<s>[INST] 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? [/INST] 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 painkillers from the hospital) but inspire 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 doctoring 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. </s>