In the not too distant future, I will, hopefully get a surgeon with an angle grinder, a cordless, or manually operated drill to "attack" my lower back.
As mentioned some weeks ago, I may soon go unde the knife, re. damaged sciatic nerve. Having never been to hospital before, one is a bit nervous. One is terrified!!!
What I need to know, from someone who has had this op. recently, not ten or twenty years ago, basically, what is the recovery time. Having worked all my life, and now 73, I'm not too keen on being laid up like an old truck with a busted crankshaft for months and months.
These days they have you up and about quite quickly compared to years ago. I would imagine 6 weeks being careful and not lifting etc would be the go these days.
Aussie Paul.
-- Edited by aussie_paul on Tuesday 7th of June 2016 05:50:30 PM
my friend had this type of back surgery (bone spurs scraped of the vertebrae to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve) 3 weeks ago. She said it was great to wake up without the leg pain - just pain from the surgery site. She cannot lift much for 6 weeks then its all systems go. Is now off all pain medication and is back driving an automatic.
She would have been discharged the next day but given they had a 3hr drive home she was kept in an extra night. She did have to stop every 45 minutes in the way home to get out and have a quick walk to prevent stiffness from sitting too long.
-- Edited by villatranquilla on Tuesday 7th of June 2016 09:51:02 PM
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Jenny and Barry
2009 Roma Elegance / 2013 Colorado. Permanent travellers 2011-2015 now just travel for 4-6 mths
I have a similar condition. I have 2 "hourglass" depressions in the lower spinal chord and arthritis pushing on the old sciatic nerve at L4/5. I have been offered an operation as well to scrape the growths off the bones.
Personally I dont like the idea of people messing with my spine, however in attempt to get off medications, I too will undertake surgery when it becomes too unbearable.
I recently had a knee replaced, hospital for a week and rehab for a week, followed by physio for 3 months. All very well now, touch wood. Surgery was no problem, and I had minimal pain after. Some of the new drugs are outstanding for dealing with pain. I suggest you talk with your specialist and tell him/her your fears and ask heaps of questions.
Looks like this is an old post so I will say, hope all went well.
Cheers
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Ex RAAF, now retired. EX Electrician/Teacher.
Homebase is Murray Bridge Tourist Park (in a cabin). New Horse.. 2020 Ford Everest Titanium, Jayco swan for touring.
