It's been 3 1/2 months from my 3-level ADR. Keep in mind I have two remaining severely degenerated discs above my implants. I am feeling great, with minimal pain most of the time. I have been able to decrease my dosage of Oxycontin to 10 - 20 mg per day prn and taking Naproxen 500mg BID. I am a Reg. Nurse and work in a nursing home. Dr. B has given me permanent, life-long restrictions in an attempt to decrease the likelyhood I will have to return for surgery to replace the L1/2, 2/3. My hubby is afraid I am wanting to return too soon, but I am tired of being broke, with him shouldering all the financial burden. I do get a small pension from WC, but it doesn't even cover the loan for my surgery. I continue to walk, do physio daily and have not had any distraction pain thus far. Do I chance it?

zippo
i returned to work from a single level adr l5-l6
at just about 12 weeks. LIGHT DUTYs
best wishes
chuck

CZ, what are your physical demands? Are you tasked with deskwork? Moving patients?

If you have to do any lifting, that may create problems...or worries that may or may not be warranted. You used the right word -- "chance."

CZ:

I returned to work at two months. I am an executive and sit at a desk though walk around a lot also. No heavy lifting.

If you can be an administrative charge nurse then it might not be bad. I agree that heavy lifting is a no-no. What about part-time temporary to see how you hold up?

There are also traveling nurse positions to collect specimens, get vitals, collect medical histories for insurance companies underwriting life insurance policies.

Whatever you do take it slow to avoid any further injury.

Go with God.

Terry Newton

Thanks for all of your input.I've decided my job is too physically demanding, plus I would be the only registered staff on the nightshift, so any emergency, no matter what kind, I have to be able to respond and act accordingly. Bottom line,it would not be safe for either myself or my clients. I decided to take my time looking for a Mental Health Out-patient type position. I've been out of psych for awhile, but have kept up to date with the ever-changing field. http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common...icon_smile.gif

This sounds like an excellent decision, I have seen so many nursing staff in your position, and most of them have either done further exams and got a promotion, so they are not in a "lifting" position in their job. Do remember that a three level ADR is a HUGE surgery, I would think six months is a good time to be quietly confident of doing a non-lifting job.
Best,
Alastair http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common...icon_smile.gif

I am taking my time looking for something suitable. My life is the best it's been in years so I will not risk getting hurt again. http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common...icon_smile.gif

Good For You! Wise decision.

Terry Newton