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Did I wreck my new and improved spine?

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Posted 3/23/2012 12:59 AM (GMT 0)
Today I went to my 2-wk pos-top appointment.  Everything went fine - drove there ok, got sutures out, kind of got answers to my questions.  As I was getting into the car, I remembered another question.  So I shuffled back in.  While I was waiting for the nurse, I dropped my keys on the floor.  But no one was right there and I'd left my reacher in the car. 

I decided to try squatting (something I haven't done for about 2 months, due to bad sciatica)   shocked   Big mistake!  My legs just gave out!  I yelled and dropped onto my knees, from weakness and pain.  The receptionist came scurrying over, helping me into a chair, and the doctor and nurse took a look at my knees - - NOT what I was worried about.  Then a woman helped me to my car.

I had asked the doctor during the appointment if squatting would be ok now, and he said yes and looked at me like I was crazy, like "why not?"  This is why not!!  I guess I should have known better, since the last time I started to squat about a month ago (when I just wasn't thinking) it felt very wrong - but that time I hadn't gone all the way down, so I was able to get myself back up.

This is so ironic, because all my adult life I've had back problems.  And we're told to "don't bend, squat!"  So I always do.  Apparently, it doesn't take long for those muscles to atrophy.  Talk about making you feel 100.  The question I came back to ask was whether I should start rehab before my 6-wk checkup.  Well, the answer is no.  I wonder if it would have been different if this hadn't happened.

Tonight I feel a little extra-achey, but nothing major.  Hopefully, that means I didn't damage anything.  Oh please oh please!!!

Debbie            

Posted 3/23/2012 1:05 AM (GMT 0)
Hope everything turns out to be ok, dont want you to have to have surgery to fix your surgery :S
Posted 3/23/2012 1:49 AM (GMT 0)
Hugs,  hopefully everything will be fine.  I have just started a new job this year that requires filing, so lots of bending or squatting which I am not used to at all, and yes, there have been a couple times where I almost fell over backwards.  some painful nights - which tonight is one of them.  And I didn't have surgery. 

Take care of yourself!

 

Posted 3/23/2012 12:20 PM (GMT 0)
Your spine is probably just fine.  If your doctor thought you damaged the surgery, he would have checked you out...not escort you to your car. 

 

You haven't used those muscles in a long time, Debbie!  Plus, you most likely still have inflammation and swelling from your surgery.  When you squatted down, that probably put pressure on the nerves again.  You have to do things slow and easy. 

 

If you drop something, ask for help...even strangers.  I've had wonderful experiences with perfect strangers since I've developed the walking problem.  If the tables were turned, you would help someone that asked you for help.  Also, the nurses obviously were around someplace and could have helped you.  nono    So don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it.  It will take a while for that back to heal.

 

Hope you are feeling better today.

 

Sherrine

Posted 3/23/2012 3:50 PM (GMT 0)
Well, I'm feeling more numbness than usual today (all the way down) and a little more soreness, but nothing too bad.

It wasn't my doctor, it was one of his partners, (mine's in Barcelona) and to tell the truth, I think he just wanted me out of there, because I kept babbling, "he told me I could squat." No one asked me if my back or leg felt all right.

Normally I do ask for help, all the time, from perfect strangers. But I just thought I'd start using the muscles I'd been ok'd to use.
Posted 3/23/2012 4:20 PM (GMT 0)
Debbie, it does take awhile to get those muscles back in shape. After my surgery and recovery, I started some intense PT...they really worked me. I was so surprised at how much muscle I really did lose prior to the surgery.
I did 2- 12 week rounds of PT 3X weekly, and did exercises at home too.

Even after surgery, you have to think in terms of having a bad back and avoid bending or straining or too much twisting. Walking will help with your core strength. The surgery takes care of the nerve impingement, but if your back becomes inflamed due to strain or overuse it can swell and cause pain.

Days, that I do too much bending while weeding in my flower gardens will cause me to get black and blue near my tail bone. I can squat for only so long and need something to push off of to stand back up.

Once your back is bad or have arthritis or degenerative disc disease you have to rethink your moves....it is tricky because some things are automatic to us...it is like retraining yourself how to do things. It is easier on my back to use an electric sweeper than a broom...you avois the twisting motion.

Going to PT, you will learn a lot and get much stronger too :)

Wishing you the best, my friend!

Hugs, Robin
Posted 3/25/2012 1:32 AM (GMT 0)
My neighbor broke up a dog fight last night. Shes 6 weeks out from L4-L5 fusion. She wears a back brace to remind her not to do certain things. Breaking up dog fights should be on the list of things NOT to do. She is really hurting today, limping, can't get comfy.

You do need to take it easy, heal well!!!!!!
Posted 3/25/2012 9:04 PM (GMT 0)
I've definitely had more tingling since this happened, even into the other foot. And back pains in new places.

I am being a good girl now.

Debbie
Posted 3/25/2012 9:19 PM (GMT 0)
Is that normal to have. you best be a good girl . so you could heal faster...
hope you feel a bit better....
take it easy now ....
Posted 3/25/2012 11:21 PM (GMT 0)
It's just so hard to know - what's being reasonable, and what's too much....you know?!
Posted 3/26/2012 4:52 AM (GMT 0)
Deb...when in doubt...don't...the old saying "better safe than sorry."

I remember having some restrictions on lifting, vacuuming, and sweeping for awhile after my surgery. I also made sure to sit in chairs that had arms, so I could push off on to get up, and avoided sitting on my overstuffed sofa...in fact, I got rid of it and bought one that felt good on my back.

Just be careful yeah Sending more healing vibes, your way smilewinkgrin

Hugs, Robin

Posted 4/2/2012 10:48 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Debbie, I have been reading your threads with great interest. I have just had the same sort of surgery last week. I also had a fusion but the difference is I was only told not to exhaust myself when I was released, I am curious if since the surgery your tender points are more sensitive, mine feel so tender. I am so glad you did not do harm with your bending movement.
Posted 4/2/2012 11:54 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Rose,

I was wondering if you had had your surgery. Congratulations on having it over with! It's a good feeling, isn't it?

I'm really surprised you weren't given more restrictions, especially since you also had the fusion. I was told NO bending or twisting, (or lifting over 5 lbs, but it's been forever since I've done that anyway) at least until after my 6-wk checkup.

I realized just today that I don't have to bend way over to pull the switch that moves my car seat back when I get out, then again to move it forward so I'm not driving with it too far back (I have short legs)....I've just been figuring I didn't have a choice, that there wouldn't be room, but how dumb. That's by far my biggest transgression, besides the falling, that is.

I really hadn't noticed my tender points specifically, but they're probably worse.  I'm pretty sore in general.

I'm feeling SO much better by now, almost a month later. Still a long way to go, though. How about you?

Debbie

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