I had a laminectomy last week, and thought I would share some observations that might help others prepare for the post-op experience.

Let's talks NIGHT SWEATS.

For me, this is the third most disagreeable side effect of back surgery, after the pain and the constipation. The latter two are mostly under control, but not the drenching night sweats. You "eech" and "ooch" your way under the covers, exhausted, dial out the pain and eventually slip into blessed sleep, only to awaken an hour or more later drenched in sweat and shivering -- which also reignites the pain. Only thing for it is a change of bedding or the Band-Aid approach: a clean dry towel below and another above. You creep painfully back into your dry towel sandwich, teeth chattering, and finally go back to sleep.
After doing some online research, it turns out the post-op sweats can be caused in part by the pain killers, but the real culprit appears to be the anesthesia administered during surgery. It apparently interferes with the ability of the hypothalamus to regulate body temperature. The effect can last for days or weeks, and for a few unfortunate souls it can be permanent or nearly so. The same phenomena can explain the bouts of fever and chills some of us suffer after surgery. You are warned to contact your surgeon if post-op temps exceed 100.4, but I have had chill/sweat sessions where my temp went well over 101, only to be back down to 98 or lower five minutes later. It's a little unnerving, as no one wants signs of a post-op infection.
Just a head's up for anyone with surgery in their future. It is odd that this is almost never mentioned in the surgery manuals the doctors and hospitals load you up with in the weeks before your procedure.
Keep a supply of nice, dry towels near your bed!

Sounds rough. I'm just glad to hear you are alive and kicking..........kinda

Hey, look on the bright side, you survived the hospital.

Hopefully, the above problems will alleviate quickly.

I'm glad you made it through. Yes, anesthesia is a bitch. I have bad reactions to most of it. Luckily I have not had the night sweats, but it took tens of thousands of dollars with an ENT Specialist to find out that my 80% permanent hearing loss had nothing to do with shooting, but was caused by anesthesia from 3 surgeries I had. Now I have to take my medical records with me before any surgery so they get the right witch's brew.

Hang in there. I pray yours will get better.

Guys, thanks. I am doing OK. Switched off the hydrocodone to Tylenol this morning. Using the treadmill. Have my truck keys in my pocket for the first time in six days.
Kensco, you're so precious.

I had exactly the same issue after my laminectomy. Never sweat so much in my life.

Bill,glad you are out of surgery but sorry for your pain.THe pain does indicate that you are still alive however,so we can be thankful for that.Bill,levity aside (for once)we all hope + care for your gentle recovery.For what its worth,in MY opinion,a bottle of cognac or scotch would do the trick.P.M. me ,I'll send you a bottle of sweet tasting Dr's feel away.AKA,Cognac.P.M. me your addy again,the sooner you do the sooner you will feel better.Chin up lad,Randy.

quote:

Dr's feel away

I thought that was for your college date?

I don't care what everybody else says, I'm a firm believer in pain management, ie whatever drugs work for you. I had a hip replaced last September, but I don't think that's as painful as what you must be going through. But if you went through this you were probably already suffering. I'll bet that in a few months you'll be glad you had the surgery.

Fellas, yesterday was my turnaround day. I vowed to discontinue the hydrocodone, so took a couple or regular strength Tylenol in the morning, and have had nothing since. The pain is like a sore back after stacking rocks.
Now I am in the danger zone -- feeling good enough to forget I am still under no-twist, bend or lift orders for another 8 days. My wife may end up having to zip-tie me to a chair ...

I can't take pain killers. They don't stop the pain & keep me awake all night. I might as well take M&M's. I flatly refuse to take any under any circumstance.

Good luck!

Im reading this as I lay in saltLake region hospital. Rotator cuff surgery any minute now.
Wish me luck! It's my dominant arm to boot.

Once you get that rotator cuff rehabbed you'll be in the Major Leagues in no time and that 100 MPH fastball will be good as new.

Kensco
That may be true 25 years ago but I'll be happy with playing fetch with my dog . I planned it for this time of year so I could make the best of the weather. I'm thinking my days off shooting big bores are over and figure my 9.3z62 might be my limit after this. Hell I have to get my left shoulder done next. This getting older business is not any fun at all. I'll make the best of it

Well, look on the bright side, you're still alive. About a week ago an acquaintance, age 59, went in for rotator cuff surgery, 24 hours later, still in hospital dead.
Heart attack, probably from surgery.

Good luck and prayers for your return to good health.
I've had 5 neck and back surgeries.Thankfully I was born with a high tolerance for pain. Didn't need anything for pain after leaving the hospital. The only problem that I had was learning to sleep on my back. I don't hurt anymore, but do not bend over very well with 4 different sets of Titanium devices.

I thought I had this pain issue licked until the nerve block wore off last night and I layed wrong.
I woke up in a hell of alot of pain, I'm going to take it easy today. If I try to resume my daily activities im going to ruin what the surgeon fixed, im not one to take things easy but I better learn.

quote:

Originally posted by Bill/Oregon:
Fellas, yesterday was my turnaround day. I vowed to discontinue the hydrocodone, so took a couple or regular strength Tylenol in the morning, and have had nothing since. The pain is like a sore back after stacking rocks.
Now I am in the danger zone -- feeling good enough to forget I am still under no-twist, bend or lift orders for another 8 days. My wife may end up having to zip-tie me to a chair ...

Vicodin is nasty stuff, leaves an afterglow not much better than a hangover. Pain can be your friend, keeps you from making a half-healed mess much worse.

I kinda like what TomP said. I don't mind a little pain. It lets me know I'm alive.