hello mate. I'm suffering with L4, L5 & S1 is damage with disck bulge. I've been advised by my surgeon to have the operation done but I'm so scared of the pain and want to be able to go to the toilet. I'm on heavy meds but still in lot if pain. any advice mate?

Sash Liyanage didn't be afraid of it, the pain will be worse for a few days but it will get better..

thanks kyle. I really appreciate ur advice mate

I'm scheduled for surgery on the 27th of this month and have been stressing out. I've done tons of research and thank you for this video. You have gave me a lil peace of mind cuz some of the videos I've thought the same things as you have. I really appreciate this.

Cathy Harrell I'm glad it could help you and give you a little piece of mind. Good luck with your surg

I'm 24 yo and i'll be having this surgery in less than a month, i hope my young age will help with the recovery your comment gave me hope thank you

I just had same L4-L5 spinal fusion surgery 6 weeks ago and just had my 6 weeks post-op check up today. Just had my 66th birthday during my recovery period. All is looking good, although I will admit as you have stated as well that boy, it does hurt right after the surgery, but it is been so worth it be pain-free now at this point. I managed to take the pain pills for about 4 days and then I just had to stop because of the constipation LOL. I was taking all kinds of laxatives and everything and I was not able to poop. So I stopped and that helped, but of course that resulted in a bit more pain for a while. But I'm happy I did it.. milk of magnesia is your friend in an emergency. Lol. But the key is, that I went in with a fair amount of trepidation as well, and the only reason my surgery was scheduled when it was, was because my knee replacement surgery got put on pause because of covid-19 (surgeries were postponed due the Delta variant surge). The surgery did put some extra strain on my knees as you try to get up/down with bending. You never realize how much you bend standing up from a chair until somebody tells you they don't want you to. But hey... I now get to add 5 Lbs additional lifting weight per week and actually get back in gym before long. Initially I was not allowed to lift anything over the weight of a jug of milk. I am still walking as I am able and when my knees allow. Doing about 2 miles/day. Overall though... The whole surgical process was fast.. I was in a 6:30 am and home same day at 6pm. Had I not been able to make the PT folks happy, they probably would have kept me overnight. At this point in time, I still feel like I am feeling things in my lower back, kind of like I'm laying on a plate, but my doctor says that is just a process of my muscles still healing together, and they get pretty firm during that process. Oh, and I gained an inch and a half in height as they cinched down those rods. LOL LOL. I have regained the height I've lost over my lifetime as I shrunk his most will do overtime. I guess I would summarize, and aligned with what Kyle has stated and that is you really trading a short period of relatively reasonably significant pain for a life of ongoing pain. I opted to try to get rid of the long-term pain. I am very happy I did! Good luck to all of you considering this and don't be fearful, just make sure you have a good surgeon. Thanks for your video Kyle. I think it is useful for folks to share their experiences like this, for the internet can scare the crap out of you and perhaps make you not do the right thing.

Better take care of back , weight and health . My L-4-5 Laminectomy was in 93 . Whole spine collapsed now . Around 50 things got bad now 63 can barely walk .

Temika Walker wow, sounds like you have a lot going on... good luck. I’ll be praying.

Beth Anne Richardson Thank you for your kind words and for being an encouragement to others. Everyone's experience is different as I said but they are not all bad. It can be life changing for sure. I hope and pray you continue to improve. Have a great day....

Beth Anne Richardson my you please share with me your email or instagram so that we may talk. I myself have a spinal deformity as well as other issues with my spine. I would love to talk to you as you have given me hope in the middle of my anxiety and fear. Thanks.

What did u decide

Kyle Schwanz glad the video can help, good luck.

Did you get the surgery? How did it turn out for your

Hi Kateio. Hope you are fine How your surgery went??? If you see my message then must reply...

Hi Edwin just saw your comment after 4 years... Really wanna know that how your surgery went? And can you please tell me at what age you had your 1st surgery? And at what age you had your second one.?

Glad to hear you’ve had a good experience as well. We need more positive outcomes, not everyone has a bad experience. Good luck on your recovery, I’m still doing great.

Me too. Its 4 th week po surgery. Infact very painfull than before. But when heared patients experience it s common. Time will b change everything. I have still pain in lowerback.sitting is most painful

Anthony Virovac how are you feeling? Has the pain subsided?

Earl Harman so glad it worked out for you and you had a great result as well.

He told me that it wouldn't help with back pain, which wasn't my problem. I was having pain in my right buttocks and leg. He told me ahead of time that this would correct it. It did, thanks Kyle. Sorry to hear yours didn't go so well.

Hi , I am Katia, I had twice a hernia disc operation , and the hernia is coming always back at the same place, the surgeon now also suggested a fusion , but as you say we are all different. With me the pain is only very heavy in the lower back but with shooting pains, and sometimes it shoots tô my butt. And not only that I also have artrose in my hips...they told me that in the future I probably need hip replacement...not nice to here something like that if you are 48 only...I normally like to hit the gym but didn't go for almost one year and it's making me so depressed!!! But when I saw the screws they put I already freaked out ....so I will think about it very long and try to go to the gym for stretch and try to work on my abdomen to make them strong again and also my lower back muscle.....if that doesn't work ...I would do it also.... You are very brave thanks for sharing your story 🙏🏼💋

Earl Harman hey man, do u have any physical limitations now that u had the surgery? ive heard people cant bend at the waist after they have this surgery. can you do everything u could before the surgery, except now with no pain? thanks!

This gives me hope.. I hope mine will be gone after surgery too

Angela, hang it there, it will get better. After 5 or 6 weeks is when I felt the biggest improvement.

Loyda Euraque Amaya good luck with your surgery, let us know how it goes.

Bernice Frank glad it could help you, good luck.

BigPappaMurf Glad it could help, hope yours goes great for you as well. Good luck and God bless.

Karma Cristie I'm so glad it helped you. I never dreamed so many people would watch this video and I think it's a great idea for you to do one as well. Good luck on your surgery, let me know how it goes and I will say a prayer for you.

Karma Cristie how did it go for you?

Glad it helped, you got this.

Thank you, and God bless you as well...

Hello sir. How was your fusion? I had mine done last sept 24 L4, L5, S1 and im still at the hospital right now its nov3.. Do you still experience back pain while doing simple tasks like washing your hands at the sink? Or wearing your underwear while standing up?

@@francismancao I have had good results so far! My surgery was Oct. 7th of this year. I was up walking within hours of waking up and was released from the hospital the next day. I'll be one month post-op this Wednesday. I walk about 1.5 to 2 miles a day and am working back into chores around the house. Tasks away from my body or over my head still cause more strain on the back than holding weight tight against my body. Hand washing can be slightly uncomfortable, I tend to push my thighs into the cabinet and brace the weight that way. Most of my pain is gone. I'm off pain killers and muscle relaxers on a daily basis, but do still take one if needed now and then. Started physical therapy today, it went well but drained me of energy quickly. The hardware seems to be the worst part for me now, getting used to feeling it and hopefully I won't notice it as much going forward. All my pain and numbness/tingling cause by a herniated disc and spondylolisthesis is gone! Getting better everyday. I hope you are ok! Not sure why you're still in the hospital, but stay strong. I had dark days. It's a long healing process... One day at a time 💪

@@matthewbackstrom2104 hi sir. Sorry for the late reply.. I was finally discharged from the hospital last november 10 and i really felt good. No more scatica/ radiculopathy pain.. Just some stiff lowerback feeling... Are you going to have your implant removed in the future? Or will you just leave it there? Hope all is well sir!

@@francismancao Glad you are doing better! I've only just recently (a week or so) been aware that removal was an option. I always assumed they would just be there forever. I'm going to ask my surgeon about it. Not really sure how long you have to wait before it's possible. I am only 6 weeks post-op, so I know my fusion isn't finished healing yet, but I can tell already that most of my discomfort is from the hardware. I'd kind of like it gone, but I notice it less each week that goes by. Time will tell I guess. I'm certainly not ready to jump back into surgery just yet!

Karin Earnst I’m glad it could help, good luck and God bless...

Did you have a ALIF or TLIF?

Michelle Pottorff thank you for your awesome words, people watch these videos and do get some hope out of them. This was the first video I have ever done and never thought so many people would watch it, but they do. So please, go ahead and make one, you can be a voice for the tons of people out there that are going thru or have gone thru what we have. You can give them hope and also let them know what to expect!! Good luck...

Loy Banks good luck with your surgery, I'll say a prayer and hope you have a great outcome.

Roy Banks. Good luck with your surgery. You are in my prayers. Please give us an update.

Hey Loy, how you feeling a month out?

Really quite good. You are right at 4 weeks out. 2-3 years ago I had 2-3 fused. However 4-5 seems a bit more tenderness, but really can't complain. I stopped pain pills after 2 days. Just took Tylenol when needed after that. I hate all "dope style" pain pills. Now looking forward to 6 weeks on May 4. At 77 years old every day is a challenge! Thanks for thinking of me.

+Loy Banks (LB) holy cow! Man you inspire me. Glad you're doing good. I go in on May 9th.

Donna good luck and I pray he has a good outcome as well...

Kyle Peek ... Thank you sweetie x

Yvette Boheme I'm glad it helped you, good luck

Hello friend how you doing now years later

Glad it was helpful!

Chad Bob Good luck and I hope yours goes great as well...

Yes, I think that's mostly what you also see with online reviews. They are usually weighted toward the complainers, because most people who are satisfied don't bother to comment or review. That's why it's great for people like Kyle to do these videos.

Chad Bob thanks flash, sometimes I wonder if anybody even watches it, I'm glad they do!!

Kathy Blake I'm glad it could be of some comfort to you, good luck with your surgery I'll say a prayer for you.

Kathy, I had my L4/L5 fusion on the same day in Minneapolis. How are you feeling? Compared to day 1 I am ready for Olympic time trials! Haha.

Wow, I am ok. not ready for Olympic anything yet. Haha. Spent some time at Rehab facility, learned a lot. Still having some pain but not like before. This is more muscle pain from trying to maneuver through the house.

Hi Matt, I am ok. Still wobbly and unbalanced. It will come with time I guess. I also have MS. One day at a time. How are you doing?

hi! im having the same exact surgery this summer. i was wondering, do u have any physical limitations now that the fusion was done? can u bend at the waist and touch ur toes? can you twist at the waist? can u lean side to side?

Timothy Brust I hope that the surgery goes well for you and you make as speedy recovery as I did. Good luck and keep the faith.

Ebonni White-Freeman good luck, keep the faith and you’ll be fine.

I'm in the same spot as you. I'm scheduling surgery on Friday! We can get through this!

@@nicholkessell3008 have you had it?

I am also 70 and one week post op, the pain I had before fusing three vertebrae was pure agony, I couldn’t walk without a stick and sometimes I just couldn’t walk. I too was really frightened about surgery but I felt I had nothing to lose in the end. When I awoke it was instant, the agonizing pain had gone. I am still very sore but every day I feel a little stronger. Best surgery I have had, it certainly has changed my life.

Hi Kyle, I'm getting L4L5 fusion in August. How are you doing 4 years out??

This is very important information he just provided. Too many people talk about their surgery and how great they feel afterwards, but somehow fail to mention that in many cases the nerve pain continues for several months after surgery. This does not mean surgery was a failure or you had a bad surgeon. This is very normal, so do just as Kyle did: Keep taking that Gabapentin until your nerves heal enough to stop hurting. That day will come but you just gotta be patient. Nerves are unlike any other part of your body in that they just take a long time to heal.

Nick Cooper how are you doing?

ADOREREDD God is good and I'm sure you will get thru it fine just as I did. Scared is an understatement, I've been there and I know what you're feeling. Keep the faith do what your Dr says, give it over to God and you will be just fine. I'll say a prayer for you and hope you get some comfort.

ADOREREDD how are you now?

ADOREREDD hope all is well with you.

Matthew Punako that is normal, scary yes, but normal. I had sharp pain in my nerves for about 2 months, I was given Gabapentin until it went away but it did go away eventually. Keep it up it gets better, lots of walking is the best thing to do.

Ashley Singh hang in there, it gets better.

Scott Kocel That's awesome, good luck and I wish you continued success, God is good!!

Hi Lisa, it's been fine months since your surgery, how are feeling?

I'm 2 1/2 years post l4 and l5 fusion and what I'm left with is sever siactica in my hip and right leg. I do calisthenics every morning to get moving and for walks every other day depending on the weather which now dictates my activity.. I'm 400.000 light years from what I use to be hope things get better soon but I'm a fighter.

Thanks for your video. It encouraged me and alleviated my fear prior to the 3 level fusion that I had 6 days ago. The post op pain is not near as bad I I thought it would be. I walked with a walking stick one half mile today. Only regret is that I didn't have the operation one year ago. Thanks again for posting a positive video.

Hi buddy. How are you??? I hope you are fine. Really wanna know that how are you doing now???

@@makeupbykhani8178 my back is better sir just took another hit... lady pulled out I front of me 7/7/2020 I woke up a month and a half later. Broke my right leg at a 90 degree tibia and fibia , had to have a rod in my shin , 1 of my kidneys had to be removed, my left collar bone was broken, my right elbow was shattered had to be rebuilt... I’m done riding bikes for good and I’m blessed to be here, god is good!

@@Taylormade_Detailing thank Godm you are fine..... Well what's your age now by the way??

@@makeupbykhani8178 32 and counting haha

@@Taylormade_Detailing and what's about your back???? It feels good so far I guess

How are you doing with your leg? Had same surgery and my leg is a little numb still I’m 6 weeks post op

@@Vanessa-ju8hv still have leg pain in calves post ten months I have failed back surgery same issues sometimes much worse prior to surgery. My was workman's comp. They don't care if you die. I wish you the best! Everybody is different

I hate that for you , that's how I was after my first surgery, never got better, I just had another surgery 4 days ago , you're case sound like my, if you have all that pain your surgery didn't work , most likely you will need another one

Perhaps they can do a microdiscectomy instead of a fusion at S1/L5. ASK!

Aybar 63 how are you now after 8 month?? do you live and work normally without any back pain ??

hazzatb I do feel better , but my back still not fused , don't know why? Cause the Dr. Took a lot of bone ,from my pelvis for the bone graft but my back still hurts , when I walk or do anything , I can't no longer work I resigned from my job 2 weeks ago , cause of the pain , I don't take narcotics , I just take meds to reduce the inflammation , on my last appointment he told me that my back was very inflame ,but I just gone live with the pain, cause I refused to have another spine surgery again,that is the worst surgery, i can't take the pain medicine after surgery ,either I was in a lot of pain after been in surgery for 8 hrs. I had a good Dr. this time , but my back was in bad shape , I had a tumor removed also, I just pray to God that it won't come back . Am glad surgery worked for you. God bless 🙏🏼

I say Pray it cant hurt King Jesus can do anything in his timing have Faith god bless you

Change surgeon...shouldn't have so much pain.

Bendiciones..

Oh my they told me I couldn't take Ibuprofen or naproxen for 6 months because it is a blood thinner!

Steve R in

Jeremy, yes it was PLIF and I did have a lot of nerve pain but it went away after a few months.

Kyle Peek this gives me hope, I’m 10 days post op and have a nerve pain on my left leg, my Dr says is inflammation

Lauren D thank you and I’m glad it made you feel better, I wish you all the best. Let me know how it goes, good luck and God bless...

Simon, I didn't play for about 8 months and then I just took it real slow. The first few rounds I only played 9 or 10 holes because I just didn't want to push it. Now no problems and my score has dropped around 8 strokes or more simply because I just slowed everything down. Not all bad!!

+Kyle Peek thank you mate, feel a lot better about it all now, just been out to the store and just horrible annoying pain getting out of the car, carrying shopping etc.. Got to get this done, can't carry on like this! I've still been trying to play golf but has just about been pointless, hit my handicap once in last 2 years! 8 months sounds good to me - we're just coming up to Autumn/winter so I won't miss playing in the cold anyway! Thanks again, roll on next Thursday!

What causes pressure in lower back after spinal fusion

Hi Simone, I am also an avid golfer and getting fusion in Augist. How are you doing with golf and everything?

Yes it was for me and it last for several months. But after that it was fine and it has not returned.

Thanks again Kyle!

panthers535 Good luck and I pray it goes well for you.

Richie hollis that's awesome, keep it up!!

Kyle Peek in the morning for the frist couple day/ week/weeksdid your legs feel cramped an felt like you just needed to move them a little to get the blood flowing and nerves firing again. next Tuesday will be my 2 week mark.

Richie hollis it was a few months before the nerves calmed down for me. It was probably one of the most frustrating parts not really being able to get much relief from that but eventually everything cal,ed back down and it was fine.

Still going strong...

​@@kylepeek840Thats awesome!! I'm glad it's working out for you!! I had L3-4 4-5 operated on for blown out discs. They wanted to do the dbl fusion but the one dr said "you don't want that right now. Just deal with what you have the best you can". The back isn't too bad. It's all in my legs😣. I'm used to feeling crappy now tho..lol. Hope everything keeps going good for you!!👍🏻

James McBride I am 54 and I have been doing fine but to be honest I have started to feel a little ache and pains starting to set in. Could just be the climate it's been down in the teens and 20's for a bit now but I feel it from time to time.

Kyle, Thanks for the reply every morning and through the day i am feeling worse. I feel like i am a crippled person. I hope they can do something for me. I have been waiting a month to see this doctor.

James McBride I hope you get in soon and they are able to deal with your pain. I understand believe me, I've been there, it can get better. Keep the faith.

Just had a spinal fusion of L3, L4, L5 W/"Cages" on 09-21-17. So Its been about a week now. My Orthopaedic Surgeon studied the procedure @ Swedish Hospital in Seattle, WA. I was walking on day 2, climbing stairs by day 3! Muscle spasms slowly began to subside. All of my pre-op symptoms (same as everyone's) are gone! Muscle-strength/control, is fantastic! Now looking forward to building my cardiovascular system back up after 10yr. of being sedentary. I'm 61yo. by the way. Just wanted to let folks know that there is hope! The Orthopedic Department @ Swedish Hospital has the Technology! The pain from the "less-invasive" surgery has been tolerable!🏋️‍♀️ Success❗️💪👏🏻

kim mauldin I hope it goes well for you. Good luck.

You're welcome and good luck..

Buggs12 good luck with your surgery and I wish you all the best.

Barbara Ness did you have surgery?