Post-op, 28 weeks (6 1/2 months)

It's been a while since I posted an update. Thought I'd post a recap from my 6 month post op appointment I had this past week.

All my screws and rods are in place and the height between the vertebral space has not changed on either level since my surgery. My xrays show signs that I'm fusing. My Doctor was a little disappointed in how the L4/L5 space appeared on the xrays but the L5/S1 space is really nice and fuzzy. He told me not to worry to much about the xray results cause you need a CT Scan to verify how you are fusing. We had some discussions about my surgery where I learned some interesting new facts. The spacers used between the vertebrae were cadaver bone and not metal or plastic. They only built a fused bridge on the right side, leaving the left side open so there would still be access from that side in case I ever needed further surgery down the road.

We discussed the issues I have been having with my legs and feet. He recommended that removing the hardware might help with those issues. The hardware removal is completely dependent on whether or not I have fused and is also my option since its another surgery. I have a scrip for a CT Scan which I need to do just prior to my next appointment in the beginning of June. I'm also scheduled to do another EMG in May to determine how much more nerve damage I have. So good news, I might be getting my cast off (yes I call the hardware my cast) soon. So the next time someone asks how I'm doing, I can say, "Great, I might be getting my cast off this summer", that should give them something to think about.

My Lyrica scrip was bumped up to (300 mg a day now) earlier this month by my PM Doc and that has really helped me to reduce the amount of pain meds that I have to take. I basically take pain meds in the evening after my walk. All in all, I'm doing much better and only have a few issues that need to be ironed out now.

A quick note to those that are considering or are planning on having fusion surgery. It's highly likely that you will experience a whole new set of aches and pains as a result from the fusion. This procedure can dramatically change your posture which will effect how you sit, stand, and walk. I have experienced a multitude of new symptoms which are finally just starting to calm down. My knees and ankles were really in a bad way as I created new wear patterns in the joints. I've also developed a nasty case of plantar faccitus in both feet, from all the walking, which I'm working through now. It never stops does it.

For those interested, I've been given permission to partake in one of my favorite past times. As soon as the weather gets better, I expect to be on the links chasing balls and cutting grass once again. The only physical restrictions I have is to not be stupid. That's a tough one when you're a middle age man who thinks he's still 20 years old.

Post-op, 21 weeks 2 days

Talked with my Doctor today after he reviewed the films from over the weekend. All screws and rods are exactly where they are supposed to be. The spacers between the discs have not moved. I do have some inflammation from what is being termed some soft tissue damage. This will pass by taking the anti-inflammatory meds and continuing my PT.

Good thing that I'm not a Doctor cause I put out some misinformation. I am not completely fused at L5/S1 yet. Am I showing definite signs that I am fusing? Yes. The term thrown out there was that the bone between the discs is knotting (definition: a bond of union). Never heard that one before. I asked when I would be completely fused and he said I was on track to be done prior to my one year anniversary. I was told that its not possible to fuse this quickly and I need to continue to be patient.

Post-op, 21 weeks

The nerve pain is definately subsiding, so the Lyrica is working. My Physical Therapist recommended I shoot a small bucket of balls, 9 iron and wedge clubs only this weekend if the weather holds up. Lucky for me, the weather was agreeable and I now grow hungry for when my doctor says I can do nothing more for you. It was a lot fun getting out there and acting like a normal person again.

Now on to some bad news. On the way back from the golf course a Chevy Suburban decided to see what it would be like if he could drive through my car. It didn't work. My poor car is in a bad state of repair now and I ended up having to make a trip to the ER cause the pain in my legs and back were in overdrive. After some Xrays were taken, I was assured that I did not break any screws. I did however manage to sprain my back. Trauma to your back over titanium rods results in a fair amount of internal bruising. I suspect I will be very sore from this encounter for the near future but am glad that the hardware stayed in place and nothing broke.

Now the GOOD NEWS. The Xrays from the ER show that L5/S1 is completely fused. You can't even see the spacer anymore. L4/L5 appears to be on its way but is moving at a slower pace. I think the ER staff were happier than I was when they saw that I was fused at 1 level. You'd think they never saw a fusion in process. The Doctor offered to give me a script for my usual meds (Percoset......) but I told him no can do. He asked why, and I explained that I have a contract with my PM Doc and that would be a against the contract. He said I was the first person who has ever done that to him and thanked me. He told me that he has encountered loads of people with back problems who come into the ER, with pain contracts from some other doc, looking for more meds. He said it was refreshing to see someone take the contract so seriously.

Post-op, 20 weeks

This past week has shown some improvement with the nerve pain I have been feeling. The Lyrica is definately helping with the burning in my feet and the pain in my knees and ankles has subsided some. The Lyrica is a screwy drug from my point of view. If I am inactive after taking it, I fall asleep within an hour for about an hour after taking it. I'm glad my PM Doctor is starting me on a light dosage to see if I can get some relief. With that being said, I am decreasing the Percoset again. My Therapist believes that I need to keep up my efforts with PT to keep the nerves moving so the scar tissue doesn't cause any permanent damage. All in all, it appears I'm moving forward again which is good news for me.

Post-op, 18 and 19 weeks

Well, the pain in my knees and ankles has pretty much leveled off to a very uncomfortable state. I've had to return to full doses of percoset to keep it in check. I saw my PM Doctor today and he basically informed me that there is good news and bad news.

Good News - the burning on the top of my feet is an indication that those nerves are finally healing. He said I probably have a couple more months of the burning before it settles down all together. Unfortunately, nerves do not heal quickly and this is just a new stage in the healing process.

Bad News - the knee and ankle pain is also nerve pain. Because these symptoms are new, he thinks it may be some scar tissue forming in my back causing the problem. I'm gonna have to wait it out and see what my body does for the time being. He told me that I'll probably have to do an MRI and an EMG in February once everything has a chance to run its course and settle down. In the mean time he prescribed Lyrica for the nerve pain.

My back has been doing great lately. I get a little sore if I sit to long and after a long day. When they say recovery for this surgery is 6 months to a year, they aren't joking.

Post-op, 17 weeks

Everything has been going pretty good this week except for the last couple of days. I've been experiencing an increased amount of burning/ache/pain in my ankle and knee joints the past couple of days. I was kind of chalking it up to the crazy weather being warm then cold.... This evening the symptoms are a little different and I have noticed that both my ankles and my knees are slightly swollen. Not a lot of swelling but the stupid pain is spiking at a very high level right now and the percs aren't helping. The funny part of this is that my back seems to be holding its own. Its a little more sore than usual but thats about it.

My routine hasn't changed, so I really don't understand why this is happening. I'll be contacting the Doctor tomorrow to find out what this new development means.

Post-op, 16 weeks

Anti-inflammatory meds have been making thinks much better lately. Knees and ankles don't hurt as much in the evening. Feeling came back in my right foot briefly on Saturday while I was driving. That really hurt. Every nerve in my big toe fired at one time. Numbness is back but the fact that it came back briefly gives me hope that it will eventually come back all the way. Went to the dentist today and survived sitting in the dreaded chair while I got a temporary crown. Now my face feels like my left foot.