Fireman had prodisc L at l5 s1 on 8-8-11

truck54 · #1 08-21-2011, 06:36 PM

Hello forum, I am approaching two weeks post op with my total disc replacement surgery.. The surgery was performed by Dr. Eric Spayde in thousand oaks California, and performed at los Robles regional medical center.. I am a fireman and have been hampered with a serious of back problems as a result.. Two previous laminectomies over the last ten years and continued pain as a result of disc height.. After surgery i was wheeled into recovery and felt very good besides the fear and anxiety as to this procedure working as I had hoped.. I was walking the next day with pain but bearable.. I was discharged after three days and have been taking about 1/2 of one percoset every 8 hours along with 800 mg of ibuprofen.. I walk about 1 mike every day.. My concerns are that i have alot of pain in my hamstrings, calves, and knees and feet.. Not sure if this is normal or if others have this and it goes away? My incision looks to be closed and really nice and straight at the low belt line.. Anyone have these same pains and can give some advice?

Harrison · #2 08-21-2011, 07:32 PM

Hey Truck54, (car54?!)...

Tightness is almost a given. My "hammies" were like steel bands for months -- so don't overdo it with PT or crazy stretching!

Take it slow. No fighting fires for a while...just try to chill.

truck54 · #3 08-21-2011, 11:47 PM

Thanks harrison.. The pain is worse when I stand still.. When walking it seems to lesson.. It's only been 13 days now and again I'm takeing only 1/4 the meds.. I'm optimistic but I sure would love to see it go away fast!!!

truck54 · #4 08-22-2011, 08:56 PM

Went in for my two week post op visit and X-ray. The X-rays showed that the prodisc L wad put in dead center and created about a half inch of space according to dr Spayde. He said that the hamstring, back of knee, and other pains should gradually go away with time in about 6 total weeks.. My incision is closed completely except for one tiny end that should be by the next day or so.. My back support was narrowed down and seems alot more comfortable to wear now.. Still no bending, lifting or twisting allowed but said I can swim once I'm closed up completely.. So optimistic today!

grzz660 · #5 08-29-2011, 02:26 PM

I had Pro disc @ L5-S1 on Aug 12th. I am feeling good also, just minor pains that show up and go away the following day. I also walk alot and I think my recovery is going fine. My first Doctor visit will be @ the 1 month mark. I hope all goes well then. Keep us posted I read on here everyday.

Thanks.
GRZZ

truck54 · #6 08-29-2011, 03:06 PM

Sounds good.. I'm at three week mark today.. Feel pretty good. Swam 1000 meters this morning.. It's the best swim I have had.. Body doesn't seem as fatigued as it has.. I'm taking calcium pills to help with bone growth.. I have pain that appears behind my left knee at the back.. It's also the same area that hurts really bad when I would stretch the nerve during therapy..seems to go away with rest.. I'm stretching easy and just hoping recovery continues better everyday.. Anyone got advice on length of time for leg pain diminishing?