L4/L5 Spinal Fusion And Decompression 9 Days After Surgery...Things Are Getting Gross!
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 8 сен 2024
- If you've followed along you know that my MRI's determined that I had Degeneration of lumbar intervertebral disc, Lumbar radiculopathy, Lumbar spondylosis, and Spinal stenosis of the lumbar region so the Dr. Robert Cope from EmergeOrtho performed a posterior spinal decompression and fusion operation.
This video covers days 1-9 after surgery and I have to be honest it's been MESSY and I'll show it all to you here!
With a recovery time of up to 2 years there are some very important do's and don'ts as you are going through the healing process so I will be sharing all of the information in hopes it helps someone else who is nervous or uncertain about the procedure.
So follow along and let me know if you have any questions that I haven't answered. I'll leave Amazon affiliate links to all of the products that I mention or am using for the recovery process.
Amazon Affiliate Links:
Asterom Viking Cane: amzn.to/3Tl5Cp9
Wheeled Walker: amzn.to/3TFWmgV
Folding Walker: amzn.to/491qQhQ
Samodra Bidet: amzn.to/496UOkE
Toilet Riser: amzn.to/4aj5764
Wiping Tool: amzn.to/3vigrAu
Elephant Trunk Pajama Pants: amzn.to/3IFDb0k
Just had my L4-L5 Mas Tlif 11 weeks ago. Hang in there, I know your pain! It's super rough for 2-3 weeks but it starts to get better. The best investment we made was a 400$ powerlift recliner I stayed in that for the first 6-8 weeks. I am feeling pretty good, walking for a few miles everyday and doing some fishing and little things. Stay positive
Hey, thanks so much for the kind words. I hope the rest of your recovery goes amazingly!
Hey big guy, I watched your videos before I went in for back surgery. I'm 6'1 266 lb. I was 21 days post-op and my surgery. The screws backed out and I had to have the whole surgery redone again. He said it was because I was such a big guy. I know you can relate. I hope you're doing well. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for sharing this! I will need an L4-L5 fusion soon and I'm petrified. I won't have any help and I'm not sure how I'm going to manage. It's good to see what to expect.
I'm sending you all the healing vibes!
Don't be petrified! I'm finally getting past the pain and will be filming another update this week!
Just know the advancements in technology has improved tremendously even from 3-6 years ago. Doctors are using new forms of cages and curved rods along with the donor tissue that helps with fusion process time. Just prep now by making sure you have clear paths in the house, no trip hazards. And hopefully you have someone there to help you with that 1st month, especially the first 3 weeks home.
I'm scheduled for L4-L5 fusion this summer, I am also scared. How are you doing?
@@kenbo808 I haven't scheduled it yet. I am waiting until we image it again in January. If it's progressed, I'll schedule then. I have Grade 2 Spondylolisthesis with pars defect. Please let me know how yours goes. I wish you the best!
@@kenbo808 Hey Kenbo I'm doing pretty good and walking 2 miles a day!
I’ve had chronic constipation for 20+ years due to pain management. I’ve tried everything. The only thing that I’ve ever tried that actually works as a product called 15 day Cleanse.
The magic ingredients are Senna, Cascara Sagrada, Psyllium Husk, Flaxseed, Aloe Vera Leaf Gel, plus a few other ingredients. .It works great. I buy it at a local gym. Hope you can find it online.
Hey, thanks buddy. Once I came off the pain pills it completely went away. so hopefully I’ll never experience it again.
L5-S1 Fusion is very painful. Each lap is a win. Keep pushing forward. Stay with the pain management. The first 2-3 weeks are very painful.
Drainage is going to happen.
I worked up to 7 mile walk, 3 times per day to stimulate bone growth over 6 months.
Now,
if your age 50 or over your metabolism is an about 70% effective to healing. Movement is energy. So give yourself grace and keep moving.
Diet of fiber foods happens or use an olive oil, cayenne, fresh lemon shots in the A.M.
Hey thanks so much for the advice! that's awesome on your walking!
Thank you for putting these videos out on YT. I'm a week away from having a two level laminectomy with no fusion. Seeing the entire process including the issues and pain of recovery is incredible helpful in preparing for surgery and recovery. Surgeon suggests 2 to 3 days in hospital to deal with drainage. Then a 7 day, waterproof bandage that he will remove. I found the pre-op sterile washes and dog issues interesting (we too let our dogs sleep in our bed) as no one has suggested these precautions. Makes sense to me so might do so. Liked your suggested items for recovery, and already have the motorized bed and bidet and grabber. Thanks for the list. Your wife is amazing -- mine would faint just looking at the incision in your video. Hopefully the rest of your recovery will be rapid and painfree. You and your wife are in our prayers.
Hey, thanks so much for watching and good luck with your surgery!
Your so right with the pain, it's very painful. On 5/21/24 I had spacers put through the front. S1, L5L, L4, L3. The next day though the back fusion S1 all the way to T9. Between the 2 surgeries I passed out moving to a chair, I had an Abdominal Hematoma and needed 2 transfusions between surgeries. 11 days at Cincinnati Christ Hospital went home for 4 days before going to Mercy hospital for 5 days to relive my fluid retention. Almost 3 months out now, I have no pain at all that I had before. My leg would go numb, I could not walk more than a couple hundred steps. I can walk a mile now with no pain, but the 7 weeks the pain was so bad. I so glad I Dr. Robert Bohinski from the Mayfield Brain and Spine do the extensive surgery. Good luck.
I made gummies from Medical Marijuana before my surgery for years to control pain and after to not use so many pain pills. For constipation I added MiraLAX to stool softener's and had no problems.
Wow what an ordeal! So glad that it was finally a success!
I was using CBD gummies for a while but now I don’t take anything but the occasional Tylenol
Just had S1-L5 and L5-L4 fusion going on week 3, every day is better than the last, day two of no pain meds and walking a block without a walker.
Just have numbness in my right foot still and it feels cold.
But the pain I had prior to surgery is gone.
1st 2 weeks home were the hardest.
Missed my bulldogs and they wouldn’t leave my side.
I want to try cbd but being a cop, my work doesn’t allow me to use it. Trying melatonin.
Sleeping maybe 3 hours at a time on week 3.
Wouldn’t have been able to do it or continue without my wife there helping me.
Good to see you have help.
I agree wholeheartedly! Our partners are our rocks through this....I hate that about the CBD because the indica strain makes me sleep more comfortably. I am 6 weeks out and rarely even taking tylenol myself and I finished a 5K walk this weekend so I'll take it! Good luck man....we got this!
I was in the hospital in the last month for a bowel impaction. Truly, truly painful. And in the next month, I'm having fusion surgery on my back. I've been taking stool softner. This video has given me invaluable information!! Now I know to watch out for that again. Thank you so much for putting this out there. I'm pretty scared of the surgery, but when you know what to expect and how to make it better, I feel good about it.
Hey Thanks so much for the kind words and good luck on your upcoming surgery! I was worried because this isn't what our Channel is actually about but people have seemed to respond positively. We try to be as real as we can be for this channel and sometimes that's bad but it's also good. Thanks for watching!
Wow!!! Man, glad to see you up and so positive, Coodos to the wife for the support! A Big team effort and good documentation. Glad you spoke about the bandage changes in detail and constipation. Wishing you the best! Subscribed and lets do this!!
Hey thanks so much for the kindness!
Right there with you buddy. I am 27 days post-surgery for the same thing. This is tough and like you, I was not prepared for this level of pain. I am 71 years old and this is the hardest thing I have experienced.
Arlon my heart goes out to you buddy! I can’t imagine going through this at 71 years old, I hope that you continue to get better buddy!
I’m having a Plif L5 S1 really soon I appreciate the videos and info I’ll be honest I’m scared shitless but hopefully it’s a end to my problems over the last few years
Absolutely! I hope the surgery brings you relief!
I am having l4l5 fusion on 3/4/24, keep up the great content you are both legends and all will be fine......
Hey, thank you so much for the kind words and good luck on your upcoming surgery!
How are you now? All good?
How you make out?
Just a quick up date .. I went for my 6 wk post op. all restrictions lifted. Back to work Part time. . Im an avid gym junkie so cleared to go back with in moderation. No back brace. I can stretch ,bend, twist. Just play by the rules... I was fused from L2-L5. 2 rods 8 screws.. hang in there...
That sounds like a pretty awesome six week update Mary. Glad to hear you’re doing so well! I just had my two week follow up today and my news wasn’t good so expect a new video soon…
Oh no... im sorry. I'll keep you in my prayers and thoughts
@@maryschwalm9617 you rock Mary!
Your doing great. It does get better. The pain after is something I never experienced either. Going on 6wks out. You got this.
How are things at 6 weeks out going?
I went to a Philies game . sat way to long , so was a bit tight and sore for a couple days. Go back tomorrow for 6 wk ck up to see if I can go back to work. perhaps start PT. Ill keep you posted. How are you doing?@@DownSouth_Adventures
Thank you for sharing everything you have had to deal with. I have to have L4 and L5 fusion done. After seeing your second video. I was a little concerned, but thanks for sharing to not over do it. Any suggestions on how to prepare before surgery?
Thank you,
Rick L.
After surgery, you’re going to need to be able to sit down and stand up without using your hands while maintaining a straight spine. It is imperative that you start practicing this before the surgery. If you look at some of my beginning videos, you’ll see my wife practicing this with an exercise band around my waist to help me if I failed. go ahead and install the $30 bidet that I showed from Amazon or something better if you choose, but the bidet is a lifesaver.
Thank you for getting back to me quickly. I ordered the bidet from Amazon today, thanks. I probably won't have the surgery until September or so. My doctor has a full plate right now. I have to start cancer treatment soon as well. I find out on Monday when that will be. Thank you once again.
@@Rick-kl4ni Good Luck buddy!
L/4 L/5 fusion on June 5th, 3 days in hospital wasn't too bad.. off prescription pain meds on day 5... but THEN had a bad allergic reaction to what they believe was the DuraBond surgical glue and ended up in ER on IV drip with 4 meds for 6 hrs. No just take an occasion Tylenol Arthritis. Cut the grass on day 14. ALIF in front then flipped over with two more incisions for pinnacle screws and rods done with robot.
Just be super careful with your recovery man and don't do too much and cause your fusion to fail!
Glad to see you getting better see difference. Praying for you brother. Pink great color for Easter.
Hey, thanks so much for the kind words! And yeah, I guess that does work for the color!
Thank you for this video. I will be having this surgery in July. I will be so happy to be pain free when recovery is over.
Good luck Joan! I’m 5 weeks out and feeling really good!
If you're taking painkillers to deal with the pain, then that will stop you up too.
Absolutely I can't believe I didn't mention the pain killers were the reason! Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the share, go back to surgeon the 27 getting scheduled for the surgery, I'm so ready to feel my feet and maybe pain free
Good luck! I hope everything goes well!
I wish i could have told you before surgery ..a BIDET is a lifesaver after spine surgery!! Im having my 3rd on Monday.. 😩 A BIDET IS A LIFESAVER!
I installed it 3 weeks before my surgery but yes I AGREE!
I prayed for you
Thank you so much!
I will consider ur thoughts
Thanks and good luck!
God bless 🙏 I had same but did it 2 step operation 😮 you did it all at once God bless I was an electrician my whole life just curious what kind of work you did? My doctor said a lot of men get this after 25 years old physical work women get it also but he sees a lot of trade people
I ran and serviced large printing presses for 17 years, then became a personal trainer until taking a sales job selling lumber equipment.
@@DownSouth_Adventures I was just wondering why I got it you got it other guys I worked with did not get it The doctors never give me a straight answer
@@jcaleca60 I got it because I stopped taking care of my body and got fat lol
@@DownSouth_Adventures That's okay I used to stay in shape but I got it anyway it was never heavy worked out who knows
@@jcaleca60 sitting is the worst thing you can do. I had mild scoliosis and wehen I stayed in shape the muscle I had kept my spine nice and straight. I took an office job and gained 80lbs so for the last 5 years I've been sitting in a chair destroying my spine and core.
L3 l5 fusion on June 6 2023 rough but now yess I'm so much better
Awesome!
That's so true. I just had my surgery on that 3 it hurts I tell you it Hurst
It’s definitely not fun!
Ppl quit getting these 30 year old surgeries. GO ROBOTIC. THE RECOVERY IS 1/2 THE TIME. ITS MUCH SAFER. I HAD OUT PATIENT BUT ONLY ONE LEVEL. I HAD 3 OF THE OLD STYLE AND NEVER AGAIN. ROBOTIC IS 95 PERCENT CHANCE SUCCESS. MY SURGEON WAS A WORLD REKNOWN SURGEON. MY SURGEON CLD SEE INSIDE ME LIVE. ALSO HE HAD A PROFESSIONAL MONITOR MY NERVES DURING THE SURGERY. I LOST 10 YEARS BEING LAID UP DUE TO A BOTCHED SURGERY. A FAILED SURGERY. FIND A TOP SURGEON. ASK THE PATIENTS WHEN U GO FOR YOUR OFFICE VISIT DID HE FIX YOU, WLD YOU LET HIM OPERATE ON YOU AGAIN. 2018 MY ANSWERS WERE HE IS THE BEST. A FEW HAD NECK AND LOW SPINE FUSED WITH HIM. ALSO READ GOOGLE REVIEWS.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I'm getting ready to schedule and trying to cover all my bases. Did you find the hospital bed to be more useful for getting in/out of bed... overall sleep? The ability to move the head of the bed up and down, to adjust positions? Thank you for any info you may give. I'm sorry for the pain you're in. Sending prayers for a speedy recovery... hang in there!
Yes I loved the adjustable bed for that reason and it is also the reason that I sleep in a recliner at night while recovering. Laying flat in the bed is painful
Thank you for replying! @@DownSouth_Adventures
@@meagan9837 Are you kidding you are the superstar for watching and commenting!
Hi how you doing now...
Thx for the video.
Im going for L5s1 on 6 Sept eish
Hey buddy I’m doing okay, if you look on my channel I’ve got quite a few updates since this one but don’t be scared just get prepared.
It does get a lot better 👍 -- lots of water helps
Stool softeners may be enough for some people, but they do not help propel the material along, so if you are having no success, you may need a laxative, so ask your doc which one they suggest you use.
The Enema worked beautifully for the impaction but Milk of Magnesia kept me going like clockwork after the enema.
Had 2-3,4-5,5-6fused,had nerve damage and now I have lost feeling in my right leg, has that happened to anyone else?
The first fusion brought back all of my sensation, but when it failed it messed up my left leg a little bit
Glad your doing better you have a wonderful wife.I see a surgeon may 17 I hope he don't want to do surgery. I don't think I have the problems you had but all my disk are bulging and one herniated disk. Good luck.
Seriously now that I’ve went through it twice I can tell you if he says surgery is the best option. Just do it because you can make it through it. Good luck buddy!
I had a similar experience with L5-S1 fused. My surgeon went in from the front.
Do you feel like it was easier or harder from the front?
@@DownSouth_Adventures I had an issue with internal bleeding and had to be operated on again. Once that was resolved I healed faster than I did from a different surgery that they went in from the back.
@@jrepp74 glad that you're feeling better!
Painkillers always clog folks, stay on top of the hydration.
Yessir!
Alot of ppl are doing this old spine surgery. NEVER again yes the pain is horrible. But for me he put screws in my nerve. I stayed like that for 4 years. Next surgery failed but screws were out of my nerves. What a relief. My 3rd surgeon finally said your nerves are so compressed your walking well. Well its 2024 i jus had my 4th fusion. My spine had to compensate since my neck messed up for 8 years. It messed my low spine up. I jus had a lumbar fusion. ROBOTIC WAS GREAT. Dont trust your surgeon. Two of them lied and lied to me. If you are still having alot of pain after 6 months and u have told ur surgeon and if he only takes xrays at his office. GET ON THIS OR YOUR WHOLE SPINE WILL BE MESSED UP. THE ONLY WAY TO SEE WHAT'S REALLY GOING ON IS A MRI. BOTH MY SURGERIES THAT WERE BOTCHED ONE BOTHCHED THE OTHER DIDN'T FUSE. BUT THEY NEVER TELL U THAT. ANOTHER XRAY. YOUR HEALED THEY SAID. DONT BELIEVE YOUR SURGEON AFTER 9 MONTHS OR SO STILL IN PAIN. GET AN MRI FROM HIM OR ANY OTHER SURGEON
Luckily I love my surgeon, I'm 12 weeks out and I walked a 5K at 5:30 this morning before I started work and I am doing therapy with my wife 2 days per week.
I have no complaints so far but extreme stiffness after sitting.
I feel so terrible about everything that you have been through and wish for your continued healing!
Had mine Jan 2024. Still pain.. depends how much to do
Absolutely!
I hope you continue to heal!
The constipation I think was the worst... I was 7 days...
literally the worst pain!
I just had L5-S1 ALTF and back fusion. OUCH.
They definitely aren’t fun!
I still have constipation after my 1st surgery and i can go 14 days. Im preparing for my 3rd surgery and neck surgery soon 😊
Smooth Move or Milk of Magnesia was my savior!
Good luck on your next surgery!
I am having an XLIF in august just two small incisions on the side to fuse l4/l5
Thanks for watching. I hope that your surgery goes great!
My poor little boy
lol!
My mom is about to have her 2nd L4 L5 fusion surgery. Anyone have any suggestions for me to make her as comfortable as possible?
Look in my spine playlist and get her the bidet....it will be the best purchase you make, then the grabber tool, and the tray table that I have. I am 4 months post op and still use them all every day. The links are in the description I think. Good Luck to your mom!
I would like 2 know more about lumbar fusion. as of now the disc between l4 and l5 is tapering down on the right side and l5 and s1 the disc is gone. I would like 2 know all the pro's and con's about fusion. I'm currently taking perocet 10 mg. about 10 years now and I do workouts to strenghting my weak legs and reduce pain. I have 2 over medicate 2 carry a normal life, like yard work and playing golf
Then you should look into surgery…. if life is that unbearable, there are no cons to the surgery, except for the fact that the recovery is very hard initially.
I get very worried as I need 4/5 S1 Fusion buttons thighs groin very very PAINFUL can’t walk without walker. Did you get very bad groin and thighs pain before buddy.? Thank you for sharing.
Yes it burned like fire but it’s gone now!
Liked all bathing suits