L5-S1 Spinal Fusion Surgery TLIF Recovery (Pars Defect) - 207 Days Out, 30 Weeks Post-Op
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- čas přidán 12. 09. 2021
- What a wild ride it's been. Let me know if you have any questions/comments below. I'll be happy to chat! (Even if you're reading this in the future)
I am so glad to hear a good story, especially with a toddler. My story is not so happy. I am 41/2 years post op. Since the surgery I can't drive because I can't keep my right leg up on the gas peddle and I have to take many pain meds. and I have to lay down in the middle of the day, everyday, I developed scoliosis. Mine was just a total disaster. I need a second reconstruction surgery from the s1 to T8. I am so afraid and my insurance company won't pay for the Dr.I chose. It just sucks to be me right now. But I do like hear success stories, it gives me hope.
Hello Sara ! I'm sorry that happened to you. I hope you are doing well now 💝
This Friday is my 4 week date after my L5, S1 fusion with a cage. Finding your videos gives me hope. Waking up from surgery and NOT feeling my sciatic pain I’ve had for 7 years was amazing to say the least. However, I’m now dealing with exactly what you describe as muscle aching and fatigue in my right leg. I also woke up from surgery with something new to deal with, my right foot and leg were completely numb with no feeling and just a tingling sensation. One month later it’s still there. The only thing is my big toe has been completely unaffected. Weird to walk on it, I’m sure I could walk fine and without a walker if it wasn’t for the numbness. Just feels like stepping on a dead foot. I appreciate what you said about keeping a positive attitude… I’m trying my best, but sometimes it just sucks. In retrospect…. I’ll take what I’m dealing with now over the molten hot icepick, 24/7 feeling of sciatica pain I had. Best wishes to you and your growing Ohana! Aloha 🤙🏽
I just has my l5 s1 fusion on March 13th. And your vids have helped me to understand what's ahead
I'm going in for my L5/S1 on Wednesday, September 6th. I'm excited. Not for all my pain to follow after but in 5 or 6 months the outcome. I have a positive great outlook on this I have a 6 year old. I need to keep up with him. You give me hope and reassurance. I need that.
Hang in there! The mental game is 90% of this struggle - which you seem to have nailed down! :)
appreciate the video
Thank you for sharing. I’m almost 3 months out of a double lumbar fusion. I’m so hesitant to take ibuprofen 😬 Glad you felt differently about 5 months out- Congratulations on your lil baby. (A year later)
Thank you!!! Again, so glad to see you trucking along - hang in there! Thinking of you.
Thanks for sharing, I see Spine clinic next week, expect ALIB to be schedules. Seen other videos on my condition, and not setting. I have found that a doughnut cushion helps.
I am so happy for you. I had L4 and L5 fusion 6 yrs ago and now I am worse than I was before I had the surgery. I have the severe pain down my right leg and in my S areas and in my tail bone. I went back to my surgeon and he told me I needed to find myself a new Dr. Because he was finished with me. Now I live in constant severe pain everyday 24/7. I so wish I could find a Dr.who could help me. Best of luck to you.
I feel your pain, I had spinal fusion on 4 levels and a decompression 9 months ago, unfortunately it was not a success as I had to get my back broken in a few places because it had self fused, I am now on 2 crutches and have very little power in my left leg, on more pain meds, surgeon said it was because I was too long on the waiting list 10 years, nerve damage is the outcome, my prayers to you and everyone that has to go through this.
God bless you 🙏 I have spinal stenosis operation soon😮
Just saw this video, haven't seen any recent or earlier ones but I certainly am going to view them. Thank you for posting it's helped me a lot, I'm just gonna remember 5 months as the magic month. I'm considering spinal fusion, I'm older than u r with spondylolisthesis grade 1 at T4-5 & 3 bulging disks with stenosis issues as well, but kudos for u being so young & having so much responsibility, that's a lot on u & u seem really good now at the 7 months & it seems it will get better for u. My doc wants me to get epidural first bcz I'm insisting on surgery now but we'll see. TY for ur time!!
That's awesome to hear Ann! Thank you!! Yes, it's possible to get through this no matter your age. You just have to be positive (something I did not do in the beginning) and focus on yourself as you move forward in the recovery. I learned so much about myself, my family, and those around me during this time. But I'm telling you - whatever your back issue is - a fusion is the way to go. I'm still healing and I hope to be 110% by the one year mark. I wish you the best of luck and please keep in touch!
@@dylanandersen2159 Will do & have a GREAT Holiday Season & and even better 2022!
@@annannmare157 You too!!
Thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching!
Dylan good to hear your story and I hope you continue to get better. Also,Thank you for nailing it right on the head , at least for me . Im hoping I can look back and say it was worth it .
Right now , I’m near 3 months and it’s a struggle everyday mentally and physically. Your right about the the appetite. I definitely don’t eat as much as I used to . My legs are my biggest issue , specially my right leg with heavy leg cramping in the buttocks and Down the leg . This makes for a tough night of sleeping. I’ve tried to test myself without meds walking for a long period of time , hour or so ,without meds and my back and legs really start to cramp up really bad . For me to feel normal at this time is to take meds which can give me 6 hours of feeling normal. I’m really surprised you were able to get that long of a relief taking ibuprofen. What month during your post op did you start taking ibuprofen? . I think it’s on my do not take list .
Hey Jim, thanks for the comment. Glad this was helpful in some way to you! I think it's an interesting thing with the appetite. I had lost 20 pounds over the course of the first few months of my recovery, then as I approached 1 year (which I will hit next week), I started to gain weight but realized I am dealing with a thyroid issue now (thyroid cancer). The hits keep coming. But nevertheless, the understated appetite loss is a huge thing to keep in mind.
In regards to ibuprofen, it certainly is a controversial topic. When I first heard it was something "not to take", I asked why. They said there were studies that suggested ibuprofen (or NSAID use in general) have shown to lessen the likelihood of a successful fusion. I looked up those studies myself (as I am a college English professor) and saw that the sample sizes were incredibly small and one of them even focused on rats. Rats? So yeah, I talked to my surgeon's PA and he basically said, "Look, there is risk involved. But if 200mg of ibuprofen helps you substantially, it would be worth the risk. If the benefit outweighs the risk in this case, it's worth it to do. 100%."
Since then, I've been taking ibuprofen on most days, just one pill of 200mg. I keep it a low-dose. Most of those studies showed people taking up to the max 2,400mg a day. So yeah, that'd a huge difference.
Nevertheless, I do credit NSAID use for my recovery. I haven't had imaging since the six month mark, but I know I am doing well and things are going good. I do have another surgery unrelated to my back this month (total thyroidectomy) that I will likely make some videos about, but I think my fusion has been wildly successful. Life is different now, sure, but I have not felt sciatic pain since I laid down on the table that they took me into the surgery room on. I'm lucky. I know others aren't as lucky as me. So I try to be as positive as I can every day - despite these new, ridiculous challenges I face.
Hang in there Jim. I promise it gets better. The mental struggle was one I completely failed in during my recovery. I cried, I lashed out at my fiancee, I lost my mind several times. I was 34 when I had the fusion surgery and I was very "woe is me". Part of that still remains, but I am getting better every day. I wish you the best - I really mean that.
@@dylanandersen2159 your awesome.. thank you for your reply. Best of luck to you and I’ll keep you updated after my 6 months ..
Thank you so much for this video! I had L5 fusion which included shaving bone, a rod and 6 screws! I’m at 5 1/2 months and am in quite a bit of discomfort! A soreness unlike the chronic pain I had before! I’ve found that a 50mg tramadol will get rid of the pain, but the surgeon will not prescribe any more, and I don’t want to go back to pain management! I will say that I am very active and seem to have no limitations! I can not take NSAID’s especially Celebrex which was a higher dose prescribed, but may be able take over the counter (200) as well as the Tylenol (1000)! I will give it a try and want to say that you have given me hope that this will get better! 😊
Wow!! I hope you're doing better now!!
Thanks I’m 11 weeks in the beginning it was hell depressive and very painful . But like you said I’m getting better I can’t wait to be in my six months great video I felt like you were my psych dr . Yes we have to be positive I try but it’s not easy .
It’s really hard surgery I am 20 weeks post op today still tough and painful
@@vortex21rainz26Hello ! Updates ? How are you now.
@@smulestar helo I did my MRI one year post op and the Neurosurgeon cleared me to do anything I want . Surgery was successful. I am better compared to before surgery BUT DEFINITELY NOT PAIN FREE VERY STIFF
@@vortex21rainz26 I'm glad you are better than before.
@@smulestar yes I am I wasn’t able to walk more than 5 miles
I had complete spinal fusion(thoracic and lumbar) due to scoliosis at 10yrs old. Now im 36. Everything has been good. It has not limited me at all. I have done mountain biking, jogging, zip lining, biking, swimming, hiking, etc. Now at 36….24 yrs after surgery im getting pain in my right lumbar area persistently. I have a high pain tolerance so I have tolerated it for a few years but each time its getting worse. Last appt the orthopedic told me that my only remaining last lumbar vertebrae ( which is the only one not fused) has been carrying all the load and force throughout all these…it is bound to collapse and cause herniation and I might end up with fusion there as well. I dont want this to happen but we shall see
Went through the surgery 2 months ago. Was terrifying! But am feeling way better. Mornings are usually tough but stretching helps. Thanks for the video! It was hard on my mental health as well being so limited. Congrats on the newborn brother! 💜
So happy for you Anand. The mental pain and mental struggle is the worst - had I not been so self-deprecating and more positive, I know I would have recovered faster. How are you doing now?
I went through L5 S1 spinal fusion 10 weeks ago. Thank you for sharing with the future looks like and I hope you’re riding your bike to the beach.
Great news
Thanks Dylan for the update. I was starting to wonder what has happened with you and how was your recovery process going on and to be honest I've been a bit fearful something bad has happened. Hearing from you being all positive sounds like a breath of fresh air, all the best!
Sorry for the delay! Had a baby, became a father, and got my 6-month CT scan which looked GREAT. I'll post another video soon about my CT scan discussion and how I'm doing ... thanks for keeping in touch!!!
@@dylanandersen2159 Glad everything's working out for you! Lots of health!
@@EK-ck2xf Thank you!! Seriously, you too!
Hi my friend I’m just days to hit the 4 months I was doing great from month 2.5 to 3.5 now I lower my activity cause I started to get back pain and more numbness in my legs! I think I was doing to much cause I was feeling ok to do it!! 8 miles walk most days wit a 25 minute stair master at the gym.
But that comment kind of gave me some hope saying the 5 month number is the magic month!!!? I’m glad yours turned out great 🎉👏
YES, overdoing it is real. I overdid it an experience much of the same. Don't look at miles, just look at slow gradual uptick in activity. You're doing it right - keep going!! Wishing the best for you.
Considering ALIF surgery...scares the sh!t out of me
All surgery is scary! Hope you choose well.
Be careful with the ibuprofens and any NSAID. I used them too often throughout a 30 year period to get me by and paid a heavy price for it. Developed a stomach ulcer that doesn’t really ever go away. It’s just manageable. Just remember to take them with food. That was my mistake. Working in industry, I didn’t think twice about hitting up the first aid boxes.
Thanks for the advice. I take NSAIDs always with food and I take a daily PPI (Prevacid). I feel great, so far... so good. NSAIDs (at such a low dose for me) are just so beneficial. The risk versus the benefit is strong.
I feel you
I’m in week 6 post-op from L-4 L-5 and S-1 fusion. My worst pain is in my right hip and lower back. Does this sound normal
I was fused from L4-S1 in march. My lower back is still very sore and i still have pain down my left leg and foot. Before surgery i had "drop foot" a little bit in my left foot. It didnt exactly drop but i couldnt lift it. I keep hearing itll take at least a year for the nerve to heal. I guess that doesnt give you a direct answer but i dont think the doctors will give you one either. "Everyone heals differently" seems to be their favorite line.
‼️ Pain has the following categories: “Annoying” (you can refocus for the most part, at least for up to a half hour); Disruptive” (stops you from doing what you were doing like a tap on your shoulder, hey bitch! I am back!); “Agonizing” (need to stop and rest) and “Debilitating” (unable to do much, miserable and almost getting sweaty and feeling like you might even pass out). These are the words to use with Dr’s. They do have that silly 1 to 10 chart. Words speak truth better than arbitrary number bs. My wisdom of the day…
Hi, I'm about to go on the same journey as you and I appreciate you spending the time in making your videos. I am sure it encourages many going through the same ordeal.
One stress factor for me will be the ongoing medical costs since this surgery is well over $100K per my surgeon who has opted for the minimally evasive route using a robot assist. How has your medical insurance performed in your time of utmost need?
I had another surgery before (unrelated to this issue) and the bills kept on coming years after the surgery! :(
Hey!! So glad to hear that, thank you. It gets really unmotivating wanting to make a video but then I realize how much other videos helped me. So I’ve tried to do them myself.
In regards to costs, I’ll be up front with that - my surgeon/hospital billed my insurance (HMO) over $300k in total. My out of pocket maximum as an individual is $2,000 per calendar year so I only paid $2,000 altogether and now my medicine and other stuff is all $0.00. The HMO is what allowed everything to get sorted nicely. If I had a PPO, I would likely be paying a co-insurance. The downside of my HMO is that they chose the surgeon, chose the hospital, etc. I had no choice; however, the surgeon who did mine was well-revered in the area and did a fantastic job. I am happy with the results, even though I did not feel that way months ago lol.
Hope that answers your question as best as possible! Best of luck. Hang in there - and like I said, it’s a long long recovery. I wish I didn’t listen to those people who I heard were walking miles at 3 to 6 weeks. It took me 4 to 5 months to walk far and feel ok. I’m 8 months, nearly 9 months out now and I just feel so damn good every day. Happy, happy.
@@dylanandersen2159 thank you for the quick response! I do have PPO but I have my own insurance as primary as well as my wife’s insurance as secondary! I hope 🤞🏼 my insurance will not be a nightmare but with the pain I’m currently experiencing… I don’t really care! The quality of life is paramount now for me and I can’t see myself living in pain like this for the remainder of my life !
The situation sucks but I always remind myself that there are other people in more difficult and life threatening situations than me like cancer, so I take my situation in stride!
I’m so happy for you and all the best for your continued recovery!
@@c762x39 Thank you! Just stay positive. That's something I did NOT do and I regret it every day. Wasted so much emotion/energy.
@@dylanandersen2159 but how are you now?
Hi i had the same op on the 28th March 2023. I try not to take meds but rather rub my legs, knees, calves and ankles before i go to bed with deep heat because i have bad pains in my left leg. I battle to sleep at night because i am very uncomfortable so i am tossing and turning from my sides to my back the whole night then get up very sore the next morning. So i try using a broad band around my waist to keep me intact as i turn at night which helps a little. I also experience prickly feeling around my op do you have that. I would like to know please if others feel the same. I cannot sit for long periods as i have a pain in my coccyx, which is very uncomfortable. So i rather walk around or lie down. I also experience pain in the middle to upper part of my back if i stand too long. I am 69 years old so dont know if it would take me longer to recuperate. Would like to hear if others have same symptoms. Thank you.
I just had spinal fusion and I appreciate your video. But I would like to add I’ve had back pain for years so my entire life has revolved around my back pain. Can I make it up the stairs? Can I make it into the store? So a lot of things revolve around peoples recovery and also their psychological state of mind, you have to move you have to get up and walk as hard as it is. After surgery you need to relax but then soon you need to move even for just a little bit.
Well said! Hope you're recovering nicely!
When did u start feeling pain free ? I have feeling of like I have bricks on my back that’s the only feeling
Congrats!! Did they go through your stomach too? Are you taking vitamins?
They went through my back (TLIF - if you're interested). It is a very large 6" - 8" scar in the middle of my lower back.
I take a One-A-Day every single day, yes. The calcium in it for sure helps bone growth, I'm sure!
@@dylanandersen2159 yeah. I hear yah. I had mine august 3. They did L4-S1 I had a “ minimally invasive “ TLIF plus OLIF 360 and then the bone harvesting. I have two scars down my lumbar and a scar where they went through my stomach and put a anchoring cage. Totally of 4 nasty scars. But I. Feeling great. Surprisingly. The mental is annoying but it’s part of the process I guess. 😬😀😀
@@Polecat-qz5om I really struggled mentally - I'm glad you're doing well. Hang in there! The 4 scars is nothing when you realize 6 months down the line that you're back to normal!
@@dylanandersen2159 me too bro. I’ll think I have it kicks and then it comes back. Keep on keeping on!
@@dylanandersen2159 I get it now. The mental thing. It’s PTSD… or atleast that is what it feels like. I guess that’s why they call it a ‘SF warrior.’ The way I can describe it as been fighting pain and getting to surgery for soooo long that I’m still fighting but there’s nothing to fight. Guilt. Survivors guilt.. bad coping guilt. I have found light in re working and reconnecting in my faith that had a serious fallout. So many levels to recovery. Prayers 🙏☮️
‼️ Deep squats with very light weight on a “Smith machine’ at the gym will help the glutes. However, elevate heals, I use the flat round weights under my heels. I also have a 3” round by 14” wide hollow center Velcro pad that wraps around the bar for my neck, you can get it online. Might want a certified trainer of physiotherapist show you the right way. When I say light weight, start with the bar only. Max 10lbs a side over time. The motion is the most important, not the weight.
How is your depression now Dylan?? I hope your feeling better and enjoying your new baby.
The baby has helped immensely. I'm kind of turning a new leaf, you know? Many other things to worry about in my life now, haha. I still get very sore daily and tight in my back but I can go on long walks and even went on a bike ride the other day. I pay for it with soreness the next day but nothing that Tylenol can't fix. I'm happy and feel so much better. New lease on life for sure.
@@dylanandersen2159 that’s great!
@@dylanandersen2159 cool I’m glad you have a noob.
@@Polecat-qz5om Thankl you again!!!
Please tell us what life is like a few days after surgery. What daily assistance should I prepare for?
My wife wiped my ass, helped me shower and use the bathroom, and was my caretaker. After 1 to 2 weeks, I was able to regain some independence.
I had S1/L5 done through the back, 2 rods and 4 screws. Left hospital Sunday after 5 days. Was able to work from home that Monday and leave the house driving on the following Sunday. My pain and leg numbness was 95% gone within 5 days. Now 14 days post op I am amazed how good I feel. Btw I am 70.
Right in the morning when I wake i be in pain but when I move around I be great 👍
Why you didn't choose artificial disc replacement surgery
Because with bilateral pars defects, your spinal processes are literally fractured and the only way to stabilize the spine is to get a fusion. There wasn't an option.
@@dylanandersen2159best of luck dear ❤
Watch your liver on Tylenol ...
When you say your bike do you mean motorcycle
No, Robert, I meant riding my road bike or fixed gear - never been on a motorcycle, I wish!!!
Get the hardware removed after 1.5 years. Much better.
You should’ve not done surgery and recovered like I did I had the same thing you did and I didn’t need surgery
So then what did you do