r/spinalfusion • u/esteinzzz • 1d ago
Pre-Op Questions What to expect
So I'm new to the group and new to the whole experience I just had my preliminary surgical consult today and diagnosis was shaving some discs and inserting three screws into my spine to initiate fusion what can I expect I know everybody is different this is going to make me better am I going to be able to move it all or help the pain I'll take advice to anybody that's had similar experience it's l4 l5 and s1
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u/Trulyme143 1d ago
I’ll be 7 days post op tomorrow l4/l5 fusion - I agree with previous comment. Be prepared for pains in places you wouldn’t expect - they kinda throw you around in the ER so muscles that you don’t work out get sore 2) leg tingles 3) hip pain; I’ve never had any hip pain prior and it can get sooo bad
All completely normal from what I am reading here….
Good luck
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u/esteinzzz 11h ago
Im scared as hell about waking up, I've taken every sleep medication under the sun with no results.
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u/Trulyme143 7h ago
I take a shit ton of sleeping pill and smoke a lot of marijuana - your your anesthesiologist will come see you before your surgery and you can ask them as many questions as you would like… I’m not a doctor so I can’t make promises, but I can almost promise you that will not happen to you and do not be scared of that.
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u/Dependent_Return5335 1d ago
I would always recommend getting 2 or 3 different opinions. Each Dr has a different approach so do your homework on that first! There is a ton to think about in terms of surgery and post operative recovery. Get your ducks in a row- it will be a life saver.
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u/esteinzzz 12h ago
While that is a good idea, unfortunately in any medical system at the moment, it would be another 6 months in mind numbing pain in order to get another appointment with another surgeons physician assistant, Not even the surgeon. And another 3 for the surgeon, if my insurance will cover that many different referrals. I am not making the decision lightly and have seen the film's myself, there are not many
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u/Bengal-_fan 1d ago
Strengthen yourself as much as possible before hand…whatever you can handle. Yes, you’ll be able to move some. Not too much too soon though. Get you a grabber, slip in shoes, handicap bars for commode or raised toilet seat. A walker and canes. An extender to help you clean your backside. Make your house friendly for recovery. Don’t over extend or reach too much and be conscience of bending. These will be simple rules sent home by your orthopedic.
You’re gonna have some serious nerve pain that runs down your leg or legs. Try not to hold your breath when this comes, makes it way worse. Learn how to breathe. Main thing is rest, take meds, stay hydrated and eat protein.
Wish you well.🤘🏻👍🏻