Is Spinal Fusion Worth It? Well, It Depends... (L5-S1 Spinal Fusion Recovery due to Pars Defect)
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- čas přidán 7. 04. 2021
- I had my L5-S1 Spinal Fusion (TLIF) due to a Pars Defect (bilateral) in mid-February 2021. Here's my thoughts on whether I'd do it again or not.
Enrique's video about his process and recovery roadmap: • Video
Enrique's channel: / channel
Thank you sending us this! When we are in rode to this scary procedure and looking for answers there isn’t much to grab from! So, I sincerely appreciate your time and sharing with us!
You will be fine!! positivity.
Thanks for posting this. I wish I had found this prior to my surgery. I also had the PARS defect, likely from playing sports when I was younger. I originally started having pain down my right leg in my late 30's but was able to mitigate the pain with ibuprofen and physical therapy. That worked for 15 years but about a year ago nothing would make the pain go away. I tried new PT exercises, pain management therapy, etc. but no improvement and the Spondi had worsened to the point my slippage was over 1 CM and the disk was almost gone so had my surgery about 3 weeks ago. I am almost pain free and will have my first post-op appointment this week. I will say it gets better every day and with the exception of the no BLT (bending, lifting, twisting), which is a huge inconvenience, but critical to making the surgery successful, I am glad I did it. Thanks again for sharing!
Ty for sharing. I’m 6 weeks post op and doing my PT. So glad this is behind me. My sciatic pain is gone! Did have so pretty bad pain in my ass from where they mounted some devise to anchor robot to. Yes they used a robot to do my L5 S1 lumbar fusion. I still can’t believe the pain is gone and how well I am recovering. Thanks for making this helpful vid.
Appreciate your recovery experience. I'm 60 yrs old. 2 wks post op fusion. IDK some days hopeful, other days no improvement. I enjoy hearing you
Thanks for the kind words. Have chronic pain for years now and think it’s time. Lots of uncertainty’s but videos like this makes it feel like the right thing to do.
You got this!
I hear you I had a work related accident had the fusion/ 22 years later another herniated disc right above my old fusion so the doctor I had for 22 years kept sending me for epidural injection which are bandaids . So a new Orthopidic surgeon was referred to me and did my research on the doctor and went for it and it’s been a month and 3 days since my operation and feeling good no meds just aspirin. And 1 more thing if you do surgery get out of bed start moving quickly
@@johnmitchell2741 well I took care of myself but fell down and there it started all over again. Then the doctor I had for 22 years kept sending me for a epidural injections and not trying to help me those injections are just a bandaids .They only help for awhile so during an injection the pain management doctor saw my MRI and said wow this is bad let me refer you to Dr. Bo and he did my Alift surgery and I am great now but still recovering well. Look him up Gobolahan Okubadejo. The Institute for Comprehensive Spine Surgery.
cool video, and hope poster is feeling fully back by now...I feel you - healthy all my life - so shocked to learn i now have cervical spine stenois/spinal cord compression (severe). I guess i'm a candidate for laminoplasty when/if my symptoms get worse
I had lumber problems for 10 years. Had epidurals and it worked like magic until magic was gone. Then had L3 L4 L5 fusion. This saved me.
So good to hear! I think it's a tough surgery but it gave me my life back for sure. And I was only in sciatic pain hell for 6 months.
Thank you for posting this video. I'm scheduled for a L4-S1 ALIF/PLIF (360) Fusion in two weeks and found your video to be helpful. The statement of is your pain greater then what you can cope with definitely resonates with me. Wish you the best on your recovery!
I'm so pumped it helped you Ryan! Yeah, even 9 months later, I still feel the same. It was the scariest thing I've ever done (being in the hospital during a major Covid surge and not being able to have anyone visit was tough). But, I am so glad I don't have sciatic pain anymore. My pain was replaced with muscle pains and aches and atrophy, but I have been solving that on my own as time goes forward. It's been a ride and a half. Best of luck to you! Be sure to keep in touch and let me know how the 360 goes.
@@dylanandersen2159 Absolutely will do. I'm planning to make a video or two of my surgery and recovery. There isn't a whole lot on ALIF/PLIF (360) fusions out there. Hope the recovery keeps going forward as well for you, and thanks again for posting your videos!
@@Getsomewhere100 Thank you, I really appreciate it! I think fusions, regardless of TLIF/PLIF/ALIF, the recovery is very similar. You'll get through it!! Hang in there. Please make a video!
@@dylanandersen2159 Had my surgery on 12/9/21 and was releases from hospital the next day. I had to return to the hospital again on 12.11.21from a major concern of fluid migrating to my testicles from the incision. Im going to be making a video this week to cover everything and would like to reference your videos if that is okay? Let me know and thanks again for all the kind words.
@@Getsomewhere100 Absolutely! I am so sorry to hear that!! Please fill us in. I stayed in the hospital for 5 days and I'm glad I did since I was so scared of things like that. You'll be fine - hang in there and please let us know!
Thanks for sharing your story, Dylan.
Good day and thank you Dylan. I am now two years post op... I had a posterior instrumented fusion at L5/S1. For the past week and two days I have back pain and a strange sensation in my toes(both feet)... I had physio twice... not sure if the pain is back. I am grateful for people like you sharing their story and experience. I am very sad when I see people suffer. May God comfort us during our difficult times and may we draw support, strength & courage from one another. May God bless you people and let us pray for each other.
Hope the pain has subsided... hang in there. Recovery is not a linear path, but instead a very complicated back and forth.
I know this video is a bit old and hope you are doing well… having had over 12 spine surgeries and having EVERY level in lumbar area fused… To say my life has/is a hell would be an understatement!! Once you start down that road, it’s almost impossible to go back.. best of luck bro
Thanks man. I know it's a tough road but trying my best to make it through. I feel for you - hope all is well!
I had back pain since 1973, and eventually had a discectomy done in 2017. My symptoms returned within months, and then had an S to L4 fusion. I'd had all the symptoms: lumbar pain, pain in the butt, all the way down the right leg, weakness in the leg. My surgeon hoped for 80 to 85% less pain after the op. Two weeks after the op I had NO pain. Now I am again experiencing lower back pain, the L3 vertebra directly above the fusion has slipped laterally by about a centimeter. There is also degeneration in 4 of my cervical vertebrae. Lots of pain, limited mobility. Going for weekly physiotherapy, but I know that I have another lumbar fusion in the near future, and possibly the neck as well. One plus, is the fact that I seem to heal well, even now in my 60s. CZcams the hell out of any procedure. I think your outcome as better if you are more informed.
Thanks for this! Just had my fusion surgery and can relate to every single word you said
So true about the pain… when it becomes your whole life; it’s time for surgery
Exactly. There was a point that as hard as I tried, I still couldn't cope any longer. I'm happy I made the decision. (And I only had 4 months of 24/7 sciatic pain with no relief)
I'm still in pain and I don't feel like I'm getting any better
@@denisecurry7472 talk to your doc
And by the way...........that was a very good MRI impersonation !
Ahahahha thank you.
Thanks for your review I had L5-S1 I’m post op 11 weeks it’s not easy . I’m doing much better but I have right leg numbness on my toes that I didn’t have before the surgery . My sciatic nerve pain is gone . But it takes time for the nerves to calm down . I wish there can be an In person face to face like alcohol groups but spine fusion survivors so we can discuss are issues it would be so helpful 👍
Yeah such a group would be amazing
I'm experiencing the same numbness along with my toes feeling cold despite 100° weather
PLIF of L5/S1 on 11/21/22. Best decision that I've ever made. Back pain, sciatica, burning, pins and needles, all gone! Like you, Mr. Anderson, my insurance paid my full salary for 8 weeks while at home, so it really helped me in making my decision to get surgery. I've had back issues since 1988 while in the Army. I'm sure that you are doing great now and if not, I hope that you're getting the help that you need. ~John
Wow, glad to hear you had a great results. Were your lower back issues service related from the Army? I am trying to get my L3-4-5 service connected at the VA for benefits.
@kevinobeck my spondylolisthesis was service connected and I eventually got 40% for the sciatica and whatnot.
Hello glad to hear your success. I also having L5 s1 lumber Disc collapsed, my doctor suggested me doing lumbar fusion surgery, will it better to do?
After surgery can i work, exercise, riding? Please any suggest ?🙏🙏🙏
great video!
Thanks for watching!!!
Day 16 postop. S1-L5-L4 Alif and Plif 52 yrs old. Recovery has been way better than expectations (I did have a great surgeon in the Bay Area). The first 4 days where rough (2 hospital / 2 home) but by day four I was walking a 1/2 mile per day. Yesterday I walked three miles. Leg pain is a thing but so so much better than preop pain. I would say it feels like the edge of a cramp - just extremely tight. Your mileage will vary but so far, I couldn't be happier. BTW your comment on coping rings true. You'll know when its time - because you just can't take it any more. I suggest to anyone considering this procedure to do your research early and thoroughly. Don't let anyone rush you, understand what you're doing and the trade offs.
I am almost 2 years out and am feeling fantastic. Just get tight at night and take an NSAID before bed 3 out of 7 nights a week - other than that, I am back to normal. Video coming soon - subscribe for that! I am glad you're doing better - hang in there!!
Hi I'm also in the Bay area may I ask who your surgeon was?
Thanks
@@cdasilvavideo Of course, happy to, he changed my life for the better. Who wouldn't want that for someone else? Dr. Randell Seago at Golden State Ortho in Los Gatos.
Thank you so much for the sharing your story ❤
Thanks for sharing your story! I'm going to have L2 - S1 spinal fusion and laminectomy on March 27th! The pain definitely unbeatable. THE PAIN OUTWEIGHS THE COPIING!! Quality of life sucks and I also lost a lot of weight through muscle atrophy mostly and not eating as much it's terrible!! it's gonna be a long hard road to recovery. However I welcome surgery pain compared to this pain; at least I know the surgery pain will be temporary this is constant every single day almost every minute of every single day crippling pain. Maybe I'll make a CZcams video! too! LOL YOU INSPIRE ME! ❤
Thank you for your advice. I am 70 years old and are soooo thankful that dr could operate on me
My op has been done about 10 days ago. The pain I have now is definitely better than before the op. My operation was an 8 hr journey. He had to work on 6 discs on both sides. I praise the Lord that I don't get that electrical shocks anymore... I used to get up to 8 of those shocks on both my hips
At least the pain I have now can be controlled with high doses of pain meds. Where as no medication could help for those electrical shocks. Regards EE SA
Hope you continue to improve. I need this surgery soon and am 69. I am terrified, but leg pain has taken over my life!
Very informative video many thanks for sharing
Thanks for visiting and watching!
Every injury or condition is different. Being young helps. I think waiting to long is also a mistake. Weakness is a bad sign and can havd no pain. Muscle waste happens fast. Fracture sounds like immediate care. Glad your doing better.
Thank you to you and Enrique both. I’ve lost about 20 pounds too. I am 117 pounds now. RIP to my booty werk. I’m 34 too.
Wow, lots of similarities! It's been a crazy ride. How long has it been since yours? What kind did you get?
@@dylanandersen2159 I have my surgery august the 3. I had to let my job know, I had only been there 90 days. The second I got better insurance I went ahead and found a neurosurgeon. Very stressful. My L4 is so jacked and my hips feel off. I’m getting everything ready though. My mom dad, fiancé and best friend and a few coworkers are keeping me focused and help more than they can ever know. Thanks again for the video. 💪🙏🙌 I hope you recovery 110%.
I had mine done 17 months ago and thank God I have no pain at all and feel like a new man however, to get to my point, I had to do a lot of therapy lose weight exercise go to the gym walking, especially after the procedure that I was told by my doctor to get better results in for the surgery to last 1020 years without issues I can’t run the marathon I could if I want to, but from now on any advice, I could give you you have to watch what you do be careful don’t push your limits. Take your time getting in shape lose weight down correctly. Follow the steps and mainly please pray to God to help you throughout this process and you will see the results are awesome.
I see you got the fusion as I did. When pain returned years later I the hardware removed - which is only needed typically for the first two years or less. With the hardware, I had issues sitting for any length of time and could not sit on a hard surface more than a minute or so. Now, If pain returns, I personally would at least have a current MRI reviewed by Deuk Spine in Melbourne Florida. Deuk has minimally invasive outpatient approaches performed by arthroscopic (small incision working through a tube) with a high Satifaction rate. The small time inconvenience for travel is truly insignificant in the big picture in my book. Been dealing with this thirty years and 8 surgeries so I might have a bit more experience than 99% of other patients. I feel very good now because I only went to the best of the best at the time.
Deuk Can't be paid for with Medicare. Therefore, procedures can be very costly.
Who's your Dr? I need this surgery.
Thanks for this video
My pleasure. I hope it helps.
I'm 67 and like you, never understood where the pain was coming from in my right leg. Long story short, I needed to have S1/L5 fusion and had it done in March 2022. I'm six months out and like you, I needed to have the surgery as my quality of life was being destroyed due to my inability to walk without being in pain, so much so, it would stop me dead in my tracks. The only relief I got at that point was to stoop down, optimizing flexion, to open up the space. I found a good Neuro-surgeon ( a must!) and I progressing well. The pain in my right leg disappeared immediately after the surgery and I had to deal with the healing process. I did notice a medium type pain in my lower left-side back down into my left buttock. PT - a must in my opinion! - helped to remove the pain reaching into my buttock and the pain in my lower back (on the left) side is marginal and is also intermittent. I mentioned it to my doctor, but his only comment was, let me know if it gets worse. However, by and large pain comes NO WHERE near the pain that I was in prior to surgery down my right leg. It would manifest itself in different spots randomly. Some days, my right buttock, sometimes my right hip, sometime my big toe, sometimes the right part of my shin, etc. etc. and sometimes a combination. The good news is that this surgery is pretty common and if you can find a good surgeon, you should pursue the relief you deserve.
I am almost 2 years out and am feeling fantastic. Just get tight at night and take an NSAID before bed 3 out of 7 nights a week - other than that, I am back to normal. Video coming soon - subscribe for that! How are you doing now?
@@dylanandersen2159 Doing well, although with all the imaging they did for my back, they discovered a cancer mass in my left kidney which was removed two months ago. As far as my back, time to time a little pain in my lower back, not sure if it's related to the initial back issue. However, I am vastly improved over pre-surgery pain. I do continue to do my home PT - key exercises to keep me flexible and strong in the lower back.
@@johnmitchell2741 What condition did you have and what type of surgery?
@@johnmitchell2741 What are you doing about it?
@@johnmitchell2741 I'm so sorry to hear of the pain you are in - believe me, I get it. I sure wish the technology was better for dealing with this problem. Seems almost barbaric fusing joints that were designed to bend. Ugh. I wish you the best John!
This is super helpful, considering an ALIF surgury!
I am watching you in 2024. Due to get a 4 level fusion. I appreciate your video. I 🙏 you’re doing better
I have a spondylolysis, , with grade 1 spondylolithesis L4 on L5 with foraminal stenosis, nerve compression, conjoint nerve root and spinal stenosis. My point of view reading these comments lies in my past experience in working as first assist with a fellowship trained Orthopedic Spine surgeon, in Wisconsin. Great surgeon!! We saw many, many patients in clinic, most were "retreads", operated on by other spine surgeons with poor results! One common theme was the fact he operated mostly, for those with nerve (leg/arm) pain, not back/neck pain. There may be exceptions for those with a mobile, high grade slip, but that is pretty rare. Fusion is best in non-smokers, with a 10% non-union, for each level, in a smoker. He did not operate for back pain. He did send them to "someone smarter than me" for those who demanded more surgery for "back pain, without nerve compression". We did 360's, interbody fusions, etc. but did not use Harm's cages, etc. as the focus for a wildly successful surgical practice was reserving operative skills for those with nerve root compression, i.e. nerve pain, weakness that corresponded exactly, to the findings on MRI's.
We did a trauma service as well, but that is outside the scope of this discussion.
I can agree with the comment “when your coping can’t keep up with the pain” as I have been there several times. I had my first fusion L4/5 in 2005 (19 years ago) at age 41 after 5 years of pain. Went along pretty well until 2017 when I had a grade 2 spondy at L3, so surgery again to fuse L3-5. Now 7 years later, I again can’t handle the pain the last 2 or so years and am going to have S1 added to the fusion. Severe narrowing. Pain every single day of my life. Can’t do much of anything. This time it’ll be ALIF and PLIF. That part makes me the most nervous as all my other back surgeries have been thru the back. I’m 60 now, and while I know this is no guarantee I’ll be pain free or not deal with more back issues, I just need to get over this level 9 daily pain.
After dealing with back pain for 22 years I am scheduled for this procedure next week. I have had so many steroid epidurals and MRI's over the years. This last episode started with extreme pressure in my leg and behind my knee. I ended up in Urgent care twice in a few days. Then came the tingling and numbness in my leg. The pain was so bad I could not work and was pretty much bed ridden for 2 weeks. I am still staying off my leg as much as possible as the longer I walk the more painful it becomes.
Omg these are the same symptoms that I am going though I am scheduled for surgery on March 13 I hope to get some relief 🙏🏽
Seek other alternatives I got mine four years ago and I am still in pain and the load the others took from the fusion have hurt them I now need more surgeries on l4 l5
@@johnmitchell2741 exactly like me they want to operate on my neck now but I said no
@@canomalo3662😊😊😊
How are you feeling now? I'm 7 months out now from L5 S1 alif surgery....
I'm 4 days post op from L5-S1 I am still sore but hope I'm going to be good everybody is so different. I got by 4 years using hemp and cannabis thanks for sharing it helps know the direction
Hope you're feeling better Ruston!!
@@dylanandersen2159 getting there it's an up and down different every day but I think I'm on the mend and thanks for your videos help to see what to expect I think we are really close to having the same things so far
Yea u goin to sore maybe the first week but it's gets better. I'm a month out from surgery and I feel good doin a few normal things. Bur my doctor still don't want me to bend,twist or lift over 10 pounds but just make sure you do therapy and do some walking
thank you for the video
My pleasure, thanks for watching!
I have spondylolistheis in L5 due to a chronic pars defect. In my case, pain came on with walking a certain distance. My pain was not as severe as yours and PT has helped it quite a bit. Doc recommended AGAINST fusion for me, at least at this time.
How old are you? My situation is similar
@Ohwhale and, I can now walk about 5k in reasonable comfort, and longer if I take stretch breaks
Thank you.I am considering spinal surgery. Your thoughts and observations are greatly appreciated. I too was active until I fell last year. Before that I kayaked, biked, swam, hiked... I fell in a hospital minutes after successful heart surgery because the nurse let me /helped me get up for the bathroom. Under anesthesia. Damage to my head, hip, spine. Pain ! 24/7 pain. So, now I urge everyone to do everything you want to do before you are injured.
Oh my goodness 😮wow
I just came across your video. I haven't seen the previous ones. Congrats on the baby! I had a 3 level lumbar fusion 3 1/2 months ago. I can't sit much yet, which is quite limiting. I, too, do not wish to go to physical therapy twice a week. Where did you find your stretch exercises?
Can you add a link to Enrique's videos? By the way, this is very good content for people who may have to go through this. Well done and keep posting!
Thank you! In the description - he's killing it!
czcams.com/channels/DUmI702FQu5sYsnBJ1cQQg.html
This is exactly what I’m going thru pending surgery sometime I’m thinking I can’t take the pain don’t use pain medication put the H on my chest for Handling the pain it’s beating me up can’t deal with it it’s been nine months waiting for the approval. Thanks for the video
I am almost 2 years out and am feeling fantastic. Just get tight at night and take an NSAID before bed 3 out of 7 nights a week - other than that, I am back to normal. Video coming soon - subscribe for that!
@Dylan Andersen im so worried iam a car detalier and haveny worked for months and worreid about going homeless my fsmily needs me
@@mantyshub90 hay man if you can’t work apply for disability. That’s what I did I was 38 years old when I got hurt had my credits so I was able to apply with an attorney and been on ssd for 22 + years
Very good job👍🏿 I had mine about 3 months ago L4 on L5 I’m feeling pretty good. My surgeon was ranked #1 in the world! I wish you continually get better and better🙏🏾
Did u have pain 1 months post-op the surgery
I think the surgeon really matters here, but it's so hard to choose the right one especially with insurance and crap.
@@dylanandersen2159 You are so right!
I almost picked the wrong one. The 1st. Surgeon wanted to cut me in the front and back! Lucky he was out of network and I found a great surgeon in a major hospital that too my insurance. I really don’t know how anyone can do it without insurance. I would have been sunk.
Who was your surgeon?
@@supermushroom3175 Alex Vaccaro. He runs Rothman and Jefferson Hospital, and he is the spine guy for the Philadelphia eagles. He’s absolutely fantastic.
Man I know this videos a little old but it spoke to me! Ugh when you can’t cope anymore is the absolute worse…..just finished my second laminectomy first one was in 2016 my second one was 7/3/23…..I’m nervous about what’s next if my disc herniated a third time….I’m 24 years old and this is the only thing wrong with me and it’s so frustrating….
Disc replacement in Germany with Lp-esp disc is the best option in the world.. 2 levels here!
I'm scheduled for ALIF next month. I really hit him hard regarding disc replacement but I'm not a candidate because my facet joints are smoked. Total disk collapse L5-S1 with compromised S-1 nerve root. Moderate, broad disc bulge L4-L5 with annual tear. Nerve root clumping indicative of chronic arachnoiditis. Pain has been my life for 20yrs with no help or relief from any doctor. Did their suggested "non invasive" approach for way too many years and now there's irreversible damage. Practicing medicine... It's in the name
@@angiek1001 Yep, I dealt with mine for about 15 years, including spinal cord stimulator because the Americans are slow.. The Germans are much more forward in intervention to stop the disease from moving up to the next level.. You should inquire about the "Tops" system, that could be a better option for you.. but my guess is that guy isn't experienced in that, therefore he'll tell you to go through with the fusion.. Most of them don't care about you, they only care about what they can do and get approved by insurance!!
My surgery I was told it was a textbook case - fusion on L4-5 - I’m 2 weeks out from surgery 5/10/23. I have that same leg pain when they said it’s nerve pain . The good thing it’s in the other leg where I had sciatica pain - that’s gone now!
Nice video ,great information! I’m 23 days postop L4-L5 S1 spinal fusion. I definitely have leg pain in my left butt,down my calf into my ankle,mostly when I sit or drive. The fusion was my 3rd back surgery in 20 years 2 previous discectomy’s.I’m not taking any pain meds but I do take a half a unisom to sleep. I’m 55 years old so the first 3 days were very difficult but I seem to get a little better everyday. It’s a work comp injury and very doubtful that I will return to my previous job it’s very physical and requires heavy lifting after 37 years Of it I think it’s time , I can’t fathom the thought of another fusion! I wish you a successful recovery and will be looking forward to your updates!
Wow! Thanks for sharing. Hang in there. That many surgeries it can't be easy. Lots of respect to you since I know exactly what you're dealing with. I'm so sorry you're still in pain. We'll get there.. I know we will.
I had my fusion (L4,5,S1) in May 2018. It finally got rid of my leg pain and got me feeling good. Even playing tennis again in 9 months.
Now almost 5 years out I’m getting new pain in a new place in my leg as well as a lot of hip and lower back pain.
Just had a new MRI and now have significant degeneration and some spondy at L3 and issues in my SI joint. I say this just to say do I think a fusion is a good idea, 100% yes! But just know you’ll likely have some other issues down the road and may be looking at another major surgery as I am.
I hope you all are getting relief!
My neurosurgeon explained to me the same . I have some tingling in my calf due herniated disk . Doctor said if pains is really bad then I should consider surgery.. if I do I must know than around 10 years I might need new surgery
Need fusion L4,L5 and as I was a claims rep for SSA,I know the vertebrae above abs below will degenerate requiring another fusion. I've had spondylolisthesis since fall at age 5
Thank you 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Hey Dylan, thank you very much for the video. I'm 39 and I have a bilateral PD that went undiagnosed for the last 11 years, about to have XLIF done on L3/L4, and I'm terrified. I keep asking that question to myself... "Do I really need surgery?" my spondy is only technical Grade 1/Grade 2... but I can't stand up for more than about 5 minutes without my back screaming at me, and trying to do any of the things I love to do (Skiing, Snowboard, Running, Lifting....basically anything) all throw my back out of whack for weeks at a time, and I have to take narcotic pain meds because of it. Typing this answered my own question, thanks to you, but I was hoping to find a way to PM each other to ask you a few questions if I can. Hope your recovery went well after this.
I feel normal now! Will be making a "3 year" video here shortly. How are you now?
@@dylanandersen2159 thanks for the reply! Pretty rough, 4 weeks post op. I still have an insane amount of discomfort/pain when I try to sleep in my bed, and I can't tell if it's because of the kissing spine syndrome at L3/L4, or because of the hardware. Other than that recovery is going pretty well. I guess time and X-Rays will tell.
Hi guys, thanks for sharing. I appreciated it. I think l am going to get one. I have been bilateral defects, but it is getting worse at this point. I have a question. From the time you told the doctor that you wanted surgery how fast long did it take until the surgery day? I have been working in IT for 1 1/3 years. I am interning to know if l will get paid for some time. Or what policy is it?
There are less invasive procedures available today such as the coflex device for spinal stenosis and stable grade 1 spondylolysthisis. Affords stabilization, mobility of the joint without fusion, 3wk recovery so much less down time.
I've heard and seen those - but it's an interesting thing.
I had a 10mm slip severe foraminal stenosis. L5S1 fusion . I guess I know now I might have to have a A and Plif.
Sudden l5s1 stenosis from hiking lifting heavy, etc for several years each 3 days crippling. I recovered after 4 months of being totally disabled waist down and constant sciatica, steroid shot is massive in recovery healing. Take it of you are like young 40s. Inversion table folks every day to maintain after, no more Cain or cries for help.
Wow - brutal, so sorry to hear that. Yes, I was 34 when I got my surgery. Hope you get the relief you deserve!
I had a spinal fusion on 4 levels, my back had to be broken because it had self fused, I am now not able to walk without crutches, I have lost 90 percent of the power in one leg, its almost seven months now. It's physically and mentally rough, the surgeon puts it down to being too long on the waiting list (10 years). I wish everyone the best of luck and a speedy recovery.
Wow, that is unreal. My goodness - I seriously feel for you, I can't imagine. Hang in there - feel better, soon.
@@dylanandersen2159 thank you
❤
Just coming across this video. Super helpful, thank you for this reaffirmation. I am about 3 months post op from the same fusion and I’m still experiencing some ankle and thigh pain. What did the recovery from this pain look like for you?
I am almost 2 years out and am feeling fantastic. Just get tight at night and take an NSAID before bed 3 out of 7 nights a week - other than that, I am back to normal. Video coming soon - subscribe for that!
Has your doctor or other people who have undergone the surgery spoken at all about it occurring in adjoining vertebrae in the future?
Thanks for sharing, it allows to make comparisons . Each testimonial shares huge Paine before and relief after. I had l2S1 fusion after fracture and major spinal cord stenosis (85 to 90%)….without major pain. I knew I had something in my back as I had a big trauma…but 30 min after the trauma I was all good, back on building my terrace and working on concrete. Almost 5 months post op and in tremendous pain in my sacro iliac joints (huge inflammation shown on post op scanner) and now in legs, and indeed, issues with the feeling of no need or urge ever to use the bathroom…for me, as of today, it was a bad choice. …but well, no pain whatsoever before, 5 elements fused, 57 yo…different profiles . Please let us know how you recover. How is your local (l5$1) feeling doing. How is your sacro iliac doing?
I had the same surgery. Never had back pain. Woke up one morning with intense pain in my right leg and could not walk. Went ER and they did MRI and was told a disc was compressing nerve and needed surgery right away. Normally I would get a second opinion but I was in so much pain , they gave me Oxy and that did nothing. I had surgery two days later. It is 16 months from surgery and I have no back pain or leg pain but have nerve damage that has not healed. Effects all my toes on the right foot. Feels like an elastic band is tightened around all my toes and it never improved. It is constant. Doctor says that may be that way it will always be. Anybody else feel that way
Omg I’m 11 weeks post op L5-S1 anterior posterior fusion surgery I’m doing great my only problem is my right left the toes feel numb my dr said it well go away ? It’s common I didn’t have that problem before surgery it’s very uncomfortable . I feel know that you describe it which I couldn’t like a rubber band squeezing my toes and their numb . I have follow up visit end of this month April I didn’t know this can be nerve damage I will ask him thanks if it’s not one thing it’s the other I’m 60. Thanks
Thanks will have spinal fusion L4-L5
I had mine two months ago and I still have the pain in my right hip and the lower spine. I’m doing occupational therapy.
Interesting. All of our bodies are different, but like I said in the video, I think rest is the best course of action. I rested and rested and felt better at the 5 month mark.
I had to get this surgery because some guys tried to kid nap me they thought I was dead they shattered my back bones and fractured lol…all these videos have been so helpful just to know ur alone but not alone … im just super active person and 25 like idk if j can ever run etc
Thank you, they want to do a fusion on my L5, S1 and I’m scared to do it.
I have the same issue. However I was told to put it off for as long as possible. Once you get a fusion, it adds more stress on the next vertibre up and it will probably pop as well.
It’s called adjacent segment disease. I have two bulging discs (6mm) that cause a lot of pain and I’ve heard some people say if you can walk then don’t get back surgery. It seems like people either do really well with back surgery or it goes horribly wrong and people end up with failed back surgery syndrome and are miserable the rest of their life. I don’t hardly have any sciatic pain anymore. Just constant back pain that is 100x worse if I sit for too long.
I had a spinal fusion recently this past May, I had shooting pain down my left leg the first couple of weeks. I took Turmeric supplements (with pepper) pepper helps your body absorb the supplements. Turmeric has a lot of benefits but in your case it will help with swelling which may help reduce your pain. It worked for me it took the shooting leg pain away, I wanted to share my experience and hopefully it helps you as well.
It's just seems like a coincidence. My cousin had a herniated L5-S1 and it went away without doing anything in like 6-8 months.
Thats crazy thats the same time I woke up with numb foot oct 2020. Hopfully fusion soon.
Life is weird man. I am sorry. How are you now? I am almost 2 years out and am feeling fantastic. Just get tight at night and take an NSAID before bed 3 out of 7 nights a week - other than that, I am back to normal. Video coming soon - subscribe for that!
Thank you! I’ve been researching my options since 12/2020 but I’m 66 y/o. I’m very fearful of surgery and possible negative outcome. Last surgery I had was thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy. I went into cardiac arrest from the anesthesia. My blood pressure dumped.
The decision of anterior lumbar interbody fusion verses a posterior lumbar fusion is difficult. Saw 2 neurosurgeons and 1 wanted to do the anterior and the other posterior spinal fusion. I am so confused. Some days my pain is unbearable and other days no pain.
I posted recently that my spinal issues (pars defects) were ultimately caused by papillary thyroid cancer! I believe there is a major link here. Check my latest video.
Everything u said it to a t me right now I have surgery scheduled April 12th did you have a feeling or sensation of needing to pull ur back apart similar to when u Crack ur knuckles like right before they crack?
Not that I can distinctly remember - here's where I'm at, 2 years later though: Sean Neuberger
I had surgery back in July..its been 3 months i constantly have stiffness. Just wondering if you had stiffness and how long did take to go away
I am almost 2 years out and am feeling fantastic. Just get tight at night and take an NSAID before bed 3 out of 7 nights a week - other than that, I am back to normal. Video coming soon - subscribe for that!
Took me about 6 months to feel "better" and 1 year for everything to feel better. I still get stiff if I lay down for too long.
I wasn't told that after having one op it could led me to need others!
What if your 72, and feel hey keep getting the cortisone injections cuz surgery is risky at my age ? Scared
Follow your doctor's advice and be positive - it is not an easy choice. Hope you're doing well!
When you can’t go to the bathroom that’s not about coping that’s reached medical emergency. Heads up.
Yep, I was referring to pain when I discussed coping in this video. In regards to any cauda equina signs, obviously that's an emergency, hence why I called my surgeon the same day.
I had a 2 level back fusion mine turned out great.
Yep - we're all different!
2 weeks out from my laminectomy with spinal fusion. Back pain is easing up but now my buttocks have the worst pain... similar to black and blue but 100% times worse. Did you experience this? If so did it go away?
Not that, but dealt with other stuff. There is so much 'normal' post-surgery pain and discomfort - hang in there! Hope you're better now.
Due to go for surgery in January for the same l5-s1 bi lateral pars defect. How are you now? Any other issues with adjacent levels?
Knock on wood, not so far! Be safe on your journey.
Post MIS TILF, for how much days operation pain remains and how much it subsidised?
2014 I had the ol' L5 S1, October 2022, 4th fusion from S1 to T1, most days I want to put my head in a blender.
I have been having pain for over 2 years I am ready for fusion
Bro I was suffering with l5 s1 pars fracture. So it's better to go with surgery or wait for some time to own heal it's happen 3 months back
I’m going in for L3-L4. L4-L5. L5-S1 fusion and cage surgery. Any advice anybody can give me. Pins in spine from the back. Cage through the front in abdomen. Thanks everybody for the input
Don't john
They wanted to fuse my s1l5 at the age 22 refused because of all the horror stories I heard plus I thought I was to young now 37 I'm getting my C3c4 fused bc I no longer qualify for a replacement if everything goes well we will look at my back
Suffering from spondylolisthesis l5 S1 since more than a year.. surgery is scheduled in couple of days.. kindly do remember me in ur prayers.. iam scared alot. .. hope the things will be back rightly😢
I hope you get relief and everything goes well.💞 I am 13 days post-op from my ALIF L4-5 to correct spondylolisthesis. He cleaned out the arthritis too. I am feeling pretty good. I just did 15 minutes of walking at 2 miles an hour on my treadmill and I'm down to very little pain medication. All the weakness and pain in my left leg is gone. My back feels a lot better too. No more searing low back and leg pain that had me wanting to chop it off.
How did your surgery go? are you feeling better?
Fantastic. My surgeon cleaned out a lot of arthiritis from me too, made my recovery much longer but hopefully it will be better long term. Wow, congratulations on your progress!!!!
I hope all went well. I have the same thing. Surgery I’m hoping soon. Did you have leg and foot pains? Like burning, tingling? I have it both feet. God bless you.
Has anyone had neck or lower back surgery without being fused from any part of the vertebrate to remove hernias and bone spurs thru minimum evasive surgery using an advanced laser 😢to remove all the tight spaces whether in the neck or lower back or the facets joints 😊where the sciatica is being crushed by those tight spaces. Was your surgery successful and who was the surgeon who performed the surgery without fusing any part of the back.
Please leave me a comment, if Anyone didn't need a fused back or if anyone knows of any great skilled neurosurgeons that works with minimum evasive surgery. Thank You
I had surgery in 2007, did not opt for fusion...I have been bone on bone at l4 l5 and numb down left leg, outside of foot. I lost inside portions of calves and just have dealt with it. Im 50 now and fusion has been recommended due to my situation. I see this new disc replacement procedure that people swear by. I am interested.
Im so worried about fusion, but Doctor believes it will relieve my pain and a 80 to 90% chance, to get rid of nerve issues, due to bones offset and rubbing on nerves.
The disc replacement has been around for about 20 years. That is what I want to do instead of the fusion. The problem I have run into, blue cross, blue shield will not cover it.
in men the lumbar disc replacement can cause sexual dysfunction. Specifically retrograde ejaculation. This is because it’s done through the front and it can mess up some small nerves.
I had a year ago l4 l5 s1 fusion I retreat the surgery. It left me worst .don't do it. Had it done a year ago .more problems then before surgery. More pain also. Sam around. I retreat it.
Same what they wanna do to me after auto accident l-4 l-5 disc replacement bone graph and s -1 fusion.with instruments.
I'm having on the 22nd L4,L5 S1
Any issues now 3 years later?
I can cope with my pain I just can't walk enough to go out to eat or go anywhere really.
That's when it comes the time to consider surgery, really. I hope you feel better soon.
@@dylanandersen2159 Thank you. My surgery will be at lease 4 hours so its not till June 20th . That dr is so ggod . He is doing minimal invasive but he said i would be in a lot of pain . 3 bulging disc and two fusions with rods and screws .
@@HappyLife-vh2ey You got this! Positivity will prevail!
how big is your scar? my surgery is in 3 months!
Six inches vertically. It's not that bad. Nobody stares at your lower back haha. But, yes, it's a gnarly scar. War scar :)
how are you now?
I am almost 2 years out and am feeling fantastic. Just get tight at night and take an NSAID before bed 3 out of 7 nights a week - other than that, I am back to normal. Video coming soon - subscribe for that!
Are you still having trouble using the restroom?
Nope! Was just prior to surgery when things were at the worst.
Deff not my dr.s offers neck fusion plus 2 disc replacement lower back fusion plus two disc replacement.
Just had fusion with titanium cage today. Tomorrow they will make 4 small holes to put in the hardware. Then i leave on Wednesday.
You are in my prayers and thoughts. Good luck...keep us updated on how everything works out. Take it easy...
Please share link
I bet your non sciatic pain is gone now in your ankle and legs. That was pain from your nerves being a bit damaged from your injury. Nerves take along time to heal.
Is it worth now? How are you? I’m waiting for my fusion l4 l5 s1
I am doing so good!!! Feeling amazing 16 months out.
@@dylanandersen2159 awesome news
Did your doctor talk to you about adjacent level? I hope you keeping doing well!
It's something that was mentioned since I had a 1mm bulge before surgery at L4-L5. But they said that with good spinal hygiene I'll be fine and it's less common than you think, particularly for my age. Only reason I had a fusion was due to the bilateral pars defect. I think if anything, I would have an MD if things ever got bad.
@@dylanandersen2159 If a person had to have a single level fusion, the L5/S1 level is probably the best. Or is the best with the current literature
@@mickypoole9226 that's kind of what I've heard and read too. But man this recovery is long and arduous.
@@dylanandersen2159 I have L4/5/S1 fused and an artificial disc in L3/4 . My back was stuffed
@@mickypoole9226 how you feeling these days? How far out are you?
Why wouldnt you just try disc replacement instead of fusiin?
With bilateral pars defects and minor spondylothesis, fusion is inevitable and it was not the disc putting pressure on the nerve, it was the instability of the spine.
U should have gone for pars repair buck screw method
its hard to hear you good my speacker all way up om my sdesk top but you talking low i guess my problem at L5 L 1 SAME i know bout y scans friday if i need surgey or not
Sorry! Was trying to be quiet this day, my baby was sleeping haha. Let me know how your scans went!
I hit 2 years the other week: czcams.com/video/e7tlBcI9aOQ/video.html
3mm spondy slip is nothing ..that 6mm heriated disc was prabalbly cause of pain- pinching nerve route..
Yes, totally. The spondylolisthesis was very minor but the herniated disc was even worse. I ended up having the pars defect due to thyroid cancer - posted a 2 year update recently if you'd like to watch: czcams.com/video/e7tlBcI9aOQ/video.html
Just fyi enrique has taken his channel down