Re: Recent Post-Op Leg Pain

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol! Happy to hear that so far all has gone well with your husband's

surgery! Glad that he's doing so well! The increased pain is VERY normal and

common, even expected. The reason for this is that they operated on the area

where the nerves were being pinched. That means that surgical instruments were

cutting, pushing and tugging on the area involved. This will always give you

inflammation and the very sensitive nerves will also take time to calm down

after being poked and prodded so directly.

Don't  worry about this. Keep up the good work. Your biggest battle is going to

be keeping him down and quiet the more he starts feeling better!

--- Babbitt

From: cwarman89134 <cwarman89134@...>

Subject: Recent Post-Op Leg Pain

spinal problems

Date: Tuesday, January 25, 2011, 2:27 PM

 

My husband had a L1-S1 laminectomy (no fusion) plus an L5 foramenotomy

last Thursday, January 20. He has a 7.5 inch incision and 19 staples (to be

removed on January 31). He is doing amazingly well, overall, but still has leg

pain, mostly in the calf area. This is where he had the pain pre-op, but only

when he arose from sleeping. Now, the pain seems to be present whenever he gets

up from a seated position. He is still on Percocet.

I have a call in to the surgeon's PA to ask her about this but don't expect a

call back until tomorrow (Wednesday). I've done a fair amount of Googling and

find that many surgeons tell their patients that they may experience MORE severe

leg pain post op as the formerly compressed nerves (which are probably inflamed

from years of having been compressed) decompress. Our surgeon didn't say what to

expect so the leg pain is somewhat unexpected.

Just wondering what other people's experiences on this issue have been.

Thanks, in advance.

Carol

[Guest guest]

He showers and gets dressed every day and is planning on going to the

supermarket this afternoon with our live-in caregiver. He will point out what to

get and she will bend, twist etc. to pick up the items.

He is also talking about driving. I said " NOT YET " .

Thanks.

Carol

____________________________________________________________

>

> From: cwarman89134 <cwarman89134@...>

> Subject: Recent Post-Op Leg Pain

> spinal problems

> Date: Tuesday, January 25, 2011, 2:27 PM

>

>

>

>

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>

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>

> My husband had a L1-S1 laminectomy (no fusion) plus an L5 foramenotomy

last Thursday, January 20. He has a 7.5 inch incision and 19 staples (to be

removed on January 31). He is doing amazingly well, overall, but still has leg

pain, mostly in the calf area. This is where he had the pain pre-op, but only

when he arose from sleeping. Now, the pain seems to be present whenever he gets

up from a seated position. He is still on Percocet.

>

>

>

> I have a call in to the surgeon's PA to ask her about this but don't expect a

call back until tomorrow (Wednesday). I've done a fair amount of Googling and

find that many surgeons tell their patients that they may experience MORE severe

leg pain post op as the formerly compressed nerves (which are probably inflamed

from years of having been compressed) decompress. Our surgeon didn't say what to

expect so the leg pain is somewhat unexpected.

>

>

>

> Just wondering what other people's experiences on this issue have been.

>

>

>

> Thanks, in advance.

>

>

>

> Carol

>

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>

[Guest guest]

I believe that having a husband with a bad back is worse than having it myself.

You just can't keep them down. They get up feeling good but within a few hours

they are in terrible pain due to the fact that they won't listen to their body.

I too learned this the hard way. Way back when I should have listened to my body

and didn't. I had to learn things the hard way but it seems to me that men

really are more difficult than us women. I am happy that he is doing well after

surgery I hope he will continue to improve over time.

Janice

Recent Post-Op Leg Pain

spinal problems

Date: Tuesday, January 25, 2011, 2:27 PM

My husband had a L1-S1 laminectomy (no fusion) plus an L5 foramenotomy last

Thursday, January 20. He has a 7.5 inch incision and 19 staples (to be removed

on January 31). He is doing amazingly well, overall, but still has leg pain,

mostly in the calf area. This is where he had the pain pre-op, but only when he

arose from sleeping. Now, the pain seems to be present whenever he gets up from

a seated position. He is still on Percocet.

I have a call in to the surgeon's PA to ask her about this but don't expect a

call back until tomorrow (Wednesday). I've done a fair amount of Googling and

find that many surgeons tell their patients that they may experience MORE severe

leg pain post op as the formerly compressed nerves (which are probably inflamed

from years of having been compressed) decompress. Our surgeon didn't say what to

expect so the leg pain is somewhat unexpected.

Just wondering what other people's experiences on this issue have been.

Thanks, in advance.

Carol

[Guest guest]

Carol you have to kepp in mond that after any surgery there will be swelling and

added pressure on the nerves thus causing more pain maybe even worse than before

the surgery. It may take time to get the swelling down. Whatever he does do not

put heat on the site unless the doctor tells you to. Heat will increase the

swelling and with it will come more pain. My doctor had me use ice 4 times a day

30 minutes at a time and I believe it really helped at the time. The most

important thing is to give those nerves and muscles time to heal.Keep us

informed of his progress.

Janice

Recent Post-Op Leg Pain

My husband had a L1-S1 laminectomy (no fusion) plus an L5 foramenotomy last

Thursday, January 20. He has a 7.5 inch incision and 19 staples (to be removed

on January 31). He is doing amazingly well, overall, but still has leg pain,

mostly in the calf area. This is where he had the pain pre-op, but only when he

arose from sleeping. Now, the pain seems to be present whenever he gets up from

a seated position. He is still on Percocet.

I have a call in to the surgeon's PA to ask her about this but don't expect a

call back until tomorrow (Wednesday). I've done a fair amount of Googling and

find that many surgeons tell their patients that they may experience MORE severe

leg pain post op as the formerly compressed nerves (which are probably inflamed

from years of having been compressed) decompress. Our surgeon didn't say what to

expect so the leg pain is somewhat unexpected.

Just wondering what other people's experiences on this issue have been.

Thanks, in advance.

Carol

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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23:34:00

[Guest guest]

Thank you, Janice.

The doctor didn't say to use ice (He didn't say much other than there were no

surprises and everything went well in the OR) but I will ask the PA when I

(hopefully) speak to her tomorrow. They prescribed Percocet and Robaxin (sp?)

that were filled before the surgery. He's taking the Percocet but not the

Robaxin anymore. He only took a few Robaxin.

Carol

_______________________________________________

>

> Carol you have to kepp in mond that after any surgery there will be swelling

and added pressure on the nerves thus causing more pain maybe even worse than

before the surgery. It may take time to get the swelling down. Whatever he does

do not put heat on the site unless the doctor tells you to. Heat will increase

the swelling and with it will come more pain. My doctor had me use ice 4 times a

day 30 minutes at a time and I believe it really helped at the time. The most

important thing is to give those nerves and muscles time to heal.Keep us

informed of his progress.

> Janice

> Recent Post-Op Leg Pain

>

>

>

> My husband had a L1-S1 laminectomy (no fusion) plus an L5 foramenotomy last

Thursday, January 20. He has a 7.5 inch incision and 19 staples (to be removed

on January 31). He is doing amazingly well, overall, but still has leg pain,

mostly in the calf area. This is where he had the pain pre-op, but only when he

arose from sleeping. Now, the pain seems to be present whenever he gets up from

a seated position. He is still on Percocet.

>

> I have a call in to the surgeon's PA to ask her about this but don't expect

a call back until tomorrow (Wednesday). I've done a fair amount of Googling and

find that many surgeons tell their patients that they may experience MORE severe

leg pain post op as the formerly compressed nerves (which are probably inflamed

from years of having been compressed) decompress. Our surgeon didn't say what to

expect so the leg pain is somewhat unexpected.

>

> Just wondering what other people's experiences on this issue have been.

>

> Thanks, in advance.

>

> Carol

>

>

>

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

>

>

> No virus found in this incoming message.

> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com

> Version: 9.0.872 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3402 - Release Date: 01/24/11

23:34:00

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

It's ok to use pain killers or muscle relaxers as needed at a time like this.

He is fresh out of surgery and the pain pills are necessary because he hurts. He

hurts from the injury he hurts after being cut open then sewn back up. Tell him

don't be afraid to use the tools he has to help him. For some they are off the

pain killers right away (me) for others it may take weeks. You can't judge a

persons time to heal they do it as their body allows. Just take it easy take the

drugs if needed and get plenty of rest don't push yourself to do more than the

body will allow. Janice

Recent Post-Op Leg Pain

>

>

>

> My husband had a L1-S1 laminectomy (no fusion) plus an L5 foramenotomy last

Thursday, January 20. He has a 7.5 inch incision and 19 staples (to be removed

on January 31). He is doing amazingly well, overall, but still has leg pain,

mostly in the calf area. This is where he had the pain pre-op, but only when he

arose from sleeping. Now, the pain seems to be present whenever he gets up from

a seated position. He is still on Percocet.

>

> I have a call in to the surgeon's PA to ask her about this but don't expect

a call back until tomorrow (Wednesday). I've done a fair amount of Googling and

find that many surgeons tell their patients that they may experience MORE severe

leg pain post op as the formerly compressed nerves (which are probably inflamed

from years of having been compressed) decompress. Our surgeon didn't say what to

expect so the leg pain is somewhat unexpected.

>

> Just wondering what other people's experiences on this issue have been.

>

> Thanks, in advance.

>

> Carol

>

>

>

>

>

>

> ----------------------------------------------------------

>

>

>

> No virus found in this incoming message.

> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com

> Version: 9.0.872 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3402 - Release Date: 01/24/11

23:34:00

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Just the oposite in my family. I'm the one that wont stay down and keeps

getting in trouble...when hubby throws out his back he'll spend a good two weeks

in bed with narcotics and flexirl whining and getting everyone to do for him;-)

" Without rabbits a rabbits foot would be nothing but a disembodied

hand full of unidentified toes. " -Pogo

spinal problems

From: faraway1@...

Date: Tue, 25 Jan 2011 12:36:50 -0800

Subject: Re: Recent Post-Op Leg Pain

I believe that having a husband with a bad back is worse than having it myself.

You just can't keep them down. They get up feeling good but within a few hours

they are in terrible pain due to the fact that they won't listen to their body.

I too learned this the hard way. Way back when I should have listened to my body

and didn't. I had to learn things the hard way but it seems to me that men

really are more difficult than us women. I am happy that he is doing well after

surgery I hope he will continue to improve over time.

Janice

Recent Post-Op Leg Pain

spinal problems

Date: Tuesday, January 25, 2011, 2:27 PM

My husband had a L1-S1 laminectomy (no fusion) plus an L5 foramenotomy last

Thursday, January 20. He has a 7.5 inch incision and 19 staples (to be removed

on January 31). He is doing amazingly well, overall, but still has leg pain,

mostly in the calf area. This is where he had the pain pre-op, but only when he

arose from sleeping. Now, the pain seems to be present whenever he gets up from

a seated position. He is still on Percocet.

I have a call in to the surgeon's PA to ask her about this but don't expect a

call back until tomorrow (Wednesday). I've done a fair amount of Googling and

find that many surgeons tell their patients that they may experience MORE severe

leg pain post op as the formerly compressed nerves (which are probably inflamed

from years of having been compressed) decompress. Our surgeon didn't say what to

expect so the leg pain is somewhat unexpected.

Just wondering what other people's experiences on this issue have been.

Thanks, in advance.

Carol

[Guest guest]

I too can be put on the list of stubborn people. I used to have back surgery

and go right back to work. Once I went back to work 8 days after back

surgery as a waitress. I did ok and everything was fine but it could just as

easily gone the other way. Now I have 2 daughters with bad backs and every

time they hurt themselves by doing to much I am right there to hjelp them

all that I can. I know what it's like.

Janice

Recent Post-Op Leg Pain

> spinal problems

> Date: Tuesday, January 25, 2011, 2:27 PM

>

> My husband had a L1-S1 laminectomy (no fusion) plus an L5 foramenotomy

> last Thursday, January 20. He has a 7.5 inch incision and 19 staples (to

> be removed on January 31). He is doing amazingly well, overall, but still

> has leg pain, mostly in the calf area. This is where he had the pain

> pre-op, but only when he arose from sleeping. Now, the pain seems to be

> present whenever he gets up from a seated position. He is still on

> Percocet.

>

> I have a call in to the surgeon's PA to ask her about this but don't

> expect a call back until tomorrow (Wednesday). I've done a fair amount of

> Googling and find that many surgeons tell their patients that they may

> experience MORE severe leg pain post op as the formerly compressed nerves

> (which are probably inflamed from years of having been compressed)

> decompress. Our surgeon didn't say what to expect so the leg pain is

> somewhat unexpected.

>

> Just wondering what other people's experiences on this issue have been.

>

> Thanks, in advance.

>

> Carol

>

>

[Guest guest]

I am the same as you.

Kate Fontaine

" Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened. "

-Dr. Seuss

From: Bunny <christina_bunny@...>

spinal problems

Cc:

Sent: Tuesday, January 25, 2011 4:53 PM

Subject: RE: Recent Post-Op Leg Pain

Just the oposite in my family.  I'm the one that wont stay down and keeps

getting in trouble...when hubby throws out his back he'll spend a good two weeks

in bed with narcotics and flexirl whining and getting everyone to do for him;-)

" Without rabbits a rabbits foot would be nothing but a disembodied

hand full of unidentified toes. " -Pogo

spinal problems

From: faraway1@...

Date: Tue, 25 Jan 2011 12:36:50 -0800

Subject: Re: Recent Post-Op Leg Pain

 

I believe that having a husband with a bad back is worse than having it myself.

You just can't keep them down. They get up feeling good but within a few hours

they are in terrible pain due to the fact that they won't listen to their body.

I too learned this the hard way. Way back when I should have listened to my body

and didn't. I had to learn things the hard way but it seems to me that men

really are more difficult than us women. I am happy that he is doing well after

surgery I hope he will continue to improve over time.

Janice

Recent Post-Op Leg Pain

spinal problems

Date: Tuesday, January 25, 2011, 2:27 PM

My husband had a L1-S1 laminectomy (no fusion) plus an L5 foramenotomy last

Thursday, January 20. He has a 7.5 inch incision and 19 staples (to be removed

on January 31). He is doing amazingly well, overall, but still has leg pain,

mostly in the calf area. This is where he had the pain pre-op, but only when he

arose from sleeping. Now, the pain seems to be present whenever he gets up from

a seated position. He is still on Percocet.

I have a call in to the surgeon's PA to ask her about this but don't expect a

call back until tomorrow (Wednesday). I've done a fair amount of Googling and

find that many surgeons tell their patients that they may experience MORE severe

leg pain post op as the formerly compressed nerves (which are probably inflamed

from years of having been compressed) decompress. Our surgeon didn't say what to

expect so the leg pain is somewhat unexpected.

Just wondering what other people's experiences on this issue have been.

Thanks, in advance.

Carol

[Guest guest]

The PA returned my call yesterday and confirmed everything that has been

suggested on this board. She also said to use ice on the operative site (because

the leg pain he is feeling is referred pain from the newly operated-on lumbar

region), especially after his supermarket outing. He didn't do this yesterday

and suffered the consequences during the night. Lots of sciatic pain.

Today he is using ice. He is very stubborn.

Carol

_________________________________________________________

>

> Carol you have to kepp in mond that after any surgery there will be swelling

and added pressure on the nerves thus causing more pain maybe even worse than

before the surgery. It may take time to get the swelling down. Whatever he does

do not put heat on the site unless the doctor tells you to. Heat will increase

the swelling and with it will come more pain. My doctor had me use ice 4 times a

day 30 minutes at a time and I believe it really helped at the time. The most

important thing is to give those nerves and muscles time to heal.Keep us

informed of his progress.

> Janice

> Recent Post-Op Leg Pain

>

>

>

> My husband had a L1-S1 laminectomy (no fusion) plus an L5 foramenotomy last

Thursday, January 20. He has a 7.5 inch incision and 19 staples (to be removed

on January 31). He is doing amazingly well, overall, but still has leg pain,

mostly in the calf area. This is where he had the pain pre-op, but only when he

arose from sleeping. Now, the pain seems to be present whenever he gets up from

a seated position. He is still on Percocet.

>

> I have a call in to the surgeon's PA to ask her about this but don't expect

a call back until tomorrow (Wednesday). I've done a fair amount of Googling and

find that many surgeons tell their patients that they may experience MORE severe

leg pain post op as the formerly compressed nerves (which are probably inflamed

from years of having been compressed) decompress. Our surgeon didn't say what to

expect so the leg pain is somewhat unexpected.

>

> Just wondering what other people's experiences on this issue have been.

>

> Thanks, in advance.

>

> Carol

>

>

>

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

>

>

> No virus found in this incoming message.

> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com

> Version: 9.0.872 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3402 - Release Date: 01/24/11

23:34:00

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

well, having just gone through this I am either the exception or you are just

wrong about the man vs woman thing Janice

Mark

________________________________

From: Janice <faraway1@...>

spinal problems

Sent: Tue, January 25, 2011 3:36:50 PM

Subject: Re: Recent Post-Op Leg Pain

I believe that having a husband with a bad back is worse than having it myself.

You just can't keep them down. They get up feeling good but within a few hours

they are in terrible pain due to the fact that they won't listen to their body.

I too learned this the hard way. Way back when I should have listened to my body

and didn't. I had to learn things the hard way but it seems to me that men

really are more difficult than us women. I am happy that he is doing well after

surgery I hope he will continue to improve over time.

Janice

Recent Post-Op Leg Pain

spinal problems

Date: Tuesday, January 25, 2011, 2:27 PM

My husband had a L1-S1 laminectomy (no fusion) plus an L5 foramenotomy last

Thursday, January 20. He has a 7.5 inch incision and 19 staples (to be removed

on January 31). He is doing amazingly well, overall, but still has leg pain,

mostly in the calf area. This is where he had the pain pre-op, but only when he

arose from sleeping. Now, the pain seems to be present whenever he gets up from

a seated position. He is still on Percocet.

I have a call in to the surgeon's PA to ask her about this but don't expect a

call back until tomorrow (Wednesday). I've done a fair amount of Googling and

find that many surgeons tell their patients that they may experience MORE severe

leg pain post op as the formerly compressed nerves (which are probably inflamed

from years of having been compressed) decompress. Our surgeon didn't say what to

expect so the leg pain is somewhat unexpected.

Just wondering what other people's experiences on this issue have been.

Thanks, in advance.

Carol

[Guest guest]

All - stubborn? - me too, but I will rest when a doc says rest because I trust

he knows what he is telling me - in fact I make sure I know why! Then if I

disagree at least I know what I am disagreeing to!

Anyway who doesn't want to be waited on?..its the reason someone is waiting on

me (I am unable to...because of my back or surgery) that bothers me!

It sounds like your husband is having a fast recovery..I was 4 weeks before the

doctor let me out of the house after L2-S1 laminectomy and foramenotomy! and I

had the same type and size incision...no fun. Every doctor has different

recommendations it seems...

________________________________

From: Janice <faraway1@...>

spinal problems

Sent: Tue, January 25, 2011 5:41:02 PM

Subject: Re: Recent Post-Op Leg Pain

I too can be put on the list of stubborn people. I used to have back surgery

and go right back to work. Once I went back to work 8 days after back

surgery as a waitress. I did ok and everything was fine but it could just as

easily gone the other way. Now I have 2 daughters with bad backs and every

time they hurt themselves by doing to much I am right there to hjelp them

all that I can. I know what it's like.

Janice

Recent Post-Op Leg Pain

> spinal problems

> Date: Tuesday, January 25, 2011, 2:27 PM

>

> My husband had a L1-S1 laminectomy (no fusion) plus an L5 foramenotomy

> last Thursday, January 20. He has a 7.5 inch incision and 19 staples (to

> be removed on January 31). He is doing amazingly well, overall, but still

> has leg pain, mostly in the calf area. This is where he had the pain

> pre-op, but only when he arose from sleeping. Now, the pain seems to be

> present whenever he gets up from a seated position. He is still on

> Percocet.

>

> I have a call in to the surgeon's PA to ask her about this but don't

> expect a call back until tomorrow (Wednesday). I've done a fair amount of

> Googling and find that many surgeons tell their patients that they may

> experience MORE severe leg pain post op as the formerly compressed nerves

> (which are probably inflamed from years of having been compressed)

> decompress. Our surgeon didn't say what to expect so the leg pain is

> somewhat unexpected.

>

> Just wondering what other people's experiences on this issue have been.

>

> Thanks, in advance.

>

> Carol

>

>

[Guest guest]

There is an exception to every rule.

Janice

Recent Post-Op Leg Pain

spinal problems

Date: Tuesday, January 25, 2011, 2:27 PM

My husband had a L1-S1 laminectomy (no fusion) plus an L5 foramenotomy last

Thursday, January 20. He has a 7.5 inch incision and 19 staples (to be removed

on January 31). He is doing amazingly well, overall, but still has leg pain,

mostly in the calf area. This is where he had the pain pre-op, but only when

he

arose from sleeping. Now, the pain seems to be present whenever he gets up

from

a seated position. He is still on Percocet.

I have a call in to the surgeon's PA to ask her about this but don't expect a

call back until tomorrow (Wednesday). I've done a fair amount of Googling and

find that many surgeons tell their patients that they may experience MORE

severe

leg pain post op as the formerly compressed nerves (which are probably

inflamed

from years of having been compressed) decompress. Our surgeon didn't say what

to

expect so the leg pain is somewhat unexpected.

Just wondering what other people's experiences on this issue have been.

Thanks, in advance.

Carol

[Guest guest]

Mark,

Four weeks in the house? Wow -- I think my husband would go crazy with those

restrictions.

He is doing very well, with the exception of the leg pain when he gets up from a

seated position. It seems to " walk off " after a few steps. Did you have that

post-op situation? If so, how long before it resolved?

Thanks.

Carol

____________________________________________________-

> >

> > From: cwarman89134 <cwarman89134@...>

> > Subject: Recent Post-Op Leg Pain

> > spinal problems

> > Date: Tuesday, January 25, 2011, 2:27 PM

> >

> > My husband had a L1-S1 laminectomy (no fusion) plus an L5 foramenotomy

> > last Thursday, January 20. He has a 7.5 inch incision and 19 staples (to

> > be removed on January 31). He is doing amazingly well, overall, but still

> > has leg pain, mostly in the calf area. This is where he had the pain

> > pre-op, but only when he arose from sleeping. Now, the pain seems to be

> > present whenever he gets up from a seated position. He is still on

> > Percocet.

> >

> > I have a call in to the surgeon's PA to ask her about this but don't

> > expect a call back until tomorrow (Wednesday). I've done a fair amount of

> > Googling and find that many surgeons tell their patients that they may

> > experience MORE severe leg pain post op as the formerly compressed nerves

> > (which are probably inflamed from years of having been compressed)

> > decompress. Our surgeon didn't say what to expect so the leg pain is

> > somewhat unexpected.

> >

> > Just wondering what other people's experiences on this issue have been.

> >

> > Thanks, in advance.

> >

> > Carol

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol - I had a great amount of relief immediately after the surgery, but

because they messed around with so much to do the surgery I had any number of

pains like that. The fact that is goes away I think is a great sign. If that

is all the pain he has left - he is doing wonderfully.

I have quite a bit of lower back pain still but as I have posted before that is

due to me not having a fusion in the lumbar region too which because of DDD

would require probably Cervical to S1 fusion! Oh and after 2 weeks post-op I

was actually able to take short walks, but no riding and no getting anywhere but

mostly to the bus stop to drop off my daughter or pick her up with my wife...it

did drive me a bit crazy...

________________________________

From: cwarman89134 <cwarman89134@...>

spinal problems

Sent: Wed, January 26, 2011 2:59:17 PM

Subject: Re: Recent Post-Op Leg Pain

Mark,

Four weeks in the house? Wow -- I think my husband would go crazy with those

restrictions.

He is doing very well, with the exception of the leg pain when he gets up from a

seated position. It seems to " walk off " after a few steps. Did you have that

post-op situation? If so, how long before it resolved?

Thanks.

Carol

____________________________________________________-

> >

> > From: cwarman89134 <cwarman89134@...>

> > Subject: Recent Post-Op Leg Pain

> > spinal problems

> > Date: Tuesday, January 25, 2011, 2:27 PM

> >

> > My husband had a L1-S1 laminectomy (no fusion) plus an L5 foramenotomy

> > last Thursday, January 20. He has a 7.5 inch incision and 19 staples (to

> > be removed on January 31). He is doing amazingly well, overall, but still

> > has leg pain, mostly in the calf area. This is where he had the pain

> > pre-op, but only when he arose from sleeping. Now, the pain seems to be

> > present whenever he gets up from a seated position. He is still on

> > Percocet.

> >

> > I have a call in to the surgeon's PA to ask her about this but don't

> > expect a call back until tomorrow (Wednesday). I've done a fair amount of

> > Googling and find that many surgeons tell their patients that they may

> > experience MORE severe leg pain post op as the formerly compressed nerves

> > (which are probably inflamed from years of having been compressed)

> > decompress. Our surgeon didn't say what to expect so the leg pain is

> > somewhat unexpected.

> >

> > Just wondering what other people's experiences on this issue have been.

> >

> > Thanks, in advance.

> >

> > Carol

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Mark,

Thanks for the reply.

My husband had very little lower back pain pre-op. The pain was mostly sciatic

pain in the legs. The latest MRI, taken in November, didn't show any herniated

disks, only " bulging disks " .

As of yesterday, he is off pain meds (He wasn't on them pre-surgery) so he

decided to drive! He did that yesterday, taking another driver along in case of

a problem. He said there was no problem. The doc's office said he could drive

when he felt " ready " (That takes the responsibility off their backs) and when he

was off narcotics.

He is eight days out of surgery.

Carol

_________________________________________________________

> > >

> > > From: cwarman89134 <cwarman89134@>

> > > Subject: Recent Post-Op Leg Pain

> > > spinal problems

> > > Date: Tuesday, January 25, 2011, 2:27 PM

> > >

> > > My husband had a L1-S1 laminectomy (no fusion) plus an L5 foramenotomy

> > > last Thursday, January 20. He has a 7.5 inch incision and 19 staples (to

> > > be removed on January 31). He is doing amazingly well, overall, but still

> > > has leg pain, mostly in the calf area. This is where he had the pain

> > > pre-op, but only when he arose from sleeping. Now, the pain seems to be

> > > present whenever he gets up from a seated position. He is still on

> > > Percocet.

> > >

> > > I have a call in to the surgeon's PA to ask her about this but don't

> > > expect a call back until tomorrow (Wednesday). I've done a fair amount of

> > > Googling and find that many surgeons tell their patients that they may

> > > experience MORE severe leg pain post op as the formerly compressed nerves

> > > (which are probably inflamed from years of having been compressed)

> > > decompress. Our surgeon didn't say what to expect so the leg pain is

> > > somewhat unexpected.

> > >

> > > Just wondering what other people's experiences on this issue have been.

> > >

> > > Thanks, in advance.

> > >

> > > Carol

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

That's pretty quick he must be doing well. If he is still having sciatica pain

it is probably due to swelling arounf the site. Hopefully time will help. Just

be careful for a while and don't push yourself to do more than it's ready to.

Janice

Recent Post-Op Leg Pain

> > > spinal problems

> > > Date: Tuesday, January 25, 2011, 2:27 PM

> > >

> > > My husband had a L1-S1 laminectomy (no fusion) plus an L5 foramenotomy

> > > last Thursday, January 20. He has a 7.5 inch incision and 19 staples (to

> > > be removed on January 31). He is doing amazingly well, overall, but

still

> > > has leg pain, mostly in the calf area. This is where he had the pain

> > > pre-op, but only when he arose from sleeping. Now, the pain seems to be

> > > present whenever he gets up from a seated position. He is still on

> > > Percocet.

> > >

> > > I have a call in to the surgeon's PA to ask her about this but don't

> > > expect a call back until tomorrow (Wednesday). I've done a fair amount

of

> > > Googling and find that many surgeons tell their patients that they may

> > > experience MORE severe leg pain post op as the formerly compressed

nerves

> > > (which are probably inflamed from years of having been compressed)

> > > decompress. Our surgeon didn't say what to expect so the leg pain is

> > > somewhat unexpected.

> > >

> > > Just wondering what other people's experiences on this issue have been.

> > >

> > > Thanks, in advance.

> > >

> > > Carol

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

Thank you, Janice.

The post-op pain has become more of an annoyance than real serious pain. I'm

sure it's the nerves healing and swelling in the area, as you say.

Carol

_________________________________________________________________

> > > >

> > > > From: cwarman89134 <cwarman89134@>

> > > > Subject: Recent Post-Op Leg Pain

> > > > spinal problems

> > > > Date: Tuesday, January 25, 2011, 2:27 PM

> > > >

> > > > My husband had a L1-S1 laminectomy (no fusion) plus an L5 foramenotomy

> > > > last Thursday, January 20. He has a 7.5 inch incision and 19 staples

(to

> > > > be removed on January 31). He is doing amazingly well, overall, but

still

> > > > has leg pain, mostly in the calf area. This is where he had the pain

> > > > pre-op, but only when he arose from sleeping. Now, the pain seems to

be

> > > > present whenever he gets up from a seated position. He is still on

> > > > Percocet.

> > > >

> > > > I have a call in to the surgeon's PA to ask her about this but don't

> > > > expect a call back until tomorrow (Wednesday). I've done a fair amount

of

> > > > Googling and find that many surgeons tell their patients that they may

> > > > experience MORE severe leg pain post op as the formerly compressed

nerves

> > > > (which are probably inflamed from years of having been compressed)

> > > > decompress. Our surgeon didn't say what to expect so the leg pain is

> > > > somewhat unexpected.

> > > >

> > > > Just wondering what other people's experiences on this issue have

been.

> > > >

> > > > Thanks, in advance.

> > > >

> > > > Carol

> > > >

> > > >

[Guest guest]

sounds like a great recovery so far! I hope and pray it will continue for him!

mark

________________________________

From: cwarman89134 <cwarman89134@...>

spinal problems

Sent: Fri, January 28, 2011 3:40:06 PM

Subject: Re: Recent Post-Op Leg Pain

Mark,

Thanks for the reply.

My husband had very little lower back pain pre-op. The pain was mostly sciatic

pain in the legs. The latest MRI, taken in November, didn't show any herniated

disks, only " bulging disks " .

As of yesterday, he is off pain meds (He wasn't on them pre-surgery) so he

decided to drive! He did that yesterday, taking another driver along in case of

a problem. He said there was no problem. The doc's office said he could drive

when he felt " ready " (That takes the responsibility off their backs) and when he

was off narcotics.

He is eight days out of surgery.

Carol

_________________________________________________________

> > >

> > > From: cwarman89134 <cwarman89134@>

> > > Subject: Recent Post-Op Leg Pain

> > > spinal problems

> > > Date: Tuesday, January 25, 2011, 2:27 PM

> > >

> > > My husband had a L1-S1 laminectomy (no fusion) plus an L5 foramenotomy

> > > last Thursday, January 20. He has a 7.5 inch incision and 19 staples (to

> > > be removed on January 31). He is doing amazingly well, overall, but still

> > > has leg pain, mostly in the calf area. This is where he had the pain

> > > pre-op, but only when he arose from sleeping. Now, the pain seems to be

> > > present whenever he gets up from a seated position. He is still on

> > > Percocet.

> > >

> > > I have a call in to the surgeon's PA to ask her about this but don't

> > > expect a call back until tomorrow (Wednesday). I've done a fair amount of

> > > Googling and find that many surgeons tell their patients that they may

> > > experience MORE severe leg pain post op as the formerly compressed nerves

> > > (which are probably inflamed from years of having been compressed)

> > > decompress. Our surgeon didn't say what to expect so the leg pain is

> > > somewhat unexpected.

> > >

> > > Just wondering what other people's experiences on this issue have been.

> > >

> > > Thanks, in advance.

> > >

> > > Carol

> > >

> > >