When you described how your life changed it made complete sense. People can't fully understand the feelings/pain and how so much changes that you feel like you're almost being held hostage by your circumstances. It can really frustrate and cloud what we need to be focused on (healing and solutions for living). Thank you for sharing your story. I was diagnosed with L4-L5 stenosis and I'm facing a similar future. It means a great deal that you took the time to express yourself this much for the public. Thank you.
I just feel that God took you through your experience for people like me... omg i been scared to death about doing the surgery but watching this video has lifted my spirit. I feel you are just speaking to me. Thank yiu for the encouragement. I am definately going to go along with the surgery. Thank you.
Crystal, THANK YOU for all your post. On 10/7/2017 I had an emergency Laminectomy Discectomy on T10, T11, and T12. Then on Oct. 11th another emergency surgery for a hematoma. After suffering from a bicycle accident in July and going from a foot drag to total paralysis in both legs, I am truly blessed to be able to walk. I still have some numbness in my legs and toes, but am expected to make a full recovery. Your videos are inspiring and informative. Many blessings to you and your family.
The first thing I thought when I saw the first second of your video was how beautiful you looked with makeup on...it feels so good to put makeup on for the first time. I had bilateral full knee replacement in 2010, and I’m having the L4-L5 surgery this Tuesday on June 19th. I’m so looking forward to getting my life back, just like you. Thank you for your inspirational words...you are amazing. 😉💯
As soon as I get a surgery date, this is the exact surgery I'll go through (L4-L5) and so far I've watched 3 different people who had this (you being the 3rd), your video gives me perhaps a more balanced view of what to expect. THANK YOU for doing this vlog! I'm still a little concerned but not nearly as much as I was. Bless you and your family
I want to thank you for this. I understand what you said about your identity being ripped away. I went from being an incredibly active, independent person to living a very narrow life because of severe sciatic pain. I am finally three weeks off from a laminectomy and cyst removal. While I fear the pain (have had surgery before so have an idea) I am so excited to get my life back. I had to smile about you being set down hard..by God, that is exactly how I feel. God wanted me to slow down.
@crystal Michelle thank you for making this video you described what I am feeling. You made me cry because I thought I was alone and no one understands. This video was super helpful thank you for making it.
Noone really understands, why, because your family cant feel your pain and have things to do and the ones treating you for it, so called "doctors" are only treating you fir the money. How i know, because im going throw it
Hi Crystal, THANK YOU for sharing this video and your experience. I am facing this surgery very very soon and I enjoyed watching ALL 26+ minutes!! I made several notes of things to do before my surgery; never even thought about a grabber (paused ur video and went to amazon and ordered one, lol). So thanks again!! :)
God bless you for sharing your journey. I am currently on the path that you have already traveled and it was great to hear that I am not alone. Thank you!
Crystal Michelle thank you very awesome video. I will be getting this surgery myself in a couple weeks. One of the best videos I've ever seen on you tube. You are funny at telling stories. God bless you and your family.
You seriously have given me so much hope! I'm on day 3 and I'm glad I'm not crazy where today is the worst. This surgery definitely gave me my life back! It was to the point where 3 weeks of agonizing pain, couldn't lay couldn't stand couldn't sit, my right leg went numb and I couldn't use the restroom at all. I lost feeling , I was so scared going in to this surgery at 24 but I am so glad I did! I just am as hard headed as you but I'm taking my time because I don't ever want to do this again.
I’m 69 and just had the same surgery. You as a person are the most like in me personality and I’m very bold with my attitude and I would get angry and find a way come hell or hi water! My faith has increased and I have learned to humbly submit to God and my lessons to learn. You take care and how exciting to hear of the love being shared amongst your family 🤗❤️
Thank you so much for this uplifting, inspiring video. You brought tears to my eyes at the end of the video. I sincerely hope that 7 years on, you've continued to heal and recover and are living your healthy life with love with your family. I'm a 72-year-old woman with surgery scheduled for six weeks from now. Your recap is so encouraging, a no nonsense, down-to-earth telling. I'm going to ask my hubby to watch it. Thank you for this gift of hope!
Thank you so much for this! I had my surgery a week ago today and I have had just about every experience you have mentioned. I over did it yesterday and today... so of course I have been freaking out thinking I have screwed everything up and had surgery for nothing! This video has made me feel so much better. I am stubborn and not being able to do my normal things has been driving me crazy!!
Your video gave me lots of ideas before my laminectomy surgery. Don’t worry about it being long. Those facing this very scary surgery appreciate your effort. I do. You’re great. I subscribed to watch more. God bless you.
If anyone is watching this video presently, I HIGHLY suggest a toilet seat riser. You can find them on Amazon. It is a lifesaver!!! I had my laminectomy and discectomy on December 29th, and I literally cried the first day every time I’d go to sit and stand up from using the bathroom. The one I am using is 5 inches high, I had it overnighted and I am so glad I got it. It’s the little things that you don’t really think about until you get into the situation. I also ordered a cane to help because I can’t get in and out of bed or off and on the couch without my incision feeling like it’s going to rip open. It hurts soooo bad!!! I’m hoping it gets better super fast!!! Good luck to anyone that is going to have this done.
This video is probably the one thing I have found the most useful both pre and post surgery. Thanks to this I bought a grabber and a gadget to help me get socks on, both of which have been worth their weight in gold. One thing I would recommend is a raised toilet seat, I didn't get one and really regretted it when I got home from hospital! Thanks to this video I am now also not over doing things. For some reason I felt that I had to prove to everyone that I had turned into some kind of Olympic athlete after surgery and pushed myself too hard. On about day 7, I paid the price with the return of sciatica and fatigue like I've never known. I didn't listen to my body and carried on until today when I did nothing but cry and stay in bed all day! This video has brought me back to my senses and made me realise that I've had major surgery and NEED to rest. I know it's now a few years old, but thank you for posting this video following your surgery. It is still as relevant as it was then and is so honest, it is making me feel like I'm normal for being tired, sore and human 😊
I just had mine L4/L5. at Laser Spine Institute. so far so good. your videos along with another dude really gave me confidence to just do it. So I did, and your videos really helped me to make my decision. My wife is amazing doing the sickness and in health part. I tell anyone to make sure you have a great helper that will help you. I am going to start my videos. today is day 2.5 day. I plan on making my 2nd one tomorrow thanks for vids. good luck.
thanks for the video. took all your advice and it all helped.. I'm day 7 now.. I'm doing great.. the grabber was the best idea ever.. I also got a cane for the stairs in my home. good luck to you!
Crystal Michelle, I just found out I have a herniated disc, will be seeing a Spine Specialist in about a week. The thing is I didn't have a lower back or sciatica problem. February of this year, I had a Total Hip Replacement after suffering a left groin pain for two month. Long story short, my disc problem happened after my hip surgery. Not looking forward to another kind of procedure. But I want to thank you. Your personality and sense of humor helped me to realize, everything is going to be find. For you to take the time and share your experience, is a blessing. Everything happens for a reason. Maybe you were meant to help others, and you have. I wish you a full recovery and 100% gym ready, and your holding hands, walks, and sun sets with your family, never ends. To a beautiful and healthy future Crystal. Take care.🌹
So, I did watch the whole video. 😄 Thank you so much for taking the time to do this! A lot of very helpful information. I'm going in soon to have surgery and really don't know what to expect. This helps tremendously! Good luck on your continuing recovery.
Theresa Dunavant Good Luck. and prayers. I really believe it's the best thing I ever did. Had to quit cooking job. couldn't go grocery shopping ext. One week for me and I am now walking my dogs at the Bosque. I been walking about 15 min at a time . Listen to a this gal about the bending. I too am going to get a grabber. I have picked up more things then I should and it's not worth it. I trust all will go good for you. Be Safe and Trust in Him.
Robert Minto thank you. I'm on day 8 right now. I feel very fortunate to not have had a lot of pain. On day 2, I had a lot of back muscle stiffness, so I applied essential oils on my back, but not on the incision, which helped greatly. I still have trouble with my sciatic nerve, though it's not as sharp, and that along with some low back pain, I can't stand for very long. Walking is great and I get on my treadmill a few times a day. That usually helps the sciatic pain go away for a bit. I did get a grabber, as she suggested and that has been a big help.Going back to doctor in a few days to remove staples and to see where to go from here. Hoping to avoid L5-S1 surgery.
Wow im blown away right now ,im on my 5th day after surgery and can relate so much and im a guy and thought i was just making all this up but honestly this hits me hard THANK YOU SO MUCH for your video ! God bless you
Glad I found your video. I am on day 3, and this has helped me a lot. I feel like, life will not go on if I am not in control (LOL), thank you! This has helped me.
Girl thank you so much. I just had my laminectomy exactly 3 days ago and I feel exactly like you said. The third day is a disaster, I have so much cramps and pain that I am questioning myself why I did this, did I made the right choice, did I hurt myself again, am crying every night because I am so scared. The only good thing is that I don't have nerve pain anymore in my leg I just have pain on my cutting and the muscles around it.
I had a microdiscectomy on L5/S1 on 5th pain wasnt bad. The 4th day i was sent home. Natural anti inflammatories were the key for. Ive now had L5/S1 they found the disc was calcifying into bone. So my op for fusion was 7hr instead of 4hrs. Day 2, 3,4 hurt like hell. But they told me to walk. Yes i cried, i whinged a bit, but i got back up and kept walking. I find for me food is the key to my recovery. I eat double when im sick, always have. I'm taking each day slowly, if i get pain from fusion ill get that fixed until its fixed so no more pain. Surgery pain is worth it. Drs want to fix us up. Just find a Dr with great reviews. Im looking forward to getting home, laying down, walking more when the day will come that im feeling better then before i had surgery. I had no quality of life. Not being able to go out and do things because i was always worried about what if. Remember not everyone has a bad outcome. Only 20% have bad outcomes, usually having an underlying problem. If you need it, do it, but be mentally strong. The key is to be mentally strong for yourself. I know i have my nan in spirit with me which helps me with my strength
Aww I love you for posting this video🙏🏽 Perfect time! I just had mine done on 21st November last week exactly! I feel great , no pain on my leg n rear glute on my right side 👍. Only problem is adjusting myself to my new life style, not doing a thing being lazy😩 Anyways I gotta give some time to rest n heal my body. But I really missed being active n running around with my kids at the park😏. But thank you for posting the video it relates to me and made me feel better. Good luck !
Thank you for your video. I'm having this surgery in a month and I am devastated! Devastated to think that I have to sit and do nothing for so long.. it kills me.
thank you for theses vids... they are so helpful and give me hope.. exactly what u explained before surgery was exactly my life but I was suffering from excruciating pain. I'm due for surgery soon and these vids helped♡♡♡
Thank you for sharing this. I’m going through this and hate being trapped in this body. I loved the way you described why has god slowed me . Your wonderfully positive. I hate not being active and exercising. Your motivational
Thank you so much, I am 3 days post op laminectomy disectomy, tired to pick up blankets and I herd/ felt a click in my back dropped them immediately. No pain just spasm. I also seem to just push through, so listening and do it is difficult mentally. Thank you so much for the info, I appreciate it, blessings.
Thank you so very much for this. Been living with this pain the years. Surgery finally scheduled for May 31. I'm beyond nervous/scared but ready to get it done! Blessings
Good luck! I had this and a couple of other spinal things done two weeks ago. It hurt like nothing I could ever have imagined immediately afterwards, but everyday it has been less painful and easier to move. My advice would be not to over do it afterwards, listen to your body and don't be rushed by a belief that everybody else is recovering faster than you. Make sure you walk as soon as you feel ready, it really does help with pain, but use a walker or crutches if they help. Oh, and take pain relief, don't think you can give it up too early! This video is great because it is so honest, it makes me realise that how I'm feeling two weeks on is totally normal. It's also full of really useful hints, such a getting yourself a grabber - one of those is an absolute must because I guarantee everything you need will fall on the floor! You're going to be just fine, when you've lived with the pain for so many years this operation offers you hope. Remember...DON'T OVER DO IT 😁 xx
Thanks for sharing your video. I am 8 days post-op laminectomy L5/S1. Still a lot of pain left buttock and runs down my hamstring. Still log rolling and can only walk for short distances. You give me hope because I feel I might have ruptured another disc. Six more days before post op dr appointment. Mentally drained. I needed this video today....thanks again.
Thank you for making this video. It will be my turn in two weeks and I feel better knowing what you have shared. I have been in pain for 7 months. It’s time to fix it. Are you still without pain? By the way I watched to the end. You are a great help at easing my fears.
Thanks for the video Had mine done last Friday so guess this makes it day 5, just got home yesterday Wow I hurt like the long video really helps Michael
Omg this sounds exactly like my story! From looking over to the operating table and shooting my head back up. I’m currently on day 3 having a huge break down thinking this is how I’ll feel forever.
Thank you! I am on day 4 post surgery. I had a laminectomy L5-S1. I had horrible day 3 and 4. I am a teacher, I am afraid I cannot go back to work in 4 weeks. It is not the pain it is bothering, just like you it is my mind. I feel sick, my stomach is upset, I think it is all the meds wearing off... anyway, thank you for sharing your story! It made me feel better!
I fully get the mental state. I am waiting for this surgery and I'm terrified. But I have no quality of life. Hope your doing better. I so hope I heal to do normal things. Thank you!
Your explanation of the train of post Op events is so true and soothing , bcs all of us have almost the same experience after having laminectomy done .. I am almost 6 wk post op now and still having a numb left leg( ankle,foot and and a 3/5 foot drop).. I am waiting for the day when there is no numbness and no foot drop .. But its still very soothing that i do not have those life taking cramps in my left leg , coming and going through out the days and nights for almost 15 days Pre - Op (Severely painful , a 01 to 02 minutes duration with a 02 to 03 hrs frequency) .. I do not have those cramps any more .. I can walk for longer duration , sitting with straight back in a chair, for longer period ,say an hour or two brings me a bit of discomfort in my lower back and then i desire to lay back in bed .. All of what you said is common between you and me except that i have never cried as yet .. May you also start smiling and only smiling and never cry again .. Good Luck ..
So glad I found you today. Finally a female that has had this surgery. I go into the doctors find out if I can get this surgery. Thanks so much for making this video honey. I am afraid to get this surgery but it has to happen and just have to accept it. Thanks again Watched your video 4 times already today. So yes you have helped me so much darling. 🙏🙏🙏
I’m 31 and just had a laminectomy/discectomy on L4 and L5. I’m on day 11 post op. Feeling very good. I agree with pretty much everything you said. Day 3 sucked for me too. So glad it’s over and now just taking time to rest and do everything I need to recover. Can’t wait to get back to normal life!!! Well covid-normal... Great to hear from someone who’s been through this. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for this video! I'm going to have L5, S1 done 9/28/17. I got more tips from you especially the meals and ice preparation! This is very helpful!
Thank you very much. I'm gonna have this surgery December 1st 2022 I'm a little scared. I appreciate everything you said. I hope your feeling alot better and doing well.
Awesome Video thanks im 7 days post OPP the 'Up to you' choices are daunting . Virtually zero help with post opp recovery.... Michelle thanks I need to see your video and thank you Jesus. The pre opp pain exceeded to post OPP moving on I'm going for a walk.....
I just got home from the hospital a couple hours ago. Had the same surgery. Thank you for making these videos. I'm just trying to gather as much info as possible
Thank You so much for sharing im having this surgery on L-4 L-5 herniated bulging disc on the 24th of this month and I've been extremely scared but this video was comforting Blessings To All
I also have right butt, hip, knee and leg pain for years. I kept getting shuffled between a hip and spine doctor. With epidural and cortisone injections that didn't work. I finally found a 2nd opinion with a spine doctor who sees some pressure on the nerves from L5 disk. He wants to go in there and "scoop" it out to relieve the pain from what he sees on xrays. First step is to get a more recent MRI and inject me with epidural in that area to confirm this is where pain is coming from.
Omg yes. I so need one. I am one week after my L4,L5. I drop so much stuff. I was like did I drop stuff this much before? did you have any Sharp pain on the side of the Butt area . I have the pain only when I sit up from sitting down.
Everything you said is 100% how I am feeling. I am exactly at one week after surgery and I am emotional and over waiting to feel completely healed. my body tricks me and makes me think oh yeah we feel good today and then at night or the next day it's like ha just kidding and I am miserable again. very frustrating to have to have someone here with me constantly because I can not pick Up my one year old son or change his diaper. not only because it's the "rules" but because I physically can't do it. I just can't. breaks my heart and make me feel helpless and like a burden. I did watch your whole video lol and it made me feel better to know I am not the only one that feels this way. I know you are well past this stage now and I hope your back continues to get better. thank you for your video!
Thankyou so much I feel so much better now Im on my 3rd day after surgery , and im happy someone understands how m feeling , i have a 7 months baby and i feel that as i recover i wil b able to take better care of him . Thankyou once again
Thank you so much Crystal for sharing your story. I will be having my discectomy and laminectomy surgery very soon. I appreciate the time you took to inform the rest of us that will take this journey of recovery.
Great video!! Thanks for sharing your journey. My discectomy was last Wednesday and now that's it's Monday, I am a mess. I have never had surgery before and so I had no idea what recovery would look like. How long will it take to feel normal? How long will I be on pain pills, muscle relaxers, nerve blocks and stool softeners? (BTW, those are a MUST!) My husband and kids have been great. The dog hasn't left my side. People call, text and drop by to check on me. So why am I so weepy today? Well, it's because I am not well yet!! I guess surgery sites need time to heal - Duh... You are right, the pain before surgery was so bad that I wasn't truly engaged in daily living. It was, I can make it to the shower so I can sit down and get ready, I can make it to the car so I can sit down to drive, I can make it to my office so I can sit down to work... then finally ending up in bed to be flat and almost pain tolerable. Never pain free. Ghost pains linger down my leg, but never the stabbing pain that takes your breath away. This too will take time to go away, but in the end, I'm sure the other side of recovery will be so much better than before surgery. Follow up is next week, and I hope to be even better than I am today!!
Thank you for this update. I've recently decided to have microdiscectomy surgery. I have not scheduled the date yet. I'm extremely scared. I have stairs in my house. Will I be able to walk the stairs after I'm released from the hospital?
Just seen your video. I had a laminectomy and discectomy surgery. I'm on day 5 of recovery. Still have a sore and stiff back. Some pain. But I love your faith. And how you said maybe God was telling you to slow down. Lord knows I never slow down or take time for myself. Unfortunately my fiance isn't as helpful as yours. Im on my own trying to get better. He still asks me to do things for him as I'm trying to heal. Im trying to stay strong. But Thank you for your video.
Crystal, later this week I will have laser surgery for spinal stenosis. How were you able to go to the bathroom since you can't bend? This is my concern that I'll need someone to wipe me! Thanks.
Had my laminectomy and disectomy on January 19th 2021 had severe leg pain and couldn't walk much had bulged discs with extrusion and spinal stenosis narrowing of my spinal canal now leg pain is gone have some in my knee but leg is still going numb and now severe pain in low to mid back like my s.i joints. Still feeling like pinch nerves. So just had 2nd mri and just had more x rays dr thinks have scar tissue and having me tested for psoriatic arthritis as ive recently gotten psoriasis of the scalp. Im lost and clueless as to what to do. Now having lots of pain in back and hard time walking almost worst than prior to surgery.
Hello, I hope you read this! My husband is having this surgery in a week. We have a 1.5 year old girl, that he takes care of full time, and I work full time. He's been out of work for over a year with this pain. He's had a disecectomy a few years ago, but his pain came back. Anyway, this may be TMI... but can you wipe after using the bathroom? How long until he can lift our 20 lbs toddler to change a diaper? He's 6'5, 300 lbs. I'm so nervous, but also so happy that there's a good chance he'll feel better. He's been so miserable from pain, but he always manages to keep a positive attitude! But I know he's nervous too.
Hello, I am facing the same procedure you had. L4L5S1 lamenectomy an discectomy . In this video you shared alot of things I would not have thought of. But if you don't mind I would like your advice about a couple of things.. I live upstairs. It takes 17 stairs to get to my front door. How do you think that should be handled? Also our only car is a Suburbam 4x4. Do you think it will be difficult when going home from the hospital? Was/is the initial rising from a seated position painful? If so, does it get better as you walk?? ( i.e. having to go the bathroom but you feel pain as you get up and then ease as you get closer to the bathroom?
