leg and nerve pain down legs from spine fusion

[vikkitennis]

In November 2014, I had a spine fusion from L1-S5, where they fused the 3rd-5th Lumbers with a "cage".  That was anterior.  Posterior, they grafted a fracture with a human bone.  Since coming home last week from the hospital the top of my left foot is very sensitive.  Now I am experiencing pain running down the exterior of my legs.  I hate pain meds, and take one Tramadol at night.  Pain specialist for doctor prescribed a med similar to shingles to calm down the nerves, but i believe he needs to up the dosage.  I am a very fit 59 year old woman, good build and not overweight.  I am trying to walk twice a day, but the weather is not the best right now.  I am determined to do so.  Staples will be removed on Tuesday, 12/2, and I am hoping I will have more mobility.  In the long run, I believe the surgery was needed, because the spondy and the stenosis was compacting my spine, and who is to say what I would be when I am 65.  Any ideas of what to do with pain sensation relief.  My best to all of you who have had complications with the fusion.

[gumbo504]

Please take your pain meds and rest. You are in for a long healing...its been over a year for me and I still have pain. You are not to walk for very long  or sit for more than 20 mins.Ice several times day.

[MYoungAtHeart]

Philnoir is completely spot on ....it takes time for the body to heal, I had the spinal fusion 4 years ago and it took a good 18 months to even feel like the human I was before the surgery....

Rehab is very important with any surgery, especially back surgery, I hope you have a long range plan with motion and rehab which will make all the difference in the world in the long run...

Best wishes to you

M

[philnoir]

Well, ice is always best after surgery because it shrinks inflammation and stops bleeding.

NSAIDs reduce inflammation -- always take NSAIDs with food.

Now is the time to use your pain medication. Pain inhibits healing. If you need to up the dose on gabapentin, call your doc.

And you may be pushing too hard. You've had highly invasive and intense surgery. Give yourself a break for a couple of weeks. A small walk is good to keep muscles toned. Don't overdo it.

Best wishes.