3 weeks post op

[0224]

I'm 3 weeks post surgery.  My pain is under control with just motrin which is really good.  I notice I have some general weakness in my arms and legs is this normal?

[Nellan12]

Wow you are going through a lot!!  I will  keep you in my prayers :) ..did you ever email Dr be to find out when you can go back to work? I was going to email him myself but I thought not to since you're asking the same question

[baccalynnwv]

Nellan12, yeah about the neck brace. But he said probably I could start taking it off more and more around month 4.

The second decompression and fusion is not for my skull.  It's for my spine at c5-c6. I have a herniated disk pressing on my cord and nerves. Spinal stenosis...yay me. Lol!

[Elisaandbucky]

Your 4 th week post op will be soon, and I hope you are continuing to heal and find comfort from those posting above. You are cared for here.

[Nellan12]

I forget he did say that I will need to have a neck brace for about 6 months..
Did he tell you that also?

[Nellan12]

    Wow you need another surgery after 2 months??? That is a lot !!!!  But I don't understand you are going to have 2 decompression??
He told me 10 hrs..he is also going to in a shunt also.. No I don't no how long recovery is going to be...I really didn't ask..

[baccalynnwv]

Yes.  11 hours!  The decoppression and fusion at the same time.  Then  2 months later a decompression and fusion of c5-c6. That is a shorter surgery.

What is your third surgery? How long did he say your was going to be? Did he tell you the recovery time? I'm going to email he and see if he will give me a "best guess" as to when i might be able to return to work at least part time.

[Nellan12]

I meant to ask you also are you having the  decompression and the spinal fusion?

[Nellan12]

Yes that was just with the decompression.... I was in a lot of pain, my headaches were bad !! But after the 3 weeks it got much easier, and everyday I saw a difference.!!!  

However this time it will probably be longer because Dr B is going to do much more, he is actually doing 3 surgeries all at the same time !!!  Did dr Bologneses tell you hoe long your surgery is going to be ??

[baccalynnwv]

I am going to get a T-shirt of the tortoise and the hare! That is a good analogy.

Nellan12 - 3 weeks to get out of bed. Ughh... I am so scared of this surgery...

[frankie_rush]

It sounds you are doing great.  The weakness is normal just exercise them a little.  Remember do not over do it.  remember the tortoise and the hare.  He was slow but finished and won.  Congrats on feeling good and prayers to doing it right.

[0224]

Thank you for the words of encouragement! I hope I continue to heal!

[Nellan12]

3 weeks and you are up and walking...I think your doing great!!! When I had my first decompression it took me 3 weeks just to get out of bed.!!! Selma is rite this is a major surgery and it takes time to heal...take your time being only on Motrin for pain is really good...at least I think so .. Sending prayers your way!!

[baccalynnwv]

Hope you continue to heal well! Take your time and enjoy the rest!

[selmaS]

   Hi....thanks  for  the update  !!....Yes, some  weakness  can  be  expected as  our entire  body  has  experienced  the trauma  of  a  major surgery.

Continue  to take  walks....increase  how  long and far  you  go....if  you  need  a rest    walk where there  are benches  if  needed,,,,,

It  can  take  time to bounce back  from this  surgery....so  allow  your  body  the time  it  needs,,,,and  do not try  to do  too much  too  soon as  it  may cause set  backs...

Sending prayers  for  a smooth  recovery.