It took a while to recover from the neck surgery, but about 7 months later, the same Dr. performed lower lumbar surgery on my back. I was impressed with how well this surgeon was perfected in his talent and had no problem trusting him under the knife once more.
This time, he did not have to plate the discs, but only performed a lower lumbar discectomy. He was as honest as you can get with his knowledge and told me he knew there was a ‘cushion’ piece that needed to be placed between the discs, but, the insurances usually would not allow this step before the surgeons performed a clean out first.
It amazes me how your Dr. knows what you need yet the insurance companies make you go through steps! Think about it! Most people end up having an X-ray, then onto a CT scan, then to an MRI. To me, that’s a waste of time and money for both the insurance companies and the patient!
Not only is it a waste of time and money, but it is the patient who is suffering! Why make someone go through this agitation process knowing later on you have to keep going with more tests and possibly more surgeries?
My sciatica was irritated, I had painful knots from my hip to the upper thigh, and that pain in the lower lumbar caused so much pain I sometimes could hardly lift my leg to walk. Bending was excruciating, standing or sitting gave no comfort, and rolling into bed was horrific! It was painful trying to find just one comfortable spot! When you were lucky to find it, you didn’t move!
The first surgery with the neck gave me the experience to prepare for the lower lumbar surgery. However, each surgery is different and the challenges after are a new experience. Your neck is one thing because you can at least walk after and keep your head straight, but walking after lower lumbar is difficult because you use those irritated walking muscles and you find out real fast that walking is limited at first.
We live on a road where there are hills. Walking hills after lower back surgery is a no no. It is amazing how each area of surgery affects you. When they tell you to take it easy and don’t overdo it when you think you are healed enough, it’s a good thing to listen!
Just an incline or decline in you walking steps does make a difference! I gave a few pointers to help after neck surgery in my previous post. Likewise, buying those gripper sticks will help in picking up things off the floor. Using an extended shoe stick will help you put your shoes on.
Be careful how you get up from sitting or laying down. Usually your nurse or a therapist will help you figure out the how to’s after surgery. If not, do not hesitate to make a list of questions and call them. And once again, bending to pull pants and undies up may be difficult. Wearing gowns and easy access clothing can be a plus.
This second surgery on my spine was another success. Our Lord is amazing and although many of us struggle in different ways, He manages to pull us through in His own way and time! I am so thankful He loves me so much!
