Hi Charles, I have watched all your videos and appreciate the information. I am scheduled for December 21st. I am a competitive dressage rider and I have not been able to ride for about 6 months with significant pain when I did for about another 6 months. I also did everything -, Chiro, massage, injections, etc. I did think after my consult I would be back in the game more quickly. I have also watched a bunch of videos and given your fitness level, this is disappointing, but grateful for your honest feedback. Better to know now than be disappointed later. Thank you!
Thanks for this man. I’m on day 4 of MI l5s1 and this after surgery pain ain’t no joke . But I did start to feel a lil better . Real ruff trying sit down and get up. Basically we traded one pain for another one but this one goes away. Now since I see your video I do feel much better about this Situation.
Thanks, Chuck! I'm two months post-op, myself. So far, so good. Thanks for the update. I'll keep you posted on my progress too, if you'd like. Your original video helped me tremendously. Thank you!
Thanks man! I herniated my l5 s1 and have been super bummed about this pain and my potential future etc. Im in my early thirties and love to live an active life. It's good to hear that maybe if I have to have this surgery I'll be able to resume being a more active guy. I also was in the service. Freaking Army.
Hey brother, had my TLIF L5-S1 Spinal Fusion on 22 Aug 18. Surgery at 8am and they had me up and walking at 1130. Checked out of the hospital on 24 Aug 18. By the second day home I felt like crying because most of my nerve pain was gone. My incision was only about three inches long. They took the bandage off same day of surgery and I didn't require a drip thing. I passed all the Physical Therapy Steps tests and putting on socks. I was in so much pain before surgery I felt instant improvement following. They still have me on Oxycodone 10mg and I'm on Zanaflex. My legs, mainly my left still feel like I am wearing those compression socks. But, I have been moving around a lot and going up and down my house stairs about 8 times a day. My flexibility is getting better and i'm excited about the results so far. True story, I got serious Nausea the night prior to going to surgery. I got scared and almost backed out. I was afraid I wasn't going to walk out of surgery, but as a Marine I pushed through. My family had a moment where we all hugged and I went into surgery within 30 mins. Thanks for your words and info, it really helped. I am very happy I did the procedure. Its weird not having nerve pain, and my ass and legs are not numb that much anymore. Again thanks brother.
so good to hear that the operation has been successful Josh. Have you noticed any side effects after op. so far, like flexibility and forward-backward bending issues?
Thank you so much for sharing this. Going in for my L5-S1 in 2 weeks. Love the recommendation of "just stay positive" especially given the global climate right now.
Hope you're still doing well!! In 2007 I had l5 - s1 fused, plus the internal fixation hardware. I'm doing well, still. That 1st year, I completely agree! Staying positive was so difficult esp. having to give up heavy weightlifting. My surgeon would not allow me to return to running, ever. Stated that, "Titanium is stronger than bone, and over time running will cause issues." I've obeyed the order. I still have random days with sciatic nerve pain, but it's short lived. Basically I just stop what's irritating it and take Aleve. Fast walking w/long strides has ALWAYS been a trigger for me. Anyway, I'm way better off than I was 11 years ago :) I hope the same, if not better for you!
Thanks for the video bud. I had one more level fused than you did. Mine L4L5S1 fusion. Oct 3,2019 was my surgery date. I'm terrified about the next couple of months but your videos have helped alot. Hope you are still doing well.
I had multiple fusion surgery 2 months ago through VA, and fortunately, was referred to an outside orthopedic surgeon, whom I chose, who did a wonderful job, so try requesting the back surgeon of your choice and VA may just foot the bill.
I’m gonna need an L4-5 fusion. I have VA, but I’m going through Care in the Community so will be using Avera Orthopedic Institute here in town. No way am I trusting the VA for a major surgery like this! LOL. Also need both hips and at least one knee. Again no VA!
How is your back doing now? What was your age at the time you had the fusion? I had microdiscectomy 3 years ago... re ruptured, had fusion mid April... tried PT at home... back killing me... do you remember when they saw your bones fusing on xray? I am 3 months out and they said they are not seeing my bones fusing.... so took your advice and been sitting on my hands until dr... says do more.. they actually said I could do some basic PT but seemed to make it worse right now just walking... but only like a mile a day... Good luck and thanks for any advice...
Sheri Vaughan I went with a orthopedic surgeon for two reasons. First, there are no spinal cord issues at L5 -S1 and secondly, based on my research orthopedic surgeons had more positive outcomes.
Thanks for this upload I have a l4 s1 fusion in August, I'm scared as shit being only 27. I have a question how limited is your backward and sideways bending? Like as an example can you(sounds stupid but) lift a toilet seat in the morning comfortably? The pain from that basic motion is something i deal with daily and it's excruciating in the mornings.
drapedupTRiPdout I have no limitations on bending really. I'd say I've maybe lost 5 degrees of that. After a year and half I can deadlift 350 lbs. Toilet seats don't give me a problem anymore.
Too much bending of the spine (spinal flexion) is the main cause to disc injuries, so even if you have a healthy spine you should avoid it. If you need to pick something up from groundlevel do a lunge or deadlift movement.
Thanks for doing this update. I'm 61 and have had degenerative disk issues for a 10 years. One question - How long did you have to go through the gyrations with the spine doctor (Steroid shots/physical Therapy) before the doc finally caved and got down to business? So far, I have 4 weeks of PT and 2 shots. Thanks in advance.
I had been dealing with it for about 10 years. I had had no disc left, so they injections and pt were not really helping. So I made the decision to get the fusion.
Josh Palter semper fi Gunny. I was driving 3 weeks after surgery, but it was more out of necessity. I'd recommend putting it off for longer if you can. Good luck
Charles Reeder Thanks for your prompt reply. I don't have 3 weeks, lol. My wife works fulltime, my kids play softball and go to school. This is gonna suck. No family lives around us. Might need to hire a babysitter to help short-time. Did you find some serious relief? My pain is hardly releived with meds, mostly nerve pain now.
Josh Palter surgery was a game changer for me. It takes a long time to heal. It took me about a year before I really started to feel better. Your first month is crucial. Trust me I get obligations. I was full time back at work in two weeks, but the more rest you can get the first month will set the pace for your recovery. Pay a little now to avoid paying a lot later.
Hey man!! When you say you pretty much took it easy for 7 months .. we’re you able to go outta the house much and like visit friends and family and stuff like that ? I’m going through it right now I would appreciate a response !👍🏼
Yeah absolutely! I just meant I didn't go to the gym or do anything super physical... even things like yard work or anything remotely like manual labor. I just did basic exercises and walked. That's it, just wanted to give my back a chance to heal as much as possible.
I had 4 before the actual fusion and it ruined me, the pain in my leg is 90% less but it killed my chances of ever going back to work (chemical plant work) but it's great to see you doing so well and being positive !! Took me yrs to get to where I didn't hate the world (still do some days)!!!
@Alicos are you disabled because of the surgery and did you have a single or double fusion? I'm looking at a trible. I'll pray that you will recover from this. Thanks
Diana Davis triple-and it's almost 10 yrs old-when it started I thought id pulled a muscle (never had back pain before) so then I had the min. Invasive surg, it was worse! 2 mos later I had a lam./discectomy -9 days after all the pain was gone (where I was stooped over it took me forever to stand up straight) I had to beg my neurosurgeon to let me go back to work-but he did and his exact words were 'I'll see you in 7 years' but I had 0 pain so I didn't believe it-7 years later my leg started hurting again , I kept working until it was unbearable-over next 2 yrs u had another disc. that failed so the only option (I saw 10 surgeons all over the east -i live in ky- and they all said no choice but fusion- I have the titanium rods/screws-but my job was a pretty physical job-engineer/operator at chem plant- the pain got better in my leg- but I was ruined-theres so much scar tissue/calcium dep that everyday is a struggle and that's not even the financial hit I took-totally destroyed me!!! But yeah the surgery made it impossible to work and it did help but if I had to do it all again....its not like I ever think about it (just every day) I hope you keep doing as well as you have!! Hopefully you won't need another-the decision could be life changing!!! Good outlook goes a long way (I've heard , I'm bitter sometimes) ❤❤❤❤hope all goes well for you
Alicos Smallwood I haven't had surgery yet. I had my first corticosteroid shot that worked for 3 days then the sciatic nerve pain came back. If it goes to surgery the doc says that I'm looking at a triple fusion so I'm trying to figure all this out. I've had some friends in the medical field tell me not to get the surgery because it won't change the outcome. They said work the core, abs, & lower back and pain management.
Hey! I dont know how to message on here. Im looking for a doctor to do my surgery, im so scared. Any info you can give me i would appreciate it! Thanks!
thank you so much! I would like to speak with you if thats cool with you. I can give you my number if you would like. I appreciate everything even if you cant talk!
Приколы
Thanks for the follow-up. Very happy to hear of your positive surgical outcome👍
Hi Charles,
I have watched all your videos and appreciate the information. I am scheduled for December 21st. I am a competitive dressage rider and I have not been able to ride for about 6 months with significant pain when I did for about another 6 months. I also did everything -, Chiro, massage, injections, etc. I did think after my consult I would be back in the game more quickly. I have also watched a bunch of videos and given your fitness level, this is disappointing, but grateful for your honest feedback. Better to know now than be disappointed later. Thank you!
Thanks for this man. I’m on day 4 of MI l5s1 and this after surgery pain ain’t no joke . But I did start to feel a lil better . Real ruff trying sit down and get up. Basically we traded one pain for another one but this one goes away. Now since I see your video I do feel much better about this Situation.
Thanks, Chuck! I'm two months post-op, myself. So far, so good. Thanks for the update. I'll keep you posted on my progress too, if you'd like. Your original video helped me tremendously. Thank you!
cjzz glad I could help. Let me know if you have any questions.
How you doing?
Thanks man! I herniated my l5 s1 and have been super bummed about this pain and my potential future etc. Im in my early thirties and love to live an active life. It's good to hear that maybe if I have to have this surgery I'll be able to resume being a more active guy. I also was in the service. Freaking Army.
Hey brother, had my TLIF L5-S1 Spinal Fusion on 22 Aug 18. Surgery at 8am and they had me up and walking at 1130. Checked out of the hospital on 24 Aug 18. By the second day home I felt like crying because most of my nerve pain was gone. My incision was only about three inches long. They took the bandage off same day of surgery and I didn't require a drip thing. I passed all the Physical Therapy Steps tests and putting on socks. I was in so much pain before surgery I felt instant improvement following. They still have me on Oxycodone 10mg and I'm on Zanaflex. My legs, mainly my left still feel like I am wearing those compression socks. But, I have been moving around a lot and going up and down my house stairs about 8 times a day. My flexibility is getting better and i'm excited about the results so far. True story, I got serious Nausea the night prior to going to surgery. I got scared and almost backed out. I was afraid I wasn't going to walk out of surgery, but as a Marine I pushed through. My family had a moment where we all hugged and I went into surgery within 30 mins. Thanks for your words and info, it really helped. I am very happy I did the procedure. Its weird not having nerve pain, and my ass and legs are not numb that much anymore. Again thanks brother.
I'm having my done February 4th.
so good to hear that the operation has been successful Josh. Have you noticed any side effects after op. so far, like flexibility and forward-backward bending issues?
@@brandonderks6466 how did the operation go? I hope you have gotten better now.
Thank you so much for sharing this. Going in for my L5-S1 in 2 weeks. Love the recommendation of "just stay positive" especially given the global climate right now.
Hi Lisa, thank you for the kind words. I hope it helps during your recovery. I wish you the best! Stay positive!!!
Hope you're still doing well!! In 2007 I had l5 - s1 fused, plus the internal fixation hardware. I'm doing well, still. That 1st year, I completely agree! Staying positive was so difficult esp. having to give up heavy weightlifting. My surgeon would not allow me to return to running, ever. Stated that, "Titanium is stronger than bone, and over time running will cause issues." I've obeyed the order. I still have random days with sciatic nerve pain, but it's short lived. Basically I just stop what's irritating it and take Aleve. Fast walking w/long strides has ALWAYS been a trigger for me. Anyway, I'm way better off than I was 11 years ago :) I hope the same, if not better for you!
Thanks for taking the time for your follow ups. Will be undergoing the same procedure within the next month or so and this helps set my mind at ease.
Grant Thompson thanks grant. It’s s long road to feeling better. Just stay positive.
Charles Reeder could you please email me your surgeon contact at NYC, my email jlroslyn@gmail.com thank you!
Thanks for the video bud. I had one more level fused than you did. Mine L4L5S1 fusion. Oct 3,2019 was my surgery date. I'm terrified about the next couple of months but your videos have helped alot. Hope you are still doing well.
How are you so far?
I had multiple fusion surgery 2 months ago through VA, and fortunately, was referred to an outside orthopedic surgeon, whom I chose, who did a wonderful job, so try requesting the back surgeon of your choice and VA may just foot the bill.
I’m gonna need an L4-5 fusion. I have VA, but I’m going through Care in the Community so will be using Avera Orthopedic Institute here in town. No way am I trusting the VA for a major surgery like this! LOL. Also need both hips and at least one knee. Again no VA!
Hello Charles. I’m glad you are doing well.. I live in NYC. Can you share your surgeons name? Please?
Im in the NY area. Please share your Doctors information. 🙏🏾
thnks for the video , what about gym after surgery
Hey man we’re you able to do push ups around month 7? I just started doing them and I’m just over 6 months post op feels pretty
Good
How is your back doing now? What was your age at the time you had the fusion? I had microdiscectomy 3 years ago... re ruptured, had fusion mid April... tried PT at home... back killing me... do you remember when they saw your bones fusing on xray? I am 3 months out and they said they are not seeing my bones fusing.... so took your advice and been sitting on my hands until dr... says do more.. they actually said I could do some basic PT but seemed to make it worse right now just walking... but only like a mile a day... Good luck and thanks for any advice...
Out of curosity what type of fusion did you have?
Did you have an anterior or posterior fusion?
we need the name of the surgeon.Please charles
Did you use a neurosurgeon or an orthopedic surgeon? I'm trying to figure it all out. Have had pain on/off for over 20 years.
Sheri Vaughan I went with a orthopedic surgeon for two reasons. First, there are no spinal cord issues at L5 -S1 and secondly, based on my research orthopedic surgeons had more positive outcomes.
Thanks for this upload I have a l4 s1 fusion in August, I'm scared as shit being only 27. I have a question how limited is your backward and sideways bending? Like as an example can you(sounds stupid but) lift a toilet seat in the morning comfortably? The pain from that basic motion is something i deal with daily and it's excruciating in the mornings.
drapedupTRiPdout I have no limitations on bending really. I'd say I've maybe lost 5 degrees of that. After a year and half I can deadlift 350 lbs. Toilet seats don't give me a problem anymore.
Too much bending of the spine (spinal flexion) is the main cause to disc injuries, so even if you have a healthy spine you should avoid it. If you need to pick something up from groundlevel do a lunge or deadlift movement.
Thanks for doing this update. I'm 61 and have had degenerative disk issues for a 10 years. One question - How long did you have to go through the gyrations with the spine doctor (Steroid shots/physical Therapy) before the doc finally caved and got down to business? So far, I have 4 weeks of PT and 2 shots. Thanks in advance.
I had been dealing with it for about 10 years. I had had no disc left, so they injections and pt were not really helping. So I made the decision to get the fusion.
Thanks Charles - that's exactly where I am. I expect the fusion to happen this year. Be well.
Charles, one more thing - how long were you out before you were allowed back to work ?
Homertoeclipper I was supposed to be out for a month, but I went back to work after two weeks. Looking back, I wish I would have waited.
Thanks - please briefly expand on why.
Im in nyc who was your dr ? Im supposed to have a mis tlif next month and love a third opinion
Dr Jonathan stieber orthomanhattan
@@cdreeder0331thanks for the reply really appreciate it
How long after the procedure were you able to drive? Retired Gunny here. Have this procedure on 22 Aug
Josh Palter semper fi Gunny. I was driving 3 weeks after surgery, but it was more out of necessity. I'd recommend putting it off for longer if you can. Good luck
Charles Reeder Thanks for your prompt reply. I don't have 3 weeks, lol. My wife works fulltime, my kids play softball and go to school. This is gonna suck. No family lives around us. Might need to hire a babysitter to help short-time. Did you find some serious relief? My pain is hardly releived with meds, mostly nerve pain now.
Josh Palter surgery was a game changer for me. It takes a long time to heal. It took me about a year before I really started to feel better. Your first month is crucial. Trust me I get obligations. I was full time back at work in two weeks, but the more rest you can get the first month will set the pace for your recovery. Pay a little now to avoid paying a lot later.
Charles Reeder Thanks for taking the time out to reach out to me. Great info. I appreciate it.
Hey man!! When you say you pretty much took it easy for 7 months .. we’re you able to go outta the house much and like visit friends and family and stuff like that ? I’m going through it right now I would appreciate a response !👍🏼
Yeah absolutely! I just meant I didn't go to the gym or do anything super physical... even things like yard work or anything remotely like manual labor. I just did basic exercises and walked. That's it, just wanted to give my back a chance to heal as much as possible.
@@cdreeder0331 thanks bro! I appreciate the feedback you’re the man!
I wood like to follow your way.Same hospital. Which doctor?
My surgeon was Dr. Jonathan Stieber at orthomanhattan
@@cdreeder0331 Happy New Year!Very GREATEFUL to you! I wish you health and good luck! Thank you !
Was this your first l5-s1 surgery, or did you have others before this?
Alicos Smallwood this was the first surgery I had on L5 S1
I had 4 before the actual fusion and it ruined me, the pain in my leg is 90% less but it killed my chances of ever going back to work (chemical plant work) but it's great to see you doing so well and being positive !! Took me yrs to get to where I didn't hate the world (still do some days)!!!
@Alicos are you disabled because of the surgery and did you have a single or double fusion? I'm looking at a trible. I'll pray that you will recover from this. Thanks
Diana Davis triple-and it's almost 10 yrs old-when it started I thought id pulled a muscle (never had back pain before) so then I had the min. Invasive surg, it was worse! 2 mos later I had a lam./discectomy -9 days after all the pain was gone (where I was stooped over it took me forever to stand up straight) I had to beg my neurosurgeon to let me go back to work-but he did and his exact words were 'I'll see you in 7 years' but I had 0 pain so I didn't believe it-7 years later my leg started hurting again , I kept working until it was unbearable-over next 2 yrs u had another disc. that failed so the only option (I saw 10 surgeons all over the east -i live in ky- and they all said no choice but fusion- I have the titanium rods/screws-but my job was a pretty physical job-engineer/operator at chem plant- the pain got better in my leg- but I was ruined-theres so much scar tissue/calcium dep that everyday is a struggle and that's not even the financial hit I took-totally destroyed me!!! But yeah the surgery made it impossible to work and it did help but if I had to do it all again....its not like I ever think about it (just every day) I hope you keep doing as well as you have!! Hopefully you won't need another-the decision could be life changing!!! Good outlook goes a long way (I've heard , I'm bitter sometimes) ❤❤❤❤hope all goes well for you
Alicos Smallwood I haven't had surgery yet. I had my first corticosteroid shot that worked for 3 days then the sciatic nerve pain came back. If it goes to surgery the doc says that I'm looking at a triple fusion so I'm trying to figure all this out. I've had some friends in the medical field tell me not to get the surgery because it won't change the outcome. They said work the core, abs, & lower back and pain management.
Im getting the exact same surgery L5 s1 and im so affraid and im freaking out🙁
How did it go?
@DENISE how did it go. Are you feeling better now?
Can you run? Thats awesome that you are able to lift weights though
Matt Vidge I haven’t run for distance yet, but I have been able to do sprints. I’ll probably wait until about 18 months before I start doing that.
Hey! I dont know how to message on here. Im looking for a doctor to do my surgery, im so scared. Any info you can give me i would appreciate it! Thanks!
Samantha Haroun Dr. Jonathan Steiber in Manhattan was my surgeon.
thank you so much! I would like to speak with you if thats cool with you. I can give you my number if you would like. I appreciate everything even if you cant talk!
Samantha Haroun sure I’m happy to help.
@samantha did you have the surgery? if yes, how are you feeling now?