3-6 Month TLIF L4-S1 Spinal Fusion Update!

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  • čas přidán 21. 04. 2021

Komentáře • 46

  • @gregg451
    @gregg451 Před 4 měsíci +2

    For me I had Decompression and PLIF L4/5 surgery March 21, and now three years doing extremely well.

  • @para1324
    @para1324 Před 15 dny

    Just see this now. I hope you are better all around. 🙏

  • @tonychung857
    @tonychung857 Před 2 lety +3

    Thanks for sharing, the issues you described are almost identical to my issues as well. Glad to hear the drastic improvement in your quality of life. Happy to hear you are doing well. Hearing these testimonials are so helpful for people who are potentially looking at getting these procedures. Continued blessings to you!

  • @MrRockrobstr
    @MrRockrobstr Před 4 měsíci +3

    I’m having your exact procedure in a week🤞Thanks for sharing this.

    • @aaadamt964
      @aaadamt964 Před 3 měsíci

      I just had the same one 3 weeks ago after a botched surgery two years ago. They said one of them wasn't bad enough to operate on and only cut away part of the other one. I steadily and quickly got worse after that one. I'm still in excruciating pain but it seems like there's room in my spine for the nerves now. I was in a bad car accident in highschool (1999) that supposedly caused this. I've worked blue collar jobs and was a little wild in my 20's-30's. Mountain biking, off roading, etc. anyway, as of now, it seems like I'll be in about30% less pain once I'm healed. I'd imagine my recovery process is going to be a little rougher than most because of how long I've been this way, the previous botched surgery and I just went through radiation for stomach cancer. I tried going to the ER in November hoping they would do emergency spine surgery but they did a cat scan and found a mass on my stomach. The surgeon wouldn't touch my spine until I was cleared from radiation. I typically weigh somewhere around 185 this time of year. I was at 146 or 148 before surgery. I'm already up to 155. I'd like to hear how yours goes. This is not advice but I sure wish I would've been able to stock up on pain meds before surgery so I couldve taken extra meds these last few weeks. The first week wasn't as bad as the second. That could be the weather I guess. It's been cold, rainy, kinda warm, cold, rainy, rainy, kinda warm, cold... Sorry, I'm ADHD too so that turned into ADHD story time. What caused you to need the surgery?

    • @martycarmichael3885
      @martycarmichael3885 Před 2 měsíci +1

      How are you doing now? I have this procedure coming in a few weeks.

    • @aaadamt964
      @aaadamt964 Před 2 měsíci

      @@martycarmichael3885 it's a slow recovery. Seems like it will be worth it eventually but the first few weeks are rough. I wouldn't recommend someone doing this but if I had it to do over again I would've skimped on my pain meds before surgery to have them after. I'm in a ton of pain but it seems like I'll be better off eventually and be in 30% or more less pain. I was in severe pain before though. I'm sure it didn't help it's been 20 years and I've done blue collar work all my life.

    • @aaadamt964
      @aaadamt964 Před 2 měsíci

      @@martycarmichael3885 I thought I replied but I don't see it now. I'm still in a ton of pain but it feels like there's room in my spine for the nerves and whatever belongs in there. I don't know why I feel this way but I think once I heal from the surgery I'll be in about 30% less pain. I would've guessed being fused from L4-S1 would severely limit my flexibility, mobility, something but it doesn't seem like it will too much. I wouldn't recommend this but I wish I would've taken as few of my pain meds as possible before the surgery and stockpiled them for after the surgery. The first couple weeks, especially the first week are rough. I just finished radiation for stomach cancer in February so my health wasn't exactly top notch going into this. I typically weigh around 180-185 this time of year but only weighed 146 or148 before surgery. I lost 3lbs per week during radiation. I wasn't eating well before and puked a ton from the cancer. I'd go days without eating. I'm probably in the mid-upper 150's now. The radiating pain in my legs and foot are still very there but seem to be easing up a little bit. Very little and very slow but I've been dealing with this well over 20 years.

    • @MrRockrobstr
      @MrRockrobstr Před 2 měsíci

      @@martycarmichael3885 Fairly good now. Still a long way to go, in many respects, but walking twice daily. Yesterday went 10422 steps. I have overdone it twice and it set me back a couple of days each time. Tight hip and back muscles. Almost no incisional pain for me. I have a sanding isometrics routine I do (started at 2 weeks post op) three times a day, which helps strengthen my core, loosen hips and improve my mobility. Takes about 3-4 minutes each time. Gained 10 pounds in 5 day 4 night hospital admission. Lost that plus 13 pounds within 3 weeks of my first BM (3 days after getting back home). Constipation is THE WORST! The best thing for this was MiraLax. Have this on hand when you get back home!! X-ray looked good in my 6 week follow- up and I return in 6 months. Starting PT 5/1. BTW, my labs were very screwed up after all the drugs they gave me and my body’s response but this is normal and can take a little while (day/weeks) to get back to normal. I think this is typical. I’m tracking my calories, eating healthier and trying to get to a healthy BMI for my age (62).

  • @emilyschnoor1768
    @emilyschnoor1768 Před 3 lety +3

    Sorry to hear your recovery was delayed but am glad you're doing well. That's a pretty badass scar, looking forward to getting my own soon. So happy to have found your video about your recovery timeframes.

    • @katebaldwin463
      @katebaldwin463  Před 3 lety

      Thank you Emily! Feel free to reach out if you ever have any questions. I hope you have a quick recovery also!

  • @utubz007
    @utubz007 Před 2 lety +1

    Good for you !! Proud of you owning your " scare. " I am 4 weeks post M/I fusion L4/5 and feeling very good for far. Walking about 3 miles average per day. With some sore muscles/spasm at incision site when walking too much at one time.

  • @allendye9404
    @allendye9404 Před 3 lety +3

    I had same surgery as you April 14 and now it is may 17 doing great. Still eating couple more weeks for

  • @KBradAdams
    @KBradAdams Před 3 lety +1

    Getting this done in August. Hoping I get some relief, been dealing with this for a few years now, after discectomy and Fusion at L4/L5. Will either get L5/S1 Fused or they will refuse L4/L5 and also L5/S1. Glad to hear you are doing well, hoping for the same results. Funny I had fusion in April of 2020 when Covid was just getting bad and was so scared of coughing as pre surgery coughing or sneezing would bring me to tears.

    • @KBradAdams
      @KBradAdams Před 2 lety

      Well rug was pulled out from under me, I get a call 2 weeks ago saying my surgeon left the practice so no running around looking for someone that can do the surgery on me. Back pain sux.... Hope time heals you and keep us updated..

  • @its_ari5458
    @its_ari5458 Před 3 měsíci

    Hello friend how you doing now 3 years later??

  • @allendye9404
    @allendye9404 Před 3 lety

    Whoops! Still waiting for confirmation of fusion before doing any work

  • @wandawhite7284
    @wandawhite7284 Před 4 měsíci

    How are you feeling today? I'm having this same surgery this month, hopefully. Insurance pending

  • @alicemarks5745
    @alicemarks5745 Před 2 lety +2

    Hi Kate, thank you for these videos! My surgery is in November, I’ve been putting it off for months but it’s really a quality of life choice. My questions are, what “gear” did you get for your house (grabber? Toilet seat riser), and how did you deal with the dreaded constipation? Thank you!

    • @katebaldwin463
      @katebaldwin463  Před 2 lety +1

      Hi Alice, I hope your surgery goes well! My quality of life was non existent before surgery and it's been amazing since having it . In regard to "gear", I had purchased all of the recommended things like a shower chair, a grabber, pillow wedges, etc. The hospital gave me a walker. I used the walker for maybe 3 days (probably not even). The shower chair was so worth it for me as something sturdy but also it was so nice to sit while having a shower when your so exhausted. The grabber was helpful too. I put everything at waist length so things are easy to grab. Amazon has kits you can buy that has items/tools you can use after a back surgery.

  • @nrobinson365
    @nrobinson365 Před 5 měsíci

    I should be having my surgery soon on the same levels

    • @tomwilliams6156
      @tomwilliams6156 Před 5 měsíci

      Good luck, did mine little over 6weeks ago. First 2-3 weeks were the worst for me as far as pain. Pretty good now, the only pain is when i move wrong or have to sneeze!!

  • @chriskoebel1820
    @chriskoebel1820 Před rokem

    So happy to hear of a relatively good outcome. That's awesome to hear!! I'm about to have a second surgery, first one being a discectomy and no result so to speak. Now my surgeon wants to do a TLIF fusion on that level. Did you have leg pain down the leg at all and did it help that pain in the leg? Terrified to have a fusion here :(

    • @katebaldwin463
      @katebaldwin463  Před rokem

      Hi Chris! Yes, I had sciatica down my right leg into my toes. After the fusion, the sciatica was gone however I had numbness in my right foot and right calf. I still have some slight numbness to this day, but no pain whatsoever. It's now been over two years since my surgery and I still feel great. I hope you have a speedy recovery if/when you get your TLIF.

    • @chriskoebel1820
      @chriskoebel1820 Před rokem

      @@katebaldwin463 Was your pain down the right leg feeling like pressure in some areas and really tight leg when bending it. Almost like a charlie horse or pulled muscle, a burn after walking to much stuff like that ? Sorry to bug of course :)

    • @katebaldwin463
      @katebaldwin463  Před rokem

      @@chriskoebel1820 the only pain that really felt like a charlie horse was near my si joint/buttox. The pain that went down my right leg and into my toes was nerve pain - there was no mistaken that.

  • @kacperpacyna468
    @kacperpacyna468 Před 3 lety +1

    Hi Kate, how are you doing as of today? I am facing very simiular situation to yours, and scheduled date for 7/27. But I am mentally ready, can't take that pain any more, just like you did. How did you sleep initially, what position? And did you do anything specific as far as diet? May be you can post another video, also about your daily routine first few weeks. Thanks again, great videos🙂👍

    • @katebaldwin463
      @katebaldwin463  Před 3 lety

      Hi Kacper, I hope your surgery goes well! The sleeping right after surgery is not the most comfortable. The first week is not easy by any means, so just keep that in mind. You'll ask yourself "why did I do this?" But just give it time. I slept on my side with a pillow between my legs. That was the most comfortable position. They should show you how to barrel role yourself to switch sides and to get out of bed. As far as eating, I drank protein shakes and added collagen peptides to the mi,. Collagen is suppose to help with the bone recovery and tissue around the bones. You can literally order it off of Amazon. The protein shake I drank (and still drink) is Shakeology. I hope all goes well with you and feel free to reach out with any other questions!

    • @kacperpacyna468
      @kacperpacyna468 Před 3 lety

      @@katebaldwin463 thank you very much for replying. I'm sure the 1st week will be tough, maybe a little beyond that. I do have body pillow that I sleep with as well and that helps me right now. So i'm glad you said that it was more comfortable for you to sleep on the site. I'm sure rolling from side to side could be a challenge at first. Did you have your husband help you reposition initially, or get up or move around? I have my family around thankfully, my son is 20, my daughter is 17, plus my great wife, all are ready to help. I'm blessed that way. As far as diet, I did ask, becouse I have do that kind of nutrition already, additionaly take good quality supplements and vitamins, like D3+k2 among others, I even add bone broth and collagen powder to my oatmeal, and make vegi/fruit shakes, etc. Try to keep myself ready for recovery. You and few other people on youtube with positive videos give me hope and believe for good recovery, and thank you for that🙏. I might have more questions over time, I hope you don't mind. Also hope to see another video from you about yoir progress. God bless.

  • @maysmith7994
    @maysmith7994 Před 3 lety +1

    Thanks for the video. Happy to found u here. The scar is long but looks its healing. I have DDD L4/5 and my dr recommend fusion too but I am scared and now looking at ADR instead but still scared. Please can you tell me can you move Ok, for example can you bend, lift or turn with no problem?

    • @katebaldwin463
      @katebaldwin463  Před 3 lety +2

      Hi May! Yes, I can bend, twist and all of that. I'm still careful with lifting though. But I can bend and touch my toes and twist to either side. Everyone's fusions are different though so I would talk to your doctor about what limitations you might have after a fusion.

    • @maysmith7994
      @maysmith7994 Před 3 lety

      @@katebaldwin463 thank you. All the best!

  • @wazzeradk9398
    @wazzeradk9398 Před 3 lety

    Kate, all of those things that were found “wrong” with your back, were they found during an MRI, or during the surgery? I’m 4 months into my injury and still can’t get the MRI I know I need...

    • @katebaldwin463
      @katebaldwin463  Před 3 lety +1

      Hi there, I had an MRI done to get the images of what was wrong with my back before they did surgery. After PT I ended up going to the emergency room because I literally couldn't walk, sit, or stand and was in excruciating pain. When I was there, I got the MRI done that night and was seen by an orthopedic surgeon the next morning and I ended up going with him for my surgery and never got a second opinion, but I had such a good feeling about him and I'm so happy I followed my gut instinct. I seriously got my life back afterwards. Just last night I was out jogging and ended my workout with lifting weights (light weights, lol). I would push your physican to order you an MRI if you are experiencing the same thing. When you're in chronic pain, it feels like a lifetime. Here are some things to try:
      -Steroid epidural injections
      -10's unit (order off of Amazon)
      -Try to stretch as much as you can
      -Drink tons of water & try to eat healthy
      -Be an advocate for yourself and don't be afraid to ask for things that you need (like meds and if certain meds don't work, then speak up!)
      I hope this was helpful!

    • @wazzeradk9398
      @wazzeradk9398 Před 3 lety

      @@katebaldwin463 thank you so much for responding and the great info!

  • @jesussolares7763
    @jesussolares7763 Před 3 lety +1

    Hi Kate,
    My name is Jesus and I am going through the same situation you did prior to the surgery. It’s not as bad as yours but the tingling of the nerves is just so annoying at times.
    I am 22 years old and the doctor is delaying the surgery as complications from a fusion can be serious. I’m just scared for my future. I’m not sure if this will be better or worse. How did you handled the pain prior to surgery?

    • @katebaldwin463
      @katebaldwin463  Před 3 lety

      Hi Jesus, the pain was debilitating before surgery and I tried everything. I was on steroids, pain medicine, muscle relaxers, and I had even tried steroid epidural injections, topical numbing creams, tens machine, nerve medicine, and more. I literally tried everything imaginable. The pain meds and muscle relaxers helped at times but it wasn't a fix for me. I do not like taking medicine under normal circumstances so I really struggled with that and stopped all medicine 2-3 weeks after I had the surgery. There are non-surgical options that I think people should try before opting for surgery. For example, the steroid epidural injections did help but for a very short period for me. For some people, the injections provide long term relief. I would work with your doctor on other alternatives if you and the doctor feel other alternatives may help with your pain. I hope you find relief soon!

  • @Mia-rose11
    @Mia-rose11 Před 2 lety

    hello kate my name is kimia and I need to do L4-S1 can I send you a video and ask you if you can do certain moves? I really need to know the maximum motion of a person who did this surgery

  • @vortex21rainz26
    @vortex21rainz26 Před 2 lety +1

    Hi hope you are doing well I have bulging disc L4-5 and spondylitis I have so many pain I am seeing chiropractor and physio now I am very scared to have the surgery please update me

    • @katebaldwin463
      @katebaldwin463  Před 2 lety

      Hi there, I'm not as familiar with spondylitis as the condition I had is spondylolisthesis of my L5 upon S1 which is different than your condition. In my experience, my spinal fusion gave me my quality of life back. I hope the same for you. Go with a doctor you trust and be sure to follow all of the guidelines they give you. Physical therapy did not work for me as my issue was beyond that, my pars bone was fractured off of my L5 vertebrae along with a herniated disc between L4 and L5, and I also had spinal stenosis of my lower lumbar. I hope all the best for you!

    • @vortex21rainz26
      @vortex21rainz26 Před 2 lety

      @@katebaldwin463 thank you for the update. Wish u healthy life

  • @wandawhite7284
    @wandawhite7284 Před 4 měsíci

    How are you feeling today? Im suppose to have the same surgery February 27th. Im older but in great health.

    • @katebaldwin463
      @katebaldwin463  Před 4 měsíci +1

      Hello! 3 and a 1/2 years later, I'm still doing really well. I have no limitations and rarely do I ever notice that I even have hardware in my back. I am still active and do all my normal activities (workout, travel, yard work, etc.) I hope your surgery went well for you!

    • @wandawhite7284
      @wandawhite7284 Před 3 měsíci

      @katebaldwin463 Thank you I will be 4 weeks out tomorrow, and I'm doing really well, I'm walking 2 miles a day or at least trying to. I found out that I could get a bone a bone stimulator, so I'm looking forward to that.
      I really appreciate all your videos and all the information that you put out there.
      I do wanna challenge you on the. Longest Butt Crack, though
      LOL. Again thank you

    • @katebaldwin463
      @katebaldwin463  Před 2 měsíci +1

      @@wandawhite7284 that is so awesome to hear! Thank you for updating your progress and best wishes for continued healing.

  • @Mia-rose11
    @Mia-rose11 Před 2 lety

    do you have instagram?