I am 70 yr old woman 6 months after spine surgery. I’m having follow-ups with my doctor every six weeks and he’s pleased at my progress. I have been feeling great up until last month little stiffness in my leg and a few symptoms that I was having before the surgery. I function OK and everybody is amazed at my progress, I guess I’m just impatient and upset with myself because I can’t do the things I used to do. My surgery was on my neck first and then I had L9, 10, and 12. Dr said I could resume three months after surgery. I guess I’m doing OK not perfect and I’ve always been a workhorse. Today I know my limitations what I can and cannot do. Thank you so much for making this video. It’s been very helpful.
I just had my spinal fusion L5 S1 & disc decompression done 8 days ago . I can totally relate to you , coming out of anaesthesia in the recovery room I had the worst pain I’ve even experienced! I just got home 2 days ago from hospital. I’m walking on my own & walking every 1 hour for 10 mins . I’m gonna be watching your other videos for sure ! And I’ve hope you have recovered well !
Hi Esra I'm have surgery next week. Did you have to buy certain items for at home? I'm having l4 l5 S1 360 Dr. Going in from front and back.. some videos I've seen say they needed raised toilet seat.
My husband is getting ready to have spinal fusion surgery. He's 55 and I'm 65. He has no pain at all all day long. Ever. He just get pain down his leg and back at night and can't sleep. I'm scared to death since I'm older and he runs our company and won't be able to work. He had a couple shots in his spine that didn't help. He's heavy and won exercise at all. I told him if he lost weight he might feel better . Well I'm happy you did so well with yours and thanks for letting me vent. I'll be back with other questions later. His surgery is on Jan. 15th. Thanks and Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Thank you for making this video. I am about to have this surgery (fusion of L4 & L5 with removal of some spurs). I have degeneration of discs and an incomplete formed disc (spina bifida in nature) and horrible sciatic pain down my left leg with severe butt & calf cramps very often. I have a blood pressure condition called neurocaridogenic syncope that causes my blood pressure to drop really low and go really high at the drop of a hat and I worry about this during/after the surgery and I've talked to my doctor about this and he says they will watch it. I look so forward to not having so much pain that surgery, as scary as it is, is something I'll do to get rid of it. Again, thank you for the video and I hope to be as successful as you with it! Hope you're still doing great!
One had same levels done also had interbody cages /spacers but mine didn't go well.i have suffered since 87 my surgery was 2004 nine hour op but i knew it hadn't worked as the pain was immense and that has never left me .i had six units of blood during surgery I just don't think I was a good candidate but my spine was so unstable surgeon told me there was a chance of paralysis so I had little choice.happy to see it's worked for you and many others but many of us are not so lucky.good luck .
Had my L4-5 fused about 2 1/2 years ago and am going in to have my L5-S1 fuzed in about a month. Hate the numbness in my legs and feet and the pain down the back side. Thank you for sharing your journey.
I had the 6 screws surgery. 1) first 30 days is house, sleep, tv, walk in neighborhood at night. 2) 6 weeks after surgery back pedaling my velomobiel recumbent. 3) surgery was on 6th ,, stitches out on 22nd.
I had a spinal fusion L4 and L5 nine years ago. I was not told that after several years, I probably would have to have another spinal fusion. They call it adjacent segment disease. Well, now I am miserable and trying not to have surgery again. Dreading a second surgery. I am almost 70!
thank you for sharing your experience. I am planning to do the same procedure and not knowing what to expect after it, its nice to hear from someone. I hope you are better and pain free, and with no complications. be well
Hi Jose- I really recommend the surgery if you find you are making many accommodations in your life to deal with the pain. I am now completely pain-free at 7 months, but have been so since 5 months post surgery. I have some flexibility issues, but I'm going to start actively working on that. The pain afterward was more like "discomfort" because the pain meds worked very well. I am so, so glad that I had the surgery. My one caution is to not try to do too much, too soon. It's very tempting to want to jump back into your life, but I've heard lots of stories of people who rushed recovery and the fusion didn't "take". Go slow. Protect your back. Good luck!!!
I have had a cervical disc fusion with three replacement spacers and four cervical vertebra fused, the operation was done through an incision in the front of my neck in 2005. Last year, 2018, I had a lumber spinal fusion with another three spacers for L-3-4-5 and a bone graph and another four vertebra fused. I came home the day after the op in dreadful pain and within three days was rushed back into hospital with a large hematoma on my spinal cord. It was total agony and they did nothing for me from 3 am on a Friday/Saturday morning until they operated at 8:30 am on Sunday morning, I was just left to scream. Last year I also had a total right hip replacement and since these three surgeries last year I have been in more pain than I was before. It is now over a year since my last spinal surgery on Nov 4th 2018 and I have decided not to have any more titanium implants or replacement anything ever again. There is no point because my thoracic spine is still hanging over my lumber spine quite considerably and I still have the most awful sciatica and back pain so I cannot get a decent nights sleep at all. My hip pain is far worse now than it was before I had the replacement, and both my hip and spine surgeons don’t want to know. So my advice to anyone is, don’t trust these surgeons at all, and be aware that when things go wrong they will just push you to pain clinics, and no other surgeons in their field in their area will touch you or help you.
I'm sorry for your terrible results but it doesn't always work out that way. Late in life (72) I developed a severe spondylothesis at L4-L5. Luckily, I had no other major spinal problems other than the usual arthritis. I was lucky enough to go to a superb young neurosurgeon working for Jefferson Hospital (Philadelphia) and being convinced that surgery was the only option due to instability of my spine, I underwent surgery in late July ('19). Fortunately, the surgery went extremely well - decompression and fusion using titanium hardware. The hospital was great (I chose to have the procedure done at the main hospital rather than the suburban location). I had less pain than I expected and was released after two days. The docs decided I did not need to go to a rehab facility (probably a medicare order). I needed only a minimum of pain meds (Oxy and Valium) and after two months or so, I was cleared for rehab. I am doing well considering my age and the slow strengthening of my debilitated muscles. I got rid of my cane and back brace over a month ago. My ability to bend and move is improving with the rehab (ATI). I think the fact that I had been doing regular exercise helped with the positive outcome. I would say that this kind of surgery has been improving over the last few years, but you have to do your homework on choosing the right docs. Obviously, your mileage will vary depending on your condition and the skill of the surgeon.
Hi, Hope you’re doing much better. One thing was not clear at the beginning of your video; You say you has a 2 level fusion from L4 to S1. Understood. Then you say you had two artificial disc replacements. This is what I don’t understand. It’s one or the other but a mix of fusion plus ADR is very rare, not to say impossible. Thank you, if you can explain…
Just had mine done on Wednesday didnt sleep at all that night and it looks tonight either.Took some pain meds but not helping at 68 everything heals slower my cancer doesn’t help but it is what it is. Pray your feeling much better guess we just need to give it time.
Thanks for your video. I had a spinal fusion L5/S1 on May 8, so I'm 5 weeks post surgery. My surgery went well, and I too got ill, vomiting, fever after cold turkey from pain meds. I have no pain but am having an issue with stamina.
Hi Marlyn- same thing happened to me! I quit my pain meds cold turkey and got flu-like symptoms. I had no idea it was related to giving up the pain meds. I DO NOT recommend going cold-turkey!
Thanks for sharing. Same surgery and made videos for the same reason. There were nothing but bad stories when I was doing research and it had me so scared. I am now coming up on 4 month post op and I am doing GREAT! I hope you are still doing well.
How is your back doing now? Im scared about surgery too. Im listening to so many horror stories about needing a second surgery or still having the pain.... and even insurance not covering the cost. Did your insurance cover it?
@@cynthiaurugutia736 my insurance did cover my surgeries and a small amount of rehab after. However, it does seem like nowadays they are stingy dicks when it comes to anything associated with my back.....or anything else for that matter. So my back still hurts regularly but I don't have the extremes anymore. I can do a lot physically that I wasn't able to do before. I do still work full-time and do many things outdoorsy (kayak, mountain bike, Harley's, hiking....etc....)
@@jonfwalex If you don't mind me asking what type of back surgery did you get? They diagnosed me with a Mild grade 2.4mm disc bulge as a result of a stage 1 retrolisthesis I have in my L5-S1 region. As of now my symptoms are pain in the buttock area that comes and goes every few weeks/or months and then sometimes my upper thighs will hurt or my toes will curl on their own.Sometimes Ill get dizzy and feel like I will lose my balance (pretty sure my spinal canal is being reduced in size). :( Im from California so they give us a hard time with getting these surgeries approved/done and are very costly. Im already beginning to save in case insurance decides to pay only half of it. Im honestly very happy you are able to continue your daily activities cause Ive heard of so many cases where the pain is worse for a lot of people and that they aren't able to do the same things from before. Some even say that surgery is pointless because over time the same issues occur. So thankfully that is not the case. Thats a good sign.
@@cynthiaurugutia736 I had fusion with spacers inserted L4-L5/ L5-S1. Watch all the videos. Some of what I said was repetitious, but I explain it all. I think I may do a 2 year follow-up here soon.
I'm having my l5 s1 done on Valentine's day scared to death but I would rather die than to live with my back in the shape it's in I'm a big tuff boy you look petite must be tuffer than me enjoyed your video
7:30 how many iv's have you done? yes for transfusion big needle I love it when someone gives advice on something they've never done .if you have done iv's you should understand.
Thanks for sharing your journey via video. I am having the posterior pain as you were talking about. I am sure I am going to have to have surgery! You did GREAT in your video Please, give us a video update since, the last video?
@Clayton139 I'm glad the video was helpful! I'm now almost 3 years post-op and doing great. I know that you're surgery will be a success too. Thanks for encouraging me to make another video- I'll do that today and post it here this week :)
Thank God hearing your video I’m at 8 days out & im in pure agony. They did L5-S1 with microdisectomy and they removed a large bone spur on my left side. I also have spinal stenosis I have many other herniated discs but by far that’s the worst level. I still feel sciatica is that normal while your healing? I pray it goes away soon
Did health insurance cover it if not how much did it turn out to be? I currently have stage 1 retrolisthesis and a mild 2.4mm disc bulge both located on the L5-S1 area. Sometimes im fine without pain and other days Im not. Im just about to start therapy for that area. Im trying to inform myself as much as I can even saving money incase it gets to the point of needing surgery. Im concerned insurance won't cover it. :(
Hey Tori, I just got home this last Sat, surgery was last Wednesday , my struggle is everything I want to do feels like a 20 min ordeal, camped out on a bed in the living room & I cannot get comfortable I get up like every 1/2 hr & pee & walk the length of the room a couple times but don’t feel like I’m doing much. I had a alif:plif so both sides feel like they’re gonna spill out 😑 thanks for your vid
I'm so sorry you're struggling right now- please know that what you're feeling is very normal. The first few days I was home I used a walker to get to/from the bathroom, and I didn't go outside my bedroom for several weeks after surgery. My doctor was not happy about that, but I was listening to my body. It needed rest. I felt exhausted just getting out of bed! It WILL get easier...be patient with yourself and with the healing process. Much love to you!
Thank you I had similar experiences spinal fusion, sacrum, Lumber ,thoracic ,walking 3k each day exercises in the pool the cold weather is killing me ,I have good and bad days still very difficult to walk correctly I do physio lie down twice a day on electric blanket the pain is not in my legs any more it's in my shoulders and out my head still v tender on the lower region find it dif to hold posture on a lot of meds it's really tough going 7 months later thank u G
Gerard Gannon Hi Gerard- for me, the best thing to keep from experiencing pain is daily stretching- especially the hamstrings. I do hope you will continue to recover and experience relief from the pain you’re experiencing 💜
Thank you Victoria v encouraging in my case I also had disk repair and bone grafting done and pins and screws put in all I can say it's only amazing it is great to be so well thank you again God bless Gerry
Hi Ruth, when I first went back to work, I asked them to order me a kneeling chair. It puts the bulk of your weight on your knees/ shins and takes the weight off the lower back. It took about 5 months before I could comfortable sit in a standard office chair comfortably. Make sure to get one with a lot of knee cushioning so that you don't hurt your knees. This one is great www.amazon.com/DRAGONN-Ergonomic-Kneeling-Adjustable-Office/dp/B07V6CH957/ref=asc_df_B07V6CH957/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=366327593256&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10458831965768975660&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028320&hvtargid=pla-813934541939&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=77662750753&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=366327593256&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10458831965768975660&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028320&hvtargid=pla-813934541939
Great video! Hope you’re doing well. My question is how far are you able to walk before experiencing pain in your hip and calf? I’ve got the same thing going on andScheduled for surgery in November for the same thing as your operation. Thanks again
I'm a month out from having L4L5 laminectomy -spinal stenosis spinal canal and facet-moderate to severe stenosis. Mild to moderate l2 l3 s1...any suggestions as to what to expect for healing time, gladly appreciated..
Hi Judith, for me, it was about a month before I was really comfortable, and about 4 months before I was able to go back to work, although, even then, I had to use one of those kneeling chairs at my desk (it took the pressure off my lower spine). At 10 months I felt really, really good. I was 43 at the time of the surgery, I've known younger people who heal more quickly and older folks who take a bit longer. Every person is unique. I will say a prayer for you that your surgery goes well and your recovery is swift!
Hello thank you for that informative narration of your recovery, I’m 66 years old. Just had both Anterior posterior lumbar inter body fusion, both L 4 and L 5.its been 3 weeks and I’m still taking 2 5/325 Percocets every 4 hours. I try walking at least twice to three times a day outside. I get very weak when I shower and especially when I wash my hair. I literally have to lay down while I’m still wet so I won’t pass out, did you experience anything like that? Also how long before you were taken off of pain meds? If I go pass five or six hours without taking them I really hurt. You explained it right, it feels like a heaviness in your back. I’ve always been a very active person and I am learning to give myself permission to rest and heal. Do you have anymore videos with your other recovery comments. Thank you and God Bless you Sweetie. 👍Debby from California
Hi Debra- You are still in very early recovery, so take it nice and easy! I actually fell getting out of the shower a few weeks after surgery, so I understand what you mean about saying you feel weak. Part of the issue may be due to the pain medication. Percocet is actually a very strong medication, and it's likely affecting your strength.One thing to note- make sure you wean yourself very slowly from the pain medication. I stopped taking mine "cold-turkey" and experienced significant withdrawal symptoms (fever, vomiting, chills)- all of which feel very painful a few weeks post-op. It ended up taking me over a month to wean off the Percocet without experiencing withdrawals! I don't know if that's because I've never really used/taken any kind of meds, but it was really tough trying to get that out of my system. There are 2 other videos on my channel regarding my recovery. It'll be 2 years next month! I'll make a follow-up video this week to let everyone know what some of the benefits and challenges have been. Thank you for reaching out and I'll be praying for your speedy recovery, Debra! Much love!!! XoXo
Hi Kelvin- My apologies, I didn’t see your question until now. Everybody has different healing time, but I found that I wasn’t able to go back to work until I was around four months post recovery. I still needed to take it easy until I was about nine months postop. I know that sounds like a really slow recovery time but I wanted to make sure that nothing got knocked loose. Hope that helps!
I'm so sorry you're having pain. It should get better with each passing week. As far as mobility, I didn't feel like I was even 80% better until about month 4, and fully recovered about 10 months after surgery. Hang in there!
Had a back surgery in 2003. They went thur the front then the back. Rods screws etc. Woke up and realized I loss the use of my left leg. And the pain was worst..on total disability now... only thing I have now is my Dog...lol.. my buddy..They have gotten alot better now with back surgery's. Just be careful. Do your homework please. God bless everyone here. Amen..
I’m recovering from my 2nd fusion surgery. I’m 6 weeks in. And I’m STILL suffering in pain. Still on 4 Percocet a day. Plus muscle relaxers. Through out the night. So I don’t keep taking pain medication at night. Any advice? Also. I got cut open in my abdomen AND my back. At the same time.
Hi Victoria, I'm not sure if your still active on your channel but I'm having my Plif surgery next week I have Parkinson's Fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis..Comfort is key for me while laying down Do you remember if there was anything that helped you to be comfortable while in bed?
Cured, no. But definitely there are things you can do to relieve symptom pain. My mom and 12 yr old daughter also needed surgery as they were stage 4. Yoga helped some with symptom pain, as well as strengthening core muscles. My pain became unbearable when I also had 2 discs degenerate. That’s the point where I could no longer do without surgery :(
@@FinancesOver50 thanks for ur reply sista hope you will recover soon and lead a healthy life ..myself dealing with the same problem of spondylolisthesis with grade 2 hope your video will give me strength...
VKC,SUPER SHOE CENTRE AZARUDEEN,ARIYALUR I hope that you’re starting to feel better. I was also only at a grade 2, But there were things that the doctor couldn’t see until he got in there to do the surgery. It was really a mess and took much longer than he thought it would. I hope that you will be able to find the relief that you need!
Thanks for the video. I need an implant of my L4&5 and fusion of l4,l5 and s1. Plus I have a pinched nerve on my right side. I looking to have surgery in tge summer coming up.
Glad that you're doing so well. I've had 2 opinions & both recommend L3-L4-L5 fusion. Frankly, your comment about your mom scares me - I am 62. So, do you think that she had a lesser surgeon or facility; was her surgery some time ago and procedures have improved; was it just harder on her due to her age or physical condition? Hope there's something other than her age. Again, glad you're doing well and thank you for sharing.
Chelie1155 Hi- her surgeon was unskilled. I’ve met 1/2 dozen people around town that have also been injured by him!!!! Please don’t let her experience prevent you from getting the surgery you need. It was the best decision of my life.
I am 70 yr old woman 6 months after spine surgery. I’m having follow-ups with my doctor every six weeks and he’s pleased at my progress. I have been feeling great up until last month little stiffness in my leg and a few symptoms that I was having before the surgery. I function OK and everybody is amazed at my progress, I guess I’m just impatient and upset with myself because I can’t do the things I used to do. My surgery was on my neck first and then I had L9, 10, and 12. Dr said I could resume three months after surgery. I guess I’m doing OK not perfect and I’ve always been a workhorse. Today I know my limitations what I can and cannot do. Thank you so much for making this video. It’s been very helpful.
I just had my spinal fusion L5 S1 & disc decompression done 8 days ago . I can totally relate to you , coming out of anaesthesia in the recovery room I had the worst pain I’ve even experienced! I just got home 2 days ago from hospital. I’m walking on my own & walking every 1 hour for 10 mins . I’m gonna be watching your other videos for sure ! And I’ve hope you have recovered well !
Hi Esra I'm have surgery next week. Did you have to buy certain items for at home? I'm having l4 l5 S1 360 Dr. Going in from front and back.. some videos I've seen say they needed raised toilet seat.
@@lovelydae7641 hi how ur recovery dear now ? I had my surgery in sept 2020 n nerve pain still there
Get a TENS unit from amazon. Also use CBD subligual.
My husband is getting ready to have spinal fusion surgery. He's 55 and I'm 65. He has no pain at all all day long. Ever. He just get pain down his leg and back at night and can't sleep. I'm scared to death since I'm older and he runs our company and won't be able to work. He had a couple shots in his spine that didn't help. He's heavy and won exercise at all. I told him if he lost weight he might feel better . Well I'm happy you did so well with yours and thanks for letting me vent. I'll be back with other questions later. His surgery is on Jan. 15th. Thanks and Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Thank you for making this video. I am about to have this surgery (fusion of L4 & L5 with removal of some spurs). I have degeneration of discs and an incomplete formed disc (spina bifida in nature) and horrible sciatic pain down my left leg with severe butt & calf cramps very often. I have a blood pressure condition called neurocaridogenic syncope that causes my blood pressure to drop really low and go really high at the drop of a hat and I worry about this during/after the surgery and I've talked to my doctor about this and he says they will watch it. I look so forward to not having so much pain that surgery, as scary as it is, is something I'll do to get rid of it. Again, thank you for the video and I hope to be as successful as you with it! Hope you're still doing great!
One had same levels done also had interbody cages /spacers but mine didn't go well.i have suffered since 87 my surgery was 2004 nine hour op but i knew it hadn't worked as the pain was immense and that has never left me .i had six units of blood during surgery I just don't think I was a good candidate but my spine was so unstable surgeon told me there was a chance of paralysis so I had little choice.happy to see it's worked for you and many others but many of us are not so lucky.good luck .
Had my L4-5 fused about 2 1/2 years ago and am going in to have my L5-S1 fuzed in about a month. Hate the numbness in my legs and feet and the pain down the back side. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Thank you for sharing your story. I am having this same surgery soon. I am hoping for a good recovery.
I have an “Olive” too! Thank you for your information!
Great video thanks! I’m day 12 post surgery and feel like I’m ahead of the curve in healing. Power of positivity! Cheers!
I’m 6 weeks in. And I’m still suffering.
I had the 6 screws surgery. 1) first 30 days is house, sleep, tv, walk in neighborhood at night. 2) 6 weeks after surgery back pedaling my velomobiel recumbent. 3) surgery was on 6th ,, stitches out on 22nd.
I had a spinal fusion L4 and L5 nine years ago. I was not told that after several years, I probably would have to have another spinal fusion. They call it adjacent segment disease. Well, now I am miserable and trying not to have surgery again. Dreading a second surgery. I am almost 70!
Hi victoria, thanks for the info. Thinking of having fusion done. Ive already cancelled 2 operations. Very nervous to go ahead
Thank you for sharing! I just finished week 3. Very similar.
thank you for sharing your experience. I am planning to do the same procedure and not knowing what to expect after it, its nice to hear from someone. I hope you are better and pain free, and with no complications. be well
Hi Jose- I really recommend the surgery if you find you are making many accommodations in your life to deal with the pain. I am now completely pain-free at 7 months, but have been so since 5 months post surgery. I have some flexibility issues, but I'm going to start actively working on that. The pain afterward was more like "discomfort" because the pain meds worked very well. I am so, so glad that I had the surgery. My one caution is to not try to do too much, too soon. It's very tempting to want to jump back into your life, but I've heard lots of stories of people who rushed recovery and the fusion didn't "take". Go slow. Protect your back. Good luck!!!
I have had a cervical disc fusion with three replacement spacers and four cervical vertebra fused, the operation was done through an incision in the front of my neck in 2005. Last year, 2018, I had a lumber spinal fusion with another three spacers for L-3-4-5 and a bone graph and another four vertebra fused. I came home the day after the op in dreadful pain and within three days was rushed back into hospital with a large hematoma on my spinal cord. It was total agony and they did nothing for me from 3 am on a Friday/Saturday morning until they operated at 8:30 am on Sunday morning, I was just left to scream.
Last year I also had a total right hip replacement and since these three surgeries last year I have been in more pain than I was before. It is now over a year since my last spinal surgery on Nov 4th 2018 and I have decided not to have any more titanium implants or replacement anything ever again. There is no point because my thoracic spine is still hanging over my lumber spine quite considerably and I still have the most awful sciatica and back pain so I cannot get a decent nights sleep at all. My hip pain is far worse now than it was before I had the replacement, and both my hip and spine surgeons don’t want to know.
So my advice to anyone is, don’t trust these surgeons at all, and be aware that when things go wrong they will just push you to pain clinics, and no other surgeons in their field in their area will touch you or help you.
I'm sorry for your terrible results but it doesn't always work out that way. Late in life (72) I developed a severe spondylothesis at L4-L5. Luckily, I had no other major spinal problems other than the usual arthritis. I was lucky enough to go to a superb young neurosurgeon working for Jefferson Hospital (Philadelphia) and being convinced that surgery was the only option due to instability of my spine, I underwent surgery in late July ('19). Fortunately, the surgery went extremely well - decompression and fusion using titanium hardware. The hospital was great (I chose to have the procedure done at the main hospital rather than the suburban location). I had less pain than I expected and was released after two days. The docs decided I did not need to go to a rehab facility (probably a medicare order). I needed only a minimum of pain meds (Oxy and Valium) and after two months or so, I was cleared for rehab. I am doing well considering my age and the slow strengthening of my debilitated muscles. I got rid of my cane and back brace over a month ago. My ability to bend and move is improving with the rehab (ATI). I think the fact that I had been doing regular exercise helped with the positive outcome. I would say that this kind of surgery has been improving over the last few years, but you have to do your homework on choosing the right docs. Obviously, your mileage will vary depending on your condition and the skill of the surgeon.
Thank you for you experience :) You have such a wonderful personality and are so cute!
Hi,
Hope you’re doing much better.
One thing was not clear at the beginning of your video;
You say you has a 2 level fusion from L4 to S1. Understood.
Then you say you had two artificial disc replacements. This is what I don’t understand. It’s one or the other but a mix of fusion plus ADR is very rare, not to say impossible.
Thank you, if you can explain…
Just had mine done on Wednesday didnt sleep at all that night and it looks tonight either.Took some pain meds but not helping at 68 everything heals slower my cancer doesn’t help but it is what it is. Pray your feeling much better guess we just need to give it time.
Thanks for your video. I had a spinal fusion L5/S1 on May 8, so I'm 5 weeks post surgery. My surgery went well, and I too got ill, vomiting, fever after cold turkey from pain meds. I have no pain but am having an issue with stamina.
Hi Marlyn- same thing happened to me! I quit my pain meds cold turkey and got flu-like symptoms. I had no idea it was related to giving up the pain meds. I DO NOT recommend going cold-turkey!
Tori Jane
Hi
Thanks for sharing. Same surgery and made videos for the same reason. There were nothing but bad stories when I was doing research and it had me so scared. I am now coming up on 4 month post op and I am doing GREAT! I hope you are still doing well.
How is your back doing now? Im scared about surgery too. Im listening to so many horror stories about needing a second surgery or still having the pain.... and even insurance not covering the cost. Did your insurance cover it?
@@cynthiaurugutia736 my insurance did cover my surgeries and a small amount of rehab after. However, it does seem like nowadays they are stingy dicks when it comes to anything associated with my back.....or anything else for that matter. So my back still hurts regularly but I don't have the extremes anymore. I can do a lot physically that I wasn't able to do before. I do still work full-time and do many things outdoorsy (kayak, mountain bike, Harley's, hiking....etc....)
@@jonfwalex If you don't mind me asking what type of back surgery did you get? They diagnosed me with a Mild grade 2.4mm disc bulge as a result of a stage 1 retrolisthesis I have in my L5-S1 region. As of now my symptoms are pain in the buttock area that comes and goes every few weeks/or months and then sometimes my upper thighs will hurt or my toes will curl on their own.Sometimes Ill get dizzy and feel like I will lose my balance (pretty sure my spinal canal is being reduced in size). :(
Im from California so they give us a hard time with getting these surgeries approved/done and are very costly. Im already beginning to save in case insurance decides to pay only half of it. Im honestly very happy you are able to continue your daily activities cause Ive heard of so many cases where the pain is worse for a lot of people and that they aren't able to do the same things from before. Some even say that surgery is pointless because over time the same issues occur. So thankfully that is not the case. Thats a good sign.
@@cynthiaurugutia736 I had fusion with spacers inserted L4-L5/ L5-S1. Watch all the videos. Some of what I said was repetitious, but I explain it all. I think I may do a 2 year follow-up here soon.
Good video. Thank you for sharing.👍🏻
Thanks for sharing having mines april 6 2022 now I know what to expect...
How did u wipe yourself after going to the bathroom?
I'm having my l5 s1 done on Valentine's day scared to death but I would rather die than to live with my back in the shape it's in I'm a big tuff boy you look petite must be tuffer than me enjoyed your video
How long does it take to bend,lift or twist, I had my l4 l5 fusion 3 weeks ago
Great video 👍 I just had the same surgery on 9/02/20 at the VA HOSPITAL
7:30 how many iv's have you done? yes for transfusion big needle I love it when someone gives advice on something they've never done .if you have done iv's you should understand.
How long were you out of work I have a high pain tolerance but that’s not a good thing as well god bless you I hope and pray your doing well now
Did u get any taller?
Thanks for sharing your journey via video. I am having the posterior pain as you were talking about. I am sure I am going to have to have surgery! You did GREAT in your video Please, give us a video update since, the last video?
@Clayton139 I'm glad the video was helpful! I'm now almost 3 years post-op and doing great. I know that you're surgery will be a success too. Thanks for encouraging me to make another video- I'll do that today and post it here this week :)
Did your mom have same surgery? Why didn’t hers work! I’m scared I am 76 they want to do spinal fusion and lamectimy.
Thank God hearing your video
I’m at 8 days out & im in pure agony. They did L5-S1 with microdisectomy and they removed a large bone spur on my left side.
I also have spinal stenosis
I have many other herniated discs but by far that’s the worst level. I still feel sciatica is that normal while your healing? I pray it goes away soon
How are you feeling now after 3 years? I have lots pain 😔😔😔
Did health insurance cover it if not how much did it turn out to be? I currently have stage 1 retrolisthesis and a mild 2.4mm disc bulge both located on the L5-S1 area. Sometimes im fine without pain and other days Im not. Im just about to start therapy for that area. Im trying to inform myself as much as I can even saving money incase it gets to the point of needing surgery. Im concerned insurance won't cover it. :(
Hey Tori, I just got home this last Sat, surgery was last Wednesday , my struggle is everything I want to do feels like a 20 min ordeal, camped out on a bed in the living room & I cannot get comfortable I get up like every 1/2 hr & pee & walk the length of the room a couple times but don’t feel like I’m doing much. I had a alif:plif so both sides feel like they’re gonna spill out 😑 thanks for your vid
I'm so sorry you're struggling right now- please know that what you're feeling is very normal. The first few days I was home I used a walker to get to/from the bathroom, and I didn't go outside my bedroom for several weeks after surgery. My doctor was not happy about that, but I was listening to my body. It needed rest. I felt exhausted just getting out of bed! It WILL get easier...be patient with yourself and with the healing process. Much love to you!
Thank you I had similar experiences spinal fusion, sacrum, Lumber ,thoracic ,walking 3k each day exercises in the pool the cold weather is killing me ,I have good and bad days still very difficult to walk correctly I do physio lie down twice a day on electric blanket the pain is not in my legs any more it's in my shoulders and out my head still v tender on the lower region find it dif to hold posture on a lot of meds it's really tough going 7 months later thank u G
It is fantastic what surgeons can do these days when I had no hope their was help their
Gerard Gannon Hi Gerard- for me, the best thing to keep from experiencing pain is daily stretching- especially the hamstrings. I do hope you will continue to recover and experience relief from the pain you’re experiencing 💜
Thank you Victoria v encouraging in my case I also had disk repair and bone grafting done and pins and screws put in all I can say it's only amazing it is great to be so well thank you again God bless Gerry
Hi Thanks for your positive video. If you don’t sit what do you do lay down? Thanks
Hi Ruth, when I first went back to work, I asked them to order me a kneeling chair. It puts the bulk of your weight on your knees/ shins and takes the weight off the lower back. It took about 5 months before I could comfortable sit in a standard office chair comfortably. Make sure to get one with a lot of knee cushioning so that you don't hurt your knees. This one is great www.amazon.com/DRAGONN-Ergonomic-Kneeling-Adjustable-Office/dp/B07V6CH957/ref=asc_df_B07V6CH957/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=366327593256&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10458831965768975660&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028320&hvtargid=pla-813934541939&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=77662750753&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=366327593256&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10458831965768975660&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028320&hvtargid=pla-813934541939
Great video! Hope you’re doing well. My question is how far are you able to walk before experiencing pain in your hip and calf? I’ve got the same thing going on andScheduled for surgery in November for the same thing as your operation. Thanks again
I'm a month out from having L4L5 laminectomy -spinal stenosis spinal canal and facet-moderate to severe stenosis. Mild to moderate l2 l3 s1...any suggestions as to what to expect for healing time, gladly appreciated..
Hi Judith, for me, it was about a month before I was really comfortable, and about 4 months before I was able to go back to work, although, even then, I had to use one of those kneeling chairs at my desk (it took the pressure off my lower spine). At 10 months I felt really, really good. I was 43 at the time of the surgery, I've known younger people who heal more quickly and older folks who take a bit longer. Every person is unique. I will say a prayer for you that your surgery goes well and your recovery is swift!
Hello thank you for that informative narration of your recovery, I’m 66 years old. Just had both Anterior posterior lumbar inter body fusion, both L 4 and L 5.its been 3 weeks and I’m still taking 2 5/325 Percocets every 4 hours. I try walking at least twice to three times a day outside. I get very weak when I shower and especially when I wash my hair. I literally have to lay down while I’m still wet so I won’t pass out, did you experience anything like that? Also how long before you were taken off of pain meds? If I go pass five or six hours without taking them I really hurt. You explained it right, it feels like a heaviness in your back. I’ve always been a very active person and I am learning to give myself permission to rest and heal. Do you have anymore videos with your other recovery comments. Thank you and God Bless you Sweetie. 👍Debby from California
Hi Debra- You are still in very early recovery, so take it nice and easy! I actually fell getting out of the shower a few weeks after surgery, so I understand what you mean about saying you feel weak. Part of the issue may be due to the pain medication. Percocet is actually a very strong medication, and it's likely affecting your strength.One thing to note- make sure you wean yourself very slowly from the pain medication. I stopped taking mine "cold-turkey" and experienced significant withdrawal symptoms (fever, vomiting, chills)- all of which feel very painful a few weeks post-op. It ended up taking me over a month to wean off the Percocet without experiencing withdrawals! I don't know if that's because I've never really used/taken any kind of meds, but it was really tough trying to get that out of my system. There are 2 other videos on my channel regarding my recovery. It'll be 2 years next month! I'll make a follow-up video this week to let everyone know what some of the benefits and challenges have been. Thank you for reaching out and I'll be praying for your speedy recovery, Debra! Much love!!! XoXo
Thanks Victoria. may i know how long will the recovery be?
Hi Kelvin- My apologies, I didn’t see your question until now. Everybody has different healing time, but I found that I wasn’t able to go back to work until I was around four months post recovery. I still needed to take it easy until I was about nine months postop. I know that sounds like a really slow recovery time but I wanted to make sure that nothing got knocked loose. Hope that helps!
Had l3 to s1 16 month ago got rid of a lot of pain but mobity is hard deel with
I'm so sorry you're having pain. It should get better with each passing week. As far as mobility, I didn't feel like I was even 80% better until about month 4, and fully recovered about 10 months after surgery. Hang in there!
Thanks hopefully will get better with time can't work and getting frustrated about what I can't do
How long did it take you to recover and how do you feel now ?
Had a back surgery in 2003. They went thur the front then the back. Rods screws etc. Woke up and realized I loss the use of my left leg. And the pain was worst..on total disability now... only thing I have now is my Dog...lol.. my buddy..They have gotten alot better now with back surgery's. Just be careful. Do your homework please. God bless everyone here. Amen..
Get a TENS unit from amazon. Also use CBD subligual.
I am 18 days out 345 fused with cysts and bone spurs removed. Off all pain pills, even tylenol. One day at a time
I’m recovering from my 2nd fusion surgery. I’m 6 weeks in. And I’m STILL suffering in pain. Still on 4 Percocet a day. Plus muscle relaxers. Through out the night. So I don’t keep taking pain medication at night. Any advice? Also. I got cut open in my abdomen AND my back. At the same time.
How are you now . Now i am 25 days after surgery and I'm still having numbness and pain. When to expect it to go away any idea ?
Had the same still taking Percocet after 5 months. Still severe pain . Had three level.
Thanks for the video.
Hi Victoria, I'm not sure if your still active on your channel but I'm having my Plif surgery next week
I have Parkinson's Fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis..Comfort is key for me while laying down
Do you remember if there was anything that helped you to be comfortable while in bed?
Do you think spondylolisthesis can be cured without surgery is there any possibility sister?..
Cured, no. But definitely there are things you can do to relieve symptom pain. My mom and 12 yr old daughter also needed surgery as they were stage 4. Yoga helped some with symptom pain, as well as strengthening core muscles. My pain became unbearable when I also had 2 discs degenerate. That’s the point where I could no longer do without surgery :(
@@FinancesOver50 thanks for ur reply sista hope you will recover soon and lead a healthy life ..myself dealing with the same problem of spondylolisthesis with grade 2 hope your video will give me strength...
VKC,SUPER SHOE CENTRE AZARUDEEN,ARIYALUR I hope that you’re starting to feel better. I was also only at a grade 2, But there were things that the doctor couldn’t see until he got in there to do the surgery. It was really a mess and took much longer than he thought it would. I hope that you will be able to find the relief that you need!
Thanks for the video. I need an implant of my L4&5 and fusion of l4,l5 and s1. Plus I have a pinched nerve on my right side. I looking to have surgery in tge summer coming up.
Hi Liz- Sending thoughts of healing and quick recovery your way!
Thanks a lot really help
هل ممكن تشرح ماقالت هذه السيدة في الفيديو لاني أفكر في القيام بعملية جراحية
Glad that you're doing so well. I've had 2 opinions & both recommend L3-L4-L5 fusion. Frankly, your comment about your mom scares me - I am 62. So, do you think that she had a lesser surgeon or facility; was her surgery some time ago and procedures have improved; was it just harder on her due to her age or physical condition? Hope there's something other than her age. Again, glad you're doing well and thank you for sharing.
Chelie1155 Hi- her surgeon was unskilled. I’ve met 1/2 dozen people around town that have also been injured by him!!!! Please don’t let her experience prevent you from getting the surgery you need. It was the best decision of my life.
dizzy from meds
Damn. U one hot mama cita !!
U ain’t to many pain pills.