3rd April 2003
Brenda -
Hello! The time period of being out of commission differs with everyone. In my case, I was really not able to do much, but lie around and walk for about 10-20 mins. for about 2 weeks. I went back to work, but found I could only make it until 2 or 2:30 for the next two weeks. I would get very tired and achy. As I have said - You don't realize how much you sit until you cannot and it is very tiring to stand all day.
I have been off the pain killers for the most part since the procedure. If I have really been bad (overdoing) I will ache quite a bit and have resorted to an Ultram in the afternoon/evening. I think I have only had to do this about 5 or 6 times. Quite an improvement over 4 x per day pre-op.
I'm not sure why your first epidural was done without a fluoroscope. It is a fairly new technology, I guess.
I was re-reading your 1st post and was struck by your last line about being 100% normal again. I am not sure that will ever happen. Once we know we have a "weakness" I'm sure it will guide our actions. For instance, I am (among other things :> ) an avid gardener. I doubt in the future I will fling shovel-fulls of dirt around like I use to. I think we can achieve 100% no pain (oh, please Lord!), but I am not sure we can forget what has happened before. Kinda stinks! :> Oh, well - let's don't look back. (no pun intended)
As far as the husband/quality of life issue, boy, can I relate. I felt as if this back problem had taken over my entire life. I'm sure you are not complaining any more than is absolutely necessary and I'm also sure your husband understands. However, men always like to fix things and I know my husband feels somewhat helpless to see me in pain.
Never give up and never surrender! :>
L.
Hello! The time period of being out of commission differs with everyone. In my case, I was really not able to do much, but lie around and walk for about 10-20 mins. for about 2 weeks. I went back to work, but found I could only make it until 2 or 2:30 for the next two weeks. I would get very tired and achy. As I have said - You don't realize how much you sit until you cannot and it is very tiring to stand all day.
I have been off the pain killers for the most part since the procedure. If I have really been bad (overdoing) I will ache quite a bit and have resorted to an Ultram in the afternoon/evening. I think I have only had to do this about 5 or 6 times. Quite an improvement over 4 x per day pre-op.
I'm not sure why your first epidural was done without a fluoroscope. It is a fairly new technology, I guess.
I was re-reading your 1st post and was struck by your last line about being 100% normal again. I am not sure that will ever happen. Once we know we have a "weakness" I'm sure it will guide our actions. For instance, I am (among other things :> ) an avid gardener. I doubt in the future I will fling shovel-fulls of dirt around like I use to. I think we can achieve 100% no pain (oh, please Lord!), but I am not sure we can forget what has happened before. Kinda stinks! :> Oh, well - let's don't look back. (no pun intended)
As far as the husband/quality of life issue, boy, can I relate. I felt as if this back problem had taken over my entire life. I'm sure you are not complaining any more than is absolutely necessary and I'm also sure your husband understands. However, men always like to fix things and I know my husband feels somewhat helpless to see me in pain.
Never give up and never surrender! :>
L.