Was it worth it? One year after 3 levels of spinal fusion back surgery 

My husband had 10 levels done about a year ago. He is fused from the middle of his shoulder blades all the way to his tailbone. He has his legs back and is pain free. However, balance is his issue. He bends at the hips like a Christmas Nutcracker Soldier, but he will take it! He will continue to gain torso stability in the coming months, and we are learning to do a bunch of things together so we can continue to maintain our home and about 5 acres of land.

Hi guys! I am 4 weeks out from lumbar fusion at 2 levels for scoliosis. The first 3 weeks were awful, more due to the pain meds than the pain. I walked 2 miles yesterday! So far, my recovery is on track. No new numbness. Awesome!

I totally understand what you are saying or explaining when you talk about if the surgery was a success, just because you still have pain dose"nt mean it was not worth doing ,people need to understand that the symptoms have different degrees of intensity, which can be managed postoperative , but the symptoms before surgery were not manageable!

I am so glad I came across your video. I've had such anxiety over getting this two-level fusion of L4 L5 L5 S1. I've had A discectomy in 2007, a microdiscectomy in 2009, then another in 2021. Unfortunatley it was unsuccessful. I pray this is it and I can return back to a normal life. My heart breaks when my 5 year wants to play and I am unable to get down on the floor, run, etc... My quality of life has gone down and it's very depressing. I am very happy your surgery and recovery went well. I am hoping mine does as well. Thank you for the positive and honest feedback.

I had my 3 level spinal fusion 03/4/19 (@ Banner Univ. hospital in Phoenix. I was discharged the next day (way too soon) w/o any instruction or anything for pain. As always after a discharge I was given a envelope w a bunch of papers. 6 days later I got a call from a nurse telling me my restrictions. I just self discharged from PT since it took more than a hour to one hour and 55 mins. before a Yellow cab picked me up & post PT pain was unreal for 1-2 days. So far I have seen my surgeon once and still have the no lifting more than 5 lbs, no pushing or pulling and no bending. Yeah, right, not easy to do when you live alone w a 22 yr. old cat, have no family in the state and neighbors were only good for 1st week or so. My surgeon said it will take one yr. for full healing! To add insult to injury, I'm 68 years old!

Thank you I needed that positive happy seeing you move so freely. 🙏🏼💪🏼 I’m getting L4-5 fusion this Wednesday 12/16/20

Fusion is old school and often leads to ASD Adjacent Segment Degeneration 6 to 12 years later needing another surgery. People in good health can also consider artificial discs that maintain the 6 degree of omobility nature intended. I flew to Barcelona Spine in 2016 and had an artificial disc placed on top of my old lumbar two level fusion and all nasty pain stopped immediately and I am very happy. The artificialdisc is implanted from the front, a small incision next to the bellybutton and is a surgery under an hour. After three days in the hospital, I walked 15 miles with ease literally as a tourist (Barcelona is a fantastic walking City) we stayed for ten days and had a blast. No silly braces, just mild discomfort after a surgery. Europe is way ahead as the artificial disc was invented in Germany in the mid 70’s and is the worlds epicenter of training excellence. The US kept training Fusion Only and dragged their feet. However there are US specialist that have performed thousands of successful implants surgeries so expect to travel, which is worth the small inconvenience. He are the experts I know: Dr Harel Duetsch RUSH Chicago; Dr. John Hsiang Swedish Spine in the Seattle area (both are regarded as top neurosurgeons). Then there is Dr. Michael E. Janneson in Denver, he is an orthopedic surgeon. He also has good RU-vids. If your Fusion surgeon claims artificial discs are experimental and can fail, that’s a play on words. It may be experimental to him or her and guess what, both fusions and artificial discs can fail, so be careful to believe the facts, not fall in love with your fusion only surgeon and fall under the ether of faith. Now, with that said, some people are not a good candidate due to health, obesity, other spinal or bone density disorders. I chose Barcelona spine Center as Dr Clavel is a world class neurosurgeon and has performed several thousands of successful disc implants and has access to the Spinal Kinetics M6-L cushion effect discs that don’t transfer as much energy to the next level up helping avoid ASD. The US may have the Spinal Kinetics M6 available as it’s FDA trial is over, but they take their time. The problem is it’s only for one level cervical. Europe has performed multi level, like my neck has s double level ESP implants also done by Dr. Clavel in 2018. I paid cash and will work for a couple more years before retiring to pay for it and there are tax deductible advantages. Paid $26k US for the lumbar single level and $35k for double level neck. Again very happy! No insurance won’t cover out of US, accept emergencies. However some privately funded corporate or privately owned companies will offer “Medical Tourisim” and some even pay for air fair, etc. because it’s way cheaper. I would be very careful in choosing a surgeon, the accreditation of the hospital, etc. I did my research and homework and talked to patients you can find online.

I've got 5 fusion disk ,I also had drop foot after my first surgery I kept walking,exercises, it went away,my surgery was successful to the point I went back to work at 64.

Very interesting. I went for surgery after “only” nine months of trouble, just because I realized that my calves were getting a significant atrophy. Instead of fusion I went for a four levels laminectomy. It has been now almost two months and the post-surgery has been absolutely uneventful, the pain disappeared the same day of the surgery and the wound pain has faded away in the first few weeks. Now I will go into PT trying to get my calves back, but so far the surgery has been a resounding success...

Thanks for posting a couple of vlogs about your surgery. I know they are older now, but hopefully you've continued to improve. I am on the verge of a 3 level fusion and have been reading anything and everything about life afterwards. I've had a laminectomy in 2018 but the disc above and below have gotten worse as well. The previous surgery done wonders for my pain level. Unfortunately I'm getting the numb foot. Heck, some days it feels like I have a log attached to my lower leg. So here I am digging up information about what to expect. Thanks again for sharing your experience!

I had my infusion done Apr 26 2018 one of the screw twisted into my bone and that were so bad i just went on Feb18 2019 to remove hardware my back were swollen so bad it been a week now feeling a little better not doing anything but a little walking my pain med dont work but my muscle relaxers are great thank God im in peace just having pain were they cut me so thank you all with your stories no lifting pushing for me.

Wow, what a story. Thanks for sharing. Im 41 and have a level 2 spondylolisthesis, L4-L5. when I hurt my back, Ill be in pain for 1-2 weeks, inflammation of discs, spasms... hell .. Had that since I was 20 yo.. I would hurt my back 1-2 times a year, lift something heavy when tired or sneeze hard etc.. around 32yo, I realized that stretching every morning, and doing exercises for my core (abs, lower back etc) really helped preventing symptoms and pain I was getting 1-2 times a year. Doing this stretching and exercises really really helped. I try to stay active on top of that, gym, running, even took on skateboarding at 40yo.. Lately, was on vacation with family, not much streching or exercises for a week, started to get sharp pain again, pretty much in pain for 1-2 weeks, not able to work (computer) for 3 days, looking at videos like these.. it proves that the core exercises work. But I cant ever take a break of it, its 7 days a week, 365 days a year, now I know. Soo.. eeeevery morning, have to do my back workout, and stretch well. I still have a little pain when I wake up, if I sit down too long, if I stand up for too long, if I hold my 6 months in my arms for too long, but now its way better if I dont have to be off for a week because of sharp pain and inflammation. Anyone else have experience with strengthening exercises? And how it helped?

I can definitely relate to the foot drop because like you I’ve waited so many years trying to avoid surgery that I have foot drop on the left foot. I’m scheduled for surgery in a month (my choice). I needed time to get everything ready. I really appreciate you sharing your experiences and I believe it’s going to help me. Thanks again!

Thank you. I was brutally assaulted 3 months ago and incurred many severe injuries, including to my spine and now I’m waiting for approval to get my l4-5 l5-s1 fusion (this country goes out of its way to make getting health care difficult if not impossible). I appreciate your video. In my case I was a strong athlete who in 4 minutes had her life change. I’d never had pain like this before as well as inability to control my limbs and left foot. It’s been a complete nightmare. Thank you for sharing your experience.

Thank you for sharing your experience - I've had a number of spine surgeries and I'm waiting to see neuro-surgeon to see if another is needed. But like you, I appreciate hearing other folks stories. Greetings from Mold, North Wales 🙋‍♂🙋‍♂😊😊

Had my lower back fuse 2015 6 months later had to have 3 fused in my neck im 59 still suffer with back neck and shoulder pain.its no way to live.i try and walk every day and exercise if you have a compressed nerve and wait to long you can damage the nerve beyond repair.make sure you try every option avalable befor getting fusion because once its done it cant be undone.If your older like me almost 60 you will definitely be limiting you physical abilities to save wear and tear on the rest of your discs .I was a heavy equipment mechanic for 18 years and I had to retire on disability I can't lift anything heavy and it's hard for me to bend down or squat but my knees are giving me trouble now from all the extra work they have to do now because of the back If your younger you'll probable have a much better outcome.

I had L4-S1 last march, now I'm having L2-S1 with all hardware needing replacement on June 28th. It's refreshing to hear someone being honest. This sucks being only 54.

Thanks for the video. I’m getting ready to have my second fusion. I herniated the disc above my fusion for the second time in 3 years.

Hi I had a spinal fusion May 2023. I had low back pain, especially on the right side, right hip pain it began in 2012. In 2021 the pain started hurting in my right calf. I put off having surgery for so long and did physical therapy several times. I never took medication until 2021 when the pain started going to my calf. After surgery I woke up to a numb feet. Especially my right. It is now March 2024 and my back pain has improved it’s not gone. My hip pain has improved But my feet and calves especially my right hurt constantly. And I too have foot drop on the right. Now even with pain medicine and muscle relaxers my pain is never better than a 5 out of 10. Most times is a 7 I can not sleep longer than 4 hours. I am constantly in pain and am becoming depressed. I get out of bed because I can’t sleep. Go to my den and cry. It’s a vicious cycle of pain, insomnia, and depression at this point. I have an EMG in 2 days. I pray there is no permanent nerve damage I understand when you say your walk is off. Mine too due to pain and I also understand when you say how devastating it would be to live with a foot that doesn’t work properly. Thank you for your video. I really appreciate it.

Everyone thinking about spinal surgery...think hard. I had unbearable pain in my left leg, so what I thought was the right choice I went to a neurosurgeon. After consultation I had the surgery 9 mos. ago where he performed fusion on l2-s2. Well, the deep pain in my leg is gone BUT I now have foot drop in my right leg, my toes on both feet are numb, the skin on the front of my left leg is numb with sometimes sharp pain near the surface. the skin on my lower right back and butt cheek is numb and my bowels now have a mind of their own. I was told the foot drop was caused by blood pressure drop in my leg during surgery resulting in nerve damage??? After 2 1/2 mos. of therapy with no results I had an EMG done by a neurologist, he told me the nerves in leg are fine that the problem is coming from my l5 where the surgery was done. The neurosurgeon wants to try corrective surgery but my primary and vascular drs. don't recommend it because I can come out worse. So, the choice is yours...good luck! Oh by the way, the vascular surgeon said that I may have avoided all this by having vascular surgery to take care of the pain in my left leg....HUH!!

Hey Chris I just had a 3 Level fusion too and expierencing numbness and aching on my thighs And numbness down my left leg n foot... Foot drop as well

Hello, I had L4, L5, S1 fusion. I'm totally confused concerning the long term restrictions. My surgeon, top surgeon at the university of Miami is saying to me that my restrictions are permanent for the rest of my life. I cannot vacuum, mop forever, do yard work which I love. I saw four surgeon for surgical opinions. All said the exact same thing that 33% of patients with spinal fusion return for another fusion within ten years. This really scares me even though I'm a Registered Nurse. Prevention is the KEY to most surgery. However most patients after this surgery are not restricting themselves to anything. It seems that it's my surgeon is the only one recommending not to do certain activities.

I had the same spacers (cages) inserted S-1 L-4 L-5. My metal brackets placed mainly on one side of the vertebrae and multiple screws. This was 8/3/21. Today is 11/21/21. I am just now not feeling pain from the sugery. My back pain and left leg are no longer in pain. I'm still experiencing healing and discomfort but at least I'm no longer taking pain medication for it. I went 5 years going through therapy and ablation. It's only recently that I have started to move normal. Recovering was very difficult. I was in the hospital for 3 days and transferred to rehab for 26 days. I'd consider this a success. I'm due to start my therepy in December. I've run into another issue where I hurt somthing that popped out on the left side. As you know when sitting and standing you must remain straight. I stood up from a low chair and something on the left side popped out. I'll see a surgeon in about 2 weeks. Doctors are just backed up. I have some pain but this is a not issue for me. Im concerned I might have problems with a ruptured abdominal wall, but not sure if that is the problem. I think I may have waited to long to get surgery on my back but everyone discourages you, so you often delay. What I can say is recovery can be difficult but I think for the first time in years I'll experience less pain. I can go back to my life. I had very little ability to enjoy my life before the sugery. I forgot to mention that I cant feel my left thigh My feet feel like they have socks on, with the toes out. LOL. 🤪🤣🤣 I was told I'd I'd have trouble with my left leg. L-5 was very worn and the nerve depressed.

Thank you. In the same boat at 8 months. I feel much better. So much BS about 6 weeks and 6 months recovery. Just like you I am going to be 1 year plus to feel ok. I have foot drop as well and hoping it improves.

Man, my situation is very similar like yours. I just had my surgery spinal fusion 3 levels from L3 to L5/S1 a month ago. Unfortunately 12 years ago, I had my first lower back surgery “no fusion” but I end up with my right foot drop. Foot drop never got better even after this recently surgery. I hope and pray 🙏🏼 yours get back to normal. Definitely no fun having a foot drop. My lower back got worst lately and I just end up doing the spinal fusion surgery, no choice. 12 years ago I got very bad and painful and I end up with the foot drop. No accident neither. Not sure what brace you use, I hate those plastic braces.

Thank you for this update. I have an L4/5/s1 M6-L spinal kinetics ADR done in Germany in 2014. That was my 5th lumbar surgery since 2007. I've done everything to avoid Fusion. I became a truck driver. I drove OTR and local in Texas. I was in a trucking accident and pulled an implant out of place and compromising some Vertebre structure. So I"m looking at L3/4/5/s1 Anterior Fusion with the removal of the ADR I have. I am all alone in an apartment. So I appreciate the info you have put out here. Can you add your Back videos to a playlist on your channels? Thank you.

Had L4-S1 in 2017. Okay now but recovery was hell. I lost bladder control after I came home and started to move around . It lasted for two weeks. I hardly have any pain but, my thigh is still numb before and after .

Great video…yes ,my left foot was numb for nearly 7 months due to my bad back. Most of the feeling has come back. I can move them but I still can feel the numbness. I meet with my doctor on Aug 11… I do believe I need surgery.

Hello Chris thank you for the quick response. 👍🏼 gives me piece of mind. Video was very helpful. Thank you 🙏🏼

Had L3 to S1 fused with Titanium rods. The day of the operation, the rod on the left side popped out from under the set screw. The doc refused to believe me. After an emergency run to the hospital for massive pain, a different surgeon took all of the hardware out....three months of pain later. The recovery has been awful. What they don't tell you before knife time is that you are going to go thru heck for a yr to yr and a half. The pain is normal. The lack of movement is normal. Do your therapy as you can and give it time. You'll get there. Life is not going to be as good as new. That's over now. Make the best of it.....you aren't confined to a wheelchair.

I was very glad to see this update. I just had a revision discectomy on L4-L5. Things were pretty messed up in there so we are talking fusion already. L5-S1 is looking bad too. No foot drop yet, but I haven't been walking so well for a while now. Anyway - thanks and keep the updates coming please.

God brother just got my surgery it's bine 4 weeks it's a hard recovery so far you seem so positive god bless you and your family I hope we get better

10 months after fusion of l4l5s1 and feeling worse than before. Foot drop is back and my walk has messed up not only back but hips and knees too. Beginning of the experience was hard but hopeful as time went on I got better than after one bike ride, life changing experience. Not sure if things will ever improve. Still hoping it will.

Peripheral nerves can heal up to 18 months.

Squeaky floor usually means loose floorboard. I'd be concerned... Loose screws, plate...

Thank you very much. My neurosurgeon sent me home for a week to research and decide if I want to move forward with the same surgery S1 through L3. My foot is half numb I have half numbness through my leg it’s weird. You stated that you wish you had the surgery sooner. That’s helpful to me because I’m nervous and I thought about putting it off again but I think now is the time. Wishing you well and hoping that foot comes back for you.

Thankyou Adam I have been waiting spinal fusion had preaasesment 9 weeks ago my op should be in 3 weeks time but this sure is a rollercoaster with pain I feel 4 u & I get those electric shocks to I have tried to keep qa positive as I can I like to look after my body & keep as healthy as I can as my dr gqve me antidepressants 4 my nerve pain & meds dont agree with me make me very foggey head & i cant get motivated & I like to keep doing light gym work walking pool & stretches Thankyou so much for these its so great to hear other peoples stories & helps with ideas & tips to help with the symptoms

I just had 3 level fusion 2 through 5 let me tell anybody that reads this its like going to hell an back no pun intended oct. 2nd was my day 2019 i will never forget it im still fresh just like this f ing pain good luck to all M.powers

Definitely there's a great difference of feel and comfort in pain, loss of coordination, sole grips, fear of falling etc., day by day,. Although, it will take 6 months or more after fusion surgery.

I hope your foot drop improved. I didn't do so well with spine surgery..I'm in constant pain with rods, screws, pain pump, and spinal cord stimulator. New problems cropped up over the years which makes life difficult, but I'll keep trying to manage. Good luck with your recovery

My triple fusion has left my right leg partially paralyzed with sharp stinging pain. I have your bad symptoms post surgery. Glad it worked for you. You're lucky.

I had a full back fusion T1 thru S1 not a lot of mobility. I have 36 screws and 2 long herring rods. I lost feeling in my right quadricep. Its slowly coming back. But my mobility is what I miss the most. I felt like my doctor hid a lot from me in regards to the after effects.

I am glad I came across your video. Back surgery and neck surgery are on the horizon for me. Pain is almost unbearable anymore and nothing they have done in years have helped. My stenosis is worse and my pain is more constant. I had 2 surgeries on my arm but I am stubborn as well and it scares the crap out of me.

I hope you do well. You have a great attitude.

I had spinal fusion on October 7th and so far it’s the best decision I made because the pain I had before was horrific

Hi Chris I am so glad I found this I'm about to have L2-L3 L3-L4 and L4-L5 on 6th January 24 I also have left foot drop and walk funny now the nerve pain is crazy but looking forward to living my best life after. Have to be honest I'm sh=ting myself but I have no quality of life it's just painkillers and tv. I can't take my dog for a walk i worry she may pull me and I would be out for a week. take care Shaun

My first surgery caused my drop foot. Seven total surgeries. Drop foot never cleared up, and still in pain. 20 years worth of pain

Your story is nearly identical to mine with foot drop before surgery and worse after. I have to wear an ankle brace for foot drop. I also need a cane for stability. I also waited too long to have surgery and the surgeon told me so. My lower back pain is very bad. I’m going to get a post surgical second opinion. I’m not sure I want this fusion to stay in me. I look forward to hearing how you progress. David

I’m scheduled to have 3-Level Fusion in two weeks and your positive attitude is encouraging. I have been avoiding surgery for years as well but can hardly walk or stand

Yes I'm not typing I'm using Google talk to text so there is mistakes

You mentioned scar tissue, did they see scar tissue on an MRI or did you and the surgeons just find that out during the surgery? Glad you are better! Was your surgery done from the back or the front?

On December 11, 2023 I had similar surgery from S1 all the way up to my cervical spine. Prior to surgery I was experiencing severe lower back pain making it difficult to walk or stand for more than a few minutes. Diagnosis revealed that the nerves in my lower spine were severely compressed. I had a very minor foot drop in my right foot. Over the previous years I had participated in every other option available for relief. I spent 4 days in the hospital following surgery. Recovery has been agonizingly slow. Although the pain in my back is totally gone, my left foot drop is significantly worse, my sense of balance is precarious. I still have pain over the incision which makes sleeping difficult. . So at 83 yrs old was the surgery worth it? The surgeon and the physical therapist suggests that maximum recovery for me should take about a year. So ask me in another 6 months at the one year post surgery anniversary

You keep saying you had a 3 level fusion, you had 4 levels fused.you have 8 screws which means you have 4 vertebrae that will not move anymore, thus a 4 level fusion.

Hi, how are you doing 3 years later? I'm getting ready to have 4 level fusion. I also have numbness in my foot and extreme weakness in my leg. I'm trying to put the surgery off a couple of months to take care of my son. Did your foot come back? I'm having a fusion from L2 to s1. I had a fusion at L4/L5 less than 3 years ago, which really pisses me off that I'm going through this again. Hope to hear back from you

5 weeks out from 3 levels L1,2, 3, connecting to a prior L4, and 5 fusion. Rough recovery so far, but staying the course. Videos are most informative. GW

I had my back fused from L3-S1 a year ago . I am 56 yrs old and will never be able to work full time again. I have pain not like before but still painful. I notice that my gait is off and I have a lot of right hip pain. I tried physical therapy but my back kept cramping up. We tried muscle relaxers and they didn’t work. I am hoping that it gets better. Thanks for the video, there are not too many for multiple level fusions.

Thank you for sharing your experience. Greatly appreciated.

Dude all the same here to Gotta stay moving bro

Your video is very informative. I’m two months post spinal fusion I’m still using a cane which is keeping me stable. Because I don’t walk strong enough. In your opinion is this just part of the healing and therapy?

I believe your back and foot can be whole again. I'm a proponent of visualization as a tool to wholeness. Your body listens by some means I don't think anyone fully understands when you use your imagination to focus healing on the part that hurts or needs some kind of healing. There are lots of books and probably videos on the subject. Just a thought I wanted to pass your way. I once broke an elbow and imagined little men working in my elbow with picks and shovels packing in the calcium and whatnot to make it heal really fast. It did. In a couple weeks I was back working and by 3 weeks I cut off the hard cast myself with a hacksaw. It was fully healed............. and I never had any problems with it since...........

Hi Chris, really like your channel and I certainly relate to your experience. I had a microdiscectomy and the disc reherniated 4 weeks post op, then a few months later came the fusion on L4-S1. I never got better and they said it was a bad idea to remove the scar tissue from the nerve roots. I must warn you about adjacent segment problems after having a fusion where the levels above and below may deteriorate as a result. Today I have problems in the whole spine like degenerative stenosis, DDD, facet arthritis, and sacroiliac dysfunction. When it gets cold, the titanium expands and causes more pain (heat pad very handy). I was lucky to get a pain pump and spinal cord stimulator to help with the pain. I hope you had a better outcome since this vlog and feeling better.

I have done some research of nerve impingement /damage and found there are doctors who specialize in peripheral nerve surgery after fusion. You might want to look into that and gain back that control of your foot/leg

Glad you’re doing well. My question is were you able to walk more than A block before surgery? I go in for surgery next week for three level spinal fusion. My legs feel like they want to collapse from underneath me if I walk more than a block or if I am moving too much during certain activities. Hope to get a response. Thank you 🙏

Titanium does not set metal detectors off . I have 9 level fusion and never once did it set it off .

Thank you tor this video. I’m guessing they had to cut quite a few nerves which Is why I keep falling but can’t get any answers. I have also moved state so have to find new Drs. Any help / info you can give me would be so appreciated. Should I see a surgeon if I’m not going to have surgery again or should I find a good neurologist who could give me info on the nerve situation?

Well brother, let's hope that over the next year your foot will get better and that will make the back surgery even more worthwhile. Thanks for sharing.

I had back surgery on 12-2-2019 on the L2, L3, L4 & L5. Eight screws and two rods. Back is stiff everyday but I am able to take walks without having to bend over after walking 50 yards to relieve pain. However, if I run the jarring on the base of my fusion is too much for me to stand. I am 67 and now have bone on bone on my left hip that I think is affecting my lower back someway. I am seeing a hip doctor in November. Thanks for your video. I could relate with the recovery after the surgery.

I totally understand. I got to the point where I couldn't drive our stuck shift bc my left leg and foot wasn't working well anymore. I had foot drop and it was so difficult to do anything. Glad I had my fusion but it didn't fix me 100%. Dr said I would only be 80% bc so much permanent damage had happened following breaking my back and being misdiagnosed. Once I finally was 2 weeks later the Dr didn't do a fusion and took out so much bone I had no support. So glad I found Joseph spine institute. He actually created the titanium hardware he used on my back. Grateful I'm at least 80%. My life is better. If you live in central Florida and still need help see Dr Joseph.🙏✝️

I’m thinking about L5/S1 fusion. Been battling for 8 years. Only 41 definitely can’t do this forever. Any advice?

Here to show support. Saw u in a different stream. Thanks for the great content. Liked, Shared on Social And Subbed

No back issues myself (knock on wood, I'm in my 40s now) but interesting to hear your journey here. Hope that foot eases back to life my friend :)

Hi Chris, not sure if you're looking at comments so long after you originally posted this. I've been trying to search the web and have found limited info, except for a few of your video's commenting on noises coming from spine. I had a L4L5 TLIF in Oct 2019 so I'm almost 7mos out. Just started noticing a "clunking" sound when I bend over certain ways. Doesn't hurt or cause any sensations, but is alarming. I saw the video you posted on what sounded like the exact noise you recorded in your back, but I couldn't find (sorry if I missed it) where you posted what your Dr. said if it was something to be concerned with or it's just the hardware making noise or if it was the muscles, etc as you suspected? I do have a follow up with my surgeon in July (hopefully if the lockdowns are over) Any info is greatly appreciated.

I just had this done at L5 LR S1, had hardware mangled with nerves from previous fusion 20 yrs ago. This time I had severe sciatica then weak legs and balance issues causing me to fall. I just had it done in Nov. I had a complication 2 days later due to the drain falling out early with no f/u care it turned into a hematoma and we had to drive 2 hrs to get back to the hosp for surgery, then another 2 day stay. Right now I have no sciatica but still leg weakness and balance. I'll probably have PT starting soon and we'll see.

Hey! Thanks for this video. My question is really this - Did you continue to improve betwerj the 6 - 12 month period? As in did your back pain decrease further and were you able to gradually do more activity / weight training or what not. Or is 6 months about the final result of the surgery?

Glad I found this video. I'm scheduled for l5-s1 fusion on july 12 2021. Had two micro discectomy on it prior but just kept re-shredding them.

I hope things start getting better. Ive had 3 surgeries, 1 was a multi-level fusion, still have a ton of pain so I just had a spinal stimulator implanted last week. Hoping this will relieve enough pain to be functional. Good luck to you, hope u get ur foot back.

I'm 54. I had l5 to s1, then l4 to l5. Now it looks like I'll need l3 to L4. I'm having sharp pains up right side of back. Always have had sharp pain sitting, into the groin area and on the right sit bone. How have you been since this video. You seem way more chipper than I have from my surgeries :)

Hey Chris after the surgery were you able to walk better? I had the dropped foot and recovered well but my spasticity is causing some walking challenges 8 months after surgery. I use ski poles since they keep me balanced and upright. I was wondering if your spacicity is gone and your walking better. Also how long did that take? Thanks

You’re dead wrong about “doing everything right” and you “should be fine” regarding your upper and lower discs not being affected. I’m two weeks shy of one year post L5-S1 fusion and laminectomy. My neurosurgeon was wonderful, I still trust him 100%. I did everything I was supposed to do (walked a lot, never lifted above my lifting restriction, tried not to bend or twist much, did many, many weeks of PT, tried not to sit too much). After struggling with foot pain and tingling and continued pain in my lower back they just did another set of images on me and my L2-L5 has already decompressed to the point the doctor was talking about needing another fusion. That’s only in a year since the surgery with somebody “doing everything right.” I hope this isn’t your case but don’t be foolish to think you have a massive amount of control over this, different bodies react differently to the surgery.

I had the same or very similar surgery a year ago (October 2019). My question is have you experienced any numbness??? I had some before surgery and I still have it in my foot and toes but I also have some additional numbness since surgery. I just started having some pain but it’s like sore muscle pain.

You are a good man , i hope by now ypur foot is better and i wish you the best of luck my brother 🙏

Just had fusions with rods and screws, I am a week out and having major cramping from my waste down and in both legs... did you do thru this?

Hey I just had back surgery two months ago and I have the same problem with foot drop im am currently in therapy and your video was very insightful hopefully my foot drop goes away soon

Chris the chance of you or anyone needing a revision surgery due to AFD is only 10-20 percent as the years go by. So 80-90 chance that you won't. Pretty good odds

Just had SURGERY DONE ALIF jan15 it's been about 4 months and it's crazy have back pain in the morning and discomfort

I am going in for a 2 level fusion in less than 2 weeks. L4-S1. Right now I am an invalid. My mobility scooter has been the only way I could get around, as the pain and numbness in both legs were excruciating. I also have osteopenia and I am a lot older than you. Would you recommend this surgery to other people? I know everyone is different. Some people have said, do not have a spinal fusion, of course the doctors tell you to have it.

So you did not have a successful outcome. No help, I really needed a straight answer.

Thanks for sharing. I’m about 2 weeks out from my first fusion and it’s taken me about 2 - 3 years to bring my self to this point. I have L3 to S1 all with big disk herniations. I’m still unsure whether I should go through with it, I have many good days with minimal pain and then there are days where I’m in agony. I’m very active, brown belt in BJJ, and do a lot of exercise all the time as my work requires it but at the end of the day, most days, I can’t do much but sit or lay down because I’m exhausted from putting with the discomfort. Not so much pain but discomfort. Hopefully, I see something that’s going to make me see what’s needed.

Did u used physiotherapy for the movement of your legs? IF yes thn for how much time u used physiotherapy ?

I just had Facet joint fusion after a auto accident it broke, but didnt show on mri, but i talk my great Dr Lam Nguyen in Sarasota, FL went in and fixed it and it fixed my dropped foot too, its been over 3 months and its still healing, but its about 85% better and the foot it 90% better, its still healing being 62yrs old it takes times, i take D3 and calcuium. If you need a great Dr, call him and tell him i sent you?

Some people tried to rob me I am like 4’9 so like my whole body is my back… the surgeon literally said I could eat ediables and that helped with nausea and pain a lil but then I can actually feel the hardware in my back it’s so fucking sad I’m so young :( I didn’t need one just car accident like two or three fractures super depressing… keep updates man bc u actually have a lot hard ware people get a disc thing and say they have had back surgery and my incision is like 5 or 6 inches … my left leg went numb and I thought I was going to be paralyzed… I got up bc they kept saying before the surgery if I kept moving I was going to snap my spinal cord where the fracture is and be paralyzed then I stared not moving …

Hello. Im glad I found this video. Im only 15 weeks post surgery myself the L4/L5. I am having issues with numbness on the fronts and sides of my quads, it comes and goes, and nerve issues in my back as well. Have you experienced any of this? I am hoping with time the nerve issues resolve. Maybe at a year past surgery things will be a lot better. Tnx for the video!

Hello there, wondered how you are doing. I'm having the exact surgery soon and wanted to ask if the performed the surgery from the front or back. I've seen some sergeons perform it both ways.

What were your symptoms before the actual foot drop? Did it just come on suddenly? I get numbing in my feet and legs after a couple of minutes of 9:24 walking. I’ve got severe central canal and foramenal stenosis l4-l5. Going to see a neurosurgeon next month. I hope he approves surgery. I’m 57 years old.

Hey, just *that* much more movement in your foot is an improvement, right? And the sneeze thing is a HUGE improvement, I'm sure! Here's hoping to the continued recovery, man! On a side note, I've noticed that your video production value has improved since going weekly. It seems like you've got some more breathing room now, so hopefully you will see good returns! 😀

Yes very worried old 4/5 S 1 fusion 73 I have floppy foot

Hi Chris I had L3-L4 fusion, I was wondering if you ever could feel the hard ware like it’s pinching you , I don’t know I can feel the hard ware kind of around my incensions

Definitely exactly the same as me Well Said THANK YOU VERY MUCH

Hey Chris, Ive been going thru sciatica problems now since February, had a microdiscectomy in July but unfortunately reherniated right after. No foot drop, just a lot of nerve pain. But anyways, my husband was telling me that his boss has foot drop and wears some sort of brace for it. Not sure how much it helps or if you know about it but thought Id pass the information to you! Glad to hear the positivity tho!