exercise after back surgery

[natalie v]

I 'am post op one month from a plif l4-l5,l5-s1 fusion and was an avid runner prior to my surgery. Dr. said I probably could run eventually. But I was wondering if anyone has any related incidents or any input on the subject. Any alternatives to running if this isn't possible.
Thanks

[slapshot173]

In September I had PLIF surgery.  Now in May I have only half the pain an I am getting better.  I will need Medication the rest of my life but i am 50 an am very happy the pain was mainly releaved.  Detroit Receiving did the surgery an it took 7 hours but it is getting better.  Do not take more medication ever than what Doctor prescribes.  Doctors know best, really.  More medication than prescribed will cause alot of pain.  Walk as Doctor says.  We get better with time and following what the person who does the surgery on us.

[natalie v]

I personally did not have leg pain before my sugery so can't help ya out there, but have you checked out the other site I gave you. Lots of Spiney's there that have been through alot.

[dakmba]

Thanks so much for your response Natalie.  I also did all the conservative therapies, including steroid injections, NSAIDS, PT, etc.  I think I may have some idea of the pain and physical limitations post surgery as the laminectomy was an "open surgery" and thankfully I did have help.  I pretty much have thhe same diagnosis as you along with spondylolithesis  I also saw three surgeons before I went in for surgery.  Two orthos and neuro.  I guess my biggest dilemma now is deciding whether or not to risk another failed back surgery and worse pain or just accept a pain managment program.  I really don't have much pain in my back and I didn't prior to surgery either.  It was my legs that were killing me and the laminectomy failed to relieve that pain also.  I'm not a gambling woman and I hate the thought that if I have a fusion that I will end up worse than I am now.    Did you have leg pain and did it disappear after your fusion?

[natalie v]

Well have been in pain many years(8 to be exact) just normal wear & tear over the years has caused my problems. Broad base disc bulge at L3-L4 without effect on central canal L4-L5 disc herniation L5-S1 broad base disc bulge small central disc herniation resulting deformity of the thecalsac also degress of right sided neural foraminal narrowing. Basically means DDD and disc herniation. I have always been very active which I believe strenghten my muscles & eased some of my pain but I'm also a pretty much suck it up( &deal with type person)  My last flare up in Oct. did me in I was fed up. With to orthofor a while med's & P.T. didn't help then went to pain mangement Dr. went through steroid injections also didn't help. Requested I go get three opinions from surgeons(thats what I did) all gave me the same answer deal with it throught pain managment dr. or Surgery. I went to both Neuro's & spine surgeons It has been i month I was doing great(Had a fall at the store this weekend so this is a set back) my fusion is with instrumentation.I'am 42 years old & spent 4-5 days at the gym so this helped my recovery alpt. The first 1-2 weeks are pretty tough make sure you have help. If you go over to the Spine-heath.com website the people on there are great-so much support.www.messageboard.spine-health.com-you can get anything you want answer there. Good luck to you

[dakmba]

I'm facing a L5/S1 fusion next month.  I had an unsuccessful laminectomy (without fusion) this past January.  I was wondering if you would share your experience wth me?  Ii am a 52 yr old female and height weight proportinate.
Thanks in advance!

dakmba