Hello my friends. I had my 12 week follow up yesterday and my pain spcialist decided to keep me off work for another 12 weeks. I even asked if I could go back for maybe 2 hours a day and the reply was no can do. They also told me horseback riding was out of the question. Im trying to find alittle humor in all this. My neck still hurts alot and was told I have such severe muscle stiffness that runs from my shoulders to right behind the ears. I was prescribed soma which is a heavy duty muscle relaxant and let me say it really works. I can actually sleep for 8 plus hours. Im having a hard time not having anything to do like im missing out on conquering the world. Ii so value all of your responses and you keep reminding me that it takes time to heal. Sometimes I cant get that thru my big head. Ilove this group and I wish I could meet all of you face to face.
I’m a little over 4 weeks post-op and I feel the EXACT same way!! I wanted to get a summer job before college in August, but my surgeon keeps telling me to wait a little longer, and then a little longer… I’m so bored! I’ve found that doing crafts I find on Pinterest and finding a new series on tv to keep up with gives me something to do. My family has also taken up doing puzzles together to help keep me entertained. Maybe you could try finding some new hobbies too? Good luck in your recovery!!!
Hi Robin,
Please take your time going back to work. I had two decompression (10/2011 and 10/2012) and yesterday I had to do a C2 laminectomy with decompression of the spinal cord at C2 (I am in ICU right now and doing well). My recommendations are:
- Eat fruits/veggies/protein
- Make sure you are getting enough sleep - depending on your meds, melatonin has been a godsend for me - it can have negative conflicts with some meds so talk to your doctor
- Talk walks through out the day - get outside - you need vitamin - I take it at night with my melatonin - again, check with your Doc and I would request a blood test for vitamin D hydroxy test.
- Check your hormone levels (including DHEA Sulfate)
- Zinc, Iron, and Magnesium levels
- Tests for your adrenal glands
- Talk to your doctor about ways to lower your inflammation - my surgeon has me on Dexamethasone and prior to surgery, my primary care physician had me on Zyflamend (I highly recommend finding an awesome nutritionist or physician who values vitamins/supplements. It has helped me with pain and energy. You want someone who understands the difference between "normal" and "optimal" levels for you.
- Anything or anyone who adds stress to your life - get rid of it/them - sounds mean, but recovery is a long battle
I strongly believe that what you do and don't do in your recovery is almost as important as your surgeon. I was in too big of a hurry to "conquer the world' and ended up tearing my dura patch, with created a pseudomeningocele the first time I had surgery. No lifting weight, no running, do not sit for long periods at a time, and try not to bend (dishes and laundry at killers).
Do several walks a day, take a nap, buy a great pillow(s), eat small meals throughout the day (Dr. Oro highly recommends gluten free and the Paleo Diet - I do it about 80% and have done so for a year now and my health is much better), and make sure you spend time doing activities that you enjoy and things that make you laugh. Remember - a smile can go a long way in your recover.
Thanks for sharing and wishing you the best!
Jeff
Jeff I am so sorry you had to go through that. Ihad to have a cervical diskectomy fusion in 2011 then my decompression and stenis in my c3 c4. My fusion was done from c4 to c7. Dr. oro is my ns and truly a wonderful doc. The testing you recommended ive done it all. For anti inflammatory I take oxyprozin and soma for muscle relaxant. Im 53 but dont anyone. I think ive watched more tv in the past 2years then in my whole life. Thank you so much for sharing with me
I totally agree with Jeff about the vitamins! I am 5 weeks post op and just started taking my prescription Vitamin D (because I am deficient), a whole foods multivitamin, omega-3 with additional vitamin D, and Calcium this week and have had the best week so far. I have been told several times in my discussions that I was doing too much, which is totally what I needed to be told. After a surgery like this it takes your body a while to recover from the trauma and not to mention your body is also trying to adjust to your nervous system working like it should after not working like it should for too long. I have to tell myself these things over and over day after day because it is tough to be down for so long but we will be better in the long run!
Jeff, I can’t believe you are on here while you are in ICU! I didn’t want to talk to anyone or do anything when I was in the hospital! Congrats to you and thank you for encouraging while you are just fresh out of the OR!
Jeff,
Thanks for sharing such great information. I am sorry you are in ICU, but glad you are doing well. Please let us know how your recovery goes.
Tracy Z.
MrTeach said:
Hi Robin,
Please take your time going back to work. I had two decompression (10/2011 and 10/2012) and yesterday I had to do a C2 laminectomy with decompression of the spinal cord at C2 (I am in ICU right now and doing well). My recommendations are:
- Eat fruits/veggies/protein
- Make sure you are getting enough sleep - depending on your meds, melatonin has been a godsend for me - it can have negative conflicts with some meds so talk to your doctor
- Talk walks through out the day - get outside - you need vitamin - I take it at night with my melatonin - again, check with your Doc and I would request a blood test for vitamin D hydroxy test.
- Check your hormone levels (including DHEA Sulfate)
- Zinc, Iron, and Magnesium levels
- Tests for your adrenal glands
- Talk to your doctor about ways to lower your inflammation - my surgeon has me on Dexamethasone and prior to surgery, my primary care physician had me on Zyflamend (I highly recommend finding an awesome nutritionist or physician who values vitamins/supplements. It has helped me with pain and energy. You want someone who understands the difference between "normal" and "optimal" levels for you.
- Anything or anyone who adds stress to your life - get rid of it/them - sounds mean, but recovery is a long battle
I strongly believe that what you do and don't do in your recovery is almost as important as your surgeon. I was in too big of a hurry to "conquer the world' and ended up tearing my dura patch, with created a pseudomeningocele the first time I had surgery. No lifting weight, no running, do not sit for long periods at a time, and try not to bend (dishes and laundry at killers).
Do several walks a day, take a nap, buy a great pillow(s), eat small meals throughout the day (Dr. Oro highly recommends gluten free and the Paleo Diet - I do it about 80% and have done so for a year now and my health is much better), and make sure you spend time doing activities that you enjoy and things that make you laugh. Remember - a smile can go a long way in your recover.
Thanks for sharing and wishing you the best!
Jeff
I notice you like horses. Follow Boozer Brewz on facebook. Watch the miniature horse do his best. I look forward to it.