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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Diabetes, Spinal Stenosis, Had Prostrate Cancer, Planning To Undergo Laminectomy. What Is The Recovery Time?

Hi, My name is Tom and I have been diagnosed with spinal stenosis . I m to undergo a laminectomy this coming week, T12-L1 and L1-L2. I m 55 years old, 5 10 and weigh 260lbs. I feel as if I am in relatively good health although I do have diabetesII and have had prostate cancer . I work in steel a mill, operate a remote control crane and generally on my feet for 12 hours a day. How soon should I be able to return to work?
posted on Wed, 18 Apr 2012
Twitter Wed, 18 Apr 2012 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 27 Jun 2012 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
From your description I understand that you are going to undergo a laminectomy and you want to know about the recovery from the operation.I will try to explain the various stages of your recuperation.Usually after an uncomplicated laminectomy you might have to stay in the hospital for 2 to 5 days.This might increase if you have any complications like bleeding or infection.After discharge in the first two weeks you might have to deal with severe pain(for which you will be given pain killers from the hospital) but inspite of this you have to walk a little to reduce the scar tissue and prevent a large amount of scar tissue putting pressure on the nerves which were released by the laminectomy.You might have to visit your doctorin the third or fourth week for a review.Usually if no complications occur you can go back to work after 6 weeks.The idea here is to start walking to reduce the scar tissue from your operation and keep your lungs and heart in good shape.The later you start walking the more time you will take to go back to work.
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General & Family Physician,  Dr. Andrew Rynne MD's  Response

Hi there Tom. Thank you for posting your question with Healthcaremagic. I will do my best to help you.

It would be unrealistic I think to expect to be back in work, as a remote control crane operator, in less than six weeks after this extensive surgery. It may even take longer. It depends on how quickly you heal. However, don't rush it. You will need physio etc. You will get a better result if you take it easy. Good luck.


I hope that I have answered your questions fully and been of some help. If you have anymore questions please contact me again anytime.

Dr Andrew Rynne.

www.doctorrynne.com






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Diabetes, Spinal Stenosis, Had Prostrate Cancer, Planning To Undergo Laminectomy. What Is The Recovery Time?

From your description I understand that you are going to undergo a laminectomy and you want to know about the recovery from the operation.I will try to explain the various stages of your recuperation.Usually after an uncomplicated laminectomy you might have to stay in the hospital for 2 to 5 days.This might increase if you have any complications like bleeding or infection.After discharge in the first two weeks you might have to deal with severe pain(for which you will be given pain killers from the hospital) but inspite of this you have to walk a little to reduce the scar tissue and prevent a large amount of scar tissue putting pressure on the nerves which were released by the laminectomy.You might have to visit your doctorin the third or fourth week for a review.Usually if no complications occur you can go back to work after 6 weeks.The idea here is to start walking to reduce the scar tissue from your operation and keep your lungs and heart in good shape.The later you start walking the more time you will take to go back to work.