2 yr post op follow up

Things are back to normal- I went back to a full time job that still allows me to sit for 8 hours a day. I installed a app on my computer that everyrone should have. Called Big Stretch. Here's the link for the free download:

  http://download.cnet.com/Big-Stretch-Reminder-Program/3000-2129_4-10844515.html

Make sure you get to stretch every half hour. Get up and walk around.


Keep active- walk, walk, walk and when your done keep walking.  The above is a pic from the lake which I stayed at this summer. 5klm walk from where the pic was taken to the very end of the lake at the top of pic, very windy and hilly but man after such a good walk... take a chilling dip in the lake :)

I have very little nerve twinges in my legs, and some days tight and sore achey back.

I can't complain,  finally back to myself and enjoying life to the best of my ability!!!!

Follow up 1 yr post op

I figured that I finally update my blog. It's now 1 year past my surgery date and I have an update to let everyone know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Don't give up. 

I have no nerve pain at all any longer.  I get extremely stiff while standing or sitting for long periods so stretching is critical. I'm starting to look into yoga or Pilates classes and get my core strengthened, I have been putting Palmer's oil on my back incision every night which helps to keep the skin nice and stretchy sometimes it feels very tight and tuggy so I find the oil if used regularly helps a lot. It's roughly 8 bucks a bottle and even if the bottle is used for massage oil, this bottle will go far!!!

I find that walking up difficult uneven terrain is still hard and this is why I know I have to strengthen my back muscles. Biking right now is very short. My street is terrible and there are a lot of bumps and holes in the road, it pounds on my spine, it's not the most pleasant experience. Swimming on the other hand feels incredible. Every body is different and it will take some getting used to to find what works for you. 

All and all I'm great, back to normal activities around the house the only thing that I really refuse to do is lift anything more than 25lbs.

If you have any questions, please feel free to message me, if I can offer you any support or advice I would love to help.  

Listen to your body and don't give up!!!!

7 months post op

I thought I would make a recent post, it's been awhile!!! 

 

Most of my nerve pain has for the most part dis-appeared. I have random days when it flairs up but I have been showed some stretches to help keep the nerve pain away. I have no regrets about the surgery for me it was a success. My physio appointments have went from once a week to once every other week to once a month. Basically I go when I need my spine cracked. I have only needed acupuncture once since surgery to loosen up the muscles around my lumbar area. I would not recommend a chiropractor. My advice would be to consult with a physio therapist first. 

If anyone has any questions please feel free to comment. 

 

Make sure your strengthening the core correctly!

It's all about the core! Strengthen the core muscles and stop using your back. 

Interesting video and make sure your doing it correct. 

http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/2012/12/06/core-muscle-workout.html

13 weeks post op- EXCERCISES

I seen the surgeon on Oct 12th 2012, at that time I was 10 weeks post op. She said I was doing great and that she was very pleased with my progress.

I started physio yesterday 13 weeks post op where he is teaching me strengthening and core exercises. My therapist has started me out light.

Gluteus Medius exercise that I do without moving my spine at all 

An exercise performed by lying on your good side, with lowermost leg bent for balance. Keeping the uppermost leg straight, and with the foot rotated out to 45°, raise it up and slightly backwards, holding just for a couple of seconds. Lower the leg and repeat, feeling for the contraction of the muscle with your uppermost hand.


Ankle Dorsifflexion Stretch

• Standing in a split stance, leaning forward, with hands on a wall or other support
• Both feet pointed straight ahead

Procedure

• Sit back on heels, performing a traditional calf stretch
• Hold for 2 seconds
• Switch feet and repeat
• Repeat for prescribed repetitions

Coaching Keys

• Maintain good arch good arch position with feet

You Should Feel ItStretching your calf

 

Piriformis stretch

Recruitment Transversus Abdomen

I will continue these exercises as much as I can thru the day. I visit my physio therapist once a week now for the next 6 weeks and then increase to twice a week. 

So far so good and I couldn't be any happier with the progress that I have made this far. 

10 weeks post op DOING GREAT :)

I am now 10 weeks post op. I had my post op visit with the surgeon last week and she says I'm doing great. She reminded me that even though I think I can that I still should avoiding bending and twisting.

I think that I am feeling even one more step closer to being my normal old self. I'm walking 2-5 km everyday and driving now is not a issue. The nerve pain has seemed to have gone completely in both legs now!!!! :)

Went to the cottage for Thanksgiving weekend it was a 5 hr drive with stops. When we arrived there I was very tight and sore but after a good nights rest and icing I was  fine. On the way home same thing we took stops every hour or so for me to get out and stretch. It felt amazing to be out of the house for something other than hospital/doctor or physio!!!!

There is a light at the end of the tunnel as long as you listen to your doctor and surgeon. Have patience and a positive attitude. Depend on your friends and family.


Tried to go for a jog about 200-500 feet and it pounded on my back so hard, when I discussed this with the surgeon she said to hold off on any hard exercise until after physio starts. Physio will start in about 4-6 weeks.

If you have just had your surgery hang in there. The first three weeks are the hardest and it DOES GET BETTER EVERYDAY AFTER SURGERY!!!!

Last thing the surgeon said was hopefully we will never have to see each other again, but if you have any questions or concerns please contact me!!!

My surgeon was wonderful, 

Dr Klurfan in Hamilton- Neurologist at Hamilton General Hospital.

Back Pain Drug Therapy

Back Pain

Drug Therapy/Pain-Killers

The first line of treatment for any pain be it joint pain, back pain, or muscle spasm, is usually pain killers unless it's unusually severe. 

Aspirin or NSAIDS

Nine times out of ten you'll get a recommendation to try aspirin or another of the family of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDS, for short. These drugs reduce pain sensations and also block the release of Prostaglandins, a group of hormonelike substances that can promote inflammation. 

Disadvantages of NSAIDs

NSAIDs are effective in the temporary treatment of moderate pain but have the potential for  long-term side effects. 

	Cause stomach disorders
	Long-term use may cause kidney disorders
	May induce high blood pressure.
	Over the long term they may even accelerate the course of joint degeneration.
	The NSAIDs typically cause some stomach upset.
	Cause ulceration and bleeding in the stomach.
	Cause tiny pinpoint perforations in the surface of the small intestine. This can induce "leaky gut syndrome," which is thought to be part of the mechanism of allergy, autoimmune disease, and even arthritis itself.
	Long-term use of NSAIDs may weaken the intestinal barrier. This allows allergenic substances to pass that may actually promote inflammation in the joints.

COMMON NSAIDs

Aspirin
Bufferin
Flurbiprofen (Ansaid)
lndomethacin (Indocin)
Ketoproten (Orudis)
lbuprofen (Motrin, Nuprin, Advil)
Naproxyn (Naprosyn)
Voltaren 

Other medications used:

Steroids

Steroid injections work quite well in the short term. They can relieve pain quickly and completely. Unfortunately, the effect wears off, and the second injection is a little less helpful, the third a little less than that, and so on. You can only give a limited number of steroid injections to a joint, after which you run the risk of actually killing off tissue and weakening bones.

Codeine/Tylenol combination (Tylenol 3): 

This certainly blocks pain, but does nothing for the underlying causes of chronic pain. It is a powerful narcotic. You can build up a tolerance to it and require a higher dosage for the painkilling effect. People also experience a dulling effect on mental processes. There is also a high risk of addiction.