peter lena 8,600 #1 Posted July 1 having recently had L 4- L5 , spine enhancement ,operation been regularly using my parking lot , as well as in store cart time to learn to renagege my , back strength . number one is to slowly , steadily , walk upright and gently support your vertical stance . make a plan to any walking support opportunity , always look for the farthest car / cart , pick up . realise this is only my view of vertical walking , but you have to loose it to want it back .eliminate the forward walking bend , set up your own comfortable movement point . also have a stiff foam pad / with ice for seat time , back support . definitely a gain from where I was . dr is very glad for my recovery plan , creaky pete 1 7 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,380 #2 Posted July 1 18 minutes ago, peter lena said: creaky pete I've been through a much lesser degree with Physical Therapy to realign and relearn how to sit up straight and engage my forward facing shoulders more to the sides and rear. My issue is related to having ALL of my daily routine in front of me. Steering wheel Phone Tools Everything I carry Front. It's been a very interesting reeducation. 🤔 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JimSraj 429 #3 Posted July 1 If you don’t mind sharing. What do you mean by ‘spine enhancement’ ? I’ve also got L4 &L5 bulging discs and will be interested to hear how you recover. Mine are from a fall while pulling a snowblower backwards many years ago. The pain is nearly constant and getting worse lately. I’m considering options. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 15,434 #4 Posted July 1 (edited) 5 hours ago, JimSraj said: I’ve also got L4 &L5 bulging discs and will be interested to hear how you recover. Mine are from a fall while pulling a snowblower backwards many years ago. The pain is nearly constant and getting worse lately. I’m considering options. If you don't mind another drop in here, I'll tell you about my L3 to L5 experience. I had what known as L3 through L5 laminectomy with instrumented fusion. That means that they removed the bony plate from the back of my spine, used rods and screws to stabilize, then wrapped the area with donated bone and cement. Before the surgery, I was in a lot of pain especially in the morning. Pain killers and walking helped. After the surgery, it took me about 12 months to fully resume my activities. However, my doctor was my age (old) and he restricted me from bending, lifting, and twisting. I don't regret the surgery. I would do it again in a heartbeat. However, I would use my wife's surgeon. She had the same surgery and her doctor (in his 30's) gave her no restrictions other than no more than a 20 pound lift. He said if it hurts, stop. She was back to normal in about 3 months. Eight plus years later I'm still moving and bending and twisting and lifting. I'm not pain-free, but what 74 year old man with osteoarthrosis is? Edited July 1 by rmaynard 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,600 #5 Posted July 1 @JimSraj @rmaynard obviousely every spine related issue is pain discomfort , mine was bone deuteriation in the pelvic outer areas , basically heavy bone rubbing , did the needed trimming , for assured clearance , used screws to enhance , secure , new fitting . jim ,went to a ORTHOPEDIC PARTNERS , location niantic conn , DR PETER WAGNER . very thorough , stages to actual work done . found anesthesia has a lot of effect on recovery the foggy state , was very confusing , paid attention to daily movement recommended stages , you are confused and unable to do what is required , so I started building on any positive stage . my recent walking gains with support , regular foam backed icing in a hard chair , take all the meds needed , definitely better . the doc said MACHO MEN have it the worst , because they cannot see themselves as weak , refuse help . that shopping cart , with slower vertical walking , has been very good for me .MAYNARD , can relate to pictures and learning how to move easier . also grab a afternoon nap every day , you cannot force this ,have to learn how your body is reacting , learn to stand comfortably , takes time , pete Share this post Link to post Share on other sites