L5 S1 laminectomy, foraminotomy and fusion

[Jeaniem130]

My surgery is Feb 15. Can anyone share what to expect recovery and pain wise. I will have a home health PT and nurse home visit the night of the surgery and the following day. I am really scared.

[Joreo]

I've had a cervical fusion, my husband had a laminectomy. We both did fine with the surgeries. There will obviously be some pain but just take your pain meds on a regular basis in the first few days after your surgery and be sure to follow your doctor's orders. You will probably need some help for a few days getting in and out of bed. Try not to worry, I have had several surgeries. They are never a pleasant experience but you will get through it and hopefully you will feel much better after a few weeks

[Jeaniem130 in reply to Joreo]

Thank you! My biggest fear is increased nerve pain which has been so hard to control.

[Joreo in reply to Jeaniem130]

I have to admit that I gave in to cervical fusion because of uncontrollable nerve pain under my shoulder blade which they thought was coming from the neck. I tried everything prior to surgery...medication, injections, nothing touched the pain. I finally gave in to surgery not knowing if it would help or not. Well, surgery went fine and pain was helped by the surgery I think, but has never totally gone away. My husband on the other hand was completely pain free after his surgery. We both had the same surgeon. I wish you well with the surgery and the best outcome.

[katieoxo60]

Take care and good luck on the 15th . All ops are painful in the first few days painkillers are a must, I am sure all will go well and in a few weeks you will be feeling much better .

[Jeaniem130 in reply to katieoxo60]

Thank you.

[Jeaniem130]

I am wondering if anyone had vomiting from the anesthesia? I have before but that was many many years ago and I am told they have preventatives they now use. I forgot to ask the pre op nurse when she called.

[Emma2017]

I had a fusion at that level after 3 microdiscectomies. Fusion was definitely a lot harder. I had a Laminectomy at a higher level at the same time. After a fusion of the lower back you have to lay down for eight or so hours before they let you sit up a bit. The day after I was allowed to sit up and felt quite good really. Then the day after that I had to get up and found that extremely hard. After that I realised I had passed the hardest part as each day after that was better than that day where I had to get out of bed for the first time. The only hard part was the first shower I had on day 3 but as I felt so much more human afterwards it was worth the effort. It’s a major operation and yes it’s not easy the first few days but before you know it you will be out of bed and walking with the physio. Just make sure you do as you are told and don’t be a hero and try more as that is counter productive in the long run. And as with all back ops the key is not to sit for too long but to have regular walks. I had my fusion 2 years ago and am glad I had it as life is definitely better now.

[Jeaniem130 in reply to Emma2017]

Thank you Emma.

[Aoibheann]

Good morning Jeaniem130. Hopefully your surgery will be a total success. Thinking of you today. God bless. 🙏

[Jeaniem130 in reply to Aoibheann]

Thank you !

[Aoibheann in reply to Jeaniem130]

Wow I am impressed that you got back to me so quickly. You’re doing just great. So happy for you. 🌻