Thank you for your responding, it is good to talk to someone who knows exactly what I am going thru, it gives me hope. Looking forward to sitting without pain.

I’m about to have this next week. I can’t wait. Hurts so bad right now. Glad it all worked out for you.

God bless you Michael. Keep up the good work. Thanks for posting your video, it helped me alot

My surgery is next week..thank you for posting positive information...Amen..God is our Great Physician,Nd Healer..

THANK YOU so much for sharing this. I'm scheduled to have mine Jan 30th. I had a Microdisectomy July 2017 and here I am 6 months later preparing for this. I'm done looking at videos you have eased my trouble mine. Your positive feedback was just what I needed. Thank You again and May God continue to bless you.

Great to see you are enjoying life again, hope you're doing ok.

Thanks for sharing. I am one year out from a 3 level fusion l3-l4, l4-l5, l5-s1 doing well aside from foot drop in my left foot. If it were not for a paralyzed foot I would consider my surgery a success. I watched a lot of videos like yours before surgery, you shared some real advice.

Thank you for this post. I am about to have this same surgery and I'm very nervous. God bless u for sharing, I needed to hear this to encourage me to go thru this surgery. I have no choice, I can't take the pain anymore.

Thank you for helping to know a another side I'm looking at this surg your story have me some peace

Thank you for a uplifting video!

Thank you! I am 50 and decided on ALIF that's scheduled in 6 weeks. My mobility and balance is impacted because of numbness in my feet because of nerves being crushed. Thanks for your testimonial!

Hè man,....Thx for taking the time to upload this video. Its great to hear that you are doping better after the surgery. Two years ago i had a herniated disc at l5-s1 and they took away the herniation. Now my disc is losing height Which causes a lot of pain after half a day. They offered me a surgery in may 2017 but was and still scared about a negative outcome. Your video really helped me thinking more positive now. Hope you still doing well and take care men

Thanks for this video. I'm headed for ALIF at l4/5 in the near future....am just gathering input from 3 surgeons b4 pulling the pin. How great to hear you've had a positive experience. PS....you'll never stop caring about fitness; there's no age limit.

Brotha your story has given me hope. I'm 46 and just had my ALIF December 19th. Your statement about the nerves pain is EXACTLY what I'm experiencing and as a result has caused insomnia! I may fall asleep for an hour or two then rudely awakened with needle like pains in both feet. It's encouraging to know this pain will subside. Tingling at night while sleeping is a True statement! Like you, I'm constantly in Prayer. I will be at 6 weeks at the end of this month and start P.T. Thanks again for your story.

exactly the sugery i had.. i am home 1 week now, 2 weeks after surgery...and yes i saw a lot of horror stories, good to hear a positive story!!! still in pain, but thank you for your story! AMEN.

Thamks for posting this video. God bless you and hope you recuperate very soon. You are right. its dificult to decide to have an operation when people are posting there negative comments. Not everyone has the same procedure or outcome. It depends on how positive you are. I was scared to have my surgery but now I've made my decision hopefully I'll get surgery now in December 2018 . I have narrowing at the L5 S1 level associated with mild retrolisthesis. Also there is minimal annular bulge at The L4 L5 level with mild canal stenosis. I've been suffering from this condition for more than 20 years. I've seen so many doctors, the best in Miami and finally I found a doctor that really wants to help me .you know that doctors always give you therapy , steroid injections and medications, because surgery is the last resource. I've been through all kinds of treatments and it doesn't work ,even a sneeze triggers the pain and I end up in the ER. just a slight movement forward triggers the vertebrae to slip forward and it locks where I can't move at all. So if anyone out there is suffering from back pain please go to a specialist that can tell you what's going on, and if you're not satisfied ask for a second opinion. Today October 19th I will be seeing my doctor so I can schedule my surgery for December 2018. I wish good luck to everyone and I hope what I just wrote can help someone make a good decision. God bless you all

I’m having this exact surgery in three weeks. I’d be lying if I didn’t say I’m scared. I’m 37 and have had two other procedures on the disc over the last two years. It pretty much grounded me. So thank you for this video. I enjoyed being fit and active before. Now every time I twist or bend I’m put into spasm. So I’m hopeful for this to go well. Wishing you continued success in your recovery.

Hello all I just wanted to add an update. I'm coming up to two years post op next month. Unfortunately recently I started developing some pain in my lower left side. Doctor thinks it might be facet joint arthritis. Last week they did a nerve root ablation of the l3 l4 medial branch nerves. Not a ton of relief but some for now. Finding out that running a lot like I used to do isn't helping my back so I have to find other non impact activities to do. I've started doing the stair climber at the gym instead of the treadmill. Gives me a great sweat. Don't love as much as running but with back fusion I have to be willing to give up some things I've always loved. That's life right.😊

Thank you so much for this video. I just scheduled my surgery of L4-L5 fusion with a cage and I am extremely nervous about it, and like you, I have found some scary videos of people with horror stories!. But I haven't been able to walk or stand for more than about 15 minutes for the past three years. Three years ago I could stand or walk for only about an hour but now it's down to about 10-15 minutes. I am in my 60s but have always been very active an fit. I've had diagnoses from two surgeons and am going with the Chief of Spine Surgery at UCSF in San Francisco. Both surgeons said that I will be able to walk 1-2 miles in 6-8 weeks and dance again in about 6 months. I find that hard to comprehend but I trust both surgeons I consulted and they each said the exact same thing after reviewing my MRIs, CT scans and X-rays. Thank you again for this uplifting video!

Good video, I had exactly the same operations 4 weeks ago. No sciatica pain anymore at all. Still pain from the operation but I’m moving on. Life is good now. Sometimes you got to go through hell to get to the other side.

Thanks for your positivity, I have the same surgery in 16 days! I plan on being super positive even though I’m nervous as hell. God Bless

Mannnnn finally someone who I can kind of relate to! I’m 33 and also got the ALIF/PLIF. L4-S1. They also went through my side too. I was told I had everything that you mentioned. The lysthesis, herniations, and the pars defect. I am five weeks post op and have been only walking periodically throughout the day. I have had crazy sciatic pain too that doesn’t seem to be going away and it was keeping me up all night. Thanks for the uplifting message bro. It’s been great reading about your progress. God bless.

Mike.. out of all the stories I’ve heard. Your procedure seemed the most logical one yet. Taking disc from the front, less interference with the nerves and doing that way will make a difference- from the videos on here- great pointers Thanks for the video.. 👍🏻

Thank You for posting this video. I have surgery scheduled for an Alif with posterior instrumentation as well at the L5-S1. Without going into all my back issues I can tell you I’ve been heavy in research for years since surgery was recommended over 4 years ago. I finally found the right surgeon by accident… literally! Had a fall from a height and landed on rocks on my side and broke my femur at the hip… that surgeon pieced me back together and 7 months later he is now going to do the back. Most of the videos I find are not as positive as yours! In fact, they are pretty discouraging! The men seem to have longer painful issues where the women are back at it pretty quick! I’m a 48yr old man that is pretty intense and likes to push boundaries so I just deal with the pain and hope to be another that will get to post a positive video like you! Again, thank you for the positive video. God Bless you and you’re continued recovery.

Thank you for posting this

Just had mine on the 10th. Think my doc was amazing and this pain is no joke but I know I'll be OK. Wanna run soooo bad, though. Miss working out. Thank u. Our situations sounds pretty head on except for age (I'm 50) but active. Glad you're up and at 'em and I can't wait. And again, thank u.

Michael, Thank you. 36 yo M, looking at an L4 thru S1 fusion in less than a month due to Retrolisthesis of L5 and degeneration of L4/5 and L5/S1 discs. Lifelong athlete, long distance runner/rock climber. Been out of sports for almost 2 years and my symptoms are identical to what you speak of. Nerve pain in my left foot to beat the band. Up all hours of the night. No sleep, no rest. Did PT, had a discectomy, but nothing worked. Thanks much man, this makes me feel better.

Thank you for this video! I'm 36 and having an Anterior Lumbar Fusion next week. You are so right about the horror stories. Your video gives me hope for a great outcome. I hope you're still doing well. God bless you!

Hi. I am almost 6 weeks out of L4-L5 ALIF. Had deteriorated disc and bone on bone. Recovery is going super! Walking 2 to 3 miles per day. My doctor was amazing. I feel very blessed. The stomach is healing well. Most of all, NO BACK PAIN.

Exactly the pain I'm going thru for the same exact procedure I had 5 days ago. I was about to go to ER until I seen your video and learned this is just how recovery will be.

Congratulations. I’m gonna get a fusion myself - was an athlete like yourself - unstable but still working full duty through pain. - hopefully my surgery goes well as yours - congrats.

Just had my L5-S1 anterior and posterior fusion for a pars fracture and herniated discs last week. I'm going on 34 and been an athlete my whole life you sound just like me. Praying your back to being an athlete it's who we are. I'm excited at the opportunity to get my life back trying to stay positive.

I just had the 360° fusion at L5/ S1…brutal! I am almost 4 weeks post surgery and I know the pain will eventually subside, but for now, pain! Thanks for sharing your experience with us!

Thank you. This really makes me nervous as hell.

Thanks for this video. Im going in on the 30th March 2021 for my spinal fussion and Ive been stressed out. Your video definitely made me more positive about it. Greetings from South Africa

I'm 4 weeks out (actually an artificial disc replacement but similar op). So depressed by the nerve pain still. Thanks for this positive video!

Just had the ALIF/PLIF on 11/28/18. The first few weeks have been tough but I'm slowly doing better. I'm starting week 3 and a bit frustrated I had hoped to be away from the pain meds but that's not happening yet. Able to walk 25 minutes a day without the walker and just trying to be patient with myself. Thank you for the videos, as you know it's a pretty terrifying idea but the Dr and hospital were great. It was such a scary thing to go through especially at 60 but I wish I would have done it earlier. For me, the pain from the sciaticia was actually better immediately after the surgery and I see improvement already. Good luck to all that are dealing with this.

HI! Well, in 6 days I am having the same procedure(s)! We have almost the exact same issues....grade 3 spondylolithesis, 2 degenerated discs, bilateral pars deformities, and THAT pain in my FOOT! You described it exactly, although my severe and chronic sciatic pain started only 10 months ago. They say now that I must’ve hurt myself when I was young...I was a gymnast....and over time I have just “adjusted” through the pain, but I was running and my right heel began to hurt. Needless to say, it took awhile for them to figure out it was coming from my back, and now months & months later, failed injections, physical therapy, 4 doctors, and lots of drugs....I am having what sounds almost like an identical surgery. My only difference is that I am 54! I have always been athletic, strong, and thought I was in pretty good shape for an “old lady,” but I was apparently sadly mistaken! So, THANK YOU for posting these videos. It is difficult to find anyone in a similar situation, but the minute you started talking, I knew I was doing the right thing! I just wanted to pop in and let you know that your videos have given me just the boost I needed to get me through these jitters!!!

I know that this was a year out but thank you for sharing your experience, I'm going in for a PLIF-S5 four level back fusion next month and I'm kinda nervous because I don't know what to expect.

thank you for your input sounds good best wishes

Great Video .I just had L2 S1 DONE ON 6/20 . Overall it was way easier than I thought . First few days a bit tough but i'm 3 weeks out and almost off the oxy and muscle relaxers. Just make sure you find a good surgeon !

God bless you & heal you completely.

Thank you so much for sharing your story! How are you today?

Many thanks for very informative video. I had operation very young now retired 72 I now can’t walk due to bad fall I now have operation same level at yours. Just very scared had many options I have good Dr I hope.just waiting for Hospital Thanks again for video mate

Hello there! Thank you for your video. I am 45 years old and 8 weeks post OP from an L5 S1 fusion myself. I am not a fit person by any means so this surgery has been a real challenge for me. I'm getting stronger, off all pain meds, but the neuropathy is still an issue in my right leg. I still walk with a cane, and still use my Walker if I'm going to be doing alot of walking. I can also drive now, but bumps still hurt considerably, I just have to take it slow. I hope you continue to heal properly. From what I read and watch this surgery takes ALOT of time, and everyone is different so....keep on healing and getting stronger, but be patient...😁

Thanks for your post! I am 5 weeks post ALIF (no PLIF) and doing EXTREMELY WELL! We have too many horror stories and not enough GREAT OUTCOME STORIES! I'm feeling you Friend! I am looking forward to losing the weight now that I am not virtually bed-ridden. I did have a double laminectomy micro discectomy in Feb that helped a bit for the nerve decompression. But it wasn't enough. You are right.... Nerve pain ain't no joke. I thankfully found a surgeon that I completely trust. I would travel from far and wide to see him in the event of future issues. (Going to need plif L4-L5) eventually. But I cant hardly believe how great I'm feeling at 5 weeks. I am PAIN FREE and consider mine a COMPLETE success!

I have the same procedure in 2 days Marvh 12th. Im really scared and kind of freaking out . Your video really helped me. I can see the emotion you were feeling and thats exactly how i feel. I hope to get through the next few days. I will take this as a push og inspiration thank you i needed this.

Thanks for the hope.

Thanks. My L5-S1 is coming up in about a week. I am also younger and trying to return to being active. This was helpful!

Man, I'm currently at the hospital in Paris, France. I'm35years old too. I've done the alif surgery for l5s1 3 days ago and just wanted let you know that your video is truly an inspiration for me right now laying down and writting from my hospital's bed. I'm so in pain right now physically and in my soul but I'm 100% comfident for the future. Cheers

69-year-old guy here. I'm no athlete but have been quite active as a teacher and owner of 4 properties that all take upkeep. Ten or twelve years ago I had some sciatic issues in my left leg that went away after a few weeks. A few years after that, I got a "pinched nerve" after picking up some paint cans. I did chiro and took it easy. A few months later I was back to regular activity with caution about lifting and such. Three years ago I was splitting firewood with an axe and the next day I was crippled with leg pain. Did chiro and asked family doc about it. Chiro really didn't help. Family doc sent me to a spine specialist. Now, the pain had stopped after a few months, and other than mild numbness in left side toes I was all right. Spine guy did MRI: whoops. Spondy between 4/5! Stenosis! He said I could try PT (the so-called conservative approach) to see if that helped. It felt good but toe numbness was still an issue. But I was having no leg pain so I just soldiered on. One neurologist did a speed test and said I had left side sciatic neuropathy. Then, a year later I started getting leg pain on left side and more numbness. And it began to cut into my ability to stay balanced and do lots of the stuff I was used to. Over the next months, I really got "stoved up," as they say. Tried injections. Nada. But I kept working. My range for walking dropped to about 50 feet -- super painful all the time. Finally, after 18 months of incredible pain, "dead" feet, and all that, I had surgery in late September 2020. Had a PLIF, ALIF (fusion from 3-5 with 6 screws and two rods), and scaped out some stenosis. My incisions were 6" up front and 9" in the back. Leg pain went away instantly after surgery but I am still dealing with numbness in the feet and calves. My sense now, five weeks out from surgery, is that some of that is fading. It does make long walks a bit challenging, though. The surgeon said the feet are the last place for healing to hit. I suppose had I done the surgery two years ago I'd not have that issue but it is what it is. Anyway, the prognosis is good; surgeon said the work went smoothly and he was very happy. I am so happy to be free of that leg pain; I can stand and move around for hours at a time! I'm doing much better, obviously. It's all still a bit uncomfortable and I have another 6 weeks in the brace, but I've not had any real pain since the surgery. Took low amounts of opioids for 3 or 4 weeks and am now using Tramadol when needed and hoping to switch to Tylenol soon. Oh: no weight gain! I actually lost a few pounds. PT starts in 3 weeks or so.

PRAYYING GOING UP U BEING IN GREAT SHAPE

I'm 7 weeks post op s1 l5 , and I'm walking good now the sciatic pain is completely gone my back is still stiff but I'm still having a little numbness in my big toes, other than that I'm feeling alot better finally getting some rest at night I really want to try to exercise more but nervous about how well the fusion is going but over all I'm alot better than before and I will continue to work at getting better , I appreciate the video is good to see positive results .

Thanks for sharing. I'm 6 weeks from both a alif and plif. Cages in l5- S-1, L-5 L-4. Backside I now have 18 screws and rods from L-2 to L-5 to stabilize. Still using a walker and finally getting some sleep at night. Nerve pain was numbed with 300 mg Gabepentin and really helped me sleep. I'm hoping over the next few weeks I'll begin to walk again, maybe with just a cane.

Thank you for posting this. I have been seeing surgeons for a spinal fusion for L4/L5/S1. I have had different opinions from three different surgeons. The one that I am leaning towards wants to do a Anterior/Posterior 360 fusion due to Anterolisthesis on L5/S1. The other two just want to go through the back. I am scared to death of having this surgery and have been searching on youtube to find some answers.

I’m 5/8 weeks post surgery dealing with lots of surgery fall out. Infection back on bedrest level of walking has dropped. 33 days of migraine from hell. Love my naturalpathic doctor she has been God sent. No post surgery pain compared to before and nerve pain has totally responded to Apis homeopathy remedy

Hi Michael, my son a year ago had exactly the same surgery that you had. At that time my son was turning 16. two months after the first surgery we had a redo surgery with a orthopedic surgeon. The first neurosurgeon pur 4 out of 4 screws in the wrong place. Now is one year after the second surgery. Last week the doctor decided to take out two of the screws out. My son is still under pain, mainly because of the mistakes of the first doctor. Don't get me wrong the doctors are in Houston, suppose to be great but things happen. Now my son is in his way back to recovery. We hope he will be able to get back to his normal life. He get very depressed bacause of how long and painful it has been but i hope we are on the right track.

Im going through the same thing now my left side is killing me I cant sleep at all no pills help its almost 1 am and im watching videos and your rite you do see alot of bad reviews but thank you for sharing you give me hope I look forward to being pain free its been torchture an just a long process nothing works i didnt want surgery but now I cant wait its taking a toll on me

8 months post op today. Starting to jog a couple times a week again and do some circuit training with weights. Doing squats and deadlifts with light weight just to test my body and see how it reacts. So far so good. Have some minor nerve pain in the right leg but nothing that will stop me from continuing my recovery training. It feels a little achy a lot of days but nothing overwhelming or as bad as before. I expect the a achiness to keep going down the next couple months.

Thank you for posting video. I listened very horror story about fusion surgery on internet before your video

I'm glad you did well, mine was a nightmare! Of course, mine was done 20+ years ago...No rehab, no Nothing! Just take the money & Run! I went to more than 5 pain management Doctors before finding one that could give a little bit of relief with a pain pump! Then you have to go through having it replaced every 6 to 7 years plus if I want to do yard work exercise I have to still take a pain pill! So, if you're considering this surgery make sure you find the right Doc like this guy apparently did! Otherwise, you're stuck in a very painful life! I hope your back stays good for you! Good Luck!

Thank you! i am scheduled for posterior back fusion on my L5 to S1 on March 27th 2019. Scared like crazy. i will have cadaver bone in little cages between discs and screws and rods. im 61 so bone healing an issue. will use a bone stimulator device. my hub and i are retired full time rv'ers so will be a challenge recovering in rv. my recovery will be 1 yr i am told and wear a belt that long. you vid helps a lot. ty

Praise God thanks for this video

This failed on my dad I'm scared i need it doing microdisectomy failed...I cannot walk or sit without morphine for more than two minutes...Im having constant spasms on the right side forcing my spine to lean left the pain is horrific...The operation you are describing they don't do this in the Uk...Im so glad you have your life back...

I'm almost 2 weeks post op and was regretting it. But knowing the future is less painful is possible, maybe I did the right thing. I'm only 29, so I couldn't live my life doing nothing. Thank you for this video.

Great information I'm getting ready for the same in two months

Nice video i had first surgery done 11 years ago an everything was a Disaster I’ve been living with pain all my life with this Monday I had surgery through the front same as what you had and right now I have excruciating pain and hopefully the surgery will go well I’m thinking 100% positivity and let everything be in the hands of God and the surgeon that did the work

Thanks for your story.

I had the exact same surgery 2 weeks ago today. First week was painful, almost exclusively from the incision is my abdomen. Second week has been much better in that regard, but started getting pretty good nerve pain down the backs of both legs. That has eased up a lot now. As of 2 weeks, I have a very tender lower back ache. I've been walking about 3 times a day for a mile each time. Pretty slow for a former runner! I'm 67 years old with a 35 year history of low back pain. I finally just got tired of living with it. Like you, I was damn scared for the month I waited for the scheduled surgery, but again, I decided to do this one last thing to try to help myself. I have no idea how this will turn out, but I’m staying positive, and I’m going to see how things are after the 16 week “recovery” period.

Great video I am getting same surgery tomorrow morning I fill comfortable now !

Never had sciatica, but surgery on 6th, bone on bone. 6 screws he says and 1 ti plate.

Thanks man!!!

Now after 8 weeks, pain is starting go away. I've been walking more everyday and my strength seems to finally be coming back. I too have been an athlete, racing motorcycles, etc and 23 broken bones later. I watched Tiger Woods y/day come back after a S-1 L-5 surgery and he looked great! I'm now 64 yrs old so I'm not healing probably as fast as the much younger, but I'm determined to live a much better quality of life and I'm seeing the light! Thanks again. Edit... Yes I'm taking both Gabepentin and Oxycodon to help relieve pain. I'm recovering from leukemia at remission at 11 months but the chemo really created neuropathy in my legs so the meds really help too.

I’m having L5 S1 fusion on Monday July 22nd, looking forward to hopefully regaining some of my life back.

Awesome!

I enjoyed my friend.

Hey Mikey o heard your story m you are a brave man, On my side I had a work accident 2 years ago and it change my life completely..I’m supposed to go and see the spine surgen soon I already saw him twice and the reason why I haven’t get the surgery it’s because he wants to perform the exact same surgery u had (front and back) I think that it’s time for me take the step forward and get over it I know things won’t be the same after surgery but hopefully better I miss a lot of physical activities One of the is running

Had 2 sectomey's done l5s1 feeling have no disc left need a fusion fast . My bones are rubbing and popping right now .

I saw 3 doctors before I had 3 disk fusions 6 weeks ago , still some pain. Still doing PT trying to do my part.. hopefully I can get 80% pain free. Thanks for the video

THANKS THE COMMENTS ABOUT YOUR ALIF SERGURY AND I AM GLAD YOU BE ALRIGHT .THAT'S THE TWO NEUROSERGURY TELL ME BUT I THINK ABOUT BECOUSE SCARE .RIGTH NOW I HAVE MY L4 S1 HERNIC DISC WITH ANTHEROLISTESIS IN L5 S1 8 MILIMETROS OUT GRADE 2 .BUT THOSE TWO DOCTOR TELL ME THEY CAN DOING BESIDE IN LOWER BACK ..ANYWAY THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR INFORMATION.GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR RECOVERY.

wow - so glad I found your video! I am 7 wks today - still in too much pain to do a whole lot.

I’m in the process of having a PLIF at 49. However, my pain management doctor is against me having it at my age- but I told him I have been going though this pain since my accident in October 2017- I am not willing to keep going to the doctor ever two weeks

I had my ALIF & PLIF performed 3 weeks ago and I am very happy with the results, so far. I am glad that you discussed the nerve pain that persist after surgery. I am having pain down both legs still and that is the concerning part of the recovery. My Dr. ordered a CT myelogram to make sure that there is not any disc left in contact with the nerves. I am happy to go through the procedure and hopefully it is precautionary. I am able to walk short distances 2 or 3 times a day. At 8 weeks you seem to be doing great, when were you cleared to return to work?

She had three discs removed and replaced with some sort of new material and then doctor fliped her over and opened up her nerves and fused them all so hopefully now by next week she will be doing much better but it will be long process

I had Alif/Plif on March 20, 2017. I had the l4-l5 and l5-s1 fused. I had degenerative disk, basically both disks were wearing out causing pain in my lower back and it was pinching a nerve which caused a burning pain in my right leg. My pain got progressively worse for 10 years before I just couldn't take it anymore. I'm not going to sugar coat the recovery. The first week was tough. After 4 weeks though, I was pretty much pain free, other than where I had to let everything heal/fuse. Now 10 months out, I'm like a new man. As Michael said, I know there are some horror stories out there, and I really feel for them, but I am truly a success story. I'm so glad I had it done. I was 55 when I had it done and in pretty good shape, so maybe that helped me out. One piece of advice for recovery........walk a lot. I walked 3 times a day. To begin with, I could only go 100 yards or so. But I pushed myself farther each day and I got better and better. Bottom line, I'm so happy I had the surgery.

I’m 34 and I’m getting this in aug. I feel you. I have spondylilothesis as well. I am getting L4-S1. I also just got engaged lol. It is a definite scary. I’m so glad you are doing okay. I’m getting a Tlif with robotic arm. God bless you.

I also have grade 2 L5-S1 Spondylolisthesis with Pars defect, for 10 years now, starting 2010. i have very little symptoms at the moment, barring some minor lower back pain when i stand for too long. i do a lot of weight lifting and boxing, I'm 32 yo. Would you say i should get this surgery while i'm young, or do i only get it when the symptoms become unbearable? I have consulted a couple of different orthopedics in Shanghai, and they always tell me to go with the surger, regardless of my feelings. thanks and god bless.

Any updates today in 2019?

Hey Michael, thank you for the video, I’m actually kind of the opposite of everybody I think, I am meeting with my surgeon in a couple of weeks, we already discussed ALIF surgery and I know how big of a deal it is because I’ve had spinal surgery before but I am honestly looking forward to this. I’m only 35 and I can barely do anything because of the pain and I’m not even talking about hobbies and enjoyable activities I’m talking about not being able to clean my house, empty the dishwasher, do laundry...things most people don’t want to do lol but I do! Just being able to take care of things after my recovery (fingers crossed) will be wonderful. Now, I am comfortable with my surgeon but just because I’m curious would you mind sharing the name of your surgeon and where he is located? If you don’t feel comfortable I completely understand. Thank you either way. Oh and I just saw your comment about having some pain coming back from running and stuff, hopefully doing lower impact stuff will help. Best wishes. -Liz

Thanks so much for reassuring as I’m 5 weeks down track after an ALIF and experiencing more Sciatica and back pain than I had a week ago. Also, how long were you on strong pain meds for?

Thank you for your encouragement and story. I'm going in for a fusion on Tuesday the 27 and was a little concerned until now. I'm young late 40's. And used to be very active. I just hope I will recover sooner than later. Thanks again for your words of encouragement.

I had an anterior lumbar fusion at the L5 S1- The first 4 to 5 years were great I was very happy I had it done. I am now seven years later and it just as debilitated and looking at a second surgery. Not saying don’t do it just saying not everyone’s outcome is the same over all I believe this surgery has an 85% success rate.

Can you give us the location/ Dr. information? I hope is Florida.Thanks

Thanks for your review. I canceled my surgery because I’m afraid.( not embarrassed to admit that) but the back and leg pain are real. So I know I have to get it done. Eventually. So I’m just scouring through videos of people who have had it and just seeing what their results and thoughts are. I know everyone is different but this is all I have to go on.

Michael Hamilton - who did your surgery if you don’t mind me asking? I’ve had a few too many low back operations (all laminectomies) and if I don’t cool I am sure a fusion is coming next. Just had my 5th laminectomy last week from a snow skiing fall this past Feb. More than likely will be L4/L5 to S1. Would love to chat with any of you that need help. I can prob advise some things not to do

How did you feel after the first few weeks? I've watched this video at least 15x and. I know you said there wasn't a turning point til week 8. I still have nerve pain . It's much different than it was prior to surgery. You gave me hope thanks for sharing your experience

I have exactly same conditions

im 21 and the orthopedist said ineed the fusion. pain is barely bearable. but im still young . he recommends i try my best to post pone the surgery

Michael..bless you. For me, I’ve been going back and forth to my DR. for my L4-5-& 6 for years. I never had an injury ever! My case is due to genetics.I have degenerative disk disease, herniated & budging disk,plus Authritis. And I’m 45 not young true.but not yet old.I have grandkids I need to chase..lol long story short I wasn’t willing to have surgery due to the horror stories on the internet.I decided I was going to just live with it! Then I’m JANUARY 2018 I was no longer able to lift a gallon of milk. So I had an MRI of my lower back. That was 4/10/18 and that scan picked up a very serious problem as to why I had issues.so 5/17/18 I had another MRI of my thoracic spine today my spine dr told me I had the sam problem on my T11&12😞 I didn’t even need to give it any thought we are planning on spinal fusion on my T11& 12 which is rare. But I refuse to live with this pain.may GOD bless this surgeons hands. And I plan to blog it with only positive input. No it won’t be easy but I believe in my healing and the fact that I want the best quality of life that I can have.

How much did the surgery cost you? Thks