2nd week back at work after spinal fusion TLIF surgery: 7 weeks post op.

Seven weeks ago, today, I had a five-hour long spinal fusion surgery

Seven weeks ago, today, I had a five-hour long spinal fusion surgery to fix a number of back pain related problems. I had a bunch of issues: spondylosthesis in L4/L5, slipped disk, slipped vertebra at L4, and a severe pinching of the nerve.

I had lower back pain every day over the last few months, pain which radiated down my butt and thighs. I had loss of feeling in my left foot, and tingling sensations down my butt and legs once in a while. All of these symptoms have now just gone. I can stand straight, and no longer look like the hunchback of Notre Dame! I do have incision area pain once in a while, and also pain in my upper back sometimes – but this is because of having to wear a hard back lumbar brace (doctor insisted on this for three months). The brace pushes against the back muscles, and thus the soreness. Otherwise, happy to report, so far, the surgery was a success. The surgery I had was called MIS TLIF (Minimally invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion at L4/L5.

Back at work

Yes, this is my second week back at work. I have to remember to sit for no longer than 1/2 hour periods, so I switch positions between standing, walking around and sitting at my desk. But it is manageable, but must admit, it is quite exhausting at the end of the day. Part of the problem is this lumbar brace I have to wear, which makes my muscles sore. Occasionally one forgets the No BLT rule (no Bending, Lifting, Twisting) and that always reflects i a bit of pain afterwards. So, remembering to take it easy is important.

Driving, chores and shopping

Driving is not easy, because you have to depend on side mirror checks, rather than twist to check for lane changes. Getting in and out of the car was a huge problem initially (I have been driving from week three post op), but it is quite OK now. Grocery shopping is tiring. Getting things out of the shopping cart is a major problem because one really can't and should not be bending.

At home, things are getting better and easier. I still use the BBQ tongs to pick up the daily newspaper outside the door, or pick up the odd thing or two. Have become quite the expert at pushing and picking things with my foot. Overall, it is tiring. You simply cannot overdo anything – your body will protest. Pain will happen.

Physiotherapy

I go for two sessions of 40-minute Physiotherapy twice a week at the Wooridul Spine Centre in Dubai. The care and the equipment there is absolutely world class. MyPhysiotherapist is a Korean guy called Nimo, and he is really good at judging how I am doing, pushing me when needed, and comforting when that helps. The Physiotherapy helps, and I believe, has been hugely responsible for what I consider a rather quick recovery so far. I get 15 total sessions, of which I have six more to go. Will probably miss that...