My fiance had his 4th back surgery. This time they removed a section of the lamina in his lumbar spine to relieve the pressure on the nerves. He now has a bony lump (which is getting worse) at the top of his incision. Is this normal after this type of surgery? It is extremely painful when it's touched and he's 3 weeks out of surgery. The docs said they would need to watch the stability of his spine after this surgery, is this an indication that it's weakening or just a normal lump from the removal?
2007-01-03 23:13:16 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Other - Health
Not sure if I was clear, but this is a BONY lump on his spine that wasn't there before. It's getting bigger, it's solid bone.
2007-01-03 23:34:05 · update #1
Has a doctor seen the lump? If not, then tell the doctor, for proper advice.
2007-01-03 23:24:47 · answer #1 · answered by S. B. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My husband had a laminectomy at L4-L5, he didn't have any problems at the incision site, and at 3 weeks, the incision should be fairly flattened. It could be a reaction to the sutures, or a localized infection, either way, even if it's normal for HIM, it needs to be checked out by the neurosurgeon.
Postoperative and long term, he will most likely have some pain/discomfort from now on, spinal injuries rarely heal with no pain. From time to time, his back may "go out" on him, while doing anything, even walking. The best thing for him to do is follow the back muscle strengthening exercises he should have been given, no heavy lifting, no workout squats, and in general, just be careful and stay on the ice if he feels "that twinge."
My husband is much better after this surgery than he was before, he's lost the "foot drop" and riding in cars for long periods time, while uncomfortable, doesn't put him flat on his back like it did before. Just remember, chronic pain does weigh heavily on a person, so if he gets bitchy, ask him if his back is bothering him, push the Celebrex and Aleve and make him get on the ice, and don't let him try and be macho when there are other fellas around with strong backs to do the lifting. Since he will be your husband, it's just as much YOUR back as it is his, to make him take care of it.
2007-01-03 23:29:21 · answer #2 · answered by ihave5katz 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had back surgury and don't know about this condition but wish him the best.
2007-01-03 23:22:29 · answer #3 · answered by lonetraveler 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋