Guys, thank you so much for the support. Make sure you check out my Q and A videos and if you have further questions, feel free to shoot me an email at Fuzed24@yahoo.com. Please let me know if you have interest in a group email of fusion patients and prospective fusion patients. Thanks!!
No more nerve pain today. I was hurting so SO bad for three days. I had the most excruciating pain behind my right thigh. It was like someone was constantly stabbing me with needles and also like someone sprayed a line of lighter fluid on me and lit it. It's the pain I had for the past 11-13 years but the fusion was done to fix it. I feel so much better today. If it weren't for the lord Jesus I KNOW I wouldn't of made it these past few years. There is REFUGE in the Lord. I asked the drs to cut my leg off 6 or 7 years ago and they said I'd still have that pain. I've hurt so unbelievably bad for so long I honestly thought I'd be in a wheelchair for the rest of my life. I didn't do anything about my pain due to my surgeon moving away. I didn't trust any other surgeon's cause I knew nothing about them. My Mom went out for coffee with a friend from church and she mentioned that she was going to dr. Blok (my surgeon) for epidural'. That's how I found out my surgeon moved back. I mean I can go on and on speaking of the blessings God has bestowed on/to me. Appreciate the vid "fuzed life" a place to vent but also give my testimony.✝️🙏🤲👆
@@TheFuzedLife first week back at work im a custodian and its not been any fun they put me on a steriod and said ice and take it easy this weekend but its starting to feel like it did before surgery
@@ruston723 well as a custodian there is a lot of tedious things you do. A lot of repetition. A lot of bending down. It may hurt now but it could benefit in the long run. Make sure you’re stretching please! For me it was my butt muscles that needed stretched. Piriformis was the main one.
I also had Lowe Lunbar Fusion surgery and am successfully recovering on week 9. BEST decision I ever made. To think I suffered for 7 years without the surgery, I was 89% disabled prior to the surgery. Feeling very grateful and Bless thank God.
@TheFuzedLife. That's awesome. My husband has been putting it off for over 10 years and his disc degeneration is horrible . It's his L4 andL5 and it's awful that he has put it off but he's been so scared. at a point at 51 years old he needs to either do it now or never. We are hopeful for his relief and recovery will be at least 50% . He's driven but limited due to the mobility and ongoing pain. Laying in bed is painful. Congratulations on your recovery. Hopefully we go to meet his surgeon next month. He's done all the shots and nerve burning years ago. Fusion surgery is his only option now. Hes been past ready. ❤
I’m 58 yrs old and I had my L4L5 spinal fusion March of 2003.its been the best surgery .ive had zero problems. I was doing stair therapy 6 hrs after surgery. I still have all the metal in. After a week I stopped all pain meds and walked a lot . A month and a half after surgery I was working and doing a lot of things they said I couldn’t do. Exercise your core muscles and ditch the pain meds
Thank you for your words of encouragement. My husband has had 2 brain surgeries but is anxious about this next month. He remembers almost nothing about brain surgery so I thank you for addressing this, Phil! 😊
Yo just had similar surgery.1week popped off bandage took shower drove kids to burger king walked in no walker sore as hell but push thru. Looks like shannon colton in pic.
I just had my Spinal fusion and Laminectomy last week in Nairobi Kenya. Perfectly done! Hardly any pain post surgery. Two nights in hospital and now recovering at home. I am 72 and fairly fit. Am confident I will be able to walk comfortably after couple of weeks. Fingers crossed!
My dad is exactly your age and he had a consultation but he's scared. I wish I could connect with you to ask questions and may e even speak with him. If possible, please let me know, he's in severe pain but scared to get surgery as he feels he wouldn't recover. He's fairly fit, he has played lawn tennis all his life, has no underlining illness so I'm pretty confident just like you, he'll recover
I had mine on the 13/5 I was able to walk a little on the third day, I was in hospital 6 days my staples were taken out on Monday 27/5 they were uncomfortable but I am 74 and have arthritis in my knees, my legs have been stiff and painful because pre op I wasn’t able to walk more than a few steps. I now have to walk as much as I am able but I’m very nervous as over the last year I had numerous falls breaking my wrist. I am in Spain and the heat is about 36 degrees which I can’t tolerate so it’s round and round interior of house. Physio is working with me so hopefully in the next couple of weeks my muscles and tendons will be more flexible.
I had this same surgery 10 years ago. I still have my rods n screws in my back. I work full time now, but definitely still watch how I bend and lift things. Do exactly what the doctor tells you to do and not do. I'm pain-free now, unless I do something that might aggravate my back. Can't ride a bike, climb stairs, etc. No repetitive bending.. As long as I avoid those sort of activities, I am 100%
Hey Masters, You say you're 100% but can't do X, Y, and Z so I would argue that you aren't 100% of what you were but I know exactly what you mean. I'm glad you're able to figure out exactly what you can and cannot do in order to just live a pain free life. Great info.
@@TheFuzedLife I meant 100% pain free.. I always think about my back before I do anything now. So I avoid those things. And by avoiding them, I am pain free
Going on 3 months p.o.. ...standing while cooking stiffens me pretty good.....taking garbage out etc....I live alone....so it's been a little tough....but ok altogether😊
After 5 years, finally got diagnosed with Grade 1 L5 S1 Spondy resulting in severe buttock pain. In the RUclips rabbit hole trying to avoid surgery with PT…but this makes me want to cry. Going through a divorce too so the lack of support if I do have surgery is killing me.
Brother you need support but you can make it through. This video was at my darkest times with the surgery. I’m 2.5 years post op and I’m feeling great! Good luck and please keep me posted!
Thank you so much for your insight and realness describing your recovery, but i must say this to you....youre the first person i ever seen make a recovery video that many of us are in tune with because were getting surgery, or had, yet you followed up asking "how are you feeling" to those who got the surgery and are post op. Youre a good man brother, ive never seen anyone whose posted their journey, yet took the time to ask others how theyre doing post-op. Youre a good soul, and i hope youre back in the gym pressing and squatting again. For some of us, its church! God bless
@TheFuzedLife yes...much value and I definetly appreciated the honesty. Right now I'm in a holding pattern. I'm looking more for ADR surgery, not fusion. Pain is tolerable through stretching. No more squatting or compression exercises but still training. May even go to Texas for ADR surgery if I can find a doctor there. I'll keep you posted brother
It is so good listening to a person like you that is sharing your account in such an un-dramatic way. So refreshing, Thank you! I am one week out of surgery and your account description of the days following parallel mine. I feel better everyday Look forward to hearing more from you. BTW not too long winded, you are doing great and Thanks again.
I am on week1 in after having spinal fusion surgery so far so good in such short timenot much pain after the surgery walking without pain can not believe it so glad I did it suffer since 2019 until now if any one need this surgery please get it I am so happy I did praying I will keep healing..❤
I've had many surgeries, including this one. One preparatory tip: One or two weeks before the surgery, practice getting out of bed by rolling your body, sliding your feet to the ground and using a cane (between your legs is good) to push yourself up and stand, all without bending your back. It is very important to engage your lower abs (TVA) to stabilize. To help practice, you can put some kinesio tape on your back to create a tension that will not allow you to flex, and ask a physio to explain this, prior to your surgery. Then, practice putting on your shoe by bending only your knee, resting foot on contra-lateral thigh etc. If you are able to get used to not bending and engaging your abs and other muscles, it will be MUCH easier to get out of bed post op. I had a L4-5 instrumented fusion and spent only one night in hospital, walked home (10 minutes) the next day. The preparation you do before the surgery, as well as understanding that it is normal to have a lot of pain due to inflammation for the first few days, will help you. The most important thing to remember when you come out of surgery is that the pain is temporary, and walking will not make it worse, even if it is painful to do so, initially.
I appreciate the vid. I had a level one spinal fusion on September 19th 2022. I'm still stiff and having some pain in my lower back. Most all my pain was in my legs, hips, and groin. I'm 41 and this was my 4th surgery, the others were disketomy or decompression. I've been doing lots of exercises and finally starting to lift weights again. I still go to pain management but hopefully soon won't need to go any longer. I'm just trying to learn new things which I can do to strengthen not only my lower back but also upper back and legs. Good Luck to everyone going through this and God Bless. Put your faith in Jesus Christ!
My legs feel better than they have in years. No more pain going down into my groin, thighs, calves, or knees. I am having quite a bit of trouble with what they call the SI joint. I'm getting injections and also seeing pain management for opioid pain meds. If I can just get this SI joint problem fixed, I think I'll feel like new money. I'm not complaining, I can walk 2-3 miles at a time now, I've been fishing 2-3x a week since March, and I've been doing some mechanic work. God is good! I have faith that I'll live a normal life before long. Thanks for your concern. I'll keep ya updated on what's next. I just went to my doctor 3 days ago, and he's worried my L2-L3 is going to need a fusion very soon but I refuse to accept that. I'm gonna do all I can to regain my independence and life without another surgery for at least 10 years. God Bless and good luck with your back issues.👆🙏✝️
Hands down the most beneficial video I’ve watched. I have my surgery on Friday. And after watching this, I feel much more prepared. Thank you so much for sharing!
August 7th, 1971 i was in a horrible auto accident. Perforated intestines, ruptured sleen and crushing fracture of the L3. 8 hour surgery to save my life and a month later another 8 hour decompression and fusion of L3-5. Obviously, life changing. 53 years of constant pain. You can let the pain take over or accept the new you and carry on with life. I wish I could tell you there wasn't set backs and fear. That would be a lie but you can't let the pain win. I was 20 when the accident happened and when i left the hospital i weighed 113 pounds, with the body cast on. I never felt bitter or angry toward the friend who was driving the car. He proably saved my life and prevented any further samage as he directed the rescue team of my potential spin injury, wven though he was seriously injured as well. Did it change my life, sure. Would it have better? Who kno w s. Ive lead an exceptional life and have no complaints.
I applaud you. I went through the same thing my L4&L5 was grade 2 Spondylolisthesis with my L4 half way past my L5 with no disc. I had all the procedures you had prior to get the insurance approval for the surgery 1 1/2 year later. I'm 56 (African American) during surgery and I feel so much better but it's taking time to heal do to I suffer from RA moderate/severe of hands and feet, osteoarthritis of both knees mild form, and RA of the back, it's February 2024 now my bone growth is slow due to RA I was told. But I feel better now than before and yes I had physical therapy just finished February 6,2024. ALL YOU ARE TELLING I ALSO WENT THROUGH THE EXACT SAME THING, MEDICATION, CONSTIPATIONT, AND EVERYTHING ELSE. Thanks for recording this because a lot of people don't understand what we go through before and after. 😊❤
That was 100% the point of recording it. To be real and honest about what lies ahead. I’m really glad you’re doing well and I hope you keep getting better. Sounds like you have the arthritis which I don’t have yet Thank God! Please be safe and keep healing! Keep in touch!
And I especially applaud you! Having RA during recovery had to be so much harder! My Sis has RA and struggles so with hands, ankles and knee issues! Takes bravery! Sending you a soft hug! 😊❤
Few month after the same op... fusion of L4/5 and S1 . Started with cronic pain , lower back. Terrible pain in walking...went back to another dr...as we moved away... new dr declare : FBSS ~ FAILED BACK SURGERY SYNDROME I had rhystomie and fassetblock. Helped for while. 12 years later Still cronic pain. Now also burning soles, as if barefeet on hot.tarmac.( Non diabetic) Neuropathy because of Pedineural fibroses/bleedind forming after operation. Constant pain and the burning newe away, even when sleeping
I just had my L4-L5 fused a little over a week ago on 6/23/23. I'm 54 and it's been no cake walk that's for sure. Things are getting a little better every day and I experienced everything you described post surgery. My symptoms before the surgery was numbness just under the skin on my right and left thighs down to just above my knees. I had a bone spur pressing on the nerve on the right side that made my right side more numb than the left. The CT and MRI didn't actually show the bone spur which caused the surgery to go 3 hours which was an hour longer than expected. I'm an electrical lineman by trade and it's pretty much a job of hard work and discomfort. It'll be 3 months before I will hopefully be able to return to work. We don't have light duty so I've got to be 100% before I can go back. Oh yeah, one thing you forget to mention was the catheter. I got mine out the day of the surgery or the next day one. Needless to say, it burned when I peed for the first 5 days after the surgery. I don't know if they gave me an extra big one or what. That was certainly some extra pain I could have done without. My doctor also got me a brace belt kind of thing that has a removable ice pack that goes over your incision site. That incision site pain is one of the worst pains I've ever had. I can lay on my left and right side now so that helps to change position in bed. I've only been taking an oxycodone at night to help take the edge off the pain so I could sleep. I don't think I'll take one tonight and see if I can sleep. It's nearly 1 am and my schedule is getting out of whack too. They should have offered you some stool softeners and a laxative in the hospital. I was going within the second day and I had my surgery early on a Friday and went home around noon on Sunday. I subscribed to your channel and will watch some more.
@@sailendridas6170 I'm supposed to go back to work on Monday October 16th. I've got to get some FMLA papers filled out quickly. I should have already had them in. My back is less than ideal. I can hopefully stand for a longer period of time than before the surgery. There is a lot of standing and walking involved with my outdoor job as a Lineman. I wish that I had no pain but, that would be a lie. Bending over the put on shoes and socks is one of my hardest things to do. I just got home from physical therapy a few minutes ago and it does help to exercise the core and lower back muscles and I'm probably going to keep on with physical therapy even after I get back to work. They are supposed to be trying to get me scheduled in for a couple more weeks at least twice a week. I'll know more how I'm really doing after being back to work for a week or so. It's hard to gauge right now. The numbness in m upper and outer thigh is still present though it may be slightly less than before surgery.
I love your description of the recovery. My surgery was last week Nov. 17th,2022. All I remember was being rolled into the operating room a couple more nurses, and next time I woke up it was in the recovery room. The 1st 2 nights I was bed rest, couldn't move without it hurting, sleeping on my side was the only way I could get some relief but then after a couple hours I use the call button for the nurses to help me role over. The meds are great to get some relief from the pain. On my 3rd day I started to get out of bed (with help) to try to walk, I was like a baby taking my 1st steps. I'm week into my post opp and feeling better; less pain, more movement. Oh yeah, I went a whole week from my last bowel movement which was the night before surgery. Be well.
Hi I hope everything is good now. I had a 2 level L3L4L4L5 fusion sergery 3 weeks ago but I feel buttucks pain and I hope I will be better ! Same everything you explain ,I wish no one have a pain like us.God bless every human being in world
Great video... I'm 48...I had back surgery in Oct 2023. (L4 L5) discectomy in El Paso. Who was or is your neurosurgeon? Mine was Dr. Martin... So far so good and i regret not doing this sooner... Your pre and post surgery description is on point... I watched other YT videos and they prepared me what to do prior to, day of, and during my recovery phase at home. Here is my description and advice for people going thru a similar experience... I got my tools and supplies a week prior. Stuff such as reach sticks (3), wound care supplies, clear water resistant bandages covers, and ice packs (small frozen water bottles or frozen veggie bags work as well and they're free or cheaper than the medical type ice packs from CVS/Walgreens). A week or two prior to surgery, i borrowed a walker and a portable toilet seat. If you ask, i am sure someone you know has these in storage or closet. Don't buy one if you don't have to...I also made sure i had someone at home with me (in my case my wife, thank God) and i made sure my doctor placed the order to have a nurse come daily for the first 10 days to do wound care and monitoring...in addition, I had my doctor request home physical therapy and have it in place for the following day after surgery...my doctor had instructed me to be walking and standing everyday right after surgery...i made sure i had my bed ready and clear of any barriers or obstacles that would cause any problems... I was not allowed to take any pain or meds two weeks prior to my surgery. That was hell. I was completely bed bound...i did all my business lying down (in a bucket or bed-pan). If you've been in my place, you don't care how and where business (relief) is taken care of...right? So be ready with that in case you are told to be off your meds and not mobile until your surgery... The day prior to my surgery i almost cancelled my surgery because i could not move or get off my bed... i googled for ambulance services in my area and found one that actually worked as a taxi. They charged me $125 one-way...they were a life saver! They relieved from my worries on transportation and helped me prepare myself mentally for my surgery. Make sure you wear simple and easy-to-remove clothing...my surgery was outpatient so i knew they were going to let me go home the same day so i would have to dress or have someone dress me when released. When i awoke from surgery i was made to stand up not even 1/2 hour later. I was scared but the nurse and wife encouraged me. Let me tell you that i had not felt such a relief and no pain as i had for the past months prior... i did have some discomfort from getting my back and spine opened up, but that was expected. I was able to sit up and after another half hour i was released home. To my surprise, i was able to get into my wife's SUV and the ride home was not too bad. Take in consideration that i was still under some good meds from surgery so they helped with some pain... When i arrived home, my room and bed were ready. I was able to lie down on my own and get up with a little help on my own to go to the bathroom... I did experience some bowel issues (blockage) due to meds and anesthesia but thankfully, as i had previously ordered prior to surgery, a nurse took care of that (but that's a completely different story). Lying onto my bed and out of bed was easy after watching some YT videos. Just Google how to get in and out of bed after back surgery...The walker came into play for the first two weeks and the reach sticks i had placed in the bathroom, bedroom and kitchen area helped a lot... Bathing was easy after covering my wound care and dressing (putting clothes on) took awhile but the reach sticks helped a lot... they are awesome! As i had mentioned, have your wound care supplies and your nursing care in place ... The home therapy started two days after my surgery and I did it for three days out of a week ... Your recovery will be successful as long as you follow doctor orders and follow the three rules : no twisting, bending or leaning for at least 3 weeks or until your doctor says so. Make sure you continue with outpatient physical therapy and do your walking exercises. I will add more info that may help others if I left anything out.
Your story is exactly what I’ve been going through. I fought with doctors for 6 years and finally found one this year that cared. I go in the 21st, I’m terrified, but hopeful. I just want my life back 😢
@@dwilson6769 because I was to young is what they kept saying. They let it go too far. My new orthopedic said if I had surgery 4 years ago it would have never gotten this bad. Keep fighting and don’t give up!
Prayers for you, Crystal. I am scheduling L4/5 laminectomy and fusion when I see the surgeon again in two weeks. I thought I could manage this longer. However I cannot. I’ve been trying to put surgery off until after Dec 14th; that is the day my grandson graduates college. However, I’m getting progressively worse in a very short period. I cannot beat this condition without surgery. I cannot even hang on til December. Like you, I just want my life back. I thought I was strong/tough. Actually , I AM. However THIS has nothing to do with that! I hope people understand why it is important to get out of their own way so they can enjoy life again. I’m more than ready!!!! Take care. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
You perfectly described the pre surgery pain.. its exactly what I've been going through. I have 8 weeks until my surgery and I've been nervous about it... but this video gave me a sense of calm. I sincerely appreciate this video, man. I hope your recovery is still going well brother!
@@NOT_Brian you’ll be ok brother. I’ve watched all these videos and Fuzed looks like he’s moving around like a spring chicken. All the best for you Bryan.
@@NOT_Brian I’m doing great sir. I can’t fault you for being a little nervous. It’s a life changing surgery. God willing, it’ll be all good life changes!!
Hi Woody my name is Mark and on November 17th I had a four level Fusion done to my L2 L3 of three of four of four of five and a5s1. I had a previous l405 surgery about 3 years ago weather just did a discectomy and a cage disc put in. I felt well after that surgery in 2019 but about a year ago I started to get pain down my back and right hip that traveled all the way down to my toes this was anytime that I exerted myself I e walking long distances standing on my feet running a bicycle driving in the car for long periods. I went in and my doctor got it MRI on me back in 2021 March and what you noted that my L2 L3 and L3 L4 discs of had had evacuated the disk space and were now in the spinal column. He did say that I have an extraordinary large spinal foramen and that kept me from being paralyzed. Anyway on November 17th I went in had the same work up the same experience with doctors nurses anesthesiologists. Just a side note is I usually try to fight the anesthesia or the pre anesthesia that the anesthesiologist gives you but that didn't work this time I was in so much pain I just let myself go. I woke up the next morning and was rid of the preoperative pain and I cried. Post-operatively went just as well as yours except being that I'm 66 and you're 35 I'm having a little bit more difficult time with balance so I still use a cane but I'm walking around Park so I'm taking my dog to the park and just enjoying this pain free episode in my life still having incision pain and some slight pain on the left side where the stenosis was the greatest. I want to thank you for your RUclips and lifted my spirits new knowing that I was not alone. Oh by the way I am a Navy veteran and this was done at the VA in Tampa Florida. I know a lot of people say that the VA has shoddy medicine but they do have good neurosurgeons. I hope you your wife and your family have a wonderful Christmas take care and a Happy New Year. Once again thank you for sharing.
You can do this! Physical therapy is your key to a successful recovery. I had double discectomy and spinal fusion with the Ray Cage procedure in 1999 by the greatest neurosurgeon "Bruce Moffett" of Norfolk, VA. It's been 25 years and not one issue . Praise God. I was 34 and in great Physical shape and a non smoker. At my 6 month check up I walked in the doctor's office and I entered by giving Mr. Moffett a gift and a testament to his great job by doing a jumping heal touch.
@@TheFuzedLife it has been the most difficult recovery. I was given medication for nerve pain and I am soooo allergic to it. I have finally started feeling human again. Thank you for asking!! I hope you are doing well!
Thank you for sharing your update. It very helpful for me. I’m on day 15 post operation of L5/S1 fusion. The first 5 days was worse. I’m getting better today. It just hard to fall asleep at night. I hope you are well. 🙏
Hello sir I also had l5-s1 surgery 2 weeks before I just have one question Do you also feel muscle spasm or jerks on body just when you are about to sleep or is it just me Or is it normal Please reply
Hey brotha I just received the same exact surgery. Everything you explained has been spot on. You have actually gave me the willpower to keep pushing. There is a light at the end. Let me tell you though. The pain and thought of something breaking is so painful.
@@TheFuzedLife thank you my friend. This is my 4th day. Still a 8 month road but atleast I’m not overthinking what I am feeling. At the least you clarified it better then google could
I had the l4 to s1 fusion and had similar after surgery pain. The thing that helped the most was the surgeon answering all my questions and assuring that my spine is stable and i wont collapse. I was also concerned about the incision drain and why it was still draining. The nurses were great in assuring me it is normal and do not worry i was doing better than most. I went home on sunday morning after friday surgery. I expected pain but it was not as bad as it was before surgery. My biggest concerns were my spine collapsing and bleeding too much. Those were put to rest by the surgeon and nurses. My advice would be ask all the questions you want after surgery to put your mind at rest
Thank you very much for the video. Im preparing for lumbar laminectomy and spinal fusion. I was having second thoughts because of the unknown outcome, but I know that I need the surgery. It is very hard to get out of bed and difficult to move around without the extreme pain . Your video put me at ease a little bit. I look forward of your future videos, and again thank you
Same here. My surgery is scheduled for 11/28/22. I’m a nervous wreck and indecisive. Continued prayers for you and your healing process. This video I had to send to my family to explain what it has been like for me, for over 15 years. Not looking forward to the recovery side but hopefully and optimistic.
I am 67 and just had my 6th low back surgery in pitts this was my 3rd fusion it was done with robotic arm 2 rods 19 screws 2 plates 200 stiches inside 67 staples outside 9 hours on table stait to intensive care for the night next day therperiost had me up and walking spent 6 days in pitts came home im in my 4th week home no pain just sore in insision im walking 2 mile a day and felling better day by day best dision ive made and they have me on tylonole if needed thanks to pitts nuero surgery team
Thanks Bro. I experienced the same pain and uncomfortability for approx. 2 years to the point of almost depression. Finally getting fusion on L/4/L5/S1 Jan. 12,2023. Thanks for letting me know what to expect.
Spot on video I’m 2 weeks post-op from same surgery! Sounds like my initial recovery wasn’t quite as miserable as yours but very similar, Good luck and hope you recover well!
Had same surgery on July 19, 2024. Disc got infected. Was on 2 intravenous antibiotics for 6 weeks. Finally back to work 3oct2024. I do pool yoga for flexibility Definitely needed the surgery. I was afraid. Best Dr in the world at Memorial Regional in Hollywood FL, Dr Forester. Best nurses on 7th floor. ❤ Them all especially Nurse Francine. She's an angel in disguise. By God's grace and mercy , I survived. I turn 62 on the 15 October....never felt better. Memorial Health Systems is the greatest.❤🤛🙏👍🥰
I’ve had 4 back surgeries; spinal cord tumor, spinal fluid leak repair, grade 2 spondylolisthesis fusion at L5-S1, hardware removal and another leak. Worst was first leak because I couldn’t lift my head more than 10 degrees because of the repair on the leak. Standing up 3 weeks after being in bed was beyond belief. I live with a grade 1. They all don’t compare to open heart, fell broke sternum, then 6 surgeries to get it fixed.
Sir, you have definitely been through it.Please take one Day at a time .. Please know this, this will all pass,easy does!!! Keep it going at your pace, but please keep it moving. Need some one to talk to reach out to me or anyone on here.Sincerly ,. Ray Donahue
Thank you for the video. You have given me hope. I’m at day 10 post surgery of L3-L4-L5. I hit a low point at days 6-8 while tapering off the pain meds. I’ve watched a few of your videos and have much hope. Thanks
It was really sweet of you to do this video. All of these details don’t get communicated by a doctors office but they’re very important. I had this surgery back in 2000. It’s 24 years later and now the disks above that fusion are starting to go and I am 73 years old. I’m very athletic and love to walk and ski but now I can only walk like a block and that’s not easy. Anyway, the only suggestion I would have for anyone getting the surgery, is to deep breathe and bring your kind of awareness to the area of the pain. Feel the intensity of the pain while you’re deep breathing and it’ll dissipate. It’s not a cure all it’s not gonna make you be able to jump out of bed faster, but it can really help manage the pain along with the meds. I wish anyone that’s making this decision the best. It’s a last resort, but it can really be a life changer if you’re really suffering. One more thing, they are now doing more lateral incision surgeries. That’s what I’m gonna be having for L - 34 and L - 23. Hopefully the recovery will be a little faster from the posterior surgery I had. take care to all you back pain suffers 22:36
Even after two surgeries I had a terrible time trying to get a MRI. Took a year for me to finally get my MRI and I got my surgery immediately. Same for the second surgery. I'm now going to get my fusion and it has been five years. I was told that I'm so young that they didn't want to do the fusion. I'm 39. This has been the worst five years of my life but you just can't give up. Its really hard to stay positive but videos like this help a lot. Thanks man. Also be very careful with the pain meds
I am facing this surgery, though I am much older than you are. I didn’t realize how much post-op pain there will be but now I am prepared. Thanks for this video.
My surgery, thank God, went perfect. I’m not saying there wasn’t challenges. But I’m 4 years Post Op with stiffness and pain here and there but I’m as mobile as I could hope to be. Almost 100% I’d say
I was really fighting with myself to go to the doctors about the same exact pain you've had. Especially after the chiropractor confirmed the results with x-rays. The relief from pain on your face is telling me I need to get this procedure done asap. Thank you for posting this video.
Hey man I just want to say thank you. I am 6 days out from l4 l5 fusion with laminectomy. Of all the videos I refer back to yours a ton. It has helped during this first week. I had a little issue where I had a seizure taking opioids so I had to get through on Tylenol and muscle relaxers. So the pain was and is a little hard to manage, but manageable. I am able to walk around the block with no pre op pain (typical siatica, drop foot, but pain etc). So I would say doing ok for Day 6. I would also add one thing that had helped me. A bidet seat has helped me tremendously once I could go. I know it sounds funny but the bidet is really really great. I just wanted to say thank you, I use your videos a ton for reference.
I think a bidet would have certainly my helped. Thank you so much for supporting the channel and I hope you have a speedy recovery. Please let me know how you’re doing!
I was in a bad car accident back in September and had to be fused from T2-T6.. Here it is May and im still in pain 😩 getting Facet Joint injections in my neck tomorrow in hopes of helping the pain. I have DDD and several herniations in my cervical spine. Prior to the accident i had zero back issues. The struggle is real. Good luck!!
That sounds awful. I hope you get everything figured out! I've been very fortunate so far to have not had any real setbacks or needed any further interventions since the surgery.
I had my L4/L5 fusion 11/18/22. Finally was discharged from rehab on 12/23/22. I have a long way to go, can’t wait to start physical therapy soon. Still in deep pain at times and need a walker, but hoping for the best! Positivity and dedication to constant efforts are key. I’m a more rare case of set backs.
Great info. Thank you. You described all my exact back issues. All info shared is helpful for us looking into surgery and are scared of the outcomes and after experiences in recovery . Glad your improving 🙌🏼
Hi Fused! I was diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis just about everywhere. I am 8 weeks post surgery of L4-5, a 360° with a cage. No BLT's of course. Walking wasn't so bad. I spent 3 weeks in rehab. I have in home PT 2x/week. I will use a rollator until I can balance on my own. Pain is still pretty rough especially standing up doin the dishes, mostly left flank and incisional pain. I was severely deconditioned for 2 1/2 years, due to a fall on 1/20/21, had left hip surgery on 1/20/23, then back surgery on 10/2. You described a lot of what I went through. Thanks for sharing 😊
I truly THANK YOU for sharing your experience. Your story fits mine to a " t". I too was TOTALLY bed ridden. When I did have to walk I was using a cane but was still falling because of the drop foot in my right root. I had back surgery to fuse the L4, l5, and S1. Like you none of the meds, pt, whatever was working. It's been a week so far , and I'm thanking God. Of course I'm in pain because of the surgery, but that pain I had before is GONE. The numbness, weakness, and pain on my right side is gone. I have pain in my hip joints as if I've overworked my muscles is there. But I feel hopeful for the first time in many years that I'm going to get my life back. Thank you for sharing your experience, and May God continue to bless you in your healing.
Veviticus, I'm so glad the presurgery pain is gone. What a feeling that is. I just did a 6-month update video with the 7 month coming soon. As I explain in my last video, you have to have a successful surgery before anything can happen and it sounds like you're there. I'll keep you updated and please keep me updated.
I am facing L5 S1 fusion after a car accident, and I have been extremely nervous about it. Thank you for making this video it has been informative and comforting!
@@kaiulanihall694 I’m really sorry to hear about the car accident. That’s really unfortunate. Please keep me updated on what’s going on with you. You can always email me with questions as well.
I’m doing alright! I had my spinal fusion done back in April and started PT recently. Still have nerve pain in my left leg but it’s not as bad. the pain in my low back is mostly gone, I am however having a lot of new pain in my right hip and SI joint I ended up getting injections to calm down the pain. Everything you stated in your video was spot on and I had a pretty similar experience. I am feeling a lot better overall glad I went through with it
I had the same surgery about 5 years ago. At first I could not find a surgeon who would touch me. we went all the more conservative interventions and nothing helped or lasted. Finally I took my MRI to one last surgeon in Seattle and he looked and said to me, "I can fix this." I was ecstatic. And did fix me. I had the same experience with recovery as you did. I am left with significant pain at times, and i must be cautious, I am very happy with the outcome.
I had L4 L5 and S1 fussion 7 years ago. Minimal invasive. I fell on my back a few days ago, got up and moving around comfortably. Well, I told my family that proves am good to go for another 65yrs. Am 67 this year .
Barry, sometimes surgeons get to be like baseball players, they want that high batting average. Nobody wants failed surgeries under their belt. Glad you found one to fix you up!!
I'm going in for 7 level fusion on Dec 7th. I'm nervous as a cat in a sack. I appreciate your honesty and just being real in your video. Happy Healing!
HEY! I had a spinal fusion in july. i can tell you that my savior was a little bed handle that i bought on amazon. please please get this. it helped me so so so much. it made getting up a lot easier! good luck :)
I had a 10 level fusion T3 thru L4 on December 8th 2021. The surgery took care of a lot of the pain in my legs it has however been a very painful recovery. I’m still on #10 Percocet 4 times daily with muscle relaxers and Valium. Doc said he had me on the table for 10 hours. I’m going to PT twice weekly but still can’t walk without a great deal of pain nor can I sleep in a bed, I sleep in a recliner. Of course I’m 61 years old and overweight and that may be something thats not really helpful in my case either.
When the surgeon told me that he will do a fusion on my l4s1 I was panicking like never before. After watching your video,I'm just confident to take it head on come January 31st. Thanks for that vital Information, giving me the confidence I needed most.
Thanks for sharing your journey. I had the same surgery in 2015, brings back memories of the same things I experienced. Unfortunately here in 2015 I need another surgery, I have what they call ADJACENT SEGMENT DISEASE . I am 51 years old now and a very active gym rat like you, this is common I’m learning now. I am consulting a surgeon next week to schedule a fusion on the segment above my last surgery. I am experiencing the same type pain like before the past surgery, constant traveling pain in my left hip down to my calf. Hate to be doing it again but have no choice. I had three surgeries on my neck also, your lifestyle has to change as far as working out. I don’t do certain exercises now to avoid neck injuries, I believe I’m done lifting also, bands and calisthenics for me now. Good luck and I appreciate you sharing for all of us out here dealing with this issue.
Thank you for sharing these updates. I am 40 and have been living with pain for 20 years. I would be having the same fusion sites as you did and it really helps to hear other people's stories. Such a big decision, and hearing about the recovery is really helping me.
Are you getting the surgery? I’m thinking about backing out, at least right now even with my L5 S one being practically bone on bone, I can still run, swim at the beach and sleep like a baby. I do not want to be unable to sleep for weeks on end after surgery I will go freaking crazy
@@adityalotankar4306 yes! Best thing I ever did! 12 years of horrible back and leg pain completely gone! It’s a miracle. I’m like a whole new person. Get it done at a hospital not at a private practice.
Thanks for sharing. I had 2 minimally invasive surgeries for L3/L4 and L4/L5 spinal disc compression. The 1st one was successful but I was not careful about my limitations post operation. I had something J thought was piriformis but the doctor told me it was something to do with disc compression and suggested another surgery where laminatomy was done. Right after the 2nd surgery, I was paralysed from waist below for about 1 month plus. Today, after more than a year, I am still recovering with all peculiar pain here and there from time to time.
Just had the same surgery 2 weeks ago. Everything you said it exactly the way it was. Just need to take it easy because when you start feeling better it’s hard not to want to do things and you can overdo it very easily. I did and it se me back a bit.Thanks
I’m on day 10 post op of L4/L5 fusion. I was in the hospital for 8 days due to post op ileus. They wouldn’t discharge me until I had a BM. I was off narcotics after day 4 because I felt that the narcotics were not helping the ileus and was just taking Tylenol for pain every 6 hours, which is still the case. I was walking without the walker by day three. I’m trying to increase my walking each day. Today I walked 1.5 miles on a relatively flat street. My staples will come out on day 14! Still no bending, or twisting for a while and no lifting over 8 pounds. I hope to be back to skiing by 3 months post op! Thanks for sharing your experience. The first 5 days were the worst, but getting better every day!
Thank You Mark so much for sharing your journey with us all. I know Everybody's Body is different. But What your doing or should say Done, Is Truly Great. I don't care how long your video is. I'm just happy you're doing this . I'm so sorry you had to go through this. But I'm Glad you're at a place where you're Recovering. I'm going to watch all Your videos,tho it's been a while. I'm going to be going through a lot myself this year. But I Cannot take these Pains& the Helplessness I feel as well as The Severities of my own pains. I cannot take care of my family & home like before. I Stand to do dishes& I feel I'm being Crushed& If I don't walk away when I can,I'm afraid I'll fall ,bc the pains are Too Much for me to handle. I don't think my family Fully understands what I'm going through. But I know they will soon. I've got some help. And I know God will help me push through as well. I pray you're doing so much better now than Before.Like I said before,This is my first video I've watched.... So God Bless You & Your family.
I'm 4 Yr into treatment of l3l4l5 and s1 issues and now after every other treatment I'm due surgery. My pain daily is so bad and I take enough medication to put a small elephant to sleep yet still can't find relief 😞 I'm getting very scared now about the procedure mainly because I'm medical and more than aware what this operation will entail and the risks which I feel has made me more nervous. You hit the nail on head with things you have said and I just hope this treatment is successful. Thank you for your video. I hope you are healing well and in more of a positive position. X
Back surgery is a $100 billion /year industry in the USA. It’s a gravy train for a lot of reasons. The industry is controlled by several device makers, the hospitals and the surgeons that move the chess pieces around the table. It is cut-throat competitive and prone to corruption and abuse. Most common fusion is L4-S1, one or two levels. I had 360 ALIF/PLF and do not recommend. Stay away from the anterior approach as it is very risky and the surgery can be done from the back in one day. Stay away from high dosage bmp2. I prefer Vivigen and laminar autograft. There are expandable cages that recreate lordosis and rods and screws to hold the construct in place until bony fusion takes place in 6-8 months. I had ASD above and below fusion that appears to happen 20-30% of the time and one should be advised if this rather high statistic. I had two total hip replacements and two si joint fusion as the shift in loading and new architecture negatively affect those joints. This pathology can be a nightmare, 8 -10 years duration for me, dictated by outside forces- insurance cos don’t want to approve until PT is completed unsuccessfully . Drs don’t want to forecast ASD as it bad for business. Hospital and device companies love revisions and additional surgeries, that why it’s a $100 billion/year business!
It’s been 9 months since I have my L4L5S1 spinal fusion surgery and still in pain Nerve pain, muscle spasm on my legs and burning pain in my lower back and thighs. I don’t know what to do. I’m so depress and I’m having anxiety. Thank you for your videos.
I'm 6 weeks post op. The things i I feel contributed to still being in pain this far out are: 1 could not get pain med management right for 1st 2 and a half weeks. 2 physically overdoing it because of living alone. Week 4/5 were decent so I started eating what I'd like besides bland foods. However, something did not agree with me and I woke up vomiting, diarrhea, chills, low grade fever. So please eat mild or bland until your system gets back. you as I am getting depressed because I want to get back to my normal routine
Thank you for sharing your journey,I am having L4-S1 fusion on September 9,2024. I'm not going to lie,I'm kind of scared but so tired of being in pain. Have dealt with it for over 10 years it just got worst last year. I can't walk or stand for long periods without getting in bad pain. So I'm ready to get something done,I hope my results are as good as yours are.
@@alboogie44 I am very much looking forward to it. I have suffered for so long, put life off, and struggled with walking to the point I don't leave the house. I
Hey guys, Sorry that I am late getting to your comments. The leg pain for me was awful as well. As Moondog explained, I tried all nonsurgical methods and nothing worked. Good luck! Please comment with any questions!
I had L3-L4-L5 fixed (spinal fusion) and spinal stenosis surgery exacetely 6 months ago. Glad I did. My physioterapeut says, we don’t have to meet any more, but things are normal until 1 to 2 years after the surgery. I was hospitalised almost 2 weeks due to very heavy pains, but I got all the morfin etc. needed to be nearly painfree. Good luck to all of you going through the surgery.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO My girlfriend is going to be going through this and let's give her solace knowing somebody is going through the same thing I just want her better
Happy to hear you are feeling better. I just had the same surgery, although my surgeon went through the front and back. The procedures were done 3 weeks apart. It is now 5 weeks later, and I'm still in major pain. I am 63 years old, which may be the reason for taking a little longer to heal. Thank you for sharing your experience. I look forward to hearing more of your testimonial.
This sound exactly like my story. I went through everything you been through and had the exact same results. Pain and more pain.im scheduled for sergury next week and i seriously can't wait. This has been horrible. Was scheduled forvsergury last year but was cancelled due to covid. This situation has imobolized me
I'm 14 days today post-op for the same procedure. This is exactly the same journey I've had and I wish I had found this video before to give me the confidence and idea of a rough timeline for recovery. Thank you for posting this!!!
I am 3 weeks out from having spinal stenosis surgery which will include L4-L5-S1 fusion. I had ruptured disc surgery 2 years ago in same area. I have absolutely no pain but have significant numbness/weakness in my left leg/foot. Looking forward to getting back to normal
I'm so happy I came across your video! I have been experiencing the same exact issues with my back/hips/legs. I just had a visit with the surgeon yesterday and learned that I have to have the same surgery as you've had. He explained a lot and it was so much information to take in that I had a panic attack! I'm glad to know what to expect after surgery (Thank You)! It's been a struggle for two yrs now and I literally tried every thing that you went through. Surgery is now the only option for any relief of the constant pain. I'm having surgery January 12th and I can't deny that I'm scared, but I'm also tired of the pain. I appreciate you sharing your journey, it has definitely helped me. It's just a matter of processing everything. I'm happy that you're getting better by the day. I pray that you have a speedy recovery. God Bless.
Hey Mrs. Foster! Please reach out through email with any questions and of course, I wish you the best of luck! I am having a speedy recovery, I’m 3 years post op and I feel like I’m 95% of what I was, if not better.
Well presented. I’ve had 4 spine surgeries. I can tell you that you will get better. Be sure to complete your physical therapy if it’s ordered! Best of wishes..
I had the same surgery plus a decompression. I dealt with my 2 generated disks for 3 1/2 years before i had my surgery. I tried a few steroid shots and burning nerves but nothing helped. Mine was my low back and left hip/top legs too. The shots only gave me like 40-50% relief but for only a few short months. Masking the pain got harder. I had to have the surgery so I could walk, sit and bend down. I went go the chiropractor for years but didnt help for long either. I am so glad I had my surgery. That was my last step before surgery too with the chiropractor. I felt it was making it worse with those loosening decompressions at the chiro. How is your recovery now? I just pray the rest of my disks above stay healthy! Thank you for sharing your story!! We need more of these stories and be advocates to help others with these surgeries. There isnt enough and almost everyone has back issues. I wish i could run again but im afraid to as between running and weight lifting is what ruined my disks. I am able to do some yoga now. Some things i cant because of not having that range of motion now. I loved running and my surgeon said i could but i dont want to damage the rest of my disks they said were great. I wish you all the best!!
Thank you for making your video’s. I pray that you are having a quick and painless recovery! Without saying this and being heartless, I’m glad that there’s someone else knows what others are feeling. Your surgery is the same as I’m going to have except my S1/L5 was fused in 2013, in 2014 I went for surgery due to a broken titanium screw which never healed properly. Only relief I received is from bike riding, the pedal type, just enough of a bend to take the pressure off of my back. Fast forward to January 2021, I started getting a lot of pain down my left leg and off and on down my right. Went through shots, PT, chiropractic, even had ablation on both sides. When I went to my physician, he noticed a difference between my left/right calves, my left was one and half inches smaller. MRI showed that my spinal cord is almost blocked off at the L4/L5 and that the fusion never healed on the left L5/S1.
wow I'm so sorry for what your going thru is much as I'm suffering I was thinking about getting into bicycling again,are you still ridding with what your going thru
@@TheFuzedLifePLEASE WRITE AND GIVE ME YOUR OPINION OR ANY ADVICE PLEASE?___ IM SCARED OF THE UNKNOWN AND MY CONDITION MAKES ME FEEL HOPELESS/HOPELESS?
Suffering from Degenerate Disc Disease (DDD) and having gone through two double discectomy on L5-S1 and having again injured my back on the same discs & L4-L5 I’m at a crossroads of where my treatment goes next. Either Fusion surgery or Stem Cell injection treatment. Watching your video has been tremendously helpful to me to see what expectations I need to set for myself. I hope your recovery continues to go well & I’ll be looking forward to seeing you next post. I’m also in TX, in Houston
Hey Scott, I'm just trying to give an accurate account of what's going on. Thankfully it's all been good. I think tomorrow is a month from my last video so I should be getting around to putting out an update soon. Thanks for the support.
I’m going through same thing as your for past year. I’ve tried all conservative treatments that you have mentioned. Did 2 months of traction. Felt same thing like my back was loose and un stable after traction. Been rushed to emergency room 2 times in past 2 weeks because of terrible pain in left leg, like my leg being cut off. Surgery scares me to death but I may not have a choice. I can’t walk without terrible nerve pain in my left leg. Left leg very week, no reflexes, numb all the time. Bro I’m scared to death to have surgery!! Glad for you doing this video!
Yes I went through much of the same. My wife threatened to take me to the hospital because of the leg spasms that felt as if it was being cut off. I had no choice. I was at the stage of emergency surgery. Best of luck to you and I'll have another video soon.
I'm 4 days post op. Got up and walked about 5 hours after the surgery - zero pain where I had it before. I hope that you had the surgery. You're really just trading a forever pain for one that is a sign of healing and getting on with your life. Good luck.
Glad your doing good! Yes I had the surgery over a year ago. No regrets, wish I had done it sooner but I’m also glad I waited cause I know I tried everything possible to avoid surgery. I was pain free right after the surgery, the recover pain was nothing compared to the pain I was in. I do anything I want now. Keep l moving and walking more and more each day but don’t over do it. Only thing I still have is my left toes are still little numb, I think from waiting to long the nerve got damage, but I’ll take that all day. I do anything now, have physical job, mountain bikes, motocross etc. glad your doing good! Take care!
Thank you for this honest and comprehensive review of your recovery. I’m getting L5-S1 fusion in early March and really appreciate this day-to-day chronicle of what you’ve experienced. Your advice about what to drink & eat was especially helpful - few people address this
@@TheFuzedLife best decision I ever made. Was suffering with horrible leg and back pain for over 10 years. It’s been nine months since my Alift surgery and I feel great. Basically zero back pain and leg pain. Yesterday I loaded my truck with 10 bags of concrete 60 pound bags. For a project I’m doin. I’m definitely still being mindful of my movements. Don’t want to mess up the fusion. I have two Cobalt chrome rods at L5 S1. The went in through my stomach then flipped me over and did the minimal invasive through my back. Crazy thing is yesterday while I was at the beach swimming when I went to leave I got up and put too much weight on my lower rib and heard it pop, either broken or fractured my rib so now I’m dealing with that for the next month hopefully it heals fast just order some calcium and vitamin D pills, getting old sucks I have to keep reminding myself I’m not a kid anymore because I like to be very active.
@@FromTheHood2TheWoods I’m glad you’re able to lift like you are. A broken rib!? Man you can’t catch a break! What did they do for the rib? There isn’t a whole lot that they do is there?
Thank you so much for this video. I’m also 33 and literally just got the same two fusions on the same two areas on Monday and Tuesday. The pain is absolutely excruciating. I’m waiting to be able to lay flat in the bed comfortably as well as be able to walk around a little more without the pain and feeling exhausted from the meds. Keep us all updated on your progress bro. God bless.
@@sonja-ilovecrochet4198 hello. Hope you are feeling better. I do have lots of numbness in my legs. Loss 75 percentage of my left leg..Please take it easy. In my prayers.. God bless you and family.. amen
@@stitch2499 thank you...I am doing good and my family is helping . Both of my legs are numb . Essentially I am numb from the waist down.. but my Dr called me a miracle of prayer since I am walking on a walker and can take a few steps without it..
Hey Guys! I was locked out of my account for a while. I finally got back in. I’m going to start making content again real soon!! I’ll post a Q and A video for you tonight!!
I had decompression and fusion of L3-S1 11 days ago. 66 yr old male with long history of low back problems. I’ve had a really difficult time with pain. Not only at the incision location, but muscle spasms up and down both legs. Hurricane came thru Florida two days after my surgery and over 100 staff didn’t make it in for work. I had 2 great nurses and 2 bad nurses who were constantly and hour more late with my pain meds. I was getting so upset, I requested to be discharged probably a day too soon. Was sent home with Percocet and a muscle relaxer, but my pain has been really hard to endure. I haven’t slept more than 10-15m each day since the surgery. Similar process with getting out of bed, but the only “comfortable” position is standing. I’m worried I’ve put a lot of strain on my surgery site constantly getting up and down throughout the day and night. I used the walker for the first couple of days, but it became easier to just get up and walk. I alternate between ice and a heating pad many times a day. Standing in a hot shower for 20m has provided some relief, so I’m doing that 8-10 times a day. My pain will diminish to a 2 at times been then spike back up to a 8. If not for my loving wife, I don’t know how I would have gotten this far in my recovery. We live in a 55+ community, so many neighbors have had similar procedures. They all tell me to hang in there it will eventually get better. My surgeon in Orlando has an excellent reputation and he told me I had a major procedure that went really well and I need to be patient with the pain. It is a struggle to stay positive at times , that’s where my wife has been a god-send. I’ll post an update after my first visit to get the stitches out. Don
Pain management was my major complaint. I, too, had issues with the hospital nursing staff. I requested to be discharged the next night. I was sent home with 5mg oxycodone, a muscle relaxer(tizanidine), and told to supplement with Tylenol. Well, I ate tylenol like candy, I suffered to the point of my teeth chattering. When I did reach out, I was told I could take up to 15mg oxycodone which you guessed it I requested a refill. During my 2 week follow-up I advised her that the 10mg was hard to break. On my next visit , I asked her to dispense in 5mg Man, how about it was written for 5mg. It was frustrating, to say the least. Providers are so strict about opiods due to the addiction epidemic. I understand. However, I'd had rotator cuff surgery prior to my back surgery, and they sent me home with a nerve block and a prescription for oxycodone and I never requested a refill. I was finally able to manage my pain by tweaking it to my needs. Guess what? I have oxycodone pills left over. This was a major surgery 😳 And pain management, to me is essential to healing. Sorry for the long post. I hope this helps someone
Well, I'm 5 months in. My cat scan looked beautiful. I am experiencing twinge and intermittent muscle spams, but I can deal with it as I know it's part of the healing process. Aside from sciatica pain, I would have the surgery again. Thanks for asking.
Thank you very much for your helpful and honest feedback. My situation was thrust upon me with crippling pain starting on January 20, 2023. I have always led an active lifestyle including running, basketball, biking, downhill skiing, weight lifting but recently switched to resistance bands. At 59 those loves of my life contributing to my Feb. 8, 2023 L5 - S1 posterior lumbar interbody fusiion surgery. I’ve seen chiropractor in the past, but never had MRI before. I appreciate your video more than words can describe as I’m lying here in my bed in the middle of the night again doing research. All the best to you and thsnk you. I have a better understanding of what’s been thrust on me so fast as I haven’t been able to work since that day that’s burned into my memory of January 20th that literally had me crawling into our ftont door that dsy.
John, I hope you’re doing ok. You have the surgery in 2 days!?!? Good luck sir!! Keep a warrior mentality and you’ll be fine sir. My email is also posted should you like to talk!!
Mark I had to view your video again as I know my progress (day 11 since Feb. 8th surgery) would probably have some similarities. Your comment of having a “Warrior Mentality” was something I kept chanting to myself (in my mind) especially during the long sleepless nights. I made the decision to stop hydrocodone and muscle relaxer, due to a couple of reasons (BM issues & want to get authentic feedback on my pain tolerance). It was very helpful to hear your words again & I’ll channel having that Warrior Mentality today as I test the waters without pain meds. Going back to work is around the corner as I’ve been out since Jan. 23rd. Employer agreed with my compensation plan (60%) working from until my return. 60% is better than zero as I am a new employee with only two sick days afforded to me. I’m not looking forward to all the medical bills especially the ambulance ride - first of my life an embarrassing experience. Thanks for reading my reply. All the best to you Mark!
Thanks for sharing your experience! I’m preparing for minimally invasive fusion surgery on Aug 30 and your video was super helpful. I have spondylolisthesis at L4/L5 where my fusion will be. Sounds like you’re progressing nicely and look forward to seeing your successful recovery vi your videos. Regards, Harris
I am just literally 7 days out of L5L4S1 spinal fusion. Very nice and honest video. It has been horrible I agree 100percent. Just wanted to add something that I think will be very helpful to anyone having back surgery or recovering from back surgery of any kind. Get grabbers so that you can reach and pick-up things on the floor or across from you. Be sure and bring to the hospital for surgery and have home for recovery. They will be a god send and a blessing. God bless and good luck with your surgery and or recovery. I hope this little thing helps😊
Your situation was exactly what I went thru with degenerative disc disease .Just wanted to update my journey thru hell with spinal issues so anyone getting a fusion can make the right decisions Im now 7.5 months post L5S1 , also I had 3 Vertebrae fused in the neck.If you absolutely have no choice and have to get a fusion don't think just because your feeling better if your that lucky you can go back to chopping wood lifting weights or doing sports cause once you start damaging the rest of your discs like I have it's game over. I'm now back to where I was 7 years ago but with lots more debilitating issues at the age of 61im no longer able to push a mower or walk more then 10 minutes at times and I walked almost every day since my last fusion.Just wanted to give a long term review of what not to do.
I'm so sorry to hear your situation. I'm 1 month post op surgery. Same as yours. Thanks for the ⚠️. It sucks that I won't be able to do all the things I used to but better to be safe than sorry and compound the problem. I'm 68 and have always been active snd on the go. I was a nurse and I was always busy and it's just stayed with me. I need to ho slow and cautious. Thank you for sharing your experience
I had my fusion of L 4- S 1 on 9/21/22. I still had continuing pain in my left buttock+thigh. Previously it was pain and numbness on both sides. So yes, definitive improvement. I went through weeks of physical therapy with limited improvement. I had another MRI recently and apparently have another extruded disc at L3, one level above my fusion. I had a small herniation at that site before surgery. Just want to put this out there to let others know. Be SUPER CAREFUL!!! Most people get 8 years out of a fusion before more problems develop. I'm not sure what I did but now I need a discectomy of L3. Once fused it puts more stress on all the anatomy above and below the fusion. I'm scheduled for February 9 and need pain meds again to get me through until then. I was also warmed about a very serious complication called: CAUDA EQUINA. It's very serious and can cause temporary or even permanent paralysis if not treated in time. All my best to all of you who have or need spinal surgery.
K engdahl, thanks so much for sharing. I really hope you can improve your quality of like and continue to progress throughout the years. Please keep me updated!
Thanx Lone Star. Living in Arizona but still a Texan. Same surgery 9 days ago and youre basically describing my surgery. I needed confirmation regarding my current pain issue and determined the process is ongoing and patience is key. Thanks brother this has helped
Very informational video!!! I am currently at the va hospital and had my l3-S1 fusion on Friday February the 12 and your video has really helped me out with my worries and anxiety and what I have to look forward too... I’m on day 2 and sitting up in the chair and getting in and out of bed with little help but definitely incision pain it’s tolerable with the meds right now it don’t take the pain completely away but definitely easies it off and makes it easier to get up and walk the halls to get everything moving... but just want to thank you for this video and hope you get the closest to 100% as you can and back to normal soon!!!!
Andrew, you're in the worst stages now. Give it a few weeks and you won't believe how you're feeling. Give it another few weeks and again, exponential improvement.
I’m going to have this surgery in Dec. This was the best documentation of before during and after a procedure! I’m scared to have it because of the after pain but it’s needed because I’m in constant pain. L4-5 gives me the most pain daily.
Toyrica, I was in constant pain as well! I really hope you enjoyed the video and got some value from it. Please keep me updated on your progress and you can always reach out at Fuzed24@yahoo.com!! Thanks for watching!!
@@TheFuzedLife So glad you are doing good these days! Your story was one of tremendous pain. I have severe stenosis seeing the surgeon soon. My pain is somewhat controlled with light medication, but have break through pain. I have pain lifting and walking, can’t walk very far. Thanks for asking.
I just had L4/5 fusion last week. The one tip I can give is, if you have body hair, make sure and ask a person close to you to SHAVE YOUR BACK! And your forearms, so that the tape used to hold down the IV doesn't stick to your hair. I wish I had shaved my whole body!!
Great video Mark, I hope you keep it up very inspiring and informative to those of us that have had PLIF lumbar fusion. My story prior to surgery is similar to yourself and many that have posted. My first fusion was August 2016 L4 to L5 with screws rods and a cage in between the two vertebrae. Post surgery I always experienced some low back pain but the nerve pain sciatica pain and shooting pain down the leg was immediately resolved. I continued to work as a UPS driver for three almost four more years and recently retired last June. This past November I had started to feel very very intense nerve pain unable to lay down sit down or stand without extreme pain, after following all the pre-surgery protocols I decided to have L2 L3 also fused, so now I have a total of three levels and four vertebrae fused. That surgery was on February 17, 2021. The recovery has been much slower and painful than the first surgery. My suggestion to anyone having the surgery would be to take seriously the effect that the fusion has on the adjacent levels. I love to golf and since retirement had been going out 4 to 5 days per week swinging hard trying to regain that loss distance from my more youthful years, even though I’m a young 60 year old 5’10” 185lbs in good health following my passion for golf may have done some damage. Now I will be more careful how aggressive I am going to be in my rehab and the kind of lifestyle I will continue after I am healed. Good luck to all
Hi. Thanks for this. I've had 6 facet nerves radio ablated in effort to put off fusion surgery and so I can function. It's helped a lot. I go for another MRI later this month. I'm so afraid of the fusion surgery, but encouraged by your progress! Living with back pain is awful. Just awful.
Living with back pain is the WORST! I can tell you that the fusion helped me a lot. I got my life back. I’m not endorsing it because it’s a very irreversible process. It’s permanent. Although it was great for me I always encourage less invasive methods first if possible. Thanks and good luck!
Wow, that was awesome. Thank you so much. I may be facing the same kind of surgery intervention, but still early. I’ve already gone through so much pain, and I feel I’m capable, even at 81 yrs that I could go through what I know will be a painful recovery.But I’ve got God on my side so I hope I really have the intestinal fortitude to go through it. But, time will tell. But thank sir, for your confirming a lot of what I have gleaned from all the RUclips videos I have watched. God bless your trip through recovery. Chet Marcotii, NH
Hello I am seven years out from two spinal fusions...two cages. I still have horrible pain and spasms. The doctor said he would keep me out of a wheelchair but could not cure the pain. I faithfully walked four times a day in 90 degree heat a week after my surgery. I am still glad I am not in a wheel chair. Keep your core muscles strong. Good luck and prayers.
I am 5 weeks opt and I have terrible left leg pain, it started with the left hip down the leg and now is with the feet, I was told that is the nerve that are trying to get used to the new disc and yeah is painful
@@agneshelena825 You got the new disc..did not have that when I had surgery. You might piroformis syndrome. I did not have to do pt right after surgery but then got what you have. I went to pt a few times then learned to do the exercises myself. When my nerves regenerated I screamed for a whole day..poor hubby. I had a mri this morning because I am so tired of the morning pain and spasms. If u would see me in the morning you would think what a wreck she is..then later in the afternoon I can push mow , walk etc, but latest very tired and leg pain returned. My surgeon told me after back surgery u may not get back pain relief but you should not have aching legs. I did not from 2015 after surgery til recently…so mri to see and plus I hear a popping noise. Backs are the worst to fix. God bless you and prayers for u. 💕💕💕💕
Guys, thank you so much for the support. Make sure you check out my Q and A videos and if you have further questions, feel free to shoot me an email at Fuzed24@yahoo.com. Please let me know if you have interest in a group email of fusion patients and prospective fusion patients. Thanks!!
No more nerve pain today. I was hurting so SO bad for three days. I had the most excruciating pain behind my right thigh. It was like someone was constantly stabbing me with needles and also like someone sprayed a line of lighter fluid on me and lit it. It's the pain I had for the past 11-13 years but the fusion was done to fix it. I feel so much better today. If it weren't for the lord Jesus I KNOW I wouldn't of made it these past few years. There is REFUGE in the Lord. I asked the drs to cut my leg off 6 or 7 years ago and they said I'd still have that pain. I've hurt so unbelievably bad for so long I honestly thought I'd be in a wheelchair for the rest of my life. I didn't do anything about my pain due to my surgeon moving away. I didn't trust any other surgeon's cause I knew nothing about them. My Mom went out for coffee with a friend from church and she mentioned that she was going to dr. Blok (my surgeon) for epidural'. That's how I found out my surgeon moved back. I mean I can go on and on speaking of the blessings God has bestowed on/to me. Appreciate the vid "fuzed life" a place to vent but also give my testimony.✝️🙏🤲👆
Just had l5s1 fused 4 days it sounds almost exactly what I'm going through now gives me hope it bad now but it will get better thanks for sharing
@@ruston723 how are you doing today brother??
Keep me updated!
@@TheFuzedLife first week back at work im a custodian and its not been any fun they put me on a steriod and said ice and take it easy this weekend but its starting to feel like it did before surgery
@@ruston723 well as a custodian there is a lot of tedious things you do. A lot of repetition. A lot of bending down. It may hurt now but it could benefit in the long run.
Make sure you’re stretching please! For me it was my butt muscles that needed stretched. Piriformis was the main one.
I also had Lowe Lunbar Fusion surgery and am successfully recovering on week 9. BEST decision I ever made. To think I suffered for 7 years without the surgery, I was 89% disabled prior to the surgery. Feeling very grateful and Bless thank God.
I’m glad you’re successfully recovering! Keep us updated! Thanks for watching and supporting the channel!
Apakah anda di pasang secrub di tulang belakang nya?
That is awesome! I had mine 17 months ago and it was the best decision for me as well!! Im so happy for you!
@TheFuzedLife. That's awesome. My husband has been putting it off for over 10 years and his disc degeneration is horrible . It's his L4 andL5 and it's awful that he has put it off but he's been so scared. at a point at 51 years old he needs to either do it now or never. We are hopeful for his relief and recovery will be at least 50% . He's driven but limited due to the mobility and ongoing pain. Laying in bed is painful. Congratulations on your recovery. Hopefully we go to meet his surgeon next month. He's done all the shots and nerve burning years ago. Fusion surgery is his only option now. Hes been past ready. ❤
🙏🙏 im about to go through this
I'm scared but reading some comments and I'm feeling a bit better
I’m 58 yrs old and I had my L4L5 spinal fusion March of 2003.its been the best surgery .ive had zero problems. I was doing stair therapy 6 hrs after surgery. I still have all the metal in. After a week I stopped all pain meds and walked a lot . A month and a half after surgery I was working and doing a lot of things they said I couldn’t do. Exercise your core muscles and ditch the pain meds
100% brother! Glad you’re doing well. 🤘
Thank you for your words of encouragement. My husband has had 2 brain surgeries but is anxious about this next month. He remembers almost nothing about brain surgery so I thank you for addressing this, Phil! 😊
I pray I do as well after surgery!
Bravo for you!! I can't wait to feel better!!
Stay well!
Yo just had similar surgery.1week popped off bandage took shower drove kids to burger king walked in no walker sore as hell but push thru. Looks like shannon colton in pic.
I just had my Spinal fusion and Laminectomy last week in Nairobi Kenya. Perfectly done! Hardly any pain post surgery. Two nights in hospital and now recovering at home. I am 72 and fairly fit. Am confident I will be able to walk comfortably after couple of weeks. Fingers crossed!
That is wonderful news! Stay strong. Email me with questions! Fuzed24@yahoo.com
What hospital
@@Christinejshad mine at AgaKhan hospital a week ago.
My dad is exactly your age and he had a consultation but he's scared. I wish I could connect with you to ask questions and may e even speak with him. If possible, please let me know, he's in severe pain but scared to get surgery as he feels he wouldn't recover. He's fairly fit, he has played lawn tennis all his life, has no underlining illness so I'm pretty confident just like you, he'll recover
I had mine on the 13/5 I was able to walk a little on the third day, I was in hospital 6 days my staples were taken out on Monday 27/5 they were uncomfortable but I am 74 and have arthritis in my knees, my legs have been stiff and painful because pre op I wasn’t able to walk more than a few steps.
I now have to walk as much as I am able but I’m very nervous as over the last year I had numerous falls breaking my wrist.
I am in Spain and the heat is about 36 degrees which I can’t tolerate so it’s round and round interior of house. Physio is working with me so hopefully in the next couple of weeks my muscles and tendons will be more flexible.
I had this same surgery 10 years ago. I still have my rods n screws in my back. I work full time now, but definitely still watch how I bend and lift things. Do exactly what the doctor tells you to do and not do. I'm pain-free now, unless I do something that might aggravate my back. Can't ride a bike, climb stairs, etc. No repetitive bending.. As long as I avoid those sort of activities, I am 100%
Hey Masters,
You say you're 100% but can't do X, Y, and Z so I would argue that you aren't 100% of what you were but I know exactly what you mean. I'm glad you're able to figure out exactly what you can and cannot do in order to just live a pain free life. Great info.
@@TheFuzedLife I meant 100% pain free.. I always think about my back before I do anything now. So I avoid those things. And by avoiding them, I am pain free
@@OhMasters. I'm 6 weeks out.....thanks for your comment
You're very welcome! I remember how painful this surgery was, but the pain will get better..
Going on 3 months p.o.. ...standing while cooking stiffens me pretty good.....taking garbage out etc....I live alone....so it's been a little tough....but ok altogether😊
After 5 years, finally got diagnosed with Grade 1 L5 S1 Spondy resulting in severe buttock pain. In the RUclips rabbit hole trying to avoid surgery with PT…but this makes me want to cry.
Going through a divorce too so the lack of support if I do have surgery is killing me.
Brother you need support but you can make it through. This video was at my darkest times with the surgery. I’m 2.5 years post op and I’m feeling great! Good luck and please keep me posted!
Dont know how your surgery went but I hopw you are recovering from both. There is always support friend. Stay Strong.
Just had my surgery, the truth is, most who get this ailment have it because of LACK OF SUPPORT in their life... 😢
I'm praying for a healthy turnaround for you also...
Mine progressed to spondyloloptosis
Thank you so much for your insight and realness describing your recovery, but i must say this to you....youre the first person i ever seen make a recovery video that many of us are in tune with because were getting surgery, or had, yet you followed up asking "how are you feeling" to those who got the surgery and are post op. Youre a good man brother, ive never seen anyone whose posted their journey, yet took the time to ask others how theyre doing post-op. Youre a good soul, and i hope youre back in the gym pressing and squatting again. For some of us, its church! God bless
Tell me more about your situation James! Any questions please email me brother! Fuzed24@yahoo.com
Glad the video brought you value!
@TheFuzedLife yes...much value and I definetly appreciated the honesty. Right now I'm in a holding pattern. I'm looking more for ADR surgery, not fusion. Pain is tolerable through stretching. No more squatting or compression exercises but still training. May even go to Texas for ADR surgery if I can find a doctor there. I'll keep you posted brother
It is so good listening to a person like you that is sharing your account in such an un-dramatic way. So refreshing, Thank you! I am one week out of surgery and your account description of the days following parallel mine. I feel better everyday Look forward to hearing more from you. BTW not too long winded, you are doing great and Thanks again.
Thank you so much for the kind words!
I’m glad you enjoyed and got value from the video!
Please reach out with questions! Fuzed24@yahoo.com
I am on week1 in after having spinal fusion surgery so far so good in such short timenot much pain after the surgery walking without pain can not believe it so glad I did it suffer since 2019 until now if any one need this surgery please get it I am so happy I did praying I will keep healing..❤
I've had many surgeries, including this one. One preparatory tip: One or two weeks before the surgery, practice getting out of bed by rolling your body, sliding your feet to the ground and using a cane (between your legs is good) to push yourself up and stand, all without bending your back. It is very important to engage your lower abs (TVA) to stabilize. To help practice, you can put some kinesio tape on your back to create a tension that will not allow you to flex, and ask a physio to explain this, prior to your surgery. Then, practice putting on your shoe by bending only your knee, resting foot on contra-lateral thigh etc. If you are able to get used to not bending and engaging your abs and other muscles, it will be MUCH easier to get out of bed post op. I had a L4-5 instrumented fusion and spent only one night in hospital, walked home (10 minutes) the next day.
The preparation you do before the surgery, as well as understanding that it is normal to have a lot of pain due to inflammation for the first few days, will help you. The most important thing to remember when you come out of surgery is that the pain is temporary, and walking will not make it worse, even if it is painful to do so, initially.
Thanks for this coment i wish all of us come to 100% recovery
Thanks for the knowledge!!
@@AngelDiaz-hg7hn you doing ok?
Bengt Axl. Thank you for your vast knowledge of surgeries.
Great advice
I appreciate the vid. I had a level one spinal fusion on September 19th 2022. I'm still stiff and having some pain in my lower back. Most all my pain was in my legs, hips, and groin. I'm 41 and this was my 4th surgery, the others were disketomy or decompression. I've been doing lots of exercises and finally starting to lift weights again. I still go to pain management but hopefully soon won't need to go any longer. I'm just trying to learn new things which I can do to strengthen not only my lower back but also upper back and legs. Good Luck to everyone going through this and God Bless. Put your faith in Jesus Christ!
Eric, thanks for watching and for your comment. Good luck with your recovery and please let us know, sir!
Eric, can we get an update, sir?
My legs feel better than they have in years. No more pain going down into my groin, thighs, calves, or knees. I am having quite a bit of trouble with what they call the SI joint. I'm getting injections and also seeing pain management for opioid pain meds. If I can just get this SI joint problem fixed, I think I'll feel like new money. I'm not complaining, I can walk 2-3 miles at a time now, I've been fishing 2-3x a week since March, and I've been doing some mechanic work. God is good! I have faith that I'll live a normal life before long. Thanks for your concern. I'll keep ya updated on what's next. I just went to my doctor 3 days ago, and he's worried my L2-L3 is going to need a fusion very soon but I refuse to accept that. I'm gonna do all I can to regain my independence and life without another surgery for at least 10 years. God Bless and good luck with your back issues.👆🙏✝️
@@erich9162 good to hear from you brother. I hope you can hold out 10 years or so.
Stay safe and keep doing what you love.
How are you doing now?
Hands down the most beneficial video I’ve watched. I have my surgery on Friday. And after watching this, I feel much more prepared. Thank you so much for sharing!
I’m really glad I could help ease your mind about the surgery. Good luck and please check back in with me after you have the surgery!!
Trimakasih kak untuk suport nya.
Hello friend how you doing now
How’d it go?
I deeply wish you the best recovery from your surgery.
Please come back and leave an update about your outcome.
August 7th, 1971 i was in a horrible auto accident. Perforated intestines, ruptured sleen and crushing fracture of the L3. 8 hour surgery to save my life and a month later another 8 hour decompression and fusion of L3-5. Obviously, life changing. 53 years of constant pain. You can let the pain take over or accept the new you and carry on with life. I wish I could tell you there wasn't set backs and fear. That would be a lie but you can't let the pain win. I was 20 when the accident happened and when i left the hospital i weighed 113 pounds, with the body cast on. I never felt bitter or angry toward the friend who was driving the car. He proably saved my life and prevented any further samage as he directed the rescue team of my potential spin injury, wven though he was seriously injured as well. Did it change my life, sure. Would it have better? Who kno w s. Ive lead an exceptional life and have no complaints.
I’m glad to hear you’ve really thrived after all of those issues, Donna! Thanks for reaching out!
I applaud you. I went through the same thing my L4&L5 was grade 2 Spondylolisthesis with my L4 half way past my L5 with no disc. I had all the procedures you had prior to get the insurance approval for the surgery 1 1/2 year later. I'm 56 (African American) during surgery and I feel so much better but it's taking time to heal do to I suffer from RA moderate/severe of hands and feet, osteoarthritis of both knees mild form, and RA of the back, it's February 2024 now my bone growth is slow due to RA I was told. But I feel better now than before and yes I had physical therapy just finished February 6,2024. ALL YOU ARE TELLING I ALSO WENT THROUGH THE EXACT SAME THING, MEDICATION, CONSTIPATIONT, AND EVERYTHING ELSE. Thanks for recording this because a lot of people don't understand what we go through before and after. 😊❤
That was 100% the point of recording it. To be real and honest about what lies ahead. I’m really glad you’re doing well and I hope you keep getting better. Sounds like you have the arthritis which I don’t have yet Thank God!
Please be safe and keep healing! Keep in touch!
And I especially applaud you! Having RA during recovery had to be so much harder! My Sis has RA and struggles so with hands, ankles and knee issues! Takes bravery! Sending you a soft hug! 😊❤
Few month after the same op... fusion of L4/5 and S1 .
Started with cronic pain , lower back. Terrible pain in walking...went back to another dr...as we moved away... new dr declare : FBSS ~ FAILED BACK SURGERY SYNDROME
I had rhystomie and fassetblock. Helped for while. 12 years later
Still cronic pain. Now also burning soles, as if barefeet on hot.tarmac.( Non diabetic)
Neuropathy because of Pedineural fibroses/bleedind forming after operation. Constant pain and the burning newe away, even when sleeping
I just had my L4-L5 fused a little over a week ago on 6/23/23. I'm 54 and it's been no cake walk that's for sure. Things are getting a little better every day and I experienced everything you described post surgery. My symptoms before the surgery was numbness just under the skin on my right and left thighs down to just above my knees. I had a bone spur pressing on the nerve on the right side that made my right side more numb than the left. The CT and MRI didn't actually show the bone spur which caused the surgery to go 3 hours which was an hour longer than expected. I'm an electrical lineman by trade and it's pretty much a job of hard work and discomfort. It'll be 3 months before I will hopefully be able to return to work. We don't have light duty so I've got to be 100% before I can go back. Oh yeah, one thing you forget to mention was the catheter. I got mine out the day of the surgery or the next day one. Needless to say, it burned when I peed for the first 5 days after the surgery. I don't know if they gave me an extra big one or what. That was certainly some extra pain I could have done without. My doctor also got me a brace belt kind of thing that has a removable ice pack that goes over your incision site. That incision site pain is one of the worst pains I've ever had. I can lay on my left and right side now so that helps to change position in bed. I've only been taking an oxycodone at night to help take the edge off the pain so I could sleep. I don't think I'll take one tonight and see if I can sleep. It's nearly 1 am and my schedule is getting out of whack too. They should have offered you some stool softeners and a laxative in the hospital. I was going within the second day and I had my surgery early on a Friday and went home around noon on Sunday. I subscribed to your channel and will watch some more.
Thanks for supporting the channel. I’m glad my content is helping sir! Please keep us updated on your recovery.
Wish you the best. Keep improving!!
So ...how do you feel now ...are you okay now ?
@@sailendridas6170 I'm supposed to go back to work on Monday October 16th. I've got to get some FMLA papers filled out quickly. I should have already had them in. My back is less than ideal. I can hopefully stand for a longer period of time than before the surgery. There is a lot of standing and walking involved with my outdoor job as a Lineman. I wish that I had no pain but, that would be a lie. Bending over the put on shoes and socks is one of my hardest things to do. I just got home from physical therapy a few minutes ago and it does help to exercise the core and lower back muscles and I'm probably going to keep on with physical therapy even after I get back to work. They are supposed to be trying to get me scheduled in for a couple more weeks at least twice a week. I'll know more how I'm really doing after being back to work for a week or so. It's hard to gauge right now. The numbness in m upper and outer thigh is still present though it may be slightly less than before surgery.
I love your description of the recovery. My surgery was last week Nov. 17th,2022. All I remember was being rolled into the operating room a couple more nurses, and next time I woke up it was in the recovery room. The 1st 2 nights I was bed rest, couldn't move without it hurting, sleeping on my side was the only way I could get some relief but then after a couple hours I use the call button for the nurses to help me role over. The meds are great to get some relief from the pain. On my 3rd day I started to get out of bed (with help) to try to walk, I was like a baby taking my 1st steps. I'm week into my post opp and feeling better; less pain, more movement. Oh yeah, I went a whole week from my last bowel movement which was the night before surgery. Be well.
@Mary Wangen what’s your update now Mary after another month?
@Mary Wangen fill us in Mary!
Mike, thanks for sharing. Glad you’re doing well sir!!
@Mary Wangen update?
Hi what’s your surgery post update
Hi I hope everything is good now.
I had a 2 level L3L4L4L5 fusion sergery
3 weeks ago but I feel buttucks pain and I hope I will be better ! Same everything you explain ,I wish no one have a pain like us.God bless every human being in world
How are you today? Still in buttocks pain??
I'm getting the same op as yours in 3 days time
Great video... I'm 48...I had back surgery in Oct 2023. (L4 L5) discectomy in El Paso. Who was or is your neurosurgeon? Mine was Dr. Martin... So far so good and i regret not doing this sooner... Your pre and post surgery description is on point... I watched other YT videos and they prepared me what to do prior to, day of, and during my recovery phase at home. Here is my description and advice for people going thru a similar experience... I got my tools and supplies a week prior. Stuff such as reach sticks (3), wound care supplies, clear water resistant bandages covers, and ice packs (small frozen water bottles or frozen veggie bags work as well and they're free or cheaper than the medical type ice packs from CVS/Walgreens). A week or two prior to surgery, i borrowed a walker and a portable toilet seat. If you ask, i am sure someone you know has these in storage or closet. Don't buy one if you don't have to...I also made sure i had someone at home with me (in my case my wife, thank God) and i made sure my doctor placed the order to have a nurse come daily for the first 10 days to do wound care and monitoring...in addition, I had my doctor request home physical therapy and have it in place for the following day after surgery...my doctor had instructed me to be walking and standing everyday right after surgery...i made sure i had my bed ready and clear of any barriers or obstacles that would cause any problems... I was not allowed to take any pain or meds two weeks prior to my surgery. That was hell. I was completely bed bound...i did all my business lying down (in a bucket or bed-pan). If you've been in my place, you don't care how and where business (relief) is taken care of...right? So be ready with that in case you are told to be off your meds and not mobile until your surgery... The day prior to my surgery i almost cancelled my surgery because i could not move or get off my bed... i googled for ambulance services in my area and found one that actually worked as a taxi. They charged me $125 one-way...they were a life saver! They relieved from my worries on transportation and helped me prepare myself mentally for my surgery. Make sure you wear simple and easy-to-remove clothing...my surgery was outpatient so i knew they were going to let me go home the same day so i would have to dress or have someone dress me when released. When i awoke from surgery i was made to stand up not even 1/2 hour later. I was scared but the nurse and wife encouraged me. Let me tell you that i had not felt such a relief and no pain as i had for the past months prior... i did have some discomfort from getting my back and spine opened up, but that was expected. I was able to sit up and after another half hour i was released home. To my surprise, i was able to get into my wife's SUV and the ride home was not too bad. Take in consideration that i was still under some good meds from surgery so they helped with some pain... When i arrived home, my room and bed were ready. I was able to lie down on my own and get up with a little help on my own to go to the bathroom... I did experience some bowel issues (blockage) due to meds and anesthesia but thankfully, as i had previously ordered prior to surgery, a nurse took care of that (but that's a completely different story). Lying onto my bed and out of bed was easy after watching some YT videos. Just Google how to get in and out of bed after back surgery...The walker came into play for the first two weeks and the reach sticks i had placed in the bathroom, bedroom and kitchen area helped a lot... Bathing was easy after covering my wound care and dressing (putting clothes on) took awhile but the reach sticks helped a lot... they are awesome! As i had mentioned, have your wound care supplies and your nursing care in place ... The home therapy started two days after my surgery and I did it for three days out of a week ... Your recovery will be successful as long as you follow doctor orders and follow the three rules : no twisting, bending or leaning for at least 3 weeks or until your doctor says so. Make sure you continue with outpatient physical therapy and do your walking exercises. I will add more info that may help others if I left anything out.
Thank you for taking the time to make this extensive comment! The channel will really appreciate reading your advice!
I went with Velimirovic.
Your story is exactly what I’ve been going through. I fought with doctors for 6 years and finally found one this year that cared. I go in the 21st, I’m terrified, but hopeful. I just want my life back 😢
Crystal. Good luck! Please let me know how it goes!!
Why were you denied? I have been too. Thanks to state insurance.
@@dwilson6769 because I was to young is what they kept saying. They let it go too far. My new orthopedic said if I had surgery 4 years ago it would have never gotten this bad. Keep fighting and don’t give up!
@crystalandrews1519 as long as I can eat, drive a car and speak they'll never let a RN stop working.
Prayers for you, Crystal. I am scheduling L4/5 laminectomy and fusion when I see the surgeon again in two weeks. I thought I could manage this longer. However I cannot. I’ve been trying to put surgery off until after Dec 14th; that is the day my grandson graduates college. However, I’m getting progressively worse in a very short period. I cannot beat this condition without surgery. I cannot even hang on til December.
Like you, I just want my life back. I thought I was strong/tough. Actually , I AM. However THIS has nothing to do with that! I hope people understand why it is important to get out of their own way so they can enjoy life again. I’m more than ready!!!!
Take care. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
You perfectly described the pre surgery pain.. its exactly what I've been going through. I have 8 weeks until my surgery and I've been nervous about it... but this video gave me a sense of calm. I sincerely appreciate this video, man. I hope your recovery is still going well brother!
Brian, are you nervous?
@@AllNFLAllTheTime Definitely. Part of that is the long wait I have until the surgery
@@NOT_Brian you’ll be ok brother. I’ve watched all these videos and Fuzed looks like he’s moving around like a spring chicken. All the best for you Bryan.
@@NOT_Brian you’ll be good. Just have that fighters mentality coming out of the surgery. Stay on EXACTLY what your doctor says!!
@@NOT_Brian I’m doing great sir. I can’t fault you for being a little nervous. It’s a life changing surgery. God willing, it’ll be all good life changes!!
Thank you, thank you for sharing. God Bless you!
Ricardo, God Bless you. Thanks for the support!!
Hi Woody my name is Mark and on November 17th I had a four level Fusion done to my L2 L3 of three of four of four of five and a5s1. I had a previous l405 surgery about 3 years ago weather just did a discectomy and a cage disc put in. I felt well after that surgery in 2019 but about a year ago I started to get pain down my back and right hip that traveled all the way down to my toes this was anytime that I exerted myself I e walking long distances standing on my feet running a bicycle driving in the car for long periods. I went in and my doctor got it MRI on me back in 2021 March and what you noted that my L2 L3 and L3 L4 discs of had had evacuated the disk space and were now in the spinal column. He did say that I have an extraordinary large spinal foramen and that kept me from being paralyzed. Anyway on November 17th I went in had the same work up the same experience with doctors nurses anesthesiologists. Just a side note is I usually try to fight the anesthesia or the pre anesthesia that the anesthesiologist gives you but that didn't work this time I was in so much pain I just let myself go. I woke up the next morning and was rid of the preoperative pain and I cried. Post-operatively went just as well as yours except being that I'm 66 and you're 35 I'm having a little bit more difficult time with balance so I still use a cane but I'm walking around Park so I'm taking my dog to the park and just enjoying this pain free episode in my life still having incision pain and some slight pain on the left side where the stenosis was the greatest. I want to thank you for your RUclips and lifted my spirits new knowing that I was not alone. Oh by the way I am a Navy veteran and this was done at the VA in Tampa Florida. I know a lot of people say that the VA has shoddy medicine but they do have good neurosurgeons. I hope you your wife and your family have a wonderful Christmas take care and a Happy New Year. Once again thank you for sharing.
Mark, fascinating journey. I’m glad you’re doing well. My Christmas was great! Keep doing what you’re doing, glad you’re pain free!!
You can do this! Physical therapy is your key to a successful recovery. I had double discectomy and spinal fusion with the Ray Cage procedure in 1999 by the greatest neurosurgeon "Bruce Moffett" of Norfolk, VA. It's been 25 years and not one issue . Praise God. I was 34 and in great Physical shape and a non smoker. At my 6 month check up I walked in the doctor's office and I entered by giving Mr. Moffett a gift and a testament to his great job by doing a jumping heal touch.
What a great story! I’m very happy for you! Please be careful and keep killing it!
I'm having this procedure done in December so I am grateful to find these videos!
Becky, how did everything go? You doing ok?
@@TheFuzedLife it has been the most difficult recovery. I was given medication for nerve pain and I am soooo allergic to it. I have finally started feeling human again. Thank you for asking!! I hope you are doing well!
Thank you for sharing your update. It very helpful for me. I’m on day 15 post operation of L5/S1 fusion. The first 5 days was worse. I’m getting better today. It just hard to fall asleep at night.
I hope you are well. 🙏
S, I agree. Great update @fuzed
S, keep pushing forward. It’s gets better sir!
Thanks for the support!!
Hello sir
I also had l5-s1 surgery 2 weeks before
I just have one question
Do you also feel muscle spasm or jerks on body just when you are about to sleep or is it just me
Or is it normal
Please reply
You did a great job and helped more people then you can imagine. Thank you.
Jan, that means a lot. Thank you. I’m so glad you got value from the video, that’s why I do it!
I hope you’re doing ok and healing well!
Hey brotha I just received the same exact surgery. Everything you explained has been spot on. You have actually gave me the willpower to keep pushing. There is a light at the end. Let me tell you though. The pain and thought of something breaking is so painful.
It really messes with your mind. “Am I hurt?”, “what just happened to my back?” I get it.
Take it slow and keep me updated!
@@TheFuzedLife thank you my friend. This is my 4th day. Still a 8 month road but atleast I’m not overthinking what I am feeling. At the least you clarified it better then google could
You are describing everything I'm going through to the tee. I'm on day thirteen today. You are telling my story. The pain is unreal.
Jimmy, still doing alright? Update me brother!
Pain every day is so depressing
Affects your mental health
I’m at this position
Waiting for MRI in a few days..
I had the l4 to s1 fusion and had similar after surgery pain. The thing that helped the most was the surgeon answering all my questions and assuring that my spine is stable and i wont collapse. I was also concerned about the incision drain and why it was still draining. The nurses were great in assuring me it is normal and do not worry i was doing better than most. I went home on sunday morning after friday surgery. I expected pain but it was not as bad as it was before surgery. My biggest concerns were my spine collapsing and bleeding too much. Those were put to rest by the surgeon and nurses. My advice would be ask all the questions you want after surgery to put your mind at rest
Thank you very much for the video. Im preparing for lumbar laminectomy and spinal fusion. I was having second thoughts because of the unknown outcome, but I know that I need the surgery. It is very hard to get out of bed and difficult to move around without the extreme pain . Your video put me at ease a little bit. I look forward of your future videos, and again thank you
Same here. My surgery is scheduled for 11/28/22. I’m a nervous wreck and indecisive. Continued prayers for you and your healing process.
This video I had to send to my family to explain what it has been like for me, for over 15 years. Not looking forward to the recovery side but hopefully and optimistic.
I am 67 and just had my 6th low back surgery in pitts this was my 3rd fusion it was done with robotic arm 2 rods 19 screws 2 plates 200 stiches inside 67 staples outside 9 hours on table stait to intensive care for the night next day therperiost had me up and walking spent 6 days in pitts came home im in my 4th week home no pain just sore in insision im walking 2 mile a day and felling better day by day best dision ive made and they have me on tylonole if needed thanks to pitts nuero surgery team
Thanks Bro. I experienced the same pain and uncomfortability for approx. 2 years to the point of almost depression. Finally getting fusion on L/4/L5/S1 Jan. 12,2023. Thanks for letting me know what to expect.
How was it? I'm having mine on 1/30
@@vipertocobra good luck brother. How do you feel?
@@vipertocobra good luck sir
Sean, are you mentally now or are you depressed?
Sean, I hope the video helped you brother.
Thanks for the support!!
Spot on video I’m 2 weeks post-op from same surgery! Sounds like my initial recovery wasn’t quite as miserable as yours but very similar, Good luck and hope you recover well!
Thank you sir.
Can you give the channel an update on how you’re doing!?
Had same surgery on July 19, 2024. Disc got infected.
Was on 2 intravenous antibiotics for 6 weeks.
Finally back to work 3oct2024.
I do pool yoga for flexibility
Definitely needed the surgery. I was afraid. Best Dr in the world at Memorial Regional in Hollywood FL, Dr Forester.
Best nurses on 7th floor. ❤ Them all especially Nurse Francine. She's an angel in disguise. By God's grace and mercy , I survived. I turn 62 on the 15 October....never felt better. Memorial Health Systems is the greatest.❤🤛🙏👍🥰
Having this same surgery next month. Been looking for a true to life recovery experience. Thanks.
5 months post op and I'm planning my next level fusion. Nothing gone wrong, but I had two bad disks and we only fixed one. Go figure...
I’ve had 4 back surgeries; spinal cord tumor, spinal fluid leak repair, grade 2 spondylolisthesis fusion at L5-S1, hardware removal and another leak. Worst was first leak because I couldn’t lift my head more than 10 degrees because of the repair on the leak. Standing up 3 weeks after being in bed was beyond belief. I live with a grade 1. They all don’t compare to open heart, fell broke sternum, then 6 surgeries to get it fixed.
Bro I hope you’re doing ok
Sir, you have definitely been through it.Please take one Day at a time .. Please know this, this will all pass,easy does!!! Keep it going at your pace, but please keep it moving. Need some one to talk to reach out to me or anyone on here.Sincerly ,. Ray Donahue
@@raymonddonahue1942 you do a great job with your comments. How far are you removed from your surgery and how are you?
My goodness Lloyd, I can’t imagine going through what you’ve gone through. Better days ahead sir!!
You ever need anything done from Philly to the Pacific Ocean call me. Brother Blue
Thank you for the video. You have given me hope. I’m at day 10 post surgery of L3-L4-L5.
I hit a low point at days 6-8 while tapering off the pain meds.
I’ve watched a few of your videos and have much hope. Thanks
Jim! I’m glad the video help. Thank you so much for the support and keep me updated sir.
It was really sweet of you to do this video. All of these details don’t get communicated by a doctors office but they’re very important. I had this surgery back in 2000. It’s 24 years later and now the disks above that fusion are starting to go and I am 73 years old. I’m very athletic and love to walk and ski but now I can only walk like a block and that’s not easy. Anyway, the only suggestion I would have for anyone getting the surgery, is to deep breathe and bring your kind of awareness to the area of the pain. Feel the intensity of the pain while you’re deep breathing and it’ll dissipate. It’s not a cure all it’s not gonna make you be able to jump out of bed faster, but it can really help manage the pain along with the meds. I wish anyone that’s making this decision the best. It’s a last resort, but it can really be a life changer if you’re really suffering. One more thing, they are now doing more lateral incision surgeries. That’s what I’m gonna be having for L - 34 and L - 23. Hopefully the recovery will be a little faster from the posterior surgery I had. take care to all you back pain suffers 22:36
Even after two surgeries I had a terrible time trying to get a MRI. Took a year for me to finally get my MRI and I got my surgery immediately. Same for the second surgery. I'm now going to get my fusion and it has been five years. I was told that I'm so young that they didn't want to do the fusion. I'm 39. This has been the worst five years of my life but you just can't give up. Its really hard to stay positive but videos like this help a lot. Thanks man. Also be very careful with the pain meds
Good luck. I lived with pain for 40 years on and off. Then the pain became constant. Tough stuff
Chris, how are you doing nowadays? Update the channel brother!!
@@kengdahl7667 sir, 40 years is a LONG time to endure pain! How are you nowadays sir??
How are you doing now?
Can’t thank you enough for making this video of your journey and what to expect. I’m post-op day 1 and your experiences provides hope!
Thank you brother! I hope you’re recovering well!
I am facing this surgery, though I am much older than you are. I didn’t realize how much post-op pain there will be but now I am prepared. Thanks for this video.
It has been painful but I’m 3 years removed and doing great! Good luck and thank you for watching!!
May I ask how your surgery went? I am about 3 weeks before I have mine. TIA
My surgery, thank God, went perfect. I’m not saying there wasn’t challenges. But I’m 4 years Post Op with stiffness and pain here and there but I’m as mobile as I could hope to be. Almost 100% I’d say
I was really fighting with myself to go to the doctors about the same exact pain you've had. Especially after the chiropractor confirmed the results with x-rays. The relief from pain on your face is telling me I need to get this procedure done asap. Thank you for posting this video.
It was good for me. I wish you the same luck! Please let me know what you decide and how you’re doing!
Hey man I just want to say thank you. I am 6 days out from l4 l5 fusion with laminectomy. Of all the videos I refer back to yours a ton. It has helped during this first week. I had a little issue where I had a seizure taking opioids so I had to get through on Tylenol and muscle relaxers. So the pain was and is a little hard to manage, but manageable. I am able to walk around the block with no pre op pain (typical siatica, drop foot, but pain etc). So I would say doing ok for Day 6. I would also add one thing that had helped me. A bidet seat has helped me tremendously once I could go. I know it sounds funny but the bidet is really really great. I just wanted to say thank you, I use your videos a ton for reference.
I think a bidet would have certainly my helped.
Thank you so much for supporting the channel and I hope you have a speedy recovery. Please let me know how you’re doing!
I was in a bad car accident back in September and had to be fused from T2-T6.. Here it is May and im still in pain 😩 getting Facet Joint injections in my neck tomorrow in hopes of helping the pain. I have DDD and several herniations in my cervical spine. Prior to the accident i had zero back issues. The struggle is real. Good luck!!
That sounds awful. I hope you get everything figured out! I've been very fortunate so far to have not had any real setbacks or needed any further interventions since the surgery.
I had my L4/L5 fusion 11/18/22. Finally was discharged from rehab on 12/23/22. I have a long way to go, can’t wait to start physical therapy soon. Still in deep pain at times and need a walker, but hoping for the best! Positivity and dedication to constant efforts are key. I’m a more rare case of set backs.
How are you now
Susan, stay positive and keep your warrior mentality!!
How r yu now
Great info. Thank you. You described all my exact back issues. All info shared is helpful for us looking into surgery and are scared of the outcomes and after experiences in recovery . Glad your improving 🙌🏼
How are you doing today ma’am? Let us know how you’ve recovered!
Hi Fused!
I was diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis just about everywhere. I am 8 weeks post surgery of L4-5, a 360° with a cage. No BLT's of course. Walking wasn't so bad. I spent 3 weeks in rehab. I have in home PT 2x/week. I will use a rollator until I can balance on my own. Pain is still pretty rough especially standing up doin the dishes, mostly left flank and incisional pain. I was severely deconditioned for 2 1/2 years, due to a fall on 1/20/21, had left hip surgery on 1/20/23, then back surgery on 10/2. You described a lot of what I went through. Thanks for sharing 😊
I have surgery on 9-7-2022 and I have been so scared I thank you for your video
I am due to have the surgery in about 3 weeks. May I ask how you are doing today? I'm a bit nervous. TIA
I truly THANK YOU for sharing your experience. Your story fits mine to a " t". I too was TOTALLY bed ridden. When I did have to walk I was using a cane but was still falling because of the drop foot in my right root. I had back surgery to fuse the L4, l5, and S1. Like you none of the meds, pt, whatever was working. It's been a week so far , and I'm thanking God. Of course I'm in pain because of the surgery, but that pain I had before is GONE. The numbness, weakness, and pain on my right side is gone. I have pain in my hip joints as if I've overworked my muscles is there. But I feel hopeful for the first time in many years that I'm going to get my life back. Thank you for sharing your experience, and May God continue to bless you in your healing.
Veviticus,
I'm so glad the presurgery pain is gone. What a feeling that is. I just did a 6-month update video with the 7 month coming soon. As I explain in my last video, you have to have a successful surgery before anything can happen and it sounds like you're there. I'll keep you updated and please keep me updated.
@@TheFuzedLife I will keep you updated. Thank you so much!
I am facing L5 S1 fusion after a car accident, and I have been extremely nervous about it. Thank you for making this video it has been informative and comforting!
What happened? Did someone Tbone you
@@JohnnyLongbarrel yes, hit and run accident two dudes stole a car and were evading police when they tboned me on driver side. It was horrible
@@kaiulanihall694 I’m really sorry to hear about the car accident. That’s really unfortunate. Please keep me updated on what’s going on with you. You can always email me with questions as well.
@@kaiulanihall694 you doing ok nowadays?
I’m doing alright! I had my spinal fusion done back in April and started PT recently. Still have nerve pain in my left leg but it’s not as bad. the pain in my low back is mostly gone, I am however having a lot of new pain in my right hip and SI joint I ended up getting injections to calm down the pain. Everything you stated in your video was spot on and I had a pretty similar experience. I am feeling a lot better overall glad I went through with it
Thank you for this video. i just passed two week post op L4L5 fusion and all your comments resonate with me. look forward to your updates.
Craig, I look forward to an update on you sir. How are you??
I had the same surgery about 5 years ago. At first I could not find a surgeon who would touch me. we went all the more conservative interventions and nothing helped or lasted. Finally I took my MRI to one last surgeon in Seattle and he looked and said to me, "I can fix this." I was ecstatic. And did fix me. I had the same experience with recovery as you did. I am left with significant pain at times, and i must be cautious, I am very happy with the outcome.
I had L4 L5 and S1 fussion 7 years ago. Minimal invasive. I fell on my back a few days ago, got up and moving around comfortably. Well, I told my family that proves am good to go for another 65yrs. Am 67 this year .
Barry, sometimes surgeons get to be like baseball players, they want that high batting average. Nobody wants failed surgeries under their belt. Glad you found one to fix you up!!
@@dr.a.georgemccallum9208 you got 65 year left in ya! I’m glad you’re holding up from your surgery! Stay on your feet though 😂
I'm getting ready to have back surgery for my L4 L5 I know Jesus will be there so I'm ok with it thank all so much for all the amazing answers on here
Everyone does a great job putting good information here!
I'm going in for 7 level fusion on Dec 7th. I'm nervous as a cat in a sack. I appreciate your honesty and just being real in your video. Happy Healing!
HEY! I had a spinal fusion in july. i can tell you that my savior was a little bed handle that i bought on amazon. please please get this. it helped me so so so much. it made getting up a lot easier! good luck :)
I had a 10 level fusion T3 thru L4 on December 8th 2021. The surgery took care of a lot of the pain in my legs it has however been a very painful recovery. I’m still on #10 Percocet 4 times daily with muscle relaxers and Valium. Doc said he had me on the table for 10 hours. I’m going to PT twice weekly but still can’t walk without a great deal of pain nor can I sleep in a bed, I sleep in a recliner. Of course I’m 61 years old and overweight and that may be something thats not really helpful in my case either.
Oh wow. I sure hope you get some relief soon!!!
@@rhillman1261 10 levels, Rick!?
@@rhillman1261 please update us on the 10-level!
When the surgeon told me that he will do a fusion on my l4s1 I was panicking like never before. After watching your video,I'm just confident to take it head on come January 31st. Thanks for that vital Information, giving me the confidence I needed most.
I’m really glad it helped, sir. Email me with further questions! Fuzed24@yahoo
Thank you for this info I have to thru this as of last of December and it was great info appreciate you
Chris, how are you feeling now?
Thanks for sharing your journey. I had the same surgery in 2015, brings back memories of the same things I experienced. Unfortunately here in 2015 I need another surgery, I have what they call ADJACENT SEGMENT DISEASE . I am 51 years old now and a very active gym rat like you, this is common I’m learning now. I am consulting a surgeon next week to schedule a fusion on the segment above my last surgery. I am experiencing the same type pain like before the past surgery, constant traveling pain in my left hip down to my calf. Hate to be doing it again but have no choice. I had three surgeries on my neck also, your lifestyle has to change as far as working out. I don’t do certain exercises now to avoid neck injuries, I believe I’m done lifting also, bands and calisthenics for me now. Good luck and I appreciate you sharing for all of us out here dealing with this issue.
What did the surgeon say!?!
Thank you for sharing these updates. I am 40 and have been living with pain for 20 years. I would be having the same fusion sites as you did and it really helps to hear other people's stories. Such a big decision, and hearing about the recovery is really helping me.
Are you getting the surgery? I’m thinking about backing out, at least right now even with my L5 S one being practically bone on bone, I can still run, swim at the beach and sleep like a baby. I do not want to be unable to sleep for weeks on end after surgery I will go freaking crazy
@@FromTheHood2TheWoods take it slow and really research your decision
@@FromTheHood2TheWoodsDid you went for the surgery
@@adityalotankar4306 yes! Best thing I ever did! 12 years of horrible back and leg pain completely gone! It’s a miracle. I’m like a whole new person. Get it done at a hospital not at a private practice.
@@FromTheHood2TheWoods wow good to hear!!. Hope you live a happy and healthy life.
Thanks for sharing. I had 2 minimally invasive surgeries for L3/L4 and L4/L5 spinal disc compression. The 1st one was successful but I was not careful about my limitations post operation. I had something J thought was piriformis but the doctor told me it was something to do with disc compression and suggested another surgery where laminatomy was done. Right after the 2nd surgery, I was paralysed from waist below for about 1 month plus. Today, after more than a year, I am still recovering with all peculiar pain here and there from time to time.
Sir that is so scary to be paralyzed. How are you today? Hope you’re well.
God bless you and your family. Stay mentally strong and keep fighting the good fight.
Always brother. How are you doing? Did you also have back surgery sir!?
Just had the same surgery 2 weeks ago. Everything you said it exactly the way it was. Just need to take it easy because when you start feeling better it’s hard not to want to do things and you can overdo it very easily. I did and it se me back a bit.Thanks
I’m on day 10 post op of L4/L5 fusion. I was in the hospital for 8 days due to post op ileus. They wouldn’t discharge me until I had a BM. I was off narcotics after day 4 because I felt that the narcotics were not helping the ileus and was just taking Tylenol for pain every 6 hours, which is still the case. I was walking without the walker by day three. I’m trying to increase my walking each day. Today I walked 1.5 miles on a relatively flat street. My staples will come out on day 14! Still no bending, or twisting for a while and no lifting over 8 pounds. I hope to be back to skiing by 3 months post op! Thanks for sharing your experience. The first 5 days were the worst, but getting better every day!
3 months is too early. Let it settle for 6 months to a year with stabilizing exercises
Woody, please temper your expectations on the Skiing. I mean, that can be very violent if you fall. Just be careful! Risk averse!!
@Mary Wangen how are you doing Mary? Update??
@@kadijaish I agree 100%
Thank You Mark so much for sharing your journey with us all. I know Everybody's Body is different. But What your doing or should say Done, Is Truly Great. I don't care how long your video is.
I'm just happy you're doing this .
I'm so sorry you had to go through this. But I'm Glad you're at a place where you're Recovering. I'm going to watch all Your videos,tho it's been a while.
I'm going to be going through a lot myself this year. But I Cannot take these Pains& the Helplessness I feel as well as The Severities of my own pains. I cannot take care of my family & home like before. I Stand to do dishes& I feel I'm being Crushed& If I don't walk away when I can,I'm afraid I'll fall ,bc the pains are Too Much for me to handle. I don't think my family Fully understands what I'm going through. But I know they will soon. I've got some help. And I know God will help me push through as well. I pray you're doing so much better now than Before.Like I said before,This is my first video I've watched....
So God Bless You & Your family.
Andrea, thank you so much for watching and support the channel and for your kind words! I’m glad you got value from the channel!
I'm 4 Yr into treatment of l3l4l5 and s1 issues and now after every other treatment I'm due surgery. My pain daily is so bad and I take enough medication to put a small elephant to sleep yet still can't find relief 😞 I'm getting very scared now about the procedure mainly because I'm medical and more than aware what this operation will entail and the risks which I feel has made me more nervous. You hit the nail on head with things you have said and I just hope this treatment is successful. Thank you for your video. I hope you are healing well and in more of a positive position. X
I'm now 5 months post surgery, and how about i now have sciatica pain.
I'm so sorry to hear you are 4 years post surgery.
Praying for you, dear.
@@cynthiaperry1716 the Sciatica is back!?!?
@@cynthiaperry1716 I hope that Sciatica goes away!
Cathy, I hope everything goes well, please keep us updated!!
Back surgery is a $100 billion /year industry in the USA. It’s a gravy train for a lot of reasons. The industry is controlled by several device makers, the hospitals and the surgeons that move the chess pieces around the table. It is cut-throat competitive and prone to corruption and abuse. Most common fusion is L4-S1, one or two levels. I had 360 ALIF/PLF and do not recommend. Stay away from the anterior approach as it is very risky and the surgery can be done from the back in one day. Stay away from high dosage bmp2. I prefer Vivigen and laminar autograft. There are expandable cages that recreate lordosis and rods and screws to hold the construct in place until bony fusion takes place in 6-8 months. I had ASD above and below fusion that appears to happen 20-30% of the time and one should be advised if this rather high statistic. I had two total hip replacements and two si joint fusion as the shift in loading and new architecture negatively affect those joints. This pathology can be a nightmare, 8 -10 years duration for me, dictated by outside forces- insurance cos don’t want to approve until PT is completed unsuccessfully . Drs don’t want to forecast ASD as it bad for business. Hospital and device companies love revisions and additional surgeries, that why it’s a $100 billion/year business!
I'm having the surgery in March 2022 you've made it somewhat easier on the recovery period thank you
Patricia, did you end up having the surgery?? How are you now??
It’s been 9 months since I have my L4L5S1 spinal fusion surgery and still in pain Nerve pain, muscle spasm on my legs and burning pain in my lower back and thighs. I don’t know what to do. I’m so depress and I’m having anxiety. Thank you for your videos.
Same here. :( You’re not alone.
Has it fused?
I'm 6 weeks post op. The things i I feel contributed to still being in pain this far out are:
1 could not get pain med management right for 1st 2 and a half weeks.
2 physically overdoing it because of living alone.
Week 4/5 were decent so I started eating what I'd like besides bland foods. However, something did not agree with me and I woke up vomiting, diarrhea, chills, low grade fever. So please eat mild or bland until your system gets back.
you as I am getting depressed because I want to get back to my normal routine
S Badhan how are you doing? Update!?
Tess, this is hard to hear! Have things gotten any better? Can you update the channel please!?!?
Thank you for sharing your journey,I am having L4-S1 fusion on September 9,2024. I'm not going to lie,I'm kind of scared but so tired of being in pain. Have dealt with it for over 10 years it just got worst last year. I can't walk or stand for long periods without getting in bad pain. So I'm ready to get something done,I hope my results are as good as yours are.
Thanks for your story. I have mine Mar 12 and can't wait. The leg pain is awful.
Great Video . Very useful. Hope your recovering well. My surgery is also March 12 not looking forward to this
@@moondogg00 thank you so much . Speedy recovery to you as well
@@alboogie44 I am very much looking forward to it. I have suffered for so long, put life off, and struggled with walking to the point I don't leave the house. I
Hey guys,
Sorry that I am late getting to your comments. The leg pain for me was awful as well. As Moondog explained, I tried all nonsurgical methods and nothing worked. Good luck! Please comment with any questions!
@@chriss9340 you doing ok now brother?
I had L3-L4-L5 fixed (spinal fusion) and spinal stenosis surgery exacetely 6 months ago. Glad I did. My physioterapeut says, we don’t have to meet any more, but things are normal until 1 to 2 years after the surgery. I was hospitalised almost 2 weeks due to very heavy pains, but I got all the morfin etc. needed to be nearly painfree. Good luck to all of you going through the surgery.
Thanks for your story and I hope you got value from the video. Appreciate the support.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO
My girlfriend is going to be going through this and let's give her solace knowing somebody is going through the same thing I just want her better
Prayers
@@thetank2730 100
No music, email me with questions. Hoping for the best!!
@@TheFuzedLife she had the surgery on the 9th and is doing better everyday
Happy to hear
you are feeling better. I just had the same surgery, although my surgeon went through the front and back. The procedures were done 3 weeks apart. It is now 5 weeks later, and I'm still in major pain. I am 63 years old, which may be the reason for taking a little longer to heal. Thank you for sharing your experience. I look forward to hearing more of your testimonial.
Yes as we age we heal slower. I think you’re on the right track. Give it time!
This sound exactly like my story. I went through everything you been through and had the exact same results. Pain and more pain.im scheduled for sergury next week and i seriously can't wait. This has been horrible. Was scheduled forvsergury last year but was cancelled due to covid. This situation has imobolized me
I'm 14 days today post-op for the same procedure. This is exactly the same journey I've had and I wish I had found this video before to give me the confidence and idea of a rough timeline for recovery. Thank you for posting this!!!
I am 3 weeks out from having
spinal stenosis surgery which will include L4-L5-S1 fusion. I had ruptured disc surgery 2 years ago in same area. I have absolutely no pain but have significant numbness/weakness in my left leg/foot. Looking forward to getting back to normal
Im having my surgery Thursday
@@kimtb1546 good luck today, please keep us updated!
@@kimtb1546 Kim, fill us in in a week or so. We’re all anxious!
Mike, good luck brother! Get it fixed and get back to life!!
@@kimtb1546 any update for the channel? We’d all love to hear about your experience!
I'm so happy I came across your video! I have been experiencing the same exact issues with my back/hips/legs. I just had a visit with the surgeon yesterday and learned that I have to have the same surgery as you've had. He explained a lot and it was so much information to take in that I had a panic attack! I'm glad to know what to expect after surgery (Thank You)! It's been a struggle for two yrs now and I literally tried every thing that you went through. Surgery is now the only option for any relief of the constant pain. I'm having surgery January 12th and I can't deny that I'm scared, but I'm also tired of the pain. I appreciate you sharing your journey, it has definitely helped me. It's just a matter of processing everything. I'm happy that you're getting better by the day. I pray that you have a speedy recovery. God Bless.
Hey Mrs. Foster!
Please reach out through email with any questions and of course, I wish you the best of luck!
I am having a speedy recovery, I’m 3 years post op and I feel like I’m 95% of what I was, if not better.
Well presented. I’ve had 4 spine surgeries. I can tell you that you will get better. Be sure to complete your physical therapy if it’s ordered! Best of wishes..
Jill
Thanks for the reassurance and the support. I'm getting better everyday!
How are you now after 4 surgery
@@mahewaryadav I am ok after 2 years after mine. Hope you’re well.
I had the same surgery plus a decompression. I dealt with my 2 generated disks for 3 1/2 years before i had my surgery. I tried a few steroid shots and burning nerves but nothing helped. Mine was my low back and left hip/top legs too. The shots only gave me like 40-50% relief but for only a few short months. Masking the pain got harder. I had to have the surgery so I could walk, sit and bend down. I went go the chiropractor for years but didnt help for long either. I am so glad I had my surgery. That was my last step before surgery too with the chiropractor. I felt it was making it worse with those loosening decompressions at the chiro. How is your recovery now? I just pray the rest of my disks above stay healthy! Thank you for sharing your story!! We need more of these stories and be advocates to help others with these surgeries. There isnt enough and almost everyone has back issues. I wish i could run again but im afraid to as between running and weight lifting is what ruined my disks. I am able to do some yoga now. Some things i cant because of not having that range of motion now. I loved running and my surgeon said i could but i dont want to damage the rest of my disks they said were great. I wish you all the best!!
I’m almost 100% of what I was before. A little back stiffness. Some weird feelings sometimes but I live life just like normal.
@@TheFuzedLife awesome!! I am getting there!! Can you go on boat rides or can you take impact with yours?
Thank you for making your video’s. I pray that you are having a quick and painless recovery! Without saying this and being heartless, I’m glad that there’s someone else knows what others are feeling. Your surgery is the same as I’m going to have except my S1/L5 was fused in 2013, in 2014 I went for surgery due to a broken titanium screw which never healed properly. Only relief I received is from bike riding, the pedal type, just enough of a bend to take the pressure off of my back. Fast forward to January 2021, I started getting a lot of pain down my left leg and off and on down my right. Went through shots, PT, chiropractic, even had ablation on both sides. When I went to my physician, he noticed a difference between my left/right calves, my left was one and half inches smaller. MRI showed that my spinal cord is almost blocked off at the L4/L5 and that the fusion never healed on the left L5/S1.
Sir,
I hate to hear that. I hope you get it all sorted out. I have a new video coming soon!
wow I'm so sorry for what your going thru is much as I'm suffering I was thinking about getting into bicycling again,are you still ridding with what your going thru
@@TheFuzedLifePLEASE WRITE AND GIVE ME YOUR OPINION OR ANY ADVICE PLEASE?___ IM SCARED OF THE UNKNOWN AND MY CONDITION MAKES ME FEEL HOPELESS/HOPELESS?
Thank you for the insight. I’m getting ready to have the procedure myself. It comes with a great deal of anxiety. So your insight helps a great deal.
Suffering from Degenerate Disc Disease (DDD) and having gone through two double discectomy on L5-S1 and having again injured my back on the same discs & L4-L5 I’m at a crossroads of where my treatment goes next. Either Fusion surgery or Stem Cell injection treatment.
Watching your video has been tremendously helpful to me to see what expectations I need to set for myself.
I hope your recovery continues to go well & I’ll be looking forward to seeing you next post.
I’m also in TX, in Houston
Hey Scott,
I'm just trying to give an accurate account of what's going on. Thankfully it's all been good. I think tomorrow is a month from my last video so I should be getting around to putting out an update soon. Thanks for the support.
Have you looked into Nerve Frequency Ablation?
I’m going through same thing as your for past year. I’ve tried all conservative treatments that you have mentioned. Did 2 months of traction. Felt same thing like my back was loose and un stable after traction. Been rushed to emergency room 2 times in past 2 weeks because of terrible pain in left leg, like my leg being cut off. Surgery scares me to death but I may not have a choice. I can’t walk without terrible nerve pain in my left leg. Left leg very week, no reflexes, numb all the time. Bro I’m scared to death to have surgery!! Glad for you doing this video!
Yes I went through much of the same. My wife threatened to take me to the hospital because of the leg spasms that felt as if it was being cut off. I had no choice. I was at the stage of emergency surgery. Best of luck to you and I'll have another video soon.
sorry if it's any consolation lots and lots of us are in the same sinking boat⛵
I'm 4 days post op. Got up and walked about 5 hours after the surgery - zero pain where I had it before. I hope that you had the surgery. You're really just trading a forever pain for one that is a sign of healing and getting on with your life. Good luck.
Glad your doing good! Yes I had the surgery over a year ago. No regrets, wish I had done it sooner but I’m also glad I waited cause I know I tried everything possible to avoid surgery. I was pain free right after the surgery, the recover pain was nothing compared to the pain I was in. I do anything I want now. Keep l moving and walking more and more each day but don’t over do it. Only thing I still have is my left toes are still little numb, I think from waiting to long the nerve got damage, but I’ll take that all day. I do anything now, have physical job, mountain bikes, motocross etc. glad your doing good! Take care!
Was it fusion surgery?@@IndustMachWerksofTX
Appreciate your video. I'm 3 weeks out from spinal fusion and it helps to know what other people are going through. I'll be watching.
Thank you Barbara! Good luck and heal fast! Keep me updated please!
Thank you for this honest and comprehensive review of your recovery. I’m getting L5-S1 fusion in early March and really appreciate this day-to-day chronicle of what you’ve experienced. Your advice about what to drink & eat was especially helpful - few people address this
Jenny,
Good luck and please let me know how your recovery is going.
How are you now!? I have to get the same surgery
@@FromTheHood2TheWoods did you get the surgery? How are you nowadays? Update the channel brother!!
@@TheFuzedLife best decision I ever made. Was suffering with horrible leg and back pain for over 10 years. It’s been nine months since my Alift surgery and I feel great. Basically zero back pain and leg pain. Yesterday I loaded my truck with 10 bags of concrete 60 pound bags. For a project I’m doin. I’m definitely still being mindful of my movements. Don’t want to mess up the fusion. I have two Cobalt chrome rods at L5 S1. The went in through my stomach then flipped me over and did the minimal invasive through my back. Crazy thing is yesterday while I was at the beach swimming when I went to leave I got up and put too much weight on my lower rib and heard it pop, either broken or fractured my rib so now I’m dealing with that for the next month hopefully it heals fast just order some calcium and vitamin D pills, getting old sucks I have to keep reminding myself I’m not a kid anymore because I like to be very active.
@@FromTheHood2TheWoods I’m glad you’re able to lift like you are. A broken rib!? Man you can’t catch a break!
What did they do for the rib? There isn’t a whole lot that they do is there?
Thank u so much for the update as I'm preparing for mine on February 8,2023
Good luck!! I hope everything goes well and please let me know!!!
Thank you so much for this video. I’m also 33 and literally just got the same two fusions on the same two areas on Monday and Tuesday. The pain is absolutely excruciating. I’m waiting to be able to lay flat in the bed comfortably as well as be able to walk around a little more without the pain and feeling exhausted from the meds. Keep us all updated on your progress bro. God bless.
hello Sir.. how are you doing now. hope your back surgery went good for you..take it easy. in my prayers. take care..
Did you have swelling and more numbness I the feet and legs..
@@sonja-ilovecrochet4198 hello. Hope you are feeling better. I do have lots of numbness in my legs. Loss 75 percentage of my left leg..Please take it easy. In my prayers.. God bless you and family.. amen
@@stitch2499 thank you...I am doing good and my family is helping . Both of my legs are numb . Essentially I am numb from the waist down.. but my Dr called me a miracle of prayer since I am walking on a walker and can take a few steps without it..
@@stitch2499 stitch! Lost 75 of feeling or you actually had it amputated!?!?
Appreciate your honest and transparent descriptions! Thank you!
I appreciate you supporting the channel!
Hey Guys!
I was locked out of my account for a while. I finally got back in. I’m going to start making content again real soon!!
I’ll post a Q and A video for you tonight!!
Glad to see you back
@@thetank2730 thank you! Glad to be back!
Just had fusion 3 days ago. Thank you for documenting your journey. Good luck to you with your recovery.
I hope you’re doing well Brian. Thank you!
I had decompression and fusion of L3-S1 11 days ago. 66 yr old male with long history of low back problems. I’ve had a really difficult time with pain. Not only at the incision location, but muscle spasms up and down both legs. Hurricane came thru Florida two days after my surgery and over 100 staff didn’t make it in for work. I had 2 great nurses and 2 bad nurses who were constantly and hour more late with my pain meds. I was getting so upset, I requested to be discharged probably a day too soon. Was sent home with Percocet and a muscle relaxer, but my pain has been really hard to endure. I haven’t slept more than 10-15m each day since the surgery. Similar process with getting out of bed, but the only “comfortable” position is standing. I’m worried I’ve put a lot of strain on my surgery site constantly getting up and down throughout the day and night. I used the walker for the first couple of days, but it became easier to just get up and walk. I alternate between ice and a heating pad many times a day. Standing in a hot shower for 20m has provided some relief, so I’m doing that 8-10 times a day. My pain will diminish to a 2 at times been then spike back up to a 8. If not for my loving wife, I don’t know how I would have gotten this far in my recovery. We live in a 55+ community, so many neighbors have had similar procedures. They all tell me to hang in there it will eventually get better. My surgeon in Orlando has an excellent reputation and he told me I had a major procedure that went really well and I need to be patient with the pain. It is a struggle to stay positive at times , that’s where my wife has been a god-send. I’ll post an update after my first visit to get the stitches out. Don
Pain management was my major complaint. I, too, had issues with the hospital nursing staff. I requested to be discharged the next night. I was sent home with 5mg oxycodone, a muscle relaxer(tizanidine), and told to supplement with Tylenol.
Well, I ate tylenol like candy, I suffered to the point of my teeth chattering. When I did reach out, I was told I could take up to 15mg oxycodone which you guessed it I requested a refill. During my 2 week follow-up I advised her that the 10mg was hard to break. On my next visit , I asked her to dispense in 5mg
Man, how about it was written for 5mg. It was frustrating, to say the least.
Providers are so strict about opiods due to the addiction epidemic. I understand.
However, I'd had rotator cuff surgery prior to my back surgery, and they sent me home with a nerve block and a prescription for oxycodone and I never requested a refill.
I was finally able to manage my pain by tweaking it to my needs.
Guess what? I have oxycodone pills left over.
This was a major surgery 😳
And pain management, to me is essential to healing.
Sorry for the long post. I hope this helps someone
@@cynthiaperry1716 how are you doing now? Can you please update us?
Well, I'm 5 months in. My cat scan looked beautiful.
I am experiencing twinge and intermittent muscle spams, but I can deal with it as I know it's part of the healing process.
Aside from sciatica pain, I would have the surgery again.
Thanks for asking.
@@cynthiaperry1716 great to hear. I like seeing positive stories. I hate the stories where people are just so miserable.
@@cynthiaperry1716 God bless you. Heal up!!
Thank you very much for your helpful and honest feedback. My situation was thrust upon me with crippling pain starting on January 20, 2023. I have always led an active lifestyle including running, basketball, biking, downhill skiing, weight lifting but recently switched to resistance bands. At 59 those loves of my life contributing to my Feb. 8, 2023 L5 - S1 posterior lumbar interbody fusiion surgery. I’ve seen chiropractor in the past, but never had MRI before. I appreciate your video more than words can describe as I’m lying here in my bed in the middle of the night again doing research. All the best to you and thsnk you. I have a better understanding of what’s been thrust on me so fast as I haven’t been able to work since that day that’s burned into my memory of January 20th that literally had me crawling into our ftont door that dsy.
John, I hope you’re doing ok. You have the surgery in 2 days!?!? Good luck sir!! Keep a warrior mentality and you’ll be fine sir. My email is also posted should you like to talk!!
Mark I had to view your video again as I know my progress (day 11 since Feb. 8th surgery) would probably have some similarities. Your comment of having a “Warrior Mentality” was something I kept chanting to myself (in my mind) especially during the long sleepless nights. I made the decision to stop hydrocodone and muscle relaxer, due to a couple of reasons (BM issues & want to get authentic feedback on my pain tolerance). It was very helpful to hear your words again & I’ll channel having that Warrior Mentality today as I test the waters without pain meds. Going back to work is around the corner as I’ve been out since Jan. 23rd. Employer agreed with my compensation plan (60%) working from until my return. 60% is better than zero as I am a new employee with only two sick days afforded to me. I’m not looking forward to all the medical bills especially the ambulance ride - first of my life an embarrassing experience. Thanks for reading my reply. All the best to you Mark!
Thanks for sharing your experience! I’m preparing for minimally invasive fusion surgery on Aug 30 and your video was super helpful. I have spondylolisthesis at L4/L5 where my fusion will be. Sounds like you’re progressing nicely and look forward to seeing your successful recovery vi your videos. Regards, Harris
How did it go and how are you doing now?
Same diagnosis and had procedure. 4 yrs out.
@@eli4delmar how are you doing 4 years out?
Hsussman63 please update us on how you’re doing!
@@eli4delmar How are you doing today?
I am just literally 7 days out of L5L4S1 spinal fusion. Very nice and honest video. It has been horrible I agree 100percent. Just wanted to add something that I think will be very helpful to anyone having back surgery or recovering from back surgery of any kind. Get grabbers so that you can reach and pick-up things on the floor or across from you. Be sure and bring to the hospital for surgery and have home for recovery. They will be a god send and a blessing. God bless and good luck with your surgery and or recovery. I hope this little thing helps😊
Thank you for the kind words and please heal up well. Keep the channel updated on your recovery please!
Your situation was exactly what I went thru with degenerative disc disease .Just wanted to update my journey thru hell with spinal issues so anyone getting a fusion can make the right decisions Im now 7.5 months post L5S1 , also I had 3 Vertebrae fused in the neck.If you absolutely have no choice and have to get a fusion don't think just because your feeling better if your that lucky you can go back to chopping wood lifting weights or doing sports cause once you start damaging the rest of your discs like I have it's game over. I'm now back to where I was 7 years ago but with lots more debilitating issues at the age of 61im no longer able to push a mower or walk more then 10 minutes at times and I walked almost every day since my last fusion.Just wanted to give a long term review of what not to do.
I'm so sorry to hear your situation. I'm 1 month post op surgery. Same as yours. Thanks for the ⚠️. It sucks that I won't be able to do all the things I used to but better to be safe than sorry and compound the problem. I'm 68 and have always been active snd on the go. I was a nurse and I was always busy and it's just stayed with me. I need to ho slow and cautious. Thank you for sharing your experience
@@kengdahl7667 I’ve seen a couple comments from you. I’m wondering also how you’re doing. I’m 3 months out
I had my fusion of L 4- S 1 on 9/21/22. I still had continuing pain in my left buttock+thigh. Previously it was pain and numbness on both sides. So yes, definitive improvement. I went through weeks of physical therapy with limited improvement. I had another MRI recently and apparently have another extruded disc at L3, one level above my fusion. I had a small herniation at that site before surgery. Just want to put this out there to let others know. Be SUPER CAREFUL!!! Most people get 8 years out of a fusion before more problems develop. I'm not sure what I did but now I need a discectomy of L3. Once fused it puts more stress on all the anatomy above and below the fusion. I'm scheduled for February 9 and need pain meds again to get me through until then. I was also warmed about a very serious complication called: CAUDA EQUINA. It's very serious and can cause temporary or even permanent paralysis if not treated in time. All my best to all of you who have or need spinal surgery.
John, thanks for the input sir. I hope you’re doing well sir!
K engdahl, thanks so much for sharing. I really hope you can improve your quality of like and continue to progress throughout the years. Please keep me updated!
Thanx Lone Star. Living in Arizona but still a Texan. Same surgery 9 days ago and youre basically describing my surgery. I needed confirmation regarding my current pain issue and determined the process is ongoing and patience is key. Thanks brother this has helped
Very informational video!!! I am currently at the va hospital and had my l3-S1 fusion on Friday February the 12 and your video has really helped me out with my worries and anxiety and what I have to look forward too... I’m on day 2 and sitting up in the chair and getting in and out of bed with little help but definitely incision pain it’s tolerable with the meds right now it don’t take the pain completely away but definitely easies it off and makes it easier to get up and walk the halls to get everything moving... but just want to thank you for this video and hope you get the closest to 100% as you can and back to normal soon!!!!
Andrew, you're in the worst stages now. Give it a few weeks and you won't believe how you're feeling. Give it another few weeks and again, exponential improvement.
Andrew any update?
I’m going to have this surgery in Dec. This was the best documentation of before during and after a procedure! I’m scared to have it because of the after pain but it’s needed because I’m in constant pain. L4-5 gives me the most pain daily.
Toyrica, I was in constant pain as well! I really hope you enjoyed the video and got some value from it.
Please keep me updated on your progress and you can always reach out at Fuzed24@yahoo.com!!
Thanks for watching!!
I’m having L4/5 fusion the first of December. I am scared. How did your surgery go? How did you do at home? (Sorry a bit scared)
Hello friend how you doing now?
Thank you for your video. It was helpful to know what to expect. Hope you are doing well now.
Teresa, I’m doing great. Thanks for the support! You doin ok?
@@TheFuzedLife So glad you are doing good these days! Your story was one of tremendous pain. I have severe stenosis seeing the surgeon soon. My pain is somewhat controlled with light medication, but have break through pain. I have pain lifting and walking, can’t walk very far. Thanks for asking.
@@Teresa-K please heal! Keep me updated along the way! I’ll keep putting out more content and I hope it helps!!
I just had L4/5 fusion last week. The one tip I can give is, if you have body hair, make sure and ask a person close to you to SHAVE YOUR BACK! And your forearms, so that the tape used to hold down the IV doesn't stick to your hair. I wish I had shaved my whole body!!
Thanks for the tip!
You doing ok after surgery? I’ve been where you are. I hope you have a great recovery! Take it slow!
Stay safe and keep in touch!
@TheFuzedLife Thanks for the good words. I'm 5 months post- op, and the pain is worse. How was your experience?
Great video Mark, I hope you keep it up very inspiring and informative to those of us that have had PLIF lumbar fusion. My story prior to surgery is similar to yourself and many that have posted. My first fusion was August 2016 L4 to L5 with screws rods and a cage in between the two vertebrae. Post surgery I always experienced some low back pain but the nerve pain sciatica pain and shooting pain down the leg was immediately resolved. I continued to work as a UPS driver for three almost four more years and recently retired last June. This past November I had started to feel very very intense nerve pain unable to lay down sit down or stand without extreme pain, after following all the pre-surgery protocols I decided to have L2 L3 also fused, so now I have a total of three levels and four vertebrae fused. That surgery was on February 17, 2021. The recovery has been much slower and painful than the first surgery. My suggestion to anyone having the surgery would be to take seriously the effect that the fusion has on the adjacent levels. I love to golf and since retirement had been going out 4 to 5 days per week swinging hard trying to regain that loss distance from my more youthful years, even though I’m a young 60 year old 5’10” 185lbs in good health following my passion for golf may have done some damage. Now I will be more careful how aggressive I am going to be in my rehab and the kind of lifestyle I will continue after I am healed. Good luck to all
I'm 61 I've already blown my spine out again after 7 years waiting for the results of my latest MRI🤣😂🥵
Hi. Thanks for this. I've had 6 facet nerves radio ablated in effort to put off fusion surgery and so I can function. It's helped a lot. I go for another MRI later this month. I'm so afraid of the fusion surgery, but encouraged by your progress! Living with back pain is awful. Just awful.
Living with back pain is the WORST! I can tell you that the fusion helped me a lot. I got my life back.
I’m not endorsing it because it’s a very irreversible process. It’s permanent.
Although it was great for me I always encourage less invasive methods first if possible.
Thanks and good luck!
Thanks for doing this. It was very helpful.
I’m glad it was helpful and thanks for the support!!!
Wow, that was awesome. Thank you so much. I may be facing the same kind of surgery intervention, but still early. I’ve already gone through so much pain, and I feel I’m capable, even at 81 yrs that I could go through what I know will be a painful recovery.But I’ve got God on my side so I hope I really have the intestinal fortitude to go through it. But, time will tell. But thank sir, for your confirming a lot of what I have gleaned from all the RUclips videos I have watched. God bless your trip through recovery. Chet Marcotii, NH
Chet, good luck sir. 81 years young, there is nothing that you haven’t faced. This is just another obstacle. Please keep me updated!!
Hello I am seven years out from two spinal fusions...two cages. I still have horrible pain and spasms. The doctor said he would keep me out of a wheelchair but could not cure the pain. I faithfully walked four times a day in 90 degree heat a week after my surgery. I am still glad I am not in a wheel chair. Keep your core muscles strong. Good luck and prayers.
Rita, thank you for this comment. I feel horrible that you’re in pain.
Rita, stay strong and manage the pain. I hope you’re doing well!!
Be careful and stay safe, Rita
I am 5 weeks opt and I have terrible left leg pain, it started with the left hip down the leg and now is with the feet, I was told that is the nerve that are trying to get used to the new disc and yeah is painful
@@agneshelena825 You got the new disc..did not have that when I had surgery. You might piroformis syndrome. I did not have to do pt right after surgery but then got what you have. I went to pt a few times then learned to do the exercises myself. When my nerves regenerated I screamed for a whole day..poor hubby. I had a mri this morning because I am so tired of the morning pain and spasms. If u would see me in the morning you would think what a wreck she is..then later in the afternoon I can push mow , walk etc, but latest very tired and leg pain returned. My surgeon told me after back surgery u may not get back pain relief but you should not have aching legs. I did not from 2015 after surgery til recently…so mri to see and plus I hear a popping noise. Backs are the worst to fix. God bless you and prayers for u. 💕💕💕💕