Back surgery

[Nanny23]

Hi my doctor said I need a laminectomy and fusion. I have spinal stenosis and L4 L5 discs need fusion. Has anyone had these surgeries? Any advice on how long recovery is would be much appreciated. Thanks

[Oneboob]

Hi, I had this surgery in Feb 2020 and initially went home the day after, albeit with spinal fluid leaking due to suffering a tear during surgery. After 9 days I ended up being admitted to hospital as i had chronic constipation and shortly after i lost bladder control. I was transferred to another local hospital. My spinal fluid was still leaking and did so for 19 further days. I ended up beung taken back down to theatre to have the wound reopened and cleaned out.. I was in hospital a toyal of 30 days. Since that time i am bladder incontinent and have had to have a catheter fitted, i also still suffer emptying my bowel and have to self irrigate my bowel. I cannot walk more than a few yards unaided, i still have to use the crutches they sent me home with, or a wheelchair if need to walk any further. I am taking pain meds, Gabapentin, a 12hr slow release morphine substitute, amitryptaline, naproxen and when it gets really bad liquid Oramorph. My spine surgeon has not contacted me for over 18 months (I think he realises he has cocked up) and I cannot straighten my spine which now curves to the left. I think they damaged the nerves during surgery although they wont admit it. I wish I'd never had the surgery done. I am far worse off now than i was originally.

However, good luck with your surgery and hope it gives you the relief it should

[Nanny23 in reply to Oneboob]

Thanks for replying. I decided to put surgery off. I ride a stationary bike and it’s been keeping back pain away. Don’t you have any recourse with how your surgeon treated you? That’s terrible. So sorry.

[Oneboob in reply to Oneboob]

Wish i did. My spine is so bent to the left now i can't stand straight or stand for more than 1 minute. I have to lean on to something i.e. kitchen worktop to either make a brew or peel veg. Bought a lot of new clothes yesterday and had to try them on at home with my daughter with me as i really struggled. Lost 3 stone in weight as i had chemo in 2018 and lost my appetite. I have no appetite at all only eat 1 meal a day. Weight is just falling off me had supplements from doctor but they are awful. I feel like a freak and am so depressed. Some days i dont want to be here at all. Any suggestions?

[Oneboob]

I'm that thin i can feel all the screws from the fushion surgery so even struggle with pain sitting down or laying down help!