3+ weeks post op

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I had my surgery about 3 1/2 weeks ago at New England Baptist with

Dr. Rand.

I had an anterior/posterior fusion. They did not remove my original

harrington rod but added two new rods on either side fused to the

bottom of my spine and connected with screws to my pelvis. I've also

got discs replaced with cages (from the anterior surgery) as well as

screws along my spine. Dr. Rand wanted to connect the two new rods

to my original one but could not access it.

I was in the hospital for 8 days. I probably would have left sooner

but I had an allergic reaction to the surgical tape. I also had some

problems with my first pain killers causing itching and nausea.

Recovery is slow-going. I'm able to walk around and go up and down

stairs (I'm using a cane for support). I had a lot of problems with

my stomach/digestive system over the first two weeks due to the

anterior surgery and side effects from the pain killers. I have pain

in different areas - legs, lower/upper back, hips - on different days

but I'm assuming all is normal for now. I also have some numbness in

my right hip. According to my dr.'s office, some nerves get shocked

during the surgery and go to sleep. They should eventually wake up

and may cause a burning sensation.

I'm wearing a Jewitt brace when I sit/stand. It actually makes me

feel more comfortable as it holds me really straight. I also am

using a bone stimulator that my surgeon prescribed to help the fusion

take.

I thought I would be able to work a lot from home by now but I find

that I get exhausted really quickly. I'm sleeping a lot.

Anyway, I thought I would just tell my story in case I could help

anyone else.

Thanks.

[Guest guest]

Hi!

It sounds like you're doing wonderful for 3 1/2 weeks. My Dr told me

that for the first 6 weeks I would wonder choosing to have surgery was

the wisest choice but that after that I would really see a

difference...and he was right. At about 5wks post my pain was much

reduced and I could move a lot easier. If that rule holds true for

you, just imagine how good you'll feel in just a couple of weeks! I

hope for the best for you.

Take care,

>

> Hi,

>

> I had my surgery about 3 1/2 weeks ago at New England Baptist with

> Dr. Rand.

>

> I had an anterior/posterior fusion. They did not remove my original

> harrington rod but added two new rods on either side fused to the

> bottom of my spine and connected with screws to my pelvis. I've also

> got discs replaced with cages (from the anterior surgery) as well as

> screws along my spine. Dr. Rand wanted to connect the two new rods

> to my original one but could not access it.

>

> I was in the hospital for 8 days. I probably would have left sooner

> but I had an allergic reaction to the surgical tape. I also had some

> problems with my first pain killers causing itching and nausea.

>

> Recovery is slow-going. I'm able to walk around and go up and down

> stairs (I'm using a cane for support). I had a lot of problems with

> my stomach/digestive system over the first two weeks due to the

> anterior surgery and side effects from the pain killers. I have pain

> in different areas - legs, lower/upper back, hips - on different days

> but I'm assuming all is normal for now. I also have some numbness in

> my right hip. According to my dr.'s office, some nerves get shocked

> during the surgery and go to sleep. They should eventually wake up

> and may cause a burning sensation.

>

> I'm wearing a Jewitt brace when I sit/stand. It actually makes me

> feel more comfortable as it holds me really straight. I also am

> using a bone stimulator that my surgeon prescribed to help the fusion

> take.

>

> I thought I would be able to work a lot from home by now but I find

> that I get exhausted really quickly. I'm sleeping a lot.

>

> Anyway, I thought I would just tell my story in case I could help

> anyone else.

>

> Thanks.

>

>

>