It has now been 5 weeks since my l5-s1 laminectomy surgery. I’d like to think that I am still recovering, but I still feel pretty broken and haven’t noticed as much improvement. I think my walking form is better and the pain is pretty minimal (about the same as last week).
General Laminectomy Recovery at 5 Weeks
The past week may have gone a little faster. I attribute most of that to being busy at work. For the most part, I don’t feel much different than last week. I’ve been standing and sitting at my desk much more. I stand during conference calls and presentations. Sitting still gets me after a while.
Since I haven’t seen an improvement this week, I would say that boredom is the hardest part. My spirits are not up and I’m bored. My exciting decisions are to turn left or right when I walk out the front door.
Walking
The biggest thing might be that I’ve made some improvements on my walking. My form has been so bad for so long that I’ve had a hard time getting back to a point where I can walk normally. My left hip drops which put a lot of stress on my left hip flexors, left abdomen and in turn my right lower back. This all pulled my right shoulder down and twisted my spine a bit compressing my right lower spine.
Right before the herniation I had made some progress. Then, last week at physical therapy I was able to walk normally. I got my left hip to raise by using my right hip properly. I did discover my hips are very weak, so those exercises have been helpful.
With all of this focus on my form, my walking seems to be harder. I’m sure I am over thinking it.
I’m still doing 4-6 walks per day and my pace is decent. No big walks this week, but I wanted to focus on form.
Accupedo step count for week:
Pain and Numbness
I don’t have much pain. My lower back gets uncomfortable when I sit too long. Days with a lot of standing and walking also make me uncomfortable, but it isn’t real pain. I can sit in a char for about a meal now, but not too much longer.
My one concern is that sometimes I feel what seems like a sciatic nerve stinger (though muted) down my left leg. Not the whole thing, but just a little. I don’t like that.
Numbness seems to be a little better. I can feel the outside of my butt a little more and down the outside of my thigh a bit. Not the whole way down, but more than a week ago. I did notice something odd. Standing outside on hot cement my left foot was getting hot. Then I realized that I didn’t feel anything with my right foot. I suppose that is the last part of the nerve to come back.
Work and Life
Monday thru Friday go quickly with work. I’m still not traveling, but I get a lot done on the phone and in web meetings.
I still haven’t driven a car, but I don’t think I need too. Twisting to look over my shoulder is just another risk. I can wait on driving.
Otherwise, I’m still doing a lot of nothing; no bending, twisting or sitting in the same position for too long.