A Fashion Statement?

Today I got fitted for the back brace that I'll have to wear for three to four months after my surgery. It actually didn't feel quite as cumbersome as this photo makes it appear, although this is about the size. Mine sits a bit lower down, though. It has a hard plastic insert at the back that was heated and then inserted into the soft corset form. The specialist then pressed on my lower back to make the insert shape to my body. Standing up was okay and I could feel the support giving relief, but sitting down in it was rather uncomfortable.

I guess I'll get used to it. What alternative is there? *sigh*

It's also so tight that I won't be able to eat much while I have it on, so that might be a benefit! lol

Most people understand what herniated (or slipped) discs are and how painful they can be. I have two of those, but apparently, I have two other even more serious issues.

I looked up "Lumbar Spondylolisthesis" and this is what it said.

Normally, the bones of the spine (the vertebrae) stand neatly stacked on top of one another. Ligaments and joints support the spine. Spondylolisthesis alters the alignment of the spine. In this condition, one of the spine bones slips forward over the one below it. As the bone slips forward, the nearby tissues and nerves may become irritated and painful.

It can be congenital (present at birth) or the result of an injury or degeneration of the discs and facet joints.

So what does it feel like?

An ache in the low back and buttock areas is the most common complaint in patients with spondylolisthesis. Pain is usually worse when standing, walking, or bending backward and may be eased by resting or bending the spine forward. Leaning on a counter top, piece of furniture, or shopping cart are common ways to alleviate (reduce) the symptoms.
Spasm is also common in the low back muscles. The hamstring muscles on the back of the thighs may become tight.

Slippage can also cause nerve compression. Nerve compression is a result of

pressure on a nerve. As the spine slips forward, the nerves may be squeezed where they exit the spine. This condition also reduces space in the spinal canal where the vertebra has slipped. This can put extra pressure on the nerve tissues inside the canal. Nerve compression can cause symptoms where the nerve travels and may include numbness, tingling, slowed reflexes, and muscle weakness in the legs.

I guess I understand now why I can't stand in one spot for very long before experiencing severe pain. How long is the rehabilitation process?

After lumbar fusion surgery for spondylolisthesis, patients must normally wait four months before beginning a rehabilitation program. This delay is needed to give the fusion a chance to start healing. Patients typically need to attend therapy sessions for six to eight weeks and should expect full recovery to take at least 12 months.

My other big problem is "Spinal Stenosis." What does that mean?

Narrowing of the lumbar spinal canal pinches the nerves that go to the skin and muscles of the legs. Sometimes, the pinched nerves become inflamed, causing pain in the buttocks and/or legs.

The surgical procedure for lumbar spinal stenosis involves removing the bone and soft tissues of the spine that are pinching the nerves.

As far as I'm concerned, I've spent far too long in discomfort that has turned into pain that is affecting my whole life. I do not want to be an invalid. I do not want to have to use a cane or a walker. I do not want to live in a wheel chair.

What I do want is to get this over with so I can get on with living! I want to play with my precious grandchildren, go for long walks with friends, travel the world, and play tennis again. So bring it on, Doc! The sooner we get this done the better.

Now I wait. *sigh*