3 months post op L5/S1 PLIF - questions

[kangaroo]

Thanks for the detailed and informative reply Maria. I appreciate it.

Originally Posted by Maria

I don't know how old your father is however I think that's he's doing quite well in his recovery to date based on the recentness of his surgery.

Dad is 49 years old. I keep telling him he's doing so well. We're quite proud of him.

Originally Posted by Maria

Re working.
Expectations should not dictate that he overdo or push himself into a recovery mode that he might reinjure himself with or feel uncomfortable with (creating more pain).

We are hopeful that his employer will offer a sort of flexibility with his work. I too think that after 6 months he should be better able to gauge what he can and cannot do. His job is as a process line machine operator sadly (bending and lifiting). We are definitely being careful and reminding him to take a good pace. The last thing we want is further issues :-(

Re: Legs.

It could very well be a combination of circulatory problems and maybe the fusion process as well (especially since l5/s1 is near nerves of the legs). We will definitely speak to the surgeon about this. I'm thinking of getting him to wear the compression stockings from the hospital from the evening to see if it improves the cold sensation.

Overall, I will definitely keep updating dad's condition. Thanks again for the reply. Very helpful indeed.

Right now, I think getting rid of the night dosage of oxycodone 5mg is a bit too much for dad. He might need to stay on that for a little longer. He is still continuing 75mg Lyrica/Pregbalin twice a day.

[Maria]

Your Dad is a youngster! Lol! Wishing him a continued good recovery and I too am sorry to read his job involves bending and lifting. I definitely would not recommend that he go back to work any sooner than he absolutely has to and preferably to something not involving lifting and bending. That being said, again my best to your Dad!

[fischotter]

I have the same Promlems taking off oxycodon. I raised the amount from 120mg to 60mg and then after three weeks i tried to go down another 10mg. When i was at 30mg, i had exactly the same Problems as your Dad. The only difference i am 60 years old and have at the time 6 operations behind me. At the moment I am taking 3 x 20mg because the Pain has raised again. In about 2-3 years i will be fixed from th3 to s1.
have a nice sunday.

ciao
peter

[Jim M2]

Your dad may have some depression. I think it comes from loss of hope that things will get better. I think your Dad has made excellent progress. I hope he feels better soon.