[pianotech] Laminotomy and getting back to work

[phil at emvkeys.ca]

Rob

I underwent L5 laminectomy/discotomy in '87. I can tell you the lower 
back pain I had suffered with for over 10 years and the excrusciating 
sciatica was obviously gone the moment I came to following surgery. Pain 
was till absent after the anesthesia had worn off. I now have limited 
lower back motion, but nothing like being fused. I was working in heavy 
construction at the time and returned to light duties after 6 weeks. At 
one point, obviously too early in my recovery, I foolishly tried some 
heavier lifting and ended up on my back for a week again. I wasn't 
tuning at the time but I don't think it would be a problem during 
recovery. Carrying heavy tool cases, lots of stairs, lifting or pushing 
a piano would have been out of the question though.. 23 years later I 
still regularly move and play a Hammond console with Leslie cabinet and 
PA system as well as move my own pianos with proper equipment and help.

Based on my own experience, I'd suggest laying low for the recommended 
6-8 weeks.

best wishes for full recovery.

Phil

On 1/10/2010 2:01 AM, Rob McCall wrote:
> Greetings friends,
>
> I am about to have surgery on my spine this next Saturday (1/16) down at Scripps in La Jolla.  They are using micro-discectomy and a laminotomy (hemi-laminectomy) at L5 (Lumbar) with a disc decompression.  No fusion, but cleaning up a pretty large herniation that's been bugging me for months.
>
> I'm starting to get lots of new clients and projects lining up, but my doctor says I'm going to be down for at least 1-2 months, maybe 3, and I have to watch my movement, twisting, bending, lifting, etc.
>
> Has anyone had anything similar to this before?  If so, how long before you could return to normal work?  limited work?  shop work?
>
> The sciatic pain has been killing me, but the neurosurgeon says  that should be gone after surgery. I'm looking forward to that!
>
> Any help or input would be appreciated.
>
> Regards,
>
> Rob McCall
> McCall Piano Service, LLC
> Murrieta, CA
>
> rob at mccallpiano.com
> www.mccallpiano.com
> 951-698-1875
>
>
>    
>
>
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-- 

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    phil at artistpianocare.ca

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