Having L5/S1 fusion in three weeks. Herniated disc and avulsion fracture of a vertebrae 14 years ago has finally gotten to the point that I can no longer stand it. Can't run, shave my legs or even sneeze! I have, as I'm sure most people here, lived with pain for a long time.
Very nervous about the surgery and the recovery. Will I really be unable to drive for 30 day... having 2 children 9 and 12 that will make for a very long summer.
I have a very physical job as a surgery/anesthesia technician in an animal hospital. Lots of heavy lifting of sleeping and recovering pets. I love my job and want to return to work as soon as I am able.
Any information or advice would be appreciated!!
Chris
PLIF L5/S1 fusion 6/12/13
ACDF 5-7 7/17/13
44 year old Mom of 10 and 12 year old girls, full time veterinary technician.
Comments
My very first fusion was at L5/S1. At that time, I was just about to turn 35 and I found myself feeling quite well once the pain fully subsided at the surgery site and the surgery itself. I fell into a trap of feeling "too good" and began to over-do it. Between my stupidy and genetics, I have had 2 more lumbar surgeries, which were a revision of L5/S1 (posterior approach to add screws/rods) and then to fuse L4/L5 and to extend rods to that level. Also fused at C3 thru C7, but that's out of the scope of this discussion.
To be honest, I would follow everything your surgeon instructs you to do to a tee. I can understand the love of your job, but your surgeon will likely cringe. Is there a way another worker can help you with the lifting so that you won't risk compromising the fusion?
Best of luck and I look forward to seeing how it all goes! :-)
Charlie
Lumbar laminectomy L-4/L-5, 2006
XLIF with posterior pedicle screws L-4/L-5, 4-23-2013
PLIF L5/S1 fusion 6/12/13
ACDF 5-7 7/17/13
44 year old Mom of 10 and 12 year old girls, full time veterinary technician.