Question:
Ruptured Discs - What about laying on back for surg?

I have 2 ruptured lumbar discs, laying on my back is the worst possible position, and they will have me on my back for several hours after surgery. Normally this would "throw" my back out for several weeks, and they want me walking a few hours after surgery? HA! Has anyone else with ruptured discs had problems? How did the walking go in the hospital?    — Cassandra R. (posted on March 4, 2002)

March 4, 2002
I haven't had the surgery yet but from what I understand you're not actually lying on your back the entire time. You are tilted up into a tilted position. That should take some pressure off the back. At least I hope so - I have disk problems also.
   — Vicki H.

March 4, 2002
I too am plagued with back problems. Had my first back surgery in 91 when I was only 22. That was my L5-S1. Now because of my L4-L5, I started looking into WLS. The ortho surgeon didn't want to touch my back and turn me into one with 'failed back syndrome' (the discs just keep going bad, one step up at a time). I didn't want that either, so I knew that I had to take off some weight. Yes, the laying on the back was not a good position for me, and the first night was horrible. I had to stay flat on my back the first entire night and I didn't get any sleep. That had to be my worst experience of WLS. I had tubing and leads and catheter and this leg blowie-uppie-thingie (to prevent blood clots) that went off every 5 minutes and all of these things prevented me from moving even a little. But the next day when I was able to move around it did feel better, I was just glad that I didn't have to stay flat on my back anymore. I did have back pain for about a week, but managed to get up and moving the day after surgery (I had lap). I will tell you that all of that was so worth it. My back pain has greatly decreased (and I am only 4 months out)and after I lose my last 40, I hope that it will be even better. I still have 'back upset' every once in a while, but not like before. I know this was absolutely the best thing that I have ever done. You will get through it and your back will thank you in the long run. Good luck!
   — Cheri M.

March 6, 2003
Wow, what a great question for me to answer. In the last two years I have had Back surgery on a heriation in L4-L5 and then a repeat of the same surgery 3 mos later. I sneezed a week after the second surgery and totally tore everything up. I could not even walk for 2 mos after that. My problem was muscle tightness. If i layed on my back I could not move for hours because of the tightness and pain. Any way I have since herniated another disc (about 2 mos ago)and opted to not have surgery on it. I am not having muscle loss and nerve problems with it. So I AM qualified. I had open rny last week and it was not to bad. I warned everyone going in about my condition, made them aware of what I thought would help. They stuck a pillow under my legs during surgery.I made sure that I was comfortable on the table before I let them put me out.I made sure that each person all the way to recovery new my problems. I dont remember it but they say I woke up hollering at them to be careful with my back. Anyway, they really knocked me out with drugs the first night to help with the back pain. It was not that bad. Not near as bad as those nights after back surgery. You are going to have trouble the next day. You are just going to have to get up and move, bad back or not. Be sure ang get good drugs 30 minutes before they are ready for you to get up. Use the roll techinique to get you up and make sure that there are 2 people to help you out. Then walk every hour! The pain will ease off and the stomach pain is nothing compared to back pain. SO anyway, it has only been a week and I feel good. I have lost 25 pounds in one week and I can tell a big difference on my back already. I say go for it!!!
   — James T.