Lumbar Spinal Fusion Recovery Questions 1month out

meme1166

I had lumbar spinal fusion on May 10th. Don't go back to dr until end of June. Not sure exactly what I can and can't do. He just said increase activities at a time. I started back to work 2 wks ago and only working half days. I am an office manager and I work at a desk. This week has been rough. Having more pains in lower back like first week after surgery. Not sure if I should notify dr or just bear it until I go back. I feel like I need to go back to work full time 9+ hrs a day. Anybody got any suggestions?

zola

Walk and then sit, and then walk.

The bad thing about this, is that you need to lay down for 10 minutes at least a day as well.
I think your pushing yourself, but hey I understand the need to work.

I am not a doctor, just a person who is going through the same pain as you.

meme1166

Thanks, I was wondering if I was overdoing it.

meme1166

I talked to my drs pa today and said best for me to stick to half days until they get my xrays to see if the fusion is taking. Then we will talk about increasing.

trishdownunder

Sitting is very hard on the spine especially when it's healing from fusion. I had problems with sitting up until 6-7 months out.

I think you were very brave going back to work only two weeks out. Are you able to take more time off so that your spine can heal and fuse? Walking and resting in bed are what's normally recommended for early stages in recovery.

Trish

marirlpn

I am amazed that you are already back to work. What lumbar level did they fuse? I think you should definitely do part time for as long as you can. You certainly don't want to overdo things. Have you done any physical therapy with a home exercise program?

Best wishes to you,

Marianne

jellyhall

Hi Meme,

I am also amazed that you went back to work so quickly.

Lumbar fusion surgery is known to have a particularly long recovery. Do take care that you don't set yourself back in your recovery. Are you able to get up and take short walks during the day?

I am 12 weeks post PLIF surgery and not back at work yet. I feel very lucky that I am not in a situation where I have had to rush back before I am ready.

Wishing you well, and hope that your recovery continues well :-)

PS I agree, God is in control!

meme1166

My surgery was May 10th. The past week and half have been a little more painful. I don't know if it is because I am doing more or not. I have been lying down more instead of reclining all the way back in recliner. I do need to walk more, just so dog gone hot here. I am an office manager and it is very hard to be out because it is getting to end of our fiscal year, but I will just have to do the best I can. My boss understands, been with him over 17 years.