysunshine in reply to rlh1974]

Thanks, so much!! My surgery is schedule for the end of April, so I am preparing myself mentally for this challenge! I will definitely email any additional questions I might have.)

[Fancy1959]

Pattysunshine, it's Fancy1959. I have not had back surgery but I did have liver surgery while I had MS. Since those are major surgeries I imagine most of us will have gone through the same things. Make sure you rest and take it easy and do exactly what the doctor say. Talk to your neurologist and see what he or she suggest to get you through surgery. Once you're in the hospital and the surgery is complete do not be afraid to speak up and remind people of your main issues with MS. Mine was my balance so I reminded them I was a fall risk and we took precautions to prevent falls.

I will be thinking of you and praying your surgery and recovery goes smoothly. Keep posting us in advance of what goes on and make sure once you are back up on your feet to let us know how your recovery is going. Until we speak again please take. Remember together we are stronger!

[pattysunshine]

Hey Fancy, thanks for the words of encouragement. My surgery date is Late April, however, I am seeking advice as I continue to weigh the pros and cons. I will keep you up to date Thanks for your prayers

[Lucky1313]

Yes Patty I have had 2 back surgeries one in 2014 &2015. The first was spinal fusion in 2 areas arthritis in my back and some disc repair. The second surgery was because 2 of the screws came lose and were about to come out. Had that repaired in 2nd one. Now I have been having trouble with my neck.

[CalfeeChick CommunityAmbassador]

pattysunshine Hi Patty and welcome to the group. I've had 2 back surgeries, the first a discectomy, in 1999. I was never out of pain and became disabled from work because of that and arthritis. In December 2011, I had Lumbar 4-5 fused using my own bone from my hip area.The doctor wanted me to be walking 1 mile or more by 4 weeks after surgery. Pushing the envelope, I was walking 2 miles at a time by 4 weeks. I was back riding my bicycle, wearing a back brace, less than 3 months later. Suggestions, Start walking some now as you can, if it's too painful or creates weakness, tingling, Don't. Try swimming to strengthen your abs and aerobic energy, even walking in a pool will help both before and after your surgery when the doc says it's ok. Definitely start lifting 2-3 pound weights to strengthen your biceps, triceps, you will need the arm strength at first to roll over, lift yourself from bed, etc. (and it's just good for you!) I was around 65 then and very athletic, definitely before MS. Be sure to make sure your surgeon and your MS dr are both aware of your concerns, etc. Keep coming back, ask questions, let us know how you are doing.