Laminectomy Recovery and Timeline 

How are you feeling today?

Thank you for these videos. I have my laminectomy in 8 days. Your videos are a god send to me! I am better prepared for my recovery because of them. My husband thanks you as well because you are enforcing the take care of yourself aspect of your recovery and letting others do for you. Again I think you IMMENSELY

Rebecca, I had the surgery yesterday, 11/01/18 and an still in hospital. I had laminectomy discectomy on T12, L1, and L3-5. Five vertebrae, no fusion, no brace. Before surgery, I had severe weakness in both thighs; numbness in both heels, right calf numbness, and an extremely sore spot on my right ankle that hurt with every step. I just took my first walk down the hall and up and down three steps and I’m sitting in a chair for the first time. I had NO pain in my ankle. The worst thing that was a surprise is that after the sciatic nerve was released from being pinched for a very long time, it was furious and shot lightening bolt pain from my calf up through the pad behind my toes and fanned out through all five toes. It was excruciating pain. Thank God it came and went. Today, it’s very much better. I have two three-inch incisions that almost run together. I might have to stay an extra day because if the high output from my two drains. I have shared your ideas with the nurses so they can pass it on to other patients. Your influence is far-reaching. Thanks again. You have helped me tremendously. I am blessed.

I haven't commented until now - but I've been watching your after-surgery videos because I will have to go in sometime soon and have 2 lumbar bones sculpted to relieve pressure off my herniated disks. No disk replacement though. You're the only one who has a recovery video like this that even comes close to my situation. THANK YOU! Part of me wants to chicken out, but in the long term, I know I need to have this done. The back and leg pain is just way too stinking much and if this surgery will get rid of the pain for good or at the very least eases the pain, then it will be worth it. Again - thank you for making these videos!

I just had my laminectomy/decompression of bilateral L4 L5 on March 1, at the Laser Spine Institute in Tampa, and an hour after I was wheeled out of the building to return to my hotel next door, they closed their doors due to a financial suit, laying off all of their dedicated and wonderful employees. I was able to have one post op exam of the incision early the next morning, but that is all the support I have now. I live in PA, this surgery was done in Tampa, so I feel like I'm on my own in this. On the 18th I will have my doctor remove the steri strips and check my incision. So I found your videos last night, and they are a big help. Especially the anti inflammatory foods video. I'm now in my second week, and am just starting to feel less pain. I took my week's prescription of neurotin, and decided not to take any more muscle relaxers or other pain meds they prescribed because I don't like the possible side effects. So, I'm trying to heal naturally, which has hindered my ability to walk the 5 to 10 minutes like they had suggested, because of the pain. Hopefully in the next few days I will be able to do that. Thanks for your information on your videos! They are a big help and encouragement to me.

Love watching your vlogs! I can definitely relate to so much of it. I'm 11 wks post op from L4/L5 discectomy and laminectomy. My recovery seems a liitle slower, maybe it depends on the doc. I couldn't get in a pool until wk 10 and still no bending, twisting, reaching, pushing,pulling or lifting over 5lbs. I started teleworking after 1 wk, which was honestly too soon. But now I do 5hrs in office 3 days & telework the rest. Haven't driven yet. My 12 week follow-up is next week so hoping to lose some restrictions! Anyway, thank you.:) It's hard when others in your life really can't understand what the recovery is like, so I enjoy your videos!!

Finally my day has come. My laminectomy dissecting is in two days!!! I have butterflies so bad. The surgeon will make two three-inch incisions since I have lumbar and thoracic discs that are bad. For those alone or too modest to have a human butt-wiper, use a plastic bottle like Propel with the spray top. If you have time, order one with a goose neck from eBay. Also there is a gadget that holds paper and releases it. I’m taking both to the hospital. I have a triangular wedge pillow and the between-knees pillow. My brother made a step so I will be able to get in bed without having to butt-scoot, which sounds painful. I have gotten so much good advice from your channel. Thanks. It has eased my mind a little, but I’m sooooo nervous. Nov. 1, 2018 is my day.

I will be having the same surgery next month. I’ve watched several of your videos and I have to tell you that they’re so informative. You’ve given me great ideas on how to set up my home and what personal things I’ll need. Thanks so much!

Oh that is so awesome 😊🤗 Rebecca ,I don't know what to say accept thank you so much but that doesn't seem to be enough.I am so excited to see what you post and am sending big hugs from Oklahoma 🤗🤗🤗

Super honest about total recovery time - months to full year. I was told 4 weeks for simple stenosis decompression by Dr ! Huh! Great humor in this one!

Hi Rebecca, just had it done yesterday on6/4. Feels pretty. rough today. I'm sure it will get better. I've really enjoyed your videos. Thanks for the inspiration.

I was kind of nervous about coming on RU-vid and searching for Laminectomy videos. Mine is scheduled for a month from now. I know I can't go on like I am now-I have to have the surgery. But expected to find horror stories here from people saying "DON'T have the surgery"! I was glad that the first one I clicked on (yours, Rebecca) is filled with positive stories and advice. You didn't have to post these, but I'm glad you did and you take a lot of my worries away. Thank you! ♥

I’m glad to hear that you’re doing better!!

I am pre op 6 weeks! Gotta a cruise to take in early December. 12/17/18 is my day. Bilateral L4 L5. Your story is putting me at ease.

I have my surgery scheduled for july 19, I really enjoy your videos. nice to see someone who knows what your going threw

You’re so cute! I’m an old great granny facing this surgery this month. Your videos help me prepare.

I am having my laminectomy and discectomy on l4/l5 in 2 weeks and im scared im only 24 but i see you are good and i have hope

Love this . Thanks Rebecca for sharing your journey.

I had one the day after thanksgiving as emergency. My second one. Got hurt while active duty. This time pain went from 10 to 8. I live alone with my cat. Came home the same day. No pain meds. No help, just me a grabber and lots of time. I cook and clean and wash dishes in some sort of delirium and collapse on my way to old bed. At least I can sit on the toilet for a min. I have family and friends but they got they’re own lives to deal with... people tell me to be grateful I have my life... thank you all for your support.

Just had a double Laminectomy last week!! Like watching your videos...I actually started watching before surgery and now try to watch one every day to remind myself I can do this! Really though...how much activity should I be doing at this point? I’ve tried walking as much as I can but get tired very easily...I was and am a very active person before this. It seems to have really taken the wind out of my sails at 45 years old!!

God bless you. I am happy that you are going good. Take care

Will be having a discectomy for my l4 l5 herniated disc and I am really nervous... but excited to get this pain away and at least be able to move more and hoping to be able to walk straight after the surgery...

I’m having surgery today. Your video’s bare great and make me laugh. Thanks

I am 2 weeks from having laminectomy and discotomy. Was doing great yesterday and my foot which is numb slipped and fell. Called doctor and RN said not to worry. Has anyone fallen after surgery. I am so terrified that this will affect me later. No pain at incision just achy.

I really enjoy your videos so inspiring gives me alot of hope. I this surgery 5 days ago. Feeling ok! What sort of foods do you eat. I heard you say pineapples.

Just had mine! I feel great and that scares me because that makes me want to do more. I'm afraid I'm gonna twist or turn the wrong way!

Great to hear some positivity 🙏💕👌😘💜

I am four weeks out nad finally just walked a block in my neighborhood. Just lots of pressure in my incision site but ice takes care of it

My do tor told me it will take three months to get back to a little normal I injured myself qt my job and they got rid of me be iasse of the injury 6 doctors later 4 mri I finally found a doctor that could fix me

Thanks for the vlog, 3 weeks out left leg no pain right leg pain 😮 nerve aching pain. I felt great first 2 weeks till I got off paint meditation. Did this happen to you? I hope they don’t have to go back in. They were supposed to do both sides but did left which wasn’t as bad. Prayers needed. 🤞🙏

I had the Laminectomy surgery, almost 2 months later I think the pain is worse, I'm thinking the surgery failed. 😔

I kind of thought so 😏 I don't think I'm going to really care though. Thanks for your input 😊

Love your stories....have really helped me through! I am post laminectomy L3-4 and L4-5 16 days. What kind of brace do you have? I didnt receive one and am so nervous about aciddentally being or twisting!

I had the same done a week and a half ago. They didn’t give me a brace. Just said I’ll know it if I bend or twist to far.

I am 3 weeks post surgery ....I have some pain at the spine site but I am being extremely cautious about movements. I went back to work at almost 2 weeks, and driving, but only partial days. I am taking a flight in a week, which will be 4 weeks post o.o. kinda nervous

Thank you.

Rebecca I am having this done on 10/25 I am 54 and have fibromyalgia and neuropathy in legs (very numbish) I will be on my own once I get home from hospital 2 or 3 day stay.Any tips on surviving alone ha ha would be appreciated.

Rebecca,what kind of clothing did you wear in hospital and what did you find most comfortable.I dont really know what to pack in my bag.I am rather ummm chesty and don't know if an over size t shirt is good or just the hospital gown and a robe is good enough

Did you wear your brace in the pool??

For the most part I will be alone. I am trying to get the help I need but most of who I know are older or don't live in the area I do.I am in a rural town. So if you had to do this alone could you please give me your top tips 😊 my feet get hot so don't need the sock thing My husband has to work and he can't do the physical things due to his Rheumatoid Arthritis.Were a mess I know but I have just come out of having a hip bursectomy in Aug so I know I can do this.I am glad for your posts and they are hilarious lol

I'm getting ready for this surgery L2-L3 and L3-L4 - I'm living by myself and it is getting pretty scary - i will have some type of home care but I don't know how much from my insurance - this video really helps

Hi there, were you laying down the entire time. I'm doing 50 minutes in bed and walking 10. I'm trying not to over do it, but not under do it.

Don’t you have stitches removed.?

My house is looking like a cemetery of dropped things! knives, forks, anti-flam tablets, bottle tops, cucumber slices, peanuts. Somewhere there is a deodorant, I owe a ton on a library book cos it slipped off the bed and hid somewhere never to be revealed again. I've dropped hair bands and charger cables, socks, telephone bills and probably important paperwork. Here's my advice, this is a frustrating operation at the best of times so before it's too late buy yourself a grabber cos standing looking at your underwear around your ankles and wondering how the hell it's ever gonna reach your butt is no joke! I'm five days post op, I'm trying to laugh but some of it just isn't funny after a while!

hey can I borrow your helper I'm single live alone only have one friend she stays outside (she's my dog) haha