Has your pre-DS back problems>pain improved post-DS??

I had surgery to fuse L5 and S1, plus screws on either side placed to support a couple of broken bones back there. I gained my weight after surgery because I couldn't keep up with the Army's physical requirements any longer and my metabolism was shot from starvation diets. Once I retired, and even more weight came on, the back pain returned. It was only a little different from the pain pre-back surgery. Once I lost about 40 pounds, the back pain eased tremendously. It can still get stiff and achy if I don't get up and walk every couple of hours, but otherwise it's pretty much pain free. Still no heavy lifting, twisting or anything but that's fine with me too.

I had a dexa scan right before DS surgery and it came back osteopenia. 2 years later even being on extra supplements and with great labs, my dexa came back osteoporosis. That might be one thing to keep a close eye on. As we lose weight, we also lose the hormones that keep calcium going into our bones. Since I can't do weight-bearing exercise, I'm on Fosamax, and even more calcium and D3 for the osteoporosis.

Gina

I've had only 2 spasm episodes in the 4 years I've been post op.  I used to get at least 4-5 times a year.

My lower back pain and my knee pain have disappeared since about 12 week after my DS.

I'm 14 months out and my back/neck issues are all soft tissue.  I haven't noticed any significant improvement in my pain level.  I CAN do more before the pain gets horrible but I still have pain and still take some pain meds.  I have never taken a lot of pain meds because I don't like how I feel on them so I'm one to not over do to keep the pain low.  I do notice a big difference in the pain level when I wear my control top undergarments.  The doctor said since my problems are soft tissue the sagging skin is pulling down on my muscles/nerves and is making the pain worse.  He is right.  The days I can't wear my control top stuff the pain is definately worse.   I still have a hard time sleeping in our bed, it's just still way too soft, although it's great for DH.  So I sleep on the couch still A LOT.  More than I would like.  All of this said, life it SOOOOO much better after the DS. 

Amber

i suffer from lumbar spondylosis and my pain has gotten a little better. my dr told me the same thing as ambers. i have a LOT of extra skin on my lower abdomen which is pulling on my back.

my normal 2-3 times a year back issues have diminished. I have only had 1 episode in a year. Unfortunately it is going on right now. ugh. forgot how bad the pain can get. Glad to see it won't be as frequent.  I have bulging discs.

Thanks for all your information guys, it is greatly appreciated.