Brotha your story has given me hope. I'm 46 and just had my ALIF December 19th. Your statement about the nerves pain is EXACTLY what I'm experiencing and as a result has caused insomnia! I may fall asleep for an hour or two then rudely awakened with needle like pains in both feet. It's encouraging to know this pain will subside. Tingling at night while sleeping is a True statement! Like you, I'm constantly in Prayer. I will be at 6 weeks at the end of this month and start P.T. Thanks again for your story.
Good video, I had exactly the same operations 4 weeks ago. No sciatica pain anymore at all. Still pain from the operation but I’m moving on. Life is good now. Sometimes you got to go through hell to get to the other side.
Thank you! I am 50 and decided on ALIF that's scheduled in 6 weeks. My mobility and balance is impacted because of numbness in my feet because of nerves being crushed. Thanks for your testimonial!
exactly the sugery i had.. i am home 1 week now, 2 weeks after surgery...and yes i saw a lot of horror stories, good to hear a positive story!!! still in pain, but thank you for your story! AMEN.
Thank you for your responding, it is good to talk to someone who knows exactly what I am going thru, it gives me hope. Looking forward to sitting without pain.
I’m having this exact surgery in three weeks. I’d be lying if I didn’t say I’m scared. I’m 37 and have had two other procedures on the disc over the last two years. It pretty much grounded me. So thank you for this video. I enjoyed being fit and active before. Now every time I twist or bend I’m put into spasm. So I’m hopeful for this to go well. Wishing you continued success in your recovery.
Mike.. out of all the stories I’ve heard. Your procedure seemed the most logical one yet. Taking disc from the front, less interference with the nerves and doing that way will make a difference- from the videos on here- great pointers Thanks for the video.. 👍🏻
The ALIF is pretty scary if you actually know what the surgeon does! Your abdominal organs have to be moved out of the way. It was, in my experience awful. The PLIF's are pretty bad too!
Thank you so much for this video. I just scheduled my surgery of L4-L5 fusion with a cage and I am extremely nervous about it, and like you, I have found some scary videos of people with horror stories!. But I haven't been able to walk or stand for more than about 15 minutes for the past three years. Three years ago I could stand or walk for only about an hour but now it's down to about 10-15 minutes. I am in my 60s but have always been very active an fit. I've had diagnoses from two surgeons and am going with the Chief of Spine Surgery at UCSF in San Francisco. Both surgeons said that I will be able to walk 1-2 miles in 6-8 weeks and dance again in about 6 months. I find that hard to comprehend but I trust both surgeons I consulted and they each said the exact same thing after reviewing my MRIs, CT scans and X-rays. Thank you again for this uplifting video!
THANK YOU so much for sharing this. I'm scheduled to have mine Jan 30th. I had a Microdisectomy July 2017 and here I am 6 months later preparing for this. I'm done looking at videos you have eased my trouble mine. Your positive feedback was just what I needed. Thank You again and May God continue to bless you.
Thank you for this post. I am about to have this same surgery and I'm very nervous. God bless u for sharing, I needed to hear this to encourage me to go thru this surgery. I have no choice, I can't take the pain anymore.
Exactly the pain I'm going thru for the same exact procedure I had 5 days ago. I was about to go to ER until I seen your video and learned this is just how recovery will be.
Thank you. I was so nervous. Good to hear a good news one. I’m 6 days past two level back fusion and each day is just a little bit better . You give me great hope. I’m just being careful not to twist and bend and have high hopes. Good luck to you :)
Hi. I am almost 6 weeks out of L4-L5 ALIF. Had deteriorated disc and bone on bone. Recovery is going super! Walking 2 to 3 miles per day. My doctor was amazing. I feel very blessed. The stomach is healing well. Most of all, NO BACK PAIN.
David Kashifi where do u live I’m from Chicago an I have pain all the time mostly when I sit to long my L5 is moved an lost of Cushing an my L 4 I think also is moved. I’m looking for a doctor but it’s not touching nerves yet
Thanks for this video. I'm headed for ALIF at l4/5 in the near future....am just gathering input from 3 surgeons b4 pulling the pin. How great to hear you've had a positive experience. PS....you'll never stop caring about fitness; there's no age limit.
Thank You for posting this video. I have surgery scheduled for an Alif with posterior instrumentation as well at the L5-S1. Without going into all my back issues I can tell you I’ve been heavy in research for years since surgery was recommended over 4 years ago. I finally found the right surgeon by accident… literally! Had a fall from a height and landed on rocks on my side and broke my femur at the hip… that surgeon pieced me back together and 7 months later he is now going to do the back. Most of the videos I find are not as positive as yours! In fact, they are pretty discouraging! The men seem to have longer painful issues where the women are back at it pretty quick! I’m a 48yr old man that is pretty intense and likes to push boundaries so I just deal with the pain and hope to be another that will get to post a positive video like you! Again, thank you for the positive video. God Bless you and you’re continued recovery.
8 months post op today. Starting to jog a couple times a week again and do some circuit training with weights. Doing squats and deadlifts with light weight just to test my body and see how it reacts. So far so good. Have some minor nerve pain in the right leg but nothing that will stop me from continuing my recovery training. It feels a little achy a lot of days but nothing overwhelming or as bad as before. I expect the a achiness to keep going down the next couple months.
Michael Hamilton I am going to get it done next week Wednesday I am very very scared to get it done I been dealing with it for about half of my life and I am hoping that it helps me out a lot. I been very very down with it all
Michael Hamilton iam going to get my surgery very soon... since 6yrs iam suffering this L5-S1 issue... iam getting so Scared and so iam avoiding surgery... i even went to my second doctor for a second opinion... even he suggested surgery... so, i have no other go but To have a surgery... so atlast i decided to get operated very soon... is it wise to go for the surger... pls suggest me....
@@krystalthomas3794 if you had the procedure, how did you feel from the OP day to a week after? How long were you in the hospital? I have to go through L5 S1 fusion, just want some more detailed ideas of what I might have to look forward to. Thanks
Thanks for sharing. I am one year out from a 3 level fusion l3-l4, l4-l5, l5-s1 doing well aside from foot drop in my left foot. If it were not for a paralyzed foot I would consider my surgery a success. I watched a lot of videos like yours before surgery, you shared some real advice.
Man, I'm currently at the hospital in Paris, France. I'm35years old too. I've done the alif surgery for l5s1 3 days ago and just wanted let you know that your video is truly an inspiration for me right now laying down and writting from my hospital's bed. I'm so in pain right now physically and in my soul but I'm 100% comfident for the future. Cheers
Had an L5 S1 fusion in 1980 with no hardware. Had a TLIF @ L4 L5 with 4 pedicle screws and two rods in May of 2023. I am now in the same boat as you before your screws were removed. So my sciatic pain on my left side has now shifted to my right side. UFB !! Best Surgeons in Boston dont know whats exactly wrong. They think possibly that the pedicle screws have caused compression to my first fusion ???
Thanks for your post! I am 5 weeks post ALIF (no PLIF) and doing EXTREMELY WELL! We have too many horror stories and not enough GREAT OUTCOME STORIES! I'm feeling you Friend! I am looking forward to losing the weight now that I am not virtually bed-ridden. I did have a double laminectomy micro discectomy in Feb that helped a bit for the nerve decompression. But it wasn't enough. You are right.... Nerve pain ain't no joke. I thankfully found a surgeon that I completely trust. I would travel from far and wide to see him in the event of future issues. (Going to need plif L4-L5) eventually. But I cant hardly believe how great I'm feeling at 5 weeks. I am PAIN FREE and consider mine a COMPLETE success!
dana rhodes, there will be a difference post op for a PLIF. What level was your ALIF? You couldn't have your L4/5 when you had the ALIF? I know I have seen many times where an individual's insurance would only approve the worst level. I could look at their MRI and see where they would be back in a year or two.
My Alif was L-5 S-1 My surgeon said that when the pain comes from L-4 L-5 head back in and he will take care of it.... He doesn't like to do both at the same time I guess Plif ALIF was a breeze because they don't mess with any nerves...
dana rhodes, the muscle is pulled back, not cut. That greatly helps reduce post op pain, too. With the PLIF, your muscle is dissected through, a lot of bone is removed, too. They make OR tables like a rotisserie, to flip you over! We didn't do that where I worked. We would only do one procedure at a time. It depends on the surgeon. Unfortunately, in the US, your insurance gets so involved. They will many times only approve payment for the worst level. I could see on the patient's MRI that they would be back soon. My husband's was handled that way, too. Good luck !
Hello all I just wanted to add an update. I'm coming up to two years post op next month. Unfortunately recently I started developing some pain in my lower left side. Doctor thinks it might be facet joint arthritis. Last week they did a nerve root ablation of the l3 l4 medial branch nerves. Not a ton of relief but some for now. Finding out that running a lot like I used to do isn't helping my back so I have to find other non impact activities to do. I've started doing the stair climber at the gym instead of the treadmill. Gives me a great sweat. Don't love as much as running but with back fusion I have to be willing to give up some things I've always loved. That's life right.😊
@@mikeylikey13 Sorry to see this. i was about to ask if i could keep doing weight lifting and boxing/muay thai after i recover from surgery...guess that's a big no
Many thanks for very informative video. I had operation very young now retired 72 I now can’t walk due to bad fall I now have operation same level at yours. Just very scared had many options I have good Dr I hope.just waiting for Hospital Thanks again for video mate
Just had mine on the 10th. Think my doc was amazing and this pain is no joke but I know I'll be OK. Wanna run soooo bad, though. Miss working out. Thank u. Our situations sounds pretty head on except for age (I'm 50) but active. Glad you're up and at 'em and I can't wait. And again, thank u.
69-year-old guy here. I'm no athlete but have been quite active as a teacher and owner of 4 properties that all take upkeep. Ten or twelve years ago I had some sciatic issues in my left leg that went away after a few weeks. A few years after that, I got a "pinched nerve" after picking up some paint cans. I did chiro and took it easy. A few months later I was back to regular activity with caution about lifting and such. Three years ago I was splitting firewood with an axe and the next day I was crippled with leg pain. Did chiro and asked family doc about it. Chiro really didn't help. Family doc sent me to a spine specialist. Now, the pain had stopped after a few months, and other than mild numbness in left side toes I was all right. Spine guy did MRI: whoops. Spondy between 4/5! Stenosis! He said I could try PT (the so-called conservative approach) to see if that helped. It felt good but toe numbness was still an issue. But I was having no leg pain so I just soldiered on. One neurologist did a speed test and said I had left side sciatic neuropathy. Then, a year later I started getting leg pain on left side and more numbness. And it began to cut into my ability to stay balanced and do lots of the stuff I was used to. Over the next months, I really got "stoved up," as they say. Tried injections. Nada. But I kept working. My range for walking dropped to about 50 feet -- super painful all the time. Finally, after 18 months of incredible pain, "dead" feet, and all that, I had surgery in late September 2020. Had a PLIF, ALIF (fusion from 3-5 with 6 screws and two rods), and scaped out some stenosis. My incisions were 6" up front and 9" in the back. Leg pain went away instantly after surgery but I am still dealing with numbness in the feet and calves. My sense now, five weeks out from surgery, is that some of that is fading. It does make long walks a bit challenging, though. The surgeon said the feet are the last place for healing to hit. I suppose had I done the surgery two years ago I'd not have that issue but it is what it is. Anyway, the prognosis is good; surgeon said the work went smoothly and he was very happy. I am so happy to be free of that leg pain; I can stand and move around for hours at a time! I'm doing much better, obviously. It's all still a bit uncomfortable and I have another 6 weeks in the brace, but I've not had any real pain since the surgery. Took low amounts of opioids for 3 or 4 weeks and am now using Tramadol when needed and hoping to switch to Tylenol soon. Oh: no weight gain! I actually lost a few pounds. PT starts in 3 weeks or so.
HI! Well, in 6 days I am having the same procedure(s)! We have almost the exact same issues....grade 3 spondylolithesis, 2 degenerated discs, bilateral pars deformities, and THAT pain in my FOOT! You described it exactly, although my severe and chronic sciatic pain started only 10 months ago. They say now that I must’ve hurt myself when I was young...I was a gymnast....and over time I have just “adjusted” through the pain, but I was running and my right heel began to hurt. Needless to say, it took awhile for them to figure out it was coming from my back, and now months & months later, failed injections, physical therapy, 4 doctors, and lots of drugs....I am having what sounds almost like an identical surgery. My only difference is that I am 54! I have always been athletic, strong, and thought I was in pretty good shape for an “old lady,” but I was apparently sadly mistaken! So, THANK YOU for posting these videos. It is difficult to find anyone in a similar situation, but the minute you started talking, I knew I was doing the right thing! I just wanted to pop in and let you know that your videos have given me just the boost I needed to get me through these jitters!!!
Just had the ALIF/PLIF on 11/28/18. The first few weeks have been tough but I'm slowly doing better. I'm starting week 3 and a bit frustrated I had hoped to be away from the pain meds but that's not happening yet. Able to walk 25 minutes a day without the walker and just trying to be patient with myself. Thank you for the videos, as you know it's a pretty terrifying idea but the Dr and hospital were great. It was such a scary thing to go through especially at 60 but I wish I would have done it earlier. For me, the pain from the sciaticia was actually better immediately after the surgery and I see improvement already. Good luck to all that are dealing with this.
Michael, Thank you. 36 yo M, looking at an L4 thru S1 fusion in less than a month due to Retrolisthesis of L5 and degeneration of L4/5 and L5/S1 discs. Lifelong athlete, long distance runner/rock climber. Been out of sports for almost 2 years and my symptoms are identical to what you speak of. Nerve pain in my left foot to beat the band. Up all hours of the night. No sleep, no rest. Did PT, had a discectomy, but nothing worked. Thanks much man, this makes me feel better.
Josh Andrew Your surgery is 2 level , this video is referencing only a 1 level a completely different dynamic , please research ADR. Check out ADR support .com . The L5-S1 is the simplest / complication free in regards to fusion as this area does not flex much compared to the rest of the spine.
I had PLIF surgery 7 weeks ago.I am 73 years old and the recovery is SO much easier than i thought it wuld be. Before the surgery I exercised regularly and practised yoga . Pre op I did Yoga for severe spinal stenosis, 6 dayes a week. I dont know if this helped or not. What I do know is that post op has been so much easier than I thought it would be.Listen to your Dr and your PT. Be patient, of course I would love to beback to my regular work out routine , however not at this time. I achieve my personal daily goal of at least 6000 steps a day. If you have been told that you need this surgery, go for it . I can't stress enough that this was so much easier than I thought.I was dreading the surgery, all that worry for nothinng.
Thank you! i am scheduled for posterior back fusion on my L5 to S1 on March 27th 2019. Scared like crazy. i will have cadaver bone in little cages between discs and screws and rods. im 61 so bone healing an issue. will use a bone stimulator device. my hub and i are retired full time rv'ers so will be a challenge recovering in rv. my recovery will be 1 yr i am told and wear a belt that long. you vid helps a lot. ty
@@lifeinmykitchen6118 i was advised by my pain mgmt dr and new 2nd opinion dr to cancel surgery as the dr i scheduled with was very aggressive. they are going in a different direction now. nerve conduction test shows peripheral neuropathy in right leg. most of my pain is on right side, started with foot. I get steroid injection tomorrow in tailbone, another area i suffer with. possible nerve ablation in my future and in my discs again. still in pain but feel good about this new conservative attitude.
I’m 5/8 weeks post surgery dealing with lots of surgery fall out. Infection back on bedrest level of walking has dropped. 33 days of migraine from hell. Love my naturalpathic doctor she has been God sent. No post surgery pain compared to before and nerve pain has totally responded to Apis homeopathy remedy
Hè man,....Thx for taking the time to upload this video. Its great to hear that you are doping better after the surgery. Two years ago i had a herniated disc at l5-s1 and they took away the herniation. Now my disc is losing height Which causes a lot of pain after half a day. They offered me a surgery in may 2017 but was and still scared about a negative outcome. Your video really helped me thinking more positive now. Hope you still doing well and take care men
I'm sorry to hear you are dealing with pain every day. I am right at 4 months now and just started feeling some bad pain again and hoping it is just part of the first year adjustment.
Congratulations. I’m gonna get a fusion myself - was an athlete like yourself - unstable but still working full duty through pain. - hopefully my surgery goes well as yours - congrats.
Just had my L5-S1 anterior and posterior fusion for a pars fracture and herniated discs last week. I'm going on 34 and been an athlete my whole life you sound just like me. Praying your back to being an athlete it's who we are. I'm excited at the opportunity to get my life back trying to stay positive.
Thanks for this video. Im going in on the 30th March 2021 for my spinal fussion and Ive been stressed out. Your video definitely made me more positive about it. Greetings from South Africa
Mannnnn finally someone who I can kind of relate to! I’m 33 and also got the ALIF/PLIF. L4-S1. They also went through my side too. I was told I had everything that you mentioned. The lysthesis, herniations, and the pars defect. I am five weeks post op and have been only walking periodically throughout the day. I have had crazy sciatic pain too that doesn’t seem to be going away and it was keeping me up all night. Thanks for the uplifting message bro. It’s been great reading about your progress. God bless.
I had L3 to S1 done I am 74 yo my concern was Range of Motion...after my surgery my pain has been going well. Some rough spots. so far it has been5 weeks post op. my recommendations are to find a good surgical team. Learn about the procedure. Stay away from the horror stories.
Thamks for posting this video. God bless you and hope you recuperate very soon. You are right. its dificult to decide to have an operation when people are posting there negative comments. Not everyone has the same procedure or outcome. It depends on how positive you are. I was scared to have my surgery but now I've made my decision hopefully I'll get surgery now in December 2018 . I have narrowing at the L5 S1 level associated with mild retrolisthesis. Also there is minimal annular bulge at The L4 L5 level with mild canal stenosis. I've been suffering from this condition for more than 20 years. I've seen so many doctors, the best in Miami and finally I found a doctor that really wants to help me .you know that doctors always give you therapy , steroid injections and medications, because surgery is the last resource. I've been through all kinds of treatments and it doesn't work ,even a sneeze triggers the pain and I end up in the ER. just a slight movement forward triggers the vertebrae to slip forward and it locks where I can't move at all. So if anyone out there is suffering from back pain please go to a specialist that can tell you what's going on, and if you're not satisfied ask for a second opinion. Today October 19th I will be seeing my doctor so I can schedule my surgery for December 2018. I wish good luck to everyone and I hope what I just wrote can help someone make a good decision. God bless you all
My surgery was completed by a neurosurgeon. My primary doctor stated that it is best to have a neurosurgeon. He has experience with both spinal and brain surgeries and they are more detailed on the nerves etc.
Thank you for this video! I'm 36 and having an Anterior Lumbar Fusion next week. You are so right about the horror stories. Your video gives me hope for a great outcome. I hope you're still doing well. God bless you!
Thanks for sharing. I'm 6 weeks from both a alif and plif. Cages in l5- S-1, L-5 L-4. Backside I now have 18 screws and rods from L-2 to L-5 to stabilize. Still using a walker and finally getting some sleep at night. Nerve pain was numbed with 300 mg Gabepentin and really helped me sleep. I'm hoping over the next few weeks I'll begin to walk again, maybe with just a cane.
I'm hoping that the meds they gave you are helping with the nerve pain. All I was given was the normal oxy and hyrdo and some other muscle relaxers which I never took after the second week. It is garbage in my opinion and did nothing to help relieve the nerve pain for me. So much of back surgery is waiting for the body to adjust and heal to the surgery. Keep getting better!
I had Alif/Plif on March 20, 2017. I had the l4-l5 and l5-s1 fused. I had degenerative disk, basically both disks were wearing out causing pain in my lower back and it was pinching a nerve which caused a burning pain in my right leg. My pain got progressively worse for 10 years before I just couldn't take it anymore. I'm not going to sugar coat the recovery. The first week was tough. After 4 weeks though, I was pretty much pain free, other than where I had to let everything heal/fuse. Now 10 months out, I'm like a new man. As Michael said, I know there are some horror stories out there, and I really feel for them, but I am truly a success story. I'm so glad I had it done. I was 55 when I had it done and in pretty good shape, so maybe that helped me out. One piece of advice for recovery........walk a lot. I walked 3 times a day. To begin with, I could only go 100 yards or so. But I pushed myself farther each day and I got better and better. Bottom line, I'm so happy I had the surgery.
Great Video .I just had L2 S1 DONE ON 6/20 . Overall it was way easier than I thought . First few days a bit tough but i'm 3 weeks out and almost off the oxy and muscle relaxers. Just make sure you find a good surgeon !
I have the same procedure in 2 days Marvh 12th. Im really scared and kind of freaking out . Your video really helped me. I can see the emotion you were feeling and thats exactly how i feel. I hope to get through the next few days. I will take this as a push og inspiration thank you i needed this.
I’m 34 and I’m getting this in aug. I feel you. I have spondylilothesis as well. I am getting L4-S1. I also just got engaged lol. It is a definite scary. I’m so glad you are doing okay. I’m getting a Tlif with robotic arm. God bless you.
@@Polecat-qz5om oh sorry to hear u having pain again. In my case I have grade 1 spodolithesis . Pars fracture . I feel after any activity like long walking , running.
I'm 7 weeks post op s1 l5 , and I'm walking good now the sciatic pain is completely gone my back is still stiff but I'm still having a little numbness in my big toes, other than that I'm feeling alot better finally getting some rest at night I really want to try to exercise more but nervous about how well the fusion is going but over all I'm alot better than before and I will continue to work at getting better , I appreciate the video is good to see positive results .
Hello there! Thank you for your video. I am 45 years old and 8 weeks post OP from an L5 S1 fusion myself. I am not a fit person by any means so this surgery has been a real challenge for me. I'm getting stronger, off all pain meds, but the neuropathy is still an issue in my right leg. I still walk with a cane, and still use my Walker if I'm going to be doing alot of walking. I can also drive now, but bumps still hurt considerably, I just have to take it slow. I hope you continue to heal properly. From what I read and watch this surgery takes ALOT of time, and everyone is different so....keep on healing and getting stronger, but be patient...😁
I just had the 360° fusion at L5/ S1…brutal! I am almost 4 weeks post surgery and I know the pain will eventually subside, but for now, pain! Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
I'm glad you did well, mine was a nightmare! Of course, mine was done 20+ years ago...No rehab, no Nothing! Just take the money & Run! I went to more than 5 pain management Doctors before finding one that could give a little bit of relief with a pain pump! Then you have to go through having it replaced every 6 to 7 years plus if I want to do yard work exercise I have to still take a pain pill! So, if you're considering this surgery make sure you find the right Doc like this guy apparently did! Otherwise, you're stuck in a very painful life! I hope your back stays good for you! Good Luck!
Im 8 weeks post opp (S1-L5). My right foot and leg has severe nerve damage. I have NEVER experienced so much pain. I felt better before i had this sergury My pain was only on left side. After sergury, everything went to the right.. I would'nt advise this for anyone. The nerve damage im experiencing is hell on earth
I'm getting ready to have this done in a few weeks due to trying out all other options and none of it working... I've seen several doctors until I found the right guy it seems.. I live to ride my Harley and was wondering if anyone has opinions on wether I will be able to ride again
I had 2 fused in back 3 in neck had to sell my heavy bike bought a scooter I'm 60 road bikes since 12 it's hard on my neck because of the constant head movement and until your fusion starts taking you will feel every bump shoot right through you spine. And I always have it in the back of my mind what kind of hell I'll have to go through if I ever lay it down but motercycle riding is a passion I just go for shorter rides now
I’m in the process of having a PLIF at 49. However, my pain management doctor is against me having it at my age- but I told him I have been going though this pain since my accident in October 2017- I am not willing to keep going to the doctor ever two weeks
I had the exact same surgery 2 weeks ago today. First week was painful, almost exclusively from the incision is my abdomen. Second week has been much better in that regard, but started getting pretty good nerve pain down the backs of both legs. That has eased up a lot now. As of 2 weeks, I have a very tender lower back ache. I've been walking about 3 times a day for a mile each time. Pretty slow for a former runner! I'm 67 years old with a 35 year history of low back pain. I finally just got tired of living with it. Like you, I was damn scared for the month I waited for the scheduled surgery, but again, I decided to do this one last thing to try to help myself. I have no idea how this will turn out, but I’m staying positive, and I’m going to see how things are after the 16 week “recovery” period.
I saw 3 doctors before I had 3 disk fusions 6 weeks ago , still some pain. Still doing PT trying to do my part.. hopefully I can get 80% pain free. Thanks for the video
Hi Michael, my son a year ago had exactly the same surgery that you had. At that time my son was turning 16. two months after the first surgery we had a redo surgery with a orthopedic surgeon. The first neurosurgeon pur 4 out of 4 screws in the wrong place. Now is one year after the second surgery. Last week the doctor decided to take out two of the screws out. My son is still under pain, mainly because of the mistakes of the first doctor. Don't get me wrong the doctors are in Houston, suppose to be great but things happen. Now my son is in his way back to recovery. We hope he will be able to get back to his normal life. He get very depressed bacause of how long and painful it has been but i hope we are on the right track.
I'm almost 2 weeks post op and was regretting it. But knowing the future is less painful is possible, maybe I did the right thing. I'm only 29, so I couldn't live my life doing nothing. Thank you for this video.
This failed on my dad I'm scared i need it doing microdisectomy failed...I cannot walk or sit without morphine for more than two minutes...Im having constant spasms on the right side forcing my spine to lean left the pain is horrific...The operation you are describing they don't do this in the Uk...Im so glad you have your life back...
Thank you for posting this. I have been seeing surgeons for a spinal fusion for L4/L5/S1. I have had different opinions from three different surgeons. The one that I am leaning towards wants to do a Anterior/Posterior 360 fusion due to Anterolisthesis on L5/S1. The other two just want to go through the back. I am scared to death of having this surgery and have been searching on youtube to find some answers.
Curious who ur surgeon was and where you had the surgery! I too searched the US for the best neurosurgeon. I found him in Chicago, 10 hours from my home! He was worth it. 7 weeks post op and sciatica is gone!
Can you walk, run, jump, stand, bend, stretch, carry weight, ride a bike, drive long distance and sit down on the floor without pain and stiffness today?
Yeah been about a week for me and I'm not going to lie recovery is not going to be easy. Had alif,plif done go back to specialist the 22nd been pushing myself over almost walked a mile in one day but after that im down for about 3-4 hours. Much respect to you its gonna be a lot of work to get back like I was before. I don't recommend this for any man who wants kids. Internal ejacualtion happened to me . so I'm blessed that i have 3 kids already.
I also have grade 2 L5-S1 Spondylolisthesis with Pars defect, for 10 years now, starting 2010. i have very little symptoms at the moment, barring some minor lower back pain when i stand for too long. i do a lot of weight lifting and boxing, I'm 32 yo. Would you say i should get this surgery while i'm young, or do i only get it when the symptoms become unbearable? I have consulted a couple of different orthopedics in Shanghai, and they always tell me to go with the surger, regardless of my feelings. thanks and god bless.
Nice video i had first surgery done 11 years ago an everything was a Disaster I’ve been living with pain all my life with this Monday I had surgery through the front same as what you had and right now I have excruciating pain and hopefully the surgery will go well I’m thinking 100% positivity and let everything be in the hands of God and the surgeon that did the work
I know that this was a year out but thank you for sharing your experience, I'm going in for a PLIF-S5 four level back fusion next month and I'm kinda nervous because I don't know what to expect.
My surgery is next week..thank you for posting positive information...Amen..God is our Great Physician,Nd Healer..
What's u case ?
How was your surgery and your recovery?
Brotha your story has given me hope. I'm 46 and just had my ALIF December 19th. Your statement about the nerves pain is EXACTLY what I'm experiencing and as a result has caused insomnia! I may fall asleep for an hour or two then rudely awakened with needle like pains in both feet. It's encouraging to know this pain will subside. Tingling at night while sleeping is a True statement! Like you, I'm constantly in Prayer. I will be at 6 weeks at the end of this month and start P.T. Thanks again for your story.
It will better just give it time I'm glad to give you some hope!
Good video, I had exactly the same operations 4 weeks ago. No sciatica pain anymore at all. Still pain from the operation but I’m moving on. Life is good now. Sometimes you got to go through hell to get to the other side.
Exactly! Sometimes you need to go 2 steps back just to move forward again.
Thank you! I am 50 and decided on ALIF that's scheduled in 6 weeks. My mobility and balance is impacted because of numbness in my feet because of nerves being crushed. Thanks for your testimonial!
God bless you Michael. Keep up the good work. Thanks for posting your video, it helped me alot
exactly the sugery i had.. i am home 1 week now, 2 weeks after surgery...and yes i saw a lot of horror stories, good to hear a positive story!!! still in pain, but thank you for your story! AMEN.
Thank you for your responding, it is good to talk to someone who knows exactly what I am going thru, it gives me hope. Looking forward to sitting without pain.
I’m about to have this next week. I can’t wait. Hurts so bad right now. Glad it all worked out for you.
I’m having this exact surgery in three weeks. I’d be lying if I didn’t say I’m scared. I’m 37 and have had two other procedures on the disc over the last two years. It pretty much grounded me. So thank you for this video. I enjoyed being fit and active before. Now every time I twist or bend I’m put into spasm. So I’m hopeful for this to go well. Wishing you continued success in your recovery.
How r u now
Mike.. out of all the stories I’ve heard. Your procedure seemed the most logical one yet. Taking disc from the front, less interference with the nerves and doing that way will make a difference- from the videos on here- great pointers
Thanks for the video.. 👍🏻
The ALIF is pretty scary if you actually know what the surgeon does! Your abdominal organs have to be moved out of the way. It was, in my experience awful. The PLIF's are pretty bad too!
Thank you so much for this video. I just scheduled my surgery of L4-L5 fusion with a cage and I am extremely nervous about it, and like you, I have found some scary videos of people with horror stories!. But I haven't been able to walk or stand for more than about 15 minutes for the past three years. Three years ago I could stand or walk for only about an hour but now it's down to about 10-15 minutes. I am in my 60s but have always been very active an fit. I've had diagnoses from two surgeons and am going with the Chief of Spine Surgery at UCSF in San Francisco. Both surgeons said that I will be able to walk 1-2 miles in 6-8 weeks and dance again in about 6 months. I find that hard to comprehend but I trust both surgeons I consulted and they each said the exact same thing after reviewing my MRIs, CT scans and X-rays. Thank you again for this uplifting video!
Hello friend how you doing now??
THANK YOU so much for sharing this. I'm scheduled to have mine Jan 30th. I had a Microdisectomy July 2017 and here I am 6 months later preparing for this. I'm done looking at videos you have eased my trouble mine. Your positive feedback was just what I needed. Thank You again and May God continue to bless you.
Thank you for this post. I am about to have this same surgery and I'm very nervous. God bless u for sharing, I needed to hear this to encourage me to go thru this surgery. I have no choice, I can't take the pain anymore.
Exactly the pain I'm going thru for the same exact procedure I had 5 days ago. I was about to go to ER until I seen your video and learned this is just how recovery will be.
I’m about to get the same but from L4 L5 S1. Same surgery in 5 days. Good luck with your recovery.
my back is worse now than before wish I didn't have mine
Thank you. I was so nervous. Good to hear a good news one. I’m 6 days past two level back fusion and each day is just a little bit better . You give me great hope. I’m just being careful not to twist and bend and have high hopes. Good luck to you :)
Thank you for helping to know a another side I'm looking at this surg your story have me some peace
Hi. I am almost 6 weeks out of L4-L5 ALIF. Had deteriorated disc and bone on bone. Recovery is going super! Walking 2 to 3 miles per day. My doctor was amazing. I feel very blessed. The stomach is healing well. Most of all, NO BACK PAIN.
David Kashifi where do u live I’m from Chicago an I have pain all the time mostly when I sit to long my L5 is moved an lost of Cushing an my L 4 I think also is moved. I’m looking for a doctor but it’s not touching nerves yet
Hello friend how you doing now?
Thanks for this video. I'm headed for ALIF at l4/5 in the near future....am just gathering input from 3 surgeons b4 pulling the pin. How great to hear you've had a positive experience. PS....you'll never stop caring about fitness; there's no age limit.
I'm hoping the best for your upcoming procedure.
Thank You for posting this video. I have surgery scheduled for an Alif with posterior instrumentation as well at the L5-S1. Without going into all my back issues I can tell you I’ve been heavy in research for years since surgery was recommended over 4 years ago. I finally found the right surgeon by accident… literally! Had a fall from a height and landed on rocks on my side and broke my femur at the hip… that surgeon pieced me back together and 7 months later he is now going to do the back. Most of the videos I find are not as positive as yours! In fact, they are pretty discouraging! The men seem to have longer painful issues where the women are back at it pretty quick! I’m a 48yr old man that is pretty intense and likes to push boundaries so I just deal with the pain and hope to be another that will get to post a positive video like you! Again, thank you for the positive video. God Bless you and you’re continued recovery.
Good luck. You should watch my other videos as they won’t be as positive as the first one.
Hello there. Did you have the same experience? 41/m here. I was injured in 2012 and have been holding off. Confused and in pain.
8 months post op today. Starting to jog a couple times a week again and do some circuit training with weights. Doing squats and deadlifts with light weight just to test my body and see how it reacts. So far so good. Have some minor nerve pain in the right leg but nothing that will stop me from continuing my recovery training. It feels a little achy a lot of days but nothing overwhelming or as bad as before. I expect the a achiness to keep going down the next couple months.
Michael Hamilton
I am going to get it done next week Wednesday I am very very scared to get it done I been dealing with it for about half of my life and I am hoping that it helps me out a lot. I been very very down with it all
How old were you when you had the spinal fusion? I had mine at age 22 in a UK military hospital.
Michael Hamilton iam going to get my surgery very soon... since 6yrs iam suffering this L5-S1 issue... iam getting so Scared and so iam avoiding surgery... i even went to my second doctor for a second opinion... even he suggested surgery... so, i have no other go but To have a surgery... so atlast i decided to get operated very soon... is it wise to go for the surger... pls suggest me....
35
@@krystalthomas3794 if you had the procedure, how did you feel from the OP day to a week after? How long were you in the hospital?
I have to go through L5 S1 fusion, just want some more detailed ideas of what I might have to look forward to.
Thanks
Thanks for sharing. I am one year out from a 3 level fusion l3-l4, l4-l5, l5-s1 doing well aside from foot drop in my left foot. If it were not for a paralyzed foot I would consider my surgery a success. I watched a lot of videos like yours before surgery, you shared some real advice.
Man, I'm currently at the hospital in Paris, France. I'm35years old too. I've done the alif surgery for l5s1 3 days ago and just wanted let you know that your video is truly an inspiration for me right now laying down and writting from my hospital's bed. I'm so in pain right now physically and in my soul but I'm 100% comfident for the future. Cheers
Olivier Smach Stay positive. Don't overdo it or force yourself to do anything but rest for a few weeks. Glad to know I've encouraged you! God bless
I might have this surgery in Paris. Who was your surgeon?
hello could you tell me in wich hospital did you lake you surgery in Paris and with which, your answer could help me
Had an L5 S1 fusion in 1980 with no hardware. Had a TLIF @ L4 L5 with 4 pedicle screws and two rods in May of 2023. I am now in the same boat as you before your screws were removed. So my sciatic pain on my left side has now shifted to my right side. UFB !! Best Surgeons in Boston dont know whats exactly wrong. They think possibly that the pedicle screws have caused compression to my first fusion ???
Possibly
Thanks for your post!
I am 5 weeks post ALIF (no PLIF) and doing EXTREMELY WELL!
We have too many horror stories and not enough GREAT OUTCOME STORIES!
I'm feeling you Friend!
I am looking forward to losing the weight now that I am not virtually bed-ridden.
I did have a double laminectomy micro discectomy in Feb that helped a bit for the nerve decompression. But it wasn't enough. You are right.... Nerve pain ain't no joke. I thankfully found a surgeon that I completely trust. I would travel from far and wide to see him in the event of future issues.
(Going to need plif L4-L5) eventually. But I cant hardly believe how great I'm feeling at 5 weeks.
I am PAIN FREE and consider mine a COMPLETE success!
Wow that's amazing to hear! No pain whatsoever after 5 weeks wow! Congratulations and thank you for commenting!
dana rhodes, there will be a difference post op for a PLIF. What level was your ALIF? You couldn't have your L4/5 when you had the ALIF? I know I have seen many times where an individual's insurance would only approve the worst level. I could look at their MRI and see where they would be back in a year or two.
My Alif was L-5 S-1
My surgeon said that when the pain comes from L-4 L-5
head back in and he will take care of it....
He doesn't like to do both at the same time I guess
Plif
ALIF was a breeze because they don't mess with any nerves...
dana rhodes, the muscle is pulled back, not cut. That greatly helps reduce post op pain, too. With the PLIF, your muscle is dissected through, a lot of bone is removed, too. They make OR tables like a rotisserie, to flip you over! We didn't do that where I worked. We would only do one procedure at a time. It depends on the surgeon. Unfortunately, in the US, your insurance gets so involved. They will many times only approve payment for the worst level. I could see on the patient's MRI that they would be back soon. My husband's was handled that way, too. Good luck !
Hello all I just wanted to add an update. I'm coming up to two years post op next month. Unfortunately recently I started developing some pain in my lower left side. Doctor thinks it might be facet joint arthritis. Last week they did a nerve root ablation of the l3 l4 medial branch nerves. Not a ton of relief but some for now. Finding out that running a lot like I used to do isn't helping my back so I have to find other non impact activities to do. I've started doing the stair climber at the gym instead of the treadmill. Gives me a great sweat. Don't love as much as running but with back fusion I have to be willing to give up some things I've always loved. That's life right.😊
Michael Hamilton maybe you can ride a bike.
@@11buleria I have and my male parts don't enjoy it whatsoever.
@@mikeylikey13 Sorry to see this. i was about to ask if i could keep doing weight lifting and boxing/muay thai after i recover from surgery...guess that's a big no
That’s the key, slow down and listen to your body .
So sorry that you have started having issues in above levels too.
Thanks for the encouraging words, I am 2.5 weeks post op L4,L5,S1 fusion.
Hello friend how you doing now years later??
Many thanks for very informative video. I had operation very young now retired 72 I now can’t walk due to bad fall I now have operation same level at yours. Just very scared had many options I have good Dr I hope.just waiting for Hospital Thanks again for video mate
Just had mine on the 10th. Think my doc was amazing and this pain is no joke but I know I'll be OK. Wanna run soooo bad, though. Miss working out. Thank u. Our situations sounds pretty head on except for age (I'm 50) but active. Glad you're up and at 'em and I can't wait. And again, thank u.
Thanks for your positivity, I have the same surgery in 16 days! I plan on being super positive even though I’m nervous as hell. God Bless
Stay positive bc your mind will want to tell you otherwise.
Hi charity . Hope you are fine. Really wanna ask that how your surgery went on??
69-year-old guy here. I'm no athlete but have been quite active as a teacher and owner of 4 properties that all take upkeep. Ten or twelve years ago I had some sciatic issues in my left leg that went away after a few weeks. A few years after that, I got a "pinched nerve" after picking up some paint cans. I did chiro and took it easy. A few months later I was back to regular activity with caution about lifting and such.
Three years ago I was splitting firewood with an axe and the next day I was crippled with leg pain. Did chiro and asked family doc about it. Chiro really didn't help. Family doc sent me to a spine specialist. Now, the pain had stopped after a few months, and other than mild numbness in left side toes I was all right. Spine guy did MRI: whoops. Spondy between 4/5! Stenosis! He said I could try PT (the so-called conservative approach) to see if that helped. It felt good but toe numbness was still an issue. But I was having no leg pain so I just soldiered on. One neurologist did a speed test and said I had left side sciatic neuropathy.
Then, a year later I started getting leg pain on left side and more numbness. And it began to cut into my ability to stay balanced and do lots of the stuff I was used to. Over the next months, I really got "stoved up," as they say. Tried injections. Nada. But I kept working. My range for walking dropped to about 50 feet -- super painful all the time. Finally, after 18 months of incredible pain, "dead" feet, and all that, I had surgery in late September 2020.
Had a PLIF, ALIF (fusion from 3-5 with 6 screws and two rods), and scaped out some stenosis. My incisions were 6" up front and 9" in the back. Leg pain went away instantly after surgery but I am still dealing with numbness in the feet and calves. My sense now, five weeks out from surgery, is that some of that is fading. It does make long walks a bit challenging, though. The surgeon said the feet are the last place for healing to hit. I suppose had I done the surgery two years ago I'd not have that issue but it is what it is. Anyway, the prognosis is good; surgeon said the work went smoothly and he was very happy. I am so happy to be free of that leg pain; I can stand and move around for hours at a time!
I'm doing much better, obviously. It's all still a bit uncomfortable and I have another 6 weeks in the brace, but I've not had any real pain since the surgery. Took low amounts of opioids for 3 or 4 weeks and am now using Tramadol when needed and hoping to switch to Tylenol soon.
Oh: no weight gain! I actually lost a few pounds. PT starts in 3 weeks or so.
HI! Well, in 6 days I am having the same procedure(s)! We have almost the exact same issues....grade 3 spondylolithesis, 2 degenerated discs, bilateral pars deformities, and THAT pain in my FOOT! You described it exactly, although my severe and chronic sciatic pain started only 10 months ago. They say now that I must’ve hurt myself when I was young...I was a gymnast....and over time I have just “adjusted” through the pain, but I was running and my right heel began to hurt. Needless to say, it took awhile for them to figure out it was coming from my back, and now months & months later, failed injections, physical therapy, 4 doctors, and lots of drugs....I am having what sounds almost like an identical surgery. My only difference is that I am 54! I have always been athletic, strong, and thought I was in pretty good shape for an “old lady,” but I was apparently sadly mistaken! So, THANK YOU for posting these videos. It is difficult to find anyone in a similar situation, but the minute you started talking, I knew I was doing the right thing! I just wanted to pop in and let you know that your videos have given me just the boost I needed to get me through these jitters!!!
Just had the ALIF/PLIF on 11/28/18. The first few weeks have been tough but I'm slowly doing better. I'm starting week 3 and a bit frustrated I had hoped to be away from the pain meds but that's not happening yet. Able to walk 25 minutes a day without the walker and just trying to be patient with myself. Thank you for the videos, as you know it's a pretty terrifying idea but the Dr and hospital were great. It was such a scary thing to go through especially at 60 but I wish I would have done it earlier. For me, the pain from the sciaticia was actually better immediately after the surgery and I see improvement already. Good luck to all that are dealing with this.
Definitely at 60 that would be very hard. I'm glad to hear you had immediate relief!
Michael, Thank you. 36 yo M, looking at an L4 thru S1 fusion in less than a month due to Retrolisthesis of L5 and degeneration of L4/5 and L5/S1 discs. Lifelong athlete, long distance runner/rock climber. Been out of sports for almost 2 years and my symptoms are identical to what you speak of. Nerve pain in my left foot to beat the band. Up all hours of the night. No sleep, no rest. Did PT, had a discectomy, but nothing worked. Thanks much man, this makes me feel better.
Josh Andrew Your surgery is 2 level , this video is referencing only a 1 level a completely different dynamic , please research ADR. Check out ADR support .com . The L5-S1 is the simplest / complication free in regards to fusion as this area does not flex much compared to the rest of the spine.
I had PLIF surgery 7 weeks ago.I am 73 years old and the recovery is SO much easier than i thought it wuld be. Before the surgery I exercised regularly and practised yoga . Pre op I did Yoga for severe spinal stenosis, 6 dayes a week. I dont know if this helped or not. What I do know is that post op has been so much easier than I thought it would be.Listen to your Dr and your PT. Be patient, of course I would love to beback to my regular work out routine , however not at this time. I achieve my personal daily goal of at least 6000 steps a day. If you have been told that you need this surgery, go for it . I can't stress enough that this was so much easier than I thought.I was dreading the surgery, all that worry for nothinng.
Great to see you are enjoying life again, hope you're doing ok.
I’m having L5 S1 fusion on Monday July 22nd, looking forward to hopefully regaining some of my life back.
Thank you.
This really makes me nervous as hell.
Thank you! i am scheduled for posterior back fusion on my L5 to S1 on March 27th 2019. Scared like crazy. i will have cadaver bone in little cages between discs and screws and rods. im 61 so bone healing an issue. will use a bone stimulator device. my hub and i are retired full time rv'ers so will be a challenge recovering in rv. my recovery will be 1 yr i am told and wear a belt that long. you vid helps a lot. ty
Cindy I am 45 years old and just had spinal fusion & decompression L4/S1 on the 13th of March 2019. Having staples removed tomorrow. Be brave dear.
@@lifeinmykitchen6118 i was advised by my pain mgmt dr and new 2nd opinion dr to cancel surgery as the dr i scheduled with was very aggressive. they are going in a different direction now. nerve conduction test shows peripheral neuropathy in right leg. most of my pain is on right side, started with foot. I get steroid injection tomorrow in tailbone, another area i suffer with. possible nerve ablation in my future and in my discs again. still in pain but feel good about this new conservative attitude.
I’m 5/8 weeks post surgery dealing with lots of surgery fall out. Infection back on bedrest level of walking has dropped. 33 days of migraine from hell. Love my naturalpathic doctor she has been God sent. No post surgery pain compared to before and nerve pain has totally responded to Apis homeopathy remedy
Hè man,....Thx for taking the time to upload this video. Its great to hear that you are doping better after the surgery.
Two years ago i had a herniated disc at l5-s1 and they took away the herniation. Now my disc is losing height Which causes a lot of pain after half a day.
They offered me a surgery in may 2017 but was and still scared about a negative outcome. Your video really helped me thinking more positive now.
Hope you still doing well and take care men
I'm sorry to hear you are dealing with pain every day. I am right at 4 months now and just started feeling some bad pain again and hoping it is just part of the first year adjustment.
Congratulations. I’m gonna get a fusion myself - was an athlete like yourself - unstable but still working full duty through pain. - hopefully my surgery goes well as yours - congrats.
Bugsbunny808 I hope so too! What are you having done?
Just had my L5-S1 anterior and posterior fusion for a pars fracture and herniated discs last week. I'm going on 34 and been an athlete my whole life you sound just like me. Praying your back to being an athlete it's who we are. I'm excited at the opportunity to get my life back trying to stay positive.
Hope the best for you. Your life and workout routines will have to adjust and I’m sure they already have.
Hey, how are you feeling
Thanks for this video. Im going in on the 30th March 2021 for my spinal fussion and Ive been stressed out. Your video definitely made me more positive about it. Greetings from South Africa
Hello friend how you doing now??
Mannnnn finally someone who I can kind of relate to! I’m 33 and also got the ALIF/PLIF. L4-S1. They also went through my side too. I was told I had everything that you mentioned. The lysthesis, herniations, and the pars defect. I am five weeks post op and have been only walking periodically throughout the day. I have had crazy sciatic pain too that doesn’t seem to be going away and it was keeping me up all night. Thanks for the uplifting message bro. It’s been great reading about your progress. God bless.
God bless brother!
Hey man it’s 7 years since this video. Can you hook it up with an update on long term outcome??
My other videos are updates. Thanks
I had L3 to S1 done I am 74 yo my concern was Range of Motion...after my surgery my pain has been going well. Some rough spots. so far it has been5 weeks post op. my recommendations are to find a good surgical team. Learn about the procedure. Stay away from the horror stories.
How your surgery so far
Never had sciatica, but surgery on 6th, bone on bone. 6 screws he says and 1 ti plate.
im 21 and the orthopedist said ineed the fusion. pain is barely bearable. but im still young . he recommends i try my best to post pone the surgery
How's u now ? Did you have surgery?
Thank you for a uplifting video!
My surgery is scheduled for tomorrow open fusion L3/L3, L4/L5 i am nervous and scare
Thamks for posting this video. God bless you and hope you recuperate very soon. You are right. its dificult to decide to have an operation when people are posting there negative comments. Not everyone has the same procedure or outcome. It depends on how positive you are. I was scared to have my surgery but now I've made my decision hopefully I'll get surgery now in December 2018 . I have narrowing at the L5 S1 level associated with mild retrolisthesis. Also there is minimal annular bulge at The L4 L5 level with mild canal stenosis. I've been suffering from this condition for more than 20 years. I've seen so many doctors, the best in Miami and finally I found a doctor that really wants to help me .you know that doctors always give you therapy , steroid injections and medications, because surgery is the last resource. I've been through all kinds of treatments and it doesn't work ,even a sneeze triggers the pain and I end up in the ER. just a slight movement forward triggers the vertebrae to slip forward and it locks where I can't move at all. So if anyone out there is suffering from back pain please go to a specialist that can tell you what's going on, and if you're not satisfied ask for a second opinion. Today October 19th I will be seeing my doctor so I can schedule my surgery for December 2018. I wish good luck to everyone and I hope what I just wrote can help someone make a good decision. God bless you all
Hi, what’s the difference between an orthopedic surgeon and Neurologist surgeon for this type of surgery?
Neurologist is more specialized in nervous system.
My surgery was completed by a neurosurgeon. My primary doctor stated that it is best to have a neurosurgeon. He has experience with both spinal and brain surgeries and they are more detailed on the nerves etc.
Thank you for this video! I'm 36 and having an Anterior Lumbar Fusion next week. You are so right about the horror stories. Your video gives me hope for a great outcome. I hope you're still doing well. God bless you!
Hello friend how you doing now?
Thanks for sharing. I'm 6 weeks from both a alif and plif. Cages in l5- S-1, L-5 L-4. Backside I now have 18 screws and rods from L-2 to L-5 to stabilize. Still using a walker and finally getting some sleep at night. Nerve pain was numbed with 300 mg Gabepentin and really helped me sleep. I'm hoping over the next few weeks I'll begin to walk again, maybe with just a cane.
I'm hoping that the meds they gave you are helping with the nerve pain. All I was given was the normal oxy and hyrdo and some other muscle relaxers which I never took after the second week. It is garbage in my opinion and did nothing to help relieve the nerve pain for me. So much of back surgery is waiting for the body to adjust and heal to the surgery. Keep getting better!
Life's not a spectator s still having pain send 2009 add 2011 Fusion and 2013 Fusion and I still hurt was forced to retire
I had Alif/Plif on March 20, 2017. I had the l4-l5 and l5-s1 fused. I had degenerative disk, basically both disks were wearing out causing pain in my lower back and it was pinching a nerve which caused a burning pain in my right leg. My pain got progressively worse for 10 years before I just couldn't take it anymore. I'm not going to sugar coat the recovery. The first week was tough. After 4 weeks though, I was pretty much pain free, other than where I had to let everything heal/fuse. Now 10 months out, I'm like a new man. As Michael said, I know there are some horror stories out there, and I really feel for them, but I am truly a success story. I'm so glad I had it done. I was 55 when I had it done and in pretty good shape, so maybe that helped me out. One piece of advice for recovery........walk a lot. I walked 3 times a day. To begin with, I could only go 100 yards or so. But I pushed myself farther each day and I got better and better. Bottom line, I'm so happy I had the surgery.
Erv Almond Thank you for posting!
Did you have it done invasivly?
Hello friend how you doing now?
Great Video .I just had L2 S1 DONE ON 6/20 . Overall it was way easier than I thought . First few days a bit tough but i'm 3 weeks out and almost off the oxy and muscle relaxers. Just make sure you find a good surgeon !
I have the same procedure in 2 days Marvh 12th. Im really scared and kind of freaking out . Your video really helped me. I can see the emotion you were feeling and thats exactly how i feel. I hope to get through the next few days. I will take this as a push og inspiration thank you i needed this.
Watch my new videos. Getting fusion was one of the biggest mistakes of my life.
I’m 34 and I’m getting this in aug. I feel you. I have spondylilothesis as well. I am getting L4-S1. I also just got engaged lol. It is a definite scary. I’m so glad you are doing okay. I’m getting a Tlif with robotic arm. God bless you.
Good luck!
Hi how u doing ? You had lower back pain too? I have L5 S1 sars fracture , slip disc .grade 1 . I can't run feel pain stiffness in morning .
@@samippudke I’m 3 weeks post op.. all was good then had sciatic leg pain hip pain agin on right side.
@@Polecat-qz5om oh sorry to hear u having pain again. In my case I have grade 1 spodolithesis . Pars fracture . I feel after any activity like long walking , running.
@@Polecat-qz5om what can be scitiaca pain ? Bcoz of not good surgery? Or you had nerve piche already?
Thank you for posting this
I'm 7 weeks post op s1 l5 , and I'm walking good now the sciatic pain is completely gone my back is still stiff but I'm still having a little numbness in my big toes, other than that I'm feeling alot better finally getting some rest at night I really want to try to exercise more but nervous about how well the fusion is going but over all I'm alot better than before and I will continue to work at getting better , I appreciate the video is good to see positive results .
Thanks, I am encouraged
Hello there! Thank you for your video. I am 45 years old and 8 weeks post OP from an L5 S1 fusion myself. I am not a fit person by any means so this surgery has been a real challenge for me. I'm getting stronger, off all pain meds, but the neuropathy is still an issue in my right leg. I still walk with a cane, and still use my Walker if I'm going to be doing alot of walking. I can also drive now, but bumps still hurt considerably, I just have to take it slow. I hope you continue to heal properly. From what I read and watch this surgery takes ALOT of time, and everyone is different so....keep on healing and getting stronger, but be patient...😁
Thank you so much for sharing your story! How are you today?
Thanks. My L5-S1 is coming up in about a week. I am also younger and trying to return to being active. This was helpful!
How did it go?
@@fordsrule35 OK. Still have pain 9 weeks out...
I'm 4 weeks out (actually an artificial disc replacement but similar op). So depressed by the nerve pain still. Thanks for this positive video!
checking in on your nerve pain. hopefully all gone
Keep in touch, 6 years later. How are you now?
Terrible. Still searching for an answer for axial endplate pain.
Who is the doctor?
I just had the 360° fusion at L5/ S1…brutal!
I am almost 4 weeks post surgery and I know the pain will eventually subside, but for now, pain!
Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
I had mine 35 years ago pain there bad when weather changes yep
good advice. I'm 14 days out
Good luck!!
I'm glad you did well, mine was a nightmare! Of course, mine was done 20+ years ago...No rehab, no Nothing! Just take the money & Run! I went to more than 5 pain management Doctors before finding one that could give a little bit of relief with a pain pump! Then you have to go through having it replaced every 6 to 7 years plus if I want to do yard work exercise I have to still take a pain pill! So, if you're considering this surgery make sure you find the right Doc like this guy apparently did! Otherwise, you're stuck in a very painful life! I hope your back stays good for you! Good Luck!
Your story sounds familiar! Nightmare just about sums it all up!
Any updates today in 2019?
Great information I'm getting ready for the same in two months
Best of luck!
Im 8 weeks post opp (S1-L5). My right foot and leg has severe nerve damage. I have NEVER experienced so much pain. I felt better before i had this sergury My pain was only on left side. After sergury, everything went to the right.. I would'nt advise this for anyone. The nerve damage im experiencing is hell on earth
Thanks for the hope.
I'm getting ready to have this done in a few weeks due to trying out all other options and none of it working... I've seen several doctors until I found the right guy it seems.. I live to ride my Harley and was wondering if anyone has opinions on wether I will be able to ride again
I had 2 fused in back 3 in neck had to sell my heavy bike bought a scooter I'm 60 road bikes since 12 it's hard on my neck because of the constant head movement and until your fusion starts taking you will feel every bump shoot right through you spine. And I always have it in the back of my mind what kind of hell I'll have to go through if I ever lay it down but motercycle riding is a passion I just go for shorter rides now
I’m in the process of having a PLIF at 49. However, my pain management doctor is against me having it at my age- but I told him I have been going though this pain since my accident in October 2017- I am not willing to keep going to the doctor ever two weeks
I had the exact same surgery 2 weeks ago today. First week was painful, almost exclusively from the incision is my abdomen. Second week has been much better in that regard, but started getting pretty good nerve pain down the backs of both legs. That has eased up a lot now. As of 2 weeks, I have a very tender lower back ache. I've been walking about 3 times a day for a mile each time. Pretty slow for a former runner! I'm 67 years old with a 35 year history of low back pain. I finally just got tired of living with it. Like you, I was damn scared for the month I waited for the scheduled surgery, but again, I decided to do this one last thing to try to help myself. I have no idea how this will turn out, but I’m staying positive, and I’m going to see how things are after the 16 week “recovery” period.
hows it going now
richard kronengold Only so so.
How is everything now?
I saw 3 doctors before I had 3 disk fusions 6 weeks ago , still some pain. Still doing PT trying to do my part.. hopefully I can get 80% pain free.
Thanks for the video
Hello friend how you doing now?
I’m doing really good with the fusion surgery. Starting to have lots of pain in the S1 which is below my three disk fusion.. thanks for asking
God bless you & heal you completely.
Hi Michael, my son a year ago had exactly the same surgery that you had. At that time my son was turning 16. two months after the first surgery we had a redo surgery with a orthopedic surgeon. The first neurosurgeon pur 4 out of 4 screws in the wrong place. Now is one year after the second surgery. Last week the doctor decided to take out two of the screws out. My son is still under pain, mainly because of the mistakes of the first doctor. Don't get me wrong the doctors are in Houston, suppose to be great but things happen. Now my son is in his way back to recovery. We hope he will be able to get back to his normal life. He get very depressed bacause of how long and painful it has been but i hope we are on the right track.
I have exactly same conditions
can I ask who is your surgeon?
I'm almost 2 weeks post op and was regretting it. But knowing the future is less painful is possible, maybe I did the right thing. I'm only 29, so I couldn't live my life doing nothing. Thank you for this video.
how are you doing? Hope all is well.
Thanks for your story.
Thanks for listening make sure to listen to my newer updates.
I'm now 8 weeks post op...lumbar fusion L5S1 to T10....doing well except for nerve pain and numbness in l.leg and also r.leg....difficulty sleeping
Yeah that seems to be pretty common. It will get better
This failed on my dad I'm scared i need it doing microdisectomy failed...I cannot walk or sit without morphine for more than two minutes...Im having constant spasms on the right side forcing my spine to lean left the pain is horrific...The operation you are describing they don't do this in the Uk...Im so glad you have your life back...
Claire Bear Wow this is hard to hear! No one should go through what you're going through I'm sorry. Maybe find a doctor in another country.
Had 2 sectomey's done l5s1 feeling have no disc left need a fusion fast . My bones are rubbing and popping right now .
Thank you for posting this. I have been seeing surgeons for a spinal fusion for L4/L5/S1. I have had different opinions from three different surgeons. The one that I am leaning towards wants to do a Anterior/Posterior 360 fusion due to Anterolisthesis on L5/S1. The other two just want to go through the back. I am scared to death of having this surgery and have been searching on youtube to find some answers.
Martin Brewer That's exactly how I felt before too brother. The surgery is no joke but at some point the reward was worth the risk to me.
How are you doing now years later? I need two spinal fusions and if I ever want to get back to athletics I need this surgery.
I hate it. I wish I never did it. You’ll never be the same athlete if you get it done I don’t care what anyone tells you.
@@mikeylikey13 That is exactly what I am hearing from a lot of people.
thank you for your input sounds good best wishes
Curious who ur surgeon was and where you had the surgery! I too searched the US for the best neurosurgeon. I found him in Chicago, 10 hours from my home! He was worth it. 7 weeks post op and sciatica is gone!
RUSH hospital Chicago Dr DEUSCHT
Can you walk, run, jump, stand, bend, stretch, carry weight, ride a bike, drive long distance and sit down on the floor without pain and stiffness today?
Of course not
@@mikeylikey13 Thanks for answering. Are you pain free after the l5-s1 fusion?
I'm getting this done tomorrow. L5 to s1 going through the front. Same defect as u .
Prayers go out to you!
Yeah been about a week for me and I'm not going to lie recovery is not going to be easy. Had alif,plif done go back to specialist the 22nd been pushing myself over almost walked a mile in one day but after that im down for about 3-4 hours. Much respect to you its gonna be a lot of work to get back like I was before. I don't recommend this for any man who wants kids. Internal ejacualtion happened to me . so I'm blessed that i have 3 kids already.
I also have grade 2 L5-S1 Spondylolisthesis with Pars defect, for 10 years now, starting 2010. i have very little symptoms at the moment, barring some minor lower back pain when i stand for too long. i do a lot of weight lifting and boxing, I'm 32 yo. Would you say i should get this surgery while i'm young, or do i only get it when the symptoms become unbearable? I have consulted a couple of different orthopedics in Shanghai, and they always tell me to go with the surger, regardless of my feelings. thanks and god bless.
How are you feeling now????
Nice video i had first surgery done 11 years ago an everything was a Disaster I’ve been living with pain all my life with this Monday I had surgery through the front same as what you had and right now I have excruciating pain and hopefully the surgery will go well I’m thinking 100% positivity and let everything be in the hands of God and the surgeon that did the work
Omar Bello, how did the surgery went? I hope that everything went well..
I know that this was a year out but thank you for sharing your experience, I'm going in for a PLIF-S5 four level back fusion next month and I'm kinda nervous because I don't know what to expect.
Praise God thanks for this video
how are you doing now
It’s one year post hardware removal and I’m doing pretty good for the most part. Aches and pains still but doing better.
How much did the surgery cost you? Thks