New Creaking Sounds

[timetofaceit]

I am at the 2.5 week mark following surgery. Doing very well - had very little pain prior to surgery and have very little pain now. I'm on Flexeril and Lortab 10 -- Flexeril is 3 times per day, Lortab as needed. I'm trying to space out the Lortab so I won't have too much trouble going off it.

Yesterday I noticed some new "sounds" coming from my back! Trying to determine if it's my bones creaking or the hardware. Don't think I need to be concerned but was hoping someone else would give me their input on the sounds. Will those sounds always be there? Will they get worse?

I gained about 2" in height as a result of the surgery -- now I'm as tall as my husband! Dr. Whitaker had told me earlier that the only way (and best way) to recover from this surgery is to walk so I've been trying to walk at least one mile per day. Fortunately, KS has had a very mild month of January so I've been able to do a lot of my walking outside.

Considering how I was anticipating to be feeling following surgery, I'm very grateful that I've been blessed with a smooth recovery thus far. Thank you, God, for modern medicine, for surgeons, and for family!

[JenniferG]

Congratulations Sheree. I'm amazed you're walking a mile at 2 weeks out. That's fantastic. Especially because it's the one thing we can do to help ourselves. Try to rest plenty, too. It sounds like everything's falling into place nicely for you!

I don't know what the creaking sounds are, but I'm sure someone here will have experienced them too and have some advice.

[Marina63]

Sounds

Hi Sheree!
Try not to worry. I had ALL kinds of different sounds and sensations in the weeks after surgery and I freaked out after each and every one. If you don't have any pain associated with those creaks, I wouldn't worry about them. I am almost 7 mos post surgery and remember those early days all too well. You don't know what to expect and you constantly worry. At least I did. I'm sure everything is okay.
I wish you a continued good recovery.
Marina

[jeneemohler]

Hello there! My surgery was on January 10, 2011. I was celebrating my one year as you were undoing surgery! Soon you will be celebrating too. I had an especially good recovery, but it sounds like you've got me beat. I don't think I could have walked a mile at only 2.5 weeks out. Good for you!

I have also had creaking sounds from day one. They have been keeping tabs on all the hardware. Nothing is loose and none of the bolts have moved. Their theory is that maybe the lower cross piece is making the creaking noise. It is definitely a squeaky creak-not a pop. And it is definitely loud-my hubby can hear it if he is standing or sitting next to me. It gives him the willies. In the beginning, I was afraid of not achieving full fusion if the hardware was loose. But my one year checkup a couple weeks ago showed that everything doing great. The creaking has never gone away. It is especially prevalent when I am rolling over in bed (I still log roll) or when laying on my tummy for a massage or for PT exercises/stretches.

So I wouldn't worry too much about it, especially with no pain involved. I would just mention it to the doc so that they are aware of it. Best wishes on the recovery. It sounds like you are doing phenomenal. And get lots of rest!

[bluestone]

Hi, It sounds as if you are doing great!

Im almost 15mths post op and have been having clicking noises for the past 3mths.
I get it when im driving and changing gear and also when I roll over in bed-my hubby can hear it too.
My surgeon said it was soft tissue-whatever that means! I cant help being worried sometimes that parts of my spine arent fusing but I guess its natural to think that.

I have heard of others with this so I wouldnt worry too much.

[scooter950]

2 inches?

Hi, Sorry about your creaking, I can't even offer an opinion- but I am amazed that you gained height yet still have a significant thoracic curve- tht's good to hear! My curves are somewhat close to yours (pre op) - and while I'm not doing this surgery for vanity, it would be so nice to be straight: to be taller, and have a straight torso. I just had my neck fused in Nov. and I started feeling less fragile after about 4 weeks- can't explain it, all of a sudden It was easier to ride in a car, the vibrations didn't affect me, etc. hopefully you will soon get adjusted to your new spine! Congratulations, I am ready for my scoli surgery- man, I wish it was behind me already! God bless you with a smooth recovery- Jamie in Texas

[mabeckoff]

Hi, Sorry about your creaking, I can't even offer an opinion- but I am amazed that you gained height yet still have a significant thoracic curve- tht's good to hear! My curves are somewhat close to yours (pre op) - and while I'm not doing this surgery for vanity, it would be so nice to be straight: to be taller, and have a straight torso. I just had my neck fused in Nov. and I started feeling less fragile after about 4 weeks- can't explain it, all of a sudden It was easier to ride in a car, the vibrations didn't affect me, etc. hopefully you will soon get adjusted to your new spine! Congratulations, I am ready for my scoli surgery- man, I wish it was behind me already! God bless you with a smooth recovery- Jamie in Texas

Jamie, are you having your neck& back fused together?