lumbar fusion (Cindy in N.C.)

[Guest guest]

Hi

What kind of fusion are you having-mine was both anterior and

posterior-where they go through the front and the back, and the

hospital stay is at least 5 days or more. But the advice you have

been given is relevant for whatever entry they choose to go through,

depending on how much hardware they're going to be putting in also.

Mine was not completely successful, however, it did alleviate a lot

of pain and gave me more movement. I had a nurse come to the house

for a couple of weeks, followed by PT. If the nurses or dr. is any

good at all, they'll give you a list of does and don't upon your

release from the hospital, just follow the instructions, and you'll

be fine. I wasn't in excruciating pain, and I'm the first to admit

I'm a big wimp, but I still have to take pain med. to this day. But,

I can do a lot more with a lot less pain, than what I could do pre-

surgery. i had a hard plastic shell that fit around my back and

stomach, it was made to my measurements, and i used it whenever I

went out. It stretches your spine, I could feel the relief when they

first tried the mold on me, it took the pressure right off those poor

bones and disks. Just use it as they tell you, I couldn't lift over 5

pounds, I still am not allowed to lift more than 10 pounds, but

hopefully you will be one of the success stories. I wish you lots of

luck and am sure you won't have any complications.

Sincerely

Jeannie