Lumbar Laminectomy; Recovery at Home

Who was your surgeon and where did you have your surgery. Am I understanding that it was a positive experience?

I had L4-5 Laminectomy 2 weeks ago When I woke up from surgery my pain was gone. My biggest problem is not bending at the waist and not picking up over 10 pounds. Also, I am tired and feel a little depressed. I think everyone is different. Just wanted to share my experience. Best of luck to you.

I am near San Jose, CA. I had Dr. Mehdizadeh at Good Samaritan. I already knew a couple of his patients. I had herniated L5-S1 last Feb. My PMR talked me into 3 injections. They didn't seem to help so I did acupuncture and that kept the pain down to functionable level plus lots of stretching and core strengthening. In July I realized I was only better due to acupuncturist and stretching and she agreed it would not truly heal, she could only help manage the pain. Also another acupuncturist had prescribed an herbal formula after reading my MRI report. He also said "you may end up in surgery but take this stuff for 3-6 months to feed your discs and muscles". When I had an xray I was shocked to see how much degeneration had occurred since Feb. L5-S1 had sacrilized ie. fused themselves. L4-L5 was barely separated. Surgeon said he was going to do laminectomy and insert hardware or possibly he would have to fuse. After surgery I found out he did not have to use hardware. He said the perimeter of the disc was strong enough. He is not known for being a minimalist. However I was expecting the pain to be gone immediately after surgery but it is not. It is same as before and for now being only 5 wks post-op I am not allowed to stretch or exercise except walking so muscles are starting to cramp up again. I developed an infection so doc said that could be putting pressure on the spine still. Plus we don't know how much nerve damage there was before surgery as apparently the guy who did my nerve test is unreliable. Doc assures me it will get better in a few weeks. All this said, the surgery was easy for me and I'm glad I did it. I recovered well despite the infection because I was in very good physical shape. I'm 42 and had been exercising a lot for 2 yrs convinced that would "cure" me and I could avoid surgery. I had lots of help from my spouse post-op.

i am glad to hear the good news and pray u feel better thoughout ur life. i am going for surgeory in next 3 days and mentally ready for it. my family is quite concerened but i am hopeful for quick recovery after the surgeory.

take care

thank you very informative although i love to speak to a little more about may I contact you Mary.

I had same surgery six weeks ago. Unable to drive still now as my leg Is still numb. Very hard to bend, pick things up, lift things, So yes you Will still need some help for a period, not full time. It Will be à tough, painful few weeks but I'm sure youll get great relief from it. Best luck!

I was told that the numbness should go away way before six weeks. Should the numbness be going on that long.

Hope - Glad to hear you are ready as this positive attitude will help so much. Take it easy. Don't be stubborn about accepting help. You will heal. Do not overdo it and be prepared to do whatever followup is necessary.

I am now almost 8 wks out and just starting to feel the nerve release. My husband and aunt had same surgery with instant relief. They had acute injury, mine built up over 2 yrs. Maybe that's why mine is taking longer.

Hotpuma, I thought & hoped the numbness would be gone straight after surgery but it dependsmon the severity of the nerve damage, well that's my understanding anyway... My surgeon was happy with how my surgery went but because the numbness wasn't getting better 2 weeks after surgery he thinks my nerves were more than just a little bruised & battered & therefore it could take up to 2 years for total regeneration.... Different cases, different results I'd say, the pain from the trapped nerve went immediately but the numbness is definitely slower.... 

I m through with the surgery and now shifted to my house from hospital. Pain is gone from legs and much relieved. The only pain I have is of my stiches. I can walk up to the wash room and come back to bed. Complete bed rest with walk advised. Not encouraged to sit by doctor.

He said it will take two weeks and things will be better. I m in the first week. I m taking lot of liquids and going to washroom alot. My dressing will be changed in two days. Please pray for me I m 37 and very hopeful I took the right descion. God bless u all

THANK YOU HOPE AND I HOPE ALL IS WELL.  I like to ask you if you can walk and how far.  How it be before you enjoy your regular activities.  I have stairs cause i live in the basement, will I be able to  go up and down them after the surgery.  What level of pain you have now  from the surgery from 1-10  higer the number the worse the pain.  thank you for all your help.

David - my room is upstairs and I just walked up to my room with support. I walk after i use washroom. I m using support while getting up from bed and while using bathroom as it puts less strain on my back. Pain from legs is gone and I walk for 5 to 10 mins inside my room take small steps as I don't want my legs to get too relaxed as I m lying on bed most of the time.
Stairs r not recommended at all as puts strain on ur back. Your muscles would be weak around the l4 l5 area in my case the disc was removed completely as it was out and there was nonchance of regenerating. I have a therapist waiting once my doctor advices me.
Be positive and I m hopeful all will be fine I have been carrying this pain for years

that is my biggest fear that the numbness and pain will still be there after surgery. I also had this pain for a very long time and i also feel that i have severe nerve damage. I am going through test now and hope to have the surgery in about month

my legs have been going numb with pain for quite sometime and I only hoping that there is not to much nerve damage. I am going through testing now and hope to have the surgery in Nov. You have been a blessing and if there is anything you can think please drop me a line and let know how you are doing. take care Hope

David - just be positive I avoided surgery and came to stage where I had no choice. Now I m through with it and am glad took the decision I m positive u will be fine as delaying it can cause more damage in longer run I m in the recovery phase and improving
I will pray for u and wish u a happy life