Neck Pain: Cervical
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Mon, 11/02/2009 - 23:21
Recovery 4 weeks Post-Op
Hi, I'm almost five weeks post-op. I had a C3-C4 fusion from resulting from an injury sustained in car accident...Long story, short, fracture in the bone and bad infection in the spine. They did remove a piece of my hip bone and used it for the fusion. I am 37 and in excellent health. I went back to work at 2 weeks post op part-time after the first xray showed excellent progress. Over did it a few times, but overall it felt good to be out of the house. I've been walking, driving, carrying things, probably generally testing the limits of what I can get away with. I'm now working 6 hour days and I want to work out. I've been doing some working out with my arms, shoulders and chest muscles (on a home gyrotonic machine), tried a little ab work and leg work. How long until most people were fully active again. I want to start dancing again and getting back into pilates, but my surgeon has yet to say a peep to me about physical therapy. I go back next week for my next Xray. What are other people's experiences with returning to normal activity.
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I'm glad you are feeling so well. Is your surgeon aware of all your activities? What has he given you for restrictions? After going through all the difficulties and expense of a fusion, I am curious why you are "generally testing the limits of what I can get away with"?
Feeling well at four weeks, does not necessarily mean you will continue to feel well at six weeks or six months. Most people do not fuse until around three months, and the fusion is not considered "solid" until about a year. During the first three months, the surgical area is more vulnerable to reinjury.
It's great you feel like doing so much. I just hope you don't overdo it. Please be sure you are following your surgeon's instructions.
Good luck.
Gwennie
spondylolisthesis at L4-5; stenosis at L3-4 and L4-5
radiculopathy for about 3 years
PLIF (L4-L5)in Jan '08 (PEEK cage, rods & Screws, BMP); continued radiculopathy....
Lami-foraminotomy L5-S1 Jan '09; continued radiculopathy;
Bulging discs L3-4 & L5-S1; crazy screwed-up S1 nerve
***** I have no medical training and am in no way connected with the medical profession, other than doing my part to keep them at full employment. My posts are based on personal experience and knowledge gained through the adventures of living. Take them for what they are worth....
Sadly, my doctor is aware of my activities and of course came me lots of cautionary advice, at the same time, he wants me to not restrict myself. I'm very careful with the neck and do continue to wear the brace as he suggested, as needed. My initial posting makes me sound like a helion, but I am being very careful, but at the same time, I read some of the postings and fear I am going to hard. My exercise regiment I'm doing for myself is very restrictive, as he has not yet assigned any physical therapy, but I don't want to become inactive, but your response is a wake up call. I will talk to my doctor at length about my activity level, I just more curious about some of the "easier" recoveries people have had and make sure I'm not crazy.