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My recovery from the lumbar fusion with rod implant over 4 weeks ago is progressing horribly slow. My mental outlook isn’t up to the challenge of riding this bitch to the anticipated point of relief supposedly happening. Now I’m told in another couple months things should be more tolerable. I’ve been told by 3 others who had same surgery that when recovery is complete I’ll feel like it’s the best thing I ever had done. Right now I’m finding little solace in that. I’m like a 65 year old toddler my wife has to do EVERYTHING for. Wearing this bulky restrictive brace apparatus is making my ribs hurt. I can’t write songs with the constant undercurrent of pain in my mind. My movements have to constantly be calculated to avoid any strain on my back while it seems the back is involved in everything we do. And of course I still have the agonizing prospect of getting off over a year of narcotic pain management, which isn’t as easy as when I was younger. Yes, I will have some cheese with this whine. That’s it, my rant for today.

Dave, I am so very, very sorry for what you are going through. I will keep you in my prayers, brother.

I'm also saddened to hear of your difficulties and will also remember you in prayer.

DaveKell wrote:My recovery from the lumbar fusion with rod implant over 4 weeks ago is progressing horribly slow. My mental outlook isn’t up to the challenge of riding this bitch to the anticipated point of relief supposedly happening. Now I’m told in another couple months things should be more tolerable. I’ve been told by 3 others who had same surgery that when recovery is complete I’ll feel like it’s the best thing I ever had done. Right now I’m finding little solace in that. I’m like a 65 year old toddler my wife has to do EVERYTHING for. Wearing this bulky restrictive brace apparatus is making my ribs hurt. I can’t write songs with the constant undercurrent of pain in my mind. My movements have to constantly be calculated to avoid any strain on my back while it seems the back is involved in everything we do. And of course I still have the agonizing prospect of getting off over a year of narcotic pain management, which isn’t as easy as when I was younger. Yes, I will have some cheese with this whine. That’s it, my rant for today.

Hey Dave;
I too have a serious back injury from lifting fat sick people for 15 years. I can really sympathize with you... many people don't believe us when we say we have a back injury... especially employers. There is absolutely NOTHING FAKE about back pain. After 3 years of narcotics that only slightly helped, it was suggested I try a tens machine... OMG, what a difference. Some days it is the only way I can function. Feel better buddy

Larry

I've discovered that the medical community is very good at explaining what the problem is, and how they will address it, informing you every step of the way.

On the other hand, they absolutely suck when it comes to giving you a realistic idea of what recovery will be like. Basic info like how to pee, what position to sleep in, how much you'll be able to walk/stand/sit, how many day to day activities you will have to curtail, etc...my op is nothing like yours, but the recovery experience is still a total shock. Post-op recovery seems to be focused on the healing and functioning of the op area itself, rather than on how the holistic human experiences the process.

It's like when they tell us, "You're going to feel a little pinch." Yeah, right.

Dave

Have you looked into a toilet seat bidet? I installed one a few years back when I screwed up a rotator cuff. One of the best additions I have ever made to my bathroom.

It won't help with the pain but may make some other daily tasks a little easier.

I understand your pain. Really. I have had a lumbar fusion 28years ago with a bone graft. I fought for yrs to prove that I could still do my job at working for a phone company. I have retired after 32yrs of climbing digging, and everything normal people could do. It is not easy. With rods and hardware holding your spine together it just takes time. As time passes you should be seeing an improvement.
I have had 6 more spinal surgeries. One neck fusion with 2 more in my near future. I have to say that a disability is what you let it become. I have had one hell of a lot of surgeries on mostly my joints also. a total of 37 different surgeries. Pain is also what you let it become. Try to keep yourself looking forward to the better side of life that you do not see at this time. Sorry for the lecture.I have postponed my neck surgery in order to have an implant done.
I hope this makes sense to you or anyone that has been thru your kind of pain. It isn,t easy. Have faith that you will get better. I am your age, things don,t go as planned like when we were young. We heal a little slower. Prayers for you. I wish you luck in the future.