Walking & Sleeping Good

I understand that it might be four to six months for pain to go away. I'm glad I had the operation and feel pretty confident it will help.

02/23/2015

Before surgery: Right leg and lower back was extremely painful. Quality of life was pitiful. Major pain/problems walking any distance, sitting for any length of time, sleeping, etc. Since surgery: Pain is "different" in back and less in my leg. Can walk for 15 to 20 minutes (sometimes more), sit for 1/2 hour and sleep for a full 5 to 7 hours. Back pain is annoying and pretty bad at times (6 to 7 normal – 8 to 9 some days) even with pain medication. Can be pretty stiff at times. I am hoping some muscles are still recovering and at times it just doesn't feel like it is fully cured up yet. I am still thankful for the surgery. I believe it has helped.

03/14/2017

My back feels better. It has/is a slow recovery, but it is getting better. I don't think it is completely fused, but it is getting much better. Right leg tingles at times and wakes me up 2 to 3 times/night (used to be 5 to 6 times so it is better). Still have pain/stiffness if sitting too long. Can walk about a mile pretty easy once a day. My opinion – come back in two months (hopefully will be fully fused by then) and discuss starting some physical therapy. In the meantime, keep walking/stretching, etc. Using less pain medication and muscle relaxers.

04/13/2018

Surgery on 03/14/2018, first two to three weeks were extremely painful. Back was how I expected, but legs were "on fire" and full charley horse type of pain. Incision was much better than before. Pain management group gave me a nerve pill (G-?), different muscle relaxer and four oxycodone/day. This has helped greatly with the pain, allowed me to walk more each day and sleep at night. Currently, my back pain is constant but manageable (with my drugs) and about where I believe it should be (4-1/2 weeks after surgery). Leg pain is huge but getting better. I understand that it might be four to six months for pain to go away. I'm glad I had the operation and feel pretty confident it will help.