Beginning the Journey: What To Expect in Weeks 1 & 2 after L4-L5 Spinal Fusion Recovery 

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!!

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 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!

After 5 years, finally got diagnosed with Grade 1 L5 S1 Spondy resulting in severe buttock pain. In the RU-vid 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.

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'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.

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

You did a great job and helped more people then you can imagine. Thank you.

Good advice!!! Keep up the good work and hope you have a speedy recovery!!!!

I'm having this procedure done in December so I am grateful to find these videos!

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!

Thank you, thank you for sharing. God Bless you!

Thanks for doing this. It was very helpful.

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.

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.

Your videos really helped with my healing process , thank so much

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!

really appreciate you sharing your story its inspirational

Great video. Thanks for sharing. Don’t worry about looking at your notes. U did great

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.

Great video, thank you for telling your story in such detail. This will help those of us who are planning on this surgery in the future. Look forward to your next update!

God bless you and your family. Stay mentally strong and keep fighting the good fight.

Awesome video... thank you so much!!

Thank you very much for sharing your experience with the surgery. I wish you all the best.

Having this same surgery next month. Been looking for a true to life recovery experience. Thanks.

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!!!!

Thank u so much for the update as I'm preparing for mine on February 8,2023

Yes they do help--keep up the good work and healing

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. 😊❤

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 🙌🏼

Thank you so much for sharing this. It is appreciated.

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 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

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%

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.

wow, I am going through the same thing, unreal how your story is pretty much to the T same thing, months of trying different options and I finally got a date for my surgery which is coming up on April 6th 2022 Im really happy to have found your video Im 52 so wish me luck I actually cant wait to get back to work lol.. thanks again this was awesome to hear

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. 🙏

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.

Thank you so much for this. Having L3-L6 in 2 weeks and you answered all my questions 🙏🙏🙏hope you are healing well

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 RU-vid videos I have watched. God bless your trip through recovery. Chet Marcotii, NH

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

God bless u my brother

Thanks for making this video with all your detailed information. I hope to be having lumbar fusion through minimally invasive surgery. It’s good to know recovery is not a picnic. I hope by now you are doing well.

Your story is my story. Thank you for sharing and being so transparent. I’m preparing for surgery in the next couple of months.

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

Thank you for this info I have to thru this as of last of December and it was great info appreciate you

Good luck with your recovery

Thank you for this video. It helps to hear others' experiences.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

I have surgery on 9-7-2022 and I have been so scared I thank you for your video

This was so helpful.

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

I'm scheduled for surgery on Monday. For a PLIF at L5/S1. Been dealing with pain for around 15 years. It's somewhat better now, but mainly because I limit myself a lot - I know that it's vulnerable to being thrown out really bad. I've been hunched over in pain for months/years before. I'm really nervous but this video has helped me feel more confident. It would be nice to actually feel strong in my lower back again. Going to try watching your other ones, thank you.

I'm having the surgery in March 2022 you've made it somewhat easier on the recovery period thank you

New to all this. Mri soon . Lots of unknowns. Anxious about what I’m facing down the road. Has kinda turned my life upside down. Ty for Sharing your story!!

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.

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.

Thank you for making this video.

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.

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!

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

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.

Thank you so much. I’m scheduled for an S1-L-4 fusion next month. My pain is so bad that I’m ready NOW!!

Thanks for this. Very reassuring. I got dis.💪

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!!

Thank you for your honest and plain report. Hope you are doing well

Super helpful! Thanks!

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!

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

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.

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.

Thank you for your video. It was helpful to know what to expect. Hope you are doing well now.

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!!

Thanks for the Info, I hope you are doing well. I'm getting ready for surgery on my L-4 & L-5 within the next month. I now have an idea of what I'll be facing. Again Thank You.

Thankyou for this I’m having L4/L5 surgery singling consent forms 30th sept the pain from this has been one hell of a rollercoaster ride been waiting for 76 weeks for this operation but had to have my 3rd left knee replacement & reconstruction in April as my tibia & thibia were crumbling I’m trying my best with this pain as best I can but it has Also got to the point that even sitting I’m getting butt pain now I been sitting on a hot water bottle that is shaped like a horse shoe there used for necks Thanks again I really enjoyed this reel 🤗💕

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

Leave any questions here in the comments about the surgery or my recovery and I'll get back to you as soon as I see it! Thanks!

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.

Thanks so much for sharing this I will be having the same surgery soon Godbless.

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.

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!

Great video brotha.

Wow, Mine is coming up in July. I appreciate the sharing. Glad you are doing so well.

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.

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!

Thanks for sharing. I'm having my surgery in a few weeks. This was a big help. Take care

Wow, thanks for sharing, this really helps. I plan on documenting my journey also. I am scared to death of my surgery. I am having a XLIF, possibly a TLIF FUSION ON MY L3, L4 and L5 on Nov. 23, 3022. I am 67 F living by myself. I have no-one spending the night, however, I have 2 sons and friends that will by checking in on me. I have been thru 2 back surgeries prior but nothing as extensive as this. I have watch many videos, however, you are the first for someone documenting their journey. It is so scary, but all so helpful on what to expect. I thought I would be ok being alone, but now, I am questioning that. My name is Karen, I have subscribed to keep getting your updates. I am going into this with: everyday will be better than the day before, I have no time to be laid up and I will feel better then I have in many years. I so help that will be the case. I wish you well and look forward to more updates from you. Thanks for sharing. Karen

Hi ! Thank you so much for all this information! I’ll be at surgery on next Tuesday 5:30 am Los Angeles Local time and to be honest, I’m a little scare and nervous but I’m feeling very lucky that I found you and some more people relating they’re experiences so I’m trying to figure it out of what to spect. I’m feeling happy for you and your fast recovery, I will keep on mind every single stage of it and I’ll let my wife know so she will not feel into a depression so am I. Than you once again ! My best to you and all of your subscribers.

Thank you for all the information. Happy things are starting to work out for you. I go in for surgery March 12 . L3, L4, L5 PLIF. It’s to the point where I can’t do more than a half a block of walking before I feel like my hips and legs are crippling me in pain.Your video gives me encouragement and eases my mind. Thank you again and I hope your speedy recovery for you.

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.

Crazy story. Best wishes.

I feel ya. If only i had watched this first.

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..

Thanks for the info. My surgery just got approved. Not looking forward to it. But know I need to go through it. Looking at beginning of January for surgery.

great video !!!!

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.