Help! Need advice for suitable stretches after my fusion!

[CindyLou]

Hi all,

I know this sounds not very plausible, but I honestly have not been given direction on what, if any, appropriate stretches I can do at this point in time....almost 4 months since my L6-S1 fusion. I'm certain part of the reason my back is so tight is because my hip flexors, hamstrings, etc., are all so tight. The book they gave me in the hospital to take home was only a general book on back surgery. They were OUT of the ones on back fusion and appropriate exercises for those. Can anyone help me out? i don't want to "undo" or risk working against the fusion that needs to take place, but there should be more I can do. I do see my doctor tomorrow, and I start with this other physical therapist late this week, but I am so frustrated and in pain with my back being so tight. I did a few hip flexor stretches that I googled, and it definitely "hurt so good," but I just want to make sure it's ok.

Thanks in advance!

Well, we are getting our first snowfall as I type, up here in Minnesooooota! Maybe I will bundle up and take my dog out for a short walk.

[CindyLou]

Well, I had my two doctor appts. today. This morning was the back doctor. He wants me to try Skelaxin since I told him the Valium did nothing for the muscle spasms. We'll see. We're also going to try and taper me off the Percocet to see where my body is, since mostly I'm experiencing muscle related issues. I'm up for that. He's glad I'm starting the p.t. with the other therapist. He believes alot of my stiffness is due to weak muscles supporting my back. That my core is huge. (I do agree with this) So I am going to use up my remaining personal trainer sessions and ask them to concentrate on that area. I've been waiting for the doctor's thumbs up, and he gave it this morning. This afternoon was the hip doctor. After examining me, he recommended first trying the bursa injection in my hip to see what kind of relief it gives me. If it is short lived, then he thinks we should try an injection into the hip joint, and see what that proves diagnostically. He knows my left knee is shot. Mostly bone on bone. As I was asking him how long I had with this ole' knee while he was injecting it, he said something very clever and quite profound: "I can live with your knee pain for the rest of my life." I laughed, but got his drift. Then he said as soon as these injections into your knee don't do the trick anymore, it's time. I am so thankful that they seem to be doing their job for now! I am anxious to start the p.t. for sure and will keep you all posted. I don't have another x-ray and Cat Scan of my fusion until February. Yikes. Seems a long time away. Keep fusing old body!

[tazdell]

Hi CindiLou,

Thanks for all your advice! I am so with you on the strectching thing. I feel so tight and can't wait to stretch, although I am at one month out so it's not time for me. But you should be stretching. Please let me know what you find helpful as you progress in your training.

As far as muscle spasms...I was off all pain med at 2 weeks. The pain I lived with before surgery was far worse then anything I had after 2 weeks so that was helpful. I was also having spasms BAD!!! They did decrease once I was off the pain med. I have taken Skelaxin before and for me, it didn't do the job as well as Flexeril. I dont know if you already know this but the differnce between the two is that Skelaxin is non sedative while flexeril will knock you out!! I take one flexeril at night and it allows me to get the sleep I need and really helps the muscle spasms. Skelaxin is good during the day but for me nothing works like flexeril!!! Hope that helps.

I see my doc on 11-11 and I will speak up more this time. If you can do it, so can I!
Oh yeah...I have the bursitis going on too. I have had the injection and it only lasted 2 months for me, just in time to get the bill to pay for it! Hope it will help you longer. It flared up so bad after surgery, I ice it 15 min. every hour and after 3 days it actually helped.

Good luck...What doesn't kill us makes us stronger!!!

tazdell

[daveinaustin]

Tazdell,

I have the post-op back book. If your doctor doesn't have it during next week's visit, PM me and I will fax or mail a copy of it to you.

The stretches look lame, but they've helped me with my fusion recovery. Also, my wife gave me gental massages every other day, which helped loosen up tight muscles. Yes, I owe her big time!

-Dave

[tazdell]

I will let you know after tuesday. Thanks for the help.....

tazdell