Post-surgery update...frustrated and in pain

[fiddle]

Hello everyone,

Thought I'd give you an update. It's been 3 and 1/2 months since the 1 level ADR (L5-S1) in Germany. I am in pain. I wish I was one of the ones who had a quick reduction in pain but I am not.

It is moderate pain -- not severe, thank God. But still moderate, and constant and unrelenting. I find that sitting will aggravate it, but life involves sitting. I sit at the computer, for meals, when visiting friends, going to movies, in the car, etc. I don't see how I can dramatically reduce sitting...it is a part of life! And any minor bending also aggravates it.

I am taking somewhat more pain meds than before the surgery. I find I need to take Advil at night along with my prescription med in order to sleep. And Advil during the day too. I didn't need to do that before.

I was hoping for a better outcome. I feel like I have plateaued. I see no improvement from week to week, or month to month. This feels like this is it. The continued constant pain from my back down my leg.

I was denied insurance coverage from my secondary POS health insurer. I will send my bills into Medicare (my primary insurance) so we'll see.

Well that's it. Thanks for listening. All for now, Fiddle

[spotty14]

I'm sorry to hear that your still in pain. I hope you get more pain reduction as tome goes on. About sitting- I have a stand up work station, and a system at home to stand up for meals etc.,and have to stand for almost everything. Maybe less sitting for awhile would give your body a chance to heal more.

[florihupf]

Hi Fiddle,

I can see your frustration. Well, just wanted to let you know, please don't give up yet.

For me, first pain free day was NINE month after surgery.

First pain free day 15 MONTH after surgery.

Almost pain free around 24 MONTH after surgery.

I also had L5/S1.

[JL]

Hi fiddle,
It has been a long year for you, I remember. I am sorry to hear about your pain and have no similar experience of symptoms to draw from. There was the continual thought if this is a good as it gets. Six months post surgery I decided I was doing too much and after reading comments on the board about "slow and steady", I put the brakes on physical activity. And I improved dramatically. I think it was a blessing Ins. Co. (WC) denied me PT.

A reminder, the T-Day social gathering is Wed. 11/22 at Farmington Marriott. You can excercise your ears at least.

Bill

[Alastair]

I'm sorry that you're not doing very well, but it's still very much "early days".

It's all a matter of pacing yourself and keeping going but not trying to do too much which is hard because it's the first time you've been through this experience.

I don't know what part of the USA you live in but cold and damp weather doesn't help this sort of recovery at all.

Look on the bright side and think of Christmas, things might be much easier by then
best,
Alastair

[fiddle]

Thank you all for your comments. It really does help to have a support network. Another rough day today. I am attempting to dramatically reduce sitting for the time being. I've been resisting putting out the money for a laptop to use while reclined, but perhaps I should.

Yes it's been rainy here and I seem to be worse on the wet days.

Thanks again, my ADR friends.

[livjoyful]

I your frustration. I am now 6 months post. yes the pain is very much reduced and i really do have my life back. But...I am still limited in what I am capable of, and truthfully didnt expect to be limited at all after my surgery. have had back pain for at least 15 years and was expecting to be pain free for the first time. Didnt happen. An frustrated and feel hopeless some days.
Just wanted to let you know you are not alone in any of this. There is compassion, kindness and most of all understandiong here. This forum has been a God send to me.
All the best and i will pray for you.

[Rosie]

Same frustration, my dear. Was improving every month up to 6 mths and started going down hill. Now 10 mths post-op. Trying to get back to work. Don't know how I am going to coop as work is very physical.
Any activity makes it worse. Sometimes feel that no meds are helping.
I guess this is the forum where we can all cry together.
Cheers!

[livjoyful]

Rosie, sorry to hear about the pain coming back.
This is the place where we can share a box of tissue.

[Lynn Peterson]

Hi there, I'm one month post op (fusion+prodisc) - muscle spasms in legs occasionally, normally when sitting for too long. Bit concerned about returning to work in Feb as am a legal secretary but I have been advised to stand/walk regularly - don't think work will be able to give me a standing station but I will definitley take calls standing up, etc. Has anyone got any other useful advice about returning to a desk job? Thanks