Questions about recovery from Compression Fraction L-1- Kyphoplasty?

[SMRM]

I've had hip pain issues for a couple years. No arthritis noted on x-ray. Mostly left hip, my favorite for sleep, but I still had one "good" side for sleeping. Haven't been successful learning to sleep on my back (yet). A new mattress helped, but after a compression fracture L 1 (falling out of the bed because we added the mattress to the stack and it was very HIGH when I rolled over to turn off the alarm, not realizing I was I was so close to the edge, & fell on my back), both sides are challenging. Physical Therapist gave me exercises for gluteal tendonitis - along with some others to strengthen around L 1. Challenging injury, and I'm grateful it wasn't worse!! - it's been almost 12 weeks & I think I'm still improving, but it's difficult to see it. When I'm more active my back hurts more, so on days I'm less active I take less Tylenol. The two things I notice most are 1) a TIGHTNESS in lumbar area after sitting up without a back support or standing for more than a couple minutes, and 2) difficulty standing up STRAIGHT when walking - feels like I have to overextend to stand up straight.

It's interesting to hear what others have experienced. And what works for you. I'm a walker, and the compression fracture has made it very effortful to stand up straight and walk. Maybe I'm just whining here & need to get used to it & feel grateful. Does it get better?? Kyphoplasty for posture??

[Pink66]

Good Morning SMRM I had a fall where I slipped on my PJ bottoms that were too long and fell straight down on my tail bone. I went to ER that night because I was in so much pain, they took X-rays and said I had a compression fracture in my L1. Went to my orthopedic Dr. and he said he could do Kyphoplasty on my L1 and I would be pain free. I was afraid of any back surgery, so I left there with a back brace. Well one more week of pain and I back at the Orthopedic Dr. and decided on the Kyphoplasty procedure. He promised me that I would be pain free when I leave I hospital (in and ou t) on the same day. The Dr. was right, I left the hospital absolutely pain free and have had no problems with my L1 e since 2016 when I had it done.

Hope this helps you make a decision.

[SMRM in reply to Pink66]

Thank you, that's wonderful news!! I wish I'd been able to do that; my GP did not recognize the sx initially and I went off to cruise Italy & Greece with no idea that I had a compression fx (He had xrays but didn't let me know)!! I took Tramadol daily in order to participate in walking around the beautiful cobblestone streets.

Now its well over two months since the fall and likely too late for kyphoplasty but I think I'll get a consult nonetheless because of the concern I have about my posture changes and the resulting ongoing discomfort.

[Maverick2015 in reply to Pink66]

Thank you for the great news. That is encouraging. I'm scheduled for vertebralplasty in 2 days for 6 compression Fractures. My dr is using spinal jacks on l1 instead of the balloons. I have been in immense pain for weeks. I am so looking forward to this and hopeful that it's going to work.

[Southerngirl2787]

I'm at 10 spinal fractures, L1 is on the list, and that area is important for standing, walking, and painful to try to sleep on either side for me. I've had 8 of them kypho'd, to help avoid spinal deformities. Kypho also stops most of the pain. L1 and L3 are next up to have kypho, they are close to my fusions, so waiting until after the holidays. I've noticed it takes a long while to heal, I'm 15 months on this horrible path, even with kypho, the muscles get angry, which makes the nerves angry, and vice versa. I do warm up stretches in the morning, long walks as well, then PT exercises after that...about 2-3 hours worth, and it helps. Strength training is vital, but get clearance first, too heavy will possibly cause other fractures. Walking is easier with hiking poles, $25 Amazon. I use two, love them, helps with upper body strength and balance. I also do stand up push-ups at the kitchen island, gotta get the upper back strong again.

[josephinius1]

You sound like me, only I've had no interventions...yet? But L1, trekking poles, angry muscles and nerves. Thanks for sharing.

[SMRM in reply to josephinius1]

Yore using poles for exercise? Interesting thought.