Returning to normal following lower spine surgery - starting PT
Living with AS can present unique challenges, but incorporating physical therapy techniques, especially following major surgery, can help improve flexibility, reduce pain, and enhance overall quality of life. Let's share our experiences, tips, and questions related to physical therapy for AS.
No, the pain clinic in Massachusetts near me refused to treat me because I'm using cannabis for relief.
Ugh - we have that issue here as well. I do not use cannabis as it made me nauseous and didn't help, so it's not affecting me. But if I was, I couldn't get in for treatment either. Sending thoughts of healing to those who find it difficult to get treatment in situations like this. Rebecca (team member)
I have had at least 4 compressional spinal fxs (C3, T12, L4 & L5). May be more, but my spine is so degenerated that it is impossible to determine. Intense pain at the fx sites will ease w/time (typ. ~4 - 6 wks), but neuro deficits may be permanent!
- I understand and hope that the physical therapy will help to alleviate some of your discomfort and that you receive the support and care you need during this tough time. Have you had a decrease in neuro deficits? It can all be so overwhelming and frightening. Rebecca (team member)
Thanks for Sharing your experiences so far! I had "botched" lower back surgery (Laminectomy) in 2018. He tore my CSF column and I ended up with 2 large Seromas (both drained at different times) and then my Spine collapsed (I had a TIA too) and lastly, had a fusion. Afterwards, I went to 6 different Physical Therapy places and they were all so wonderful with me. They tried everything to help with my horrible balance issues, gait disturbance, drop foot, left leg spasticity, babinski, etc - but the only thing I gained was my Core! And that was Awesome! My middle name is Perseverance and I went out and worked it and kept a POSITIVE attitude no matter what! Today, I'm still not giving up HOPE. Along with my AS, Fibro, OsteoP, OsteoA, LevoScoliosis, Osteophytes(Bone Spurs), etc running down my Spine and 24/7 pain (despite pain meds) - I am Grateful to not be in a wheelchair like I was before the Surgery, Grateful I have Faith that HE has Plans for me, Grateful to use my Medical knowledge (I was a Naionally Licensed Paramedic 20 years ago) to understand what's happening to my body and find help and DON'T let the DOCTORS brush me off! This pain is REAL! I don't care what the MRI looks like - they say to tell them "But, I have Symptoms!" It's all Good girls. Meditation helps too. Light a candle - do some Self-Care and then make those phone calls in the morning❣️ Hugs and Peace be with you. I'm so sorry to hear you've had quite a difficult journey. And, frightening I might add. Thank you for sharing. The HOPE you disseminate in your response is a glowing reminder to not give up. And I am not ready to give up. My first visit to PT was not as productive as I had hoped. I was having migraines from a cortisone injection 4 days prior and had a terrible attack as we were talking. I was sent home. I know I will have progress - but only if my body is in agreement. I am not giving up. Thanks for sharing your journey. So refreshing to feel understood and validated. I am on my way to rest, meditate, and find relief through self-care. Thoughtfully, Rebecca (team member)
After I had my PLIF with instrumentation I was fortunate to work with a PT duo. They started with the most basic, least intense exercises you can imagine. They were cognizant of when I was pushing myself, former dancer, and would bring me back down to earth with my expectations.
Prior to the surgery I was in rough shape and could barely walk due to severe nerve root compression. When I woke up from surgery I had regained feeling in my left leg and hip and could stand up straight for the first time in 10 years. So you can imagine how ready I was to move.
That would be my best tip: make sure you have a great physical therapist and trust their knowledge. Don't settle for a trainee unless they are working closely with their student.
And don't forget the moist hot packs after each session. I still look forward to those when I do a round of PT!We're going thorough a bit of the same thing. I think. MRI on my left hip this week. Both SI joints are being silly and the left one is already fused! So annoying. I agree with you. I can't touch my toes because of instrumentation as well. After my PLIF, 2005, I was able to do some Tango and Salsa. Dances where a solid frame is needed were doable. I'm trained in Jazz though.
But like you say, I wouldn't change having my PLIF. I was not able to walk without dragging my leg and foot because of severe nerve root compression. When I woke up from surgery, I could feel my whole leg and foot for the first time in years so that was something.
Hang in there, friend. I see you and understand. I'm hoping for positive results for you.
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Thanks so much for sharing your experience and kind words of support! ~Doreen (Team Member)
