8 Month L5-S1 ADR Update

I am nearing the 8 month mark post ADR, a one level at L5S1. I am just now beginning to tell a big difference in my back. I still have some muscle spasms, but that is improving as well. I was starting to think I would never get over the surgery. I still even have some abdominal soreness as well.

But all the old pains are gone and I am glad now that I had the surgery. But for those that have been told that you will recover in a month (as I was told), that may not be true. I am a healthy 32 year old male and it has taken this long. This surgery is a major ordeal not to be taken lightly. It is good timing that my back is recovering because I have a 2 month old set of twins at home to take care of.

[djscal]

TDR,

That is great news! Could you elaborate on what symptoms are better?

[Alastair]

Hi TDR,
many thanks for posting this, it does confirm to everybody that the "immediate recoveries" that we do see here are far from the usual thing.

I know it's been a tough journey for you, but it looks as if you're "round the corner" and on a good solid road to success. It could quite well be another three of four months before you're doing handsprings -- -- -- lol
Best,
Alastair

[luvmysibe]

Congratulations! You are a month ahead of me in recovery time and I can validate that one month is definitely too soon to have a complete recovery. My surgeon and his staff recommeneded a full year for integration and return to all/most previous activities.

An important factor to always keep in mind, especially now that you have children, is the need to constantly be aware of your body mechanics, posture, stature, etc... My physical therapist helped me visualize the correct body stance by imagining my ADR as a jelly doughnut and that I need to keep an even distribution of the jelly inside the doughnut. Hope this helps!

I am so happy for you. May I ask you at what month you were able to sit for long periods and actually do normal things. I am nearing my 5th month and still in a great deal of pain. I am on quite a bit of pain medication and still cannot sit for more than about 15 minutes without major pain. What has been your experience? This delayed healing will definitely help me hold on to hope. THANK YOU!!

[bmills]

TDR, that's helpful. I think some of us are just requiring many months to get where we want to be. I'm at 5 months. Much better than before but still working on the issues. It's a longer road for some...than others.

Brady