Question about setback during recovery

[Eskimo]

Hi, I'm 38 years old with about 20 years of chronic discogenic LBP which got dramatically worse in January 2008.

Xrays showed more than 50% disc loss height at L5-S1 and severe dessication with acute annular tears at L4-L5 in March 2008. The xray should significant facet arthritis at L5-S1 and some more minor changes at L4-L5.

I had a few epidruals, and an RF ablation of facet joints at left L5-S1 and L4-L5 in October 2008 but the pain persisted.

I underwent discogram in March 2009 with a postive L4-L5 and a negative L5-S1 but interestingly severe pain at L3-L4 which had looked good on xray and MRI.

I had my surgical consultation in May 2009 and the surgeon thought L5-S1 was probably symptomatic despite the discogram results and the L4-L5 should be done as it was likely symptomatic as well and he preferred not doing early revisions to new levels.

I started on narcotics in August 2009 as pain was too severe to continue working.

I had my two-level ADR on February 2, 2010 and was in hospital 3 days. I was back to work part-time by two weeks and off all pain meds by 1 month post-surgery and progressively getting better with minimal sitting pain and just some minor stiffness which was slowly improving. At my first followup in mid-March everything looked good and was cleared to return to full activity and pursue PT if I wanted to. I decided to delay it at that time.

In mid-May I decided to put together a push mower so my wife could use it. It was a bit harder than I initially thought and was bent over for awhile doing it. I felt a bit stiff that day but was much worse the next day. The pain radiated up each side of my mid-back and would sometimes extend downwards to the top of my buttocks but not go deep down into the buttocks or into my thighs like it used to. I also got some exacerbation of some left calf pain that I initially had after surgery.

Thus far I have just been taking some analgesics and waiting for it to settle down but it has been persistent and seems to act when I sit more. I have my second followup in 2.5 weeks and will hopefully get some more information on whether there has been any issues with the surgery or whether this might represent some issues with the L3-L4 disc that had the positive discogram of uncertain significance.

I was wondering if any of you had a similar problem post-ADR?

Thanks

[singletracker]

I'm not really qualified to give medical advice, but in my case stretching was extremely important for my 2 level lumbar ADR recovery. Strengthening exercises were a very strong second place. IMO, you need to gradually build up your core strength so when it's time to work on a mower or whatever, you will be less likely to flair up.

[Harrison]

Hey Eskimo.

Yes, we've seen every kind you can think of here. If you can, take some hot baths with epsom salts; maybe treat yourself to a massage.

Most people need 3-6 months for their body to adjust to their new spine mechanics, so try to be patient. And don't attempt anything strenuous for a few months!

Just my .02 cents.

[Fuzzy]

I also had a strong flareup of my lowback 2 month after lumber adr. I had spend a active day outside with a slr camera with telephoto lens (heavy, kind of like a dumb bell). The next day I was in screaming pain and I was worried. It lasted a week and then disappeared. I am sure that often times the back muscles need to retrain either by simple activity or even pt. I have moved to progressively heavier lenses and have made great progress since. I prefer doing pt out doors, hiking, climbing and photographing rather then go to some facility I just can't handle that. I know that spending time with outdoor activity has greatly helped my spine recover as good as it can.

[2cool4U]

My experience has been that doing anything repetitive or assuming uncomfortable positions for more than several minutes at a time can cause lingering pain lasting for days. This can happen for months after the surgery. It probably at least partially depends on your pre-op fitness and activities. Based on the anecdotal reports here, I don't see a pattern. Just be careful and take it slow. I just reinjured myself last week lifting luggage for our vacation and I'm 18 mos. out.

Some return to normal and others have variable responses. Just take things slowly and back off when you hurt something.

-tc-