3rd April 2007
I can't believe I am 1 week post-op already for my ALIF fusion! The post-op pain is not near as severe as I thought it would be. :)
So far, I do not have the pain I had before my surgery so I'm so thankful for that. Although, when I had my microdisectomy, I didn't have the same pre-op pain for the first two weeks post-op but it came back in two weeks. I'm sure that time it was because I really needed the fusion instead. My dr. at that time, wanted to try the less invasive first. So, I can't wait to find out in a couple of weeks if this helped my pain even before giving it a chance to fuse.
Most of my pain is in my abdomen where the incision is.
I am wearing an Aspen type brace and just got it yesterday. I was fine without it for the time I had to wait but it does feel better wearing it.
I am now just taking 2 extra strength Tylenol for pain when needed and during the day I usually don't need it. A couple of nights I did take 1/2 Percocet with Reglan for nausea at night when the pain was worse. So I have the Percocet on hand if I need it. My pain was much worse before surgery that I had for years so that is probably why this feels not so bad.
I was told to take it easy with walking and just walk around the house and outside for only 5 minutes at a time. This is because I was in a wheelchair for several years and my whole body is not use to it. The doctor said the area at L5/S1 was so damaged and inflammed that he would rather me just wait until I heal. That disk was completely collapsed with bone touching bone and compressing the nerves. The facet joints were also were arthritic.
So, that's where I am at 1 week post-op. I'll keep you up to date on my progress, esp. with my walking which for me to be able to even walk at all is a miracle and also without pain! :) Yay, I finally got the surgery I needed for so long. I hope I fuse of course, and have a success story to tell you.
Thanks everyone for the support and prayers you have given me. The beach is becoming more and more enjoyable! :D
Love,
Harmony :wave:
So far, I do not have the pain I had before my surgery so I'm so thankful for that. Although, when I had my microdisectomy, I didn't have the same pre-op pain for the first two weeks post-op but it came back in two weeks. I'm sure that time it was because I really needed the fusion instead. My dr. at that time, wanted to try the less invasive first. So, I can't wait to find out in a couple of weeks if this helped my pain even before giving it a chance to fuse.
Most of my pain is in my abdomen where the incision is.
I am wearing an Aspen type brace and just got it yesterday. I was fine without it for the time I had to wait but it does feel better wearing it.
I am now just taking 2 extra strength Tylenol for pain when needed and during the day I usually don't need it. A couple of nights I did take 1/2 Percocet with Reglan for nausea at night when the pain was worse. So I have the Percocet on hand if I need it. My pain was much worse before surgery that I had for years so that is probably why this feels not so bad.
I was told to take it easy with walking and just walk around the house and outside for only 5 minutes at a time. This is because I was in a wheelchair for several years and my whole body is not use to it. The doctor said the area at L5/S1 was so damaged and inflammed that he would rather me just wait until I heal. That disk was completely collapsed with bone touching bone and compressing the nerves. The facet joints were also were arthritic.
So, that's where I am at 1 week post-op. I'll keep you up to date on my progress, esp. with my walking which for me to be able to even walk at all is a miracle and also without pain! :) Yay, I finally got the surgery I needed for so long. I hope I fuse of course, and have a success story to tell you.
Thanks everyone for the support and prayers you have given me. The beach is becoming more and more enjoyable! :D
Love,
Harmony :wave: