7 month update
 

7 months ago i had a double level fusion, and a double level disc replacement. I had gotten into an auto accident at work. I could barely walk. had pain in both legs,in groin , and lower back. Had surgery Sept 23rd. Dr Rick Delamarter was my surgeon. Recovery was a lot harder than i had expected. After a couple months i was able to cut down on pain meds, and walk over a mile. 7 months out of surgery my fusion is almost all the way fused. I am able to walk over a mile. Ive only had to take pain meds on rare occasions. Once was while visiting Las Vegas, way to much walking. I have a 3 year old i am able to play with. I will be starting Physical therapy next month. DR want fusion fully healed before i started. Im still wearing my back brace 24/7. So far so good.

good going
 

All this at the 7th month mark! wow! Sounds like you're doing GREAT!

I had surgery authorized w/Dr.Delamarter back in 2005 and didn't do it. Now doubtful I'm even a candidate for same thing tho my symptoms aren't the same either (as bad). Still on low dose opioid pain med tho. Seems just to be part of my life these days (and laxatives). Sure would love to lose the need for the latter tho (and the pain med too).

So big congrats on your progress and keep going tho hopefully w/o overdoing too much! Thanks for posting your update and success w/Dr.D and double hybrid surgery (maybe that's not what it's called).

Joejoe,

The long recovery process takes just about everyone by surprise. For me, 6 months before I could cut out the narcotics and 2 years before giving up Neurontin. I still need an anti-inflammatory daily.

Fusion does seem to take a little longer than ADRs but you had both. Your spine is saying 'what the ---'.

Take is slow and don't rush the healing. Sounds like you're doing great!

Dale

Joe JOe you are making me think hard about my recovery times. I had surgery on sept 24th with 2 osteotomies and fusion of 13 levels and some other laminotiomies or something similar. Then the big surgery on Jan 7th to repair my broken neck. then 9 levels worked on and fused, some redo's. I expected to be out of braces and back to normal. thanks for getting me back to earth.

sound like you are doing great though. Just takes a lot more time than we were thinking that is for sure.
judy

Pics
 

I just added a few pics. 1 is from the first x ray, the other 2 are from last week.