Thank you for this recording. I'm a 79 year old woman having surgery this Friday. I want to know about the recovery. I'm so happy to hear that you are doing so well. Thanks too for sharing your faith. God is with me, too. ❤

Facing back surgery myself, I appreciated your video about what to expect. As a brother in Christ, I'm especially blessed by your testimony! Thank you sir!

I just had the same surgery last week. I’ve had many surgeries. This was the most painful by far. The recovery was very similar to yours, even to the meds. Each day gets better. Surprised how fast I’ve been able to get up and walk around. Glad it’s done. Wishing you any all others having this procedure a speedy recovery

Thanks for the video. I just had a level one fusion back on Sept. 19th 2022. I'm 41 and this was my 4th the first when I was in 08. The previous 3 surgeries were decompressions. I've also relied on my faith and Jesus Christ! It's been 5 months and I'm finally walking long distances, still not lifting much. I don't want to chance it. They released me from the hospital the day after surgery. My pain has been deep like in my bones. They put 4 screws, 2 rods, and a plate in me. There for awhile I never thought I'd get better but hallelujah here I am. Almost All the pain has been in my legs, hips, and groin. I've been remodeling and roofing since I was 18. It's genetic, my Dad and his 6 siblings have all had at least 2 back surgeries, my sister also had one when she was 26. Just wanted to let everyone who's going through this it DOES get better. Some people just take longer than others to heal. Everyone's different. Oh just wanted to also say they didn't change my dressing or let me change it for 2 weeks after surg. God Bless and God Speed. 🤲🙏✝️👆

No lies detected!! I had L5-S1 AlIf on 1/31/24. The constipation was so bad i ended up in the ER and had to get a prescription enema x2. I stopped my pain meds at 2 weeks post, best decision ever. People can't believe I've had surgery . I wish i would have done it sooner!

Day 5 of recovery here. Your video really helped me. Hearing someone else’s story brought me comfort. Thank you.

I wanted to add one more thing. Don’t keep yourself in pain if you have had injury or spinal degeneration. If let go for too long you can run the risk of major nerve damage. So thank you for posting this and sharing your experience plus allowing us to share ours which may help others who worry.

After refusing back for almost 20 yrs, i have recently been referred to UC Davis for spinal surgery. I have NO quality of life, i average 3-4 hrs sleep a night, cant stand, sit, walk, or lay down for any real length of time. I don't leave my house unless absolutely necessary. I've underwent countless epidurals, PT, and RFA. Latest MRI showed 2 herniations @ L-4 L-5 & L-5 S-1 both showing nerve impingement. Spinal stenosis, neurogenic claudication, spondylosis, spondylolisthesis, and facet arthropathy. I looked into total joint replacement but the clinical trial is way to far away for me to travel, so fusion it is. I am in so much pain everyday, i often am disappointed I wake up in the morning. I just pray the surgeon i get is the best spinal carpenter in the state and i can finally get my life back.

Im 31 years old firefighter and got a total colapse of l5-s1 disk while trying to save an old lady, im gonna do the same surgery soon. Thanks for showing how it went with you because im really scared of this..

Had the same surgery. I was in surgery for 51/2 hours. Open tlif. In the hospital for 5 days. My pain was similar to yours. Feeling really good, week 7. Maybe too good. I actually have to slow down some. I am also a born again Christian. Many prayers and Gods wonderful and mighty strength helped me immensely!!!

You are 1000% more mobile than I was after my L2-L5 laminectomy! Flying colors! you are doing great!! Stay hydrated, eat well, and keep on keeping on! Love you!

Had my l4-l5 and my l5-s1 fused 19 weeks ago and I now feel a positive difference .. best decision of my life ❤

Thank you for posting this video blog. I just had L1 thru L4 fused in the first surgery and two weeks later a second surgery to straighten my lumbar spine with alignment rods. You did a very good job describing your experience.

Hey thanks so much for doing this! I’m a Christian as well, and I’m about to have this surgery & it’s so helpful to be able to hear from someone who’s already had it. Especially hearing you say you have hope at the end of the video. It’s definitely been a big build up to deciding to do this, and I’m excited to have that hope as well once I’m in recovery too.

I am glad I stuck around until the end of this to learn you're a follower of Jesus Christ. I have been struggling with bulging disc pain on the nerve for ten years now without pain meds until now. You've given me just what I needed to hear because the most recent injury made life unbearable and started affecting my confidence in God's help. Thank you

I just watched this whole video as I’m about 10 weeks away from having my L5-S1 fused at 41 years old. I won’t go into all the diagnoses I have, but I can relate to the mental taxing that back pain and back problems can produce. As a Christian and fellow brother in The Lord, I love how you shared that you had hope for the future despite the pain from the surgery. I saved this video so I can go back and watch it during my recovery and have a reminder of what you experienced knowing that it won’t necessarily be the same in my experience. God bless and I hope you’re doing amazing now!

I have had back surgery in the past. Laminectomy without fusion L2 L4 L5 in 2013. Now all the problems are back and I am looking at spinal stenosis surgery with fusion. Thank you so much for doing these videos. You are so frank and down to earth. I just love you and wish you the best. I will see how mine goes soon enough. I don't know if I could do a video, but I am so grateful for you and these videos. The fact that you are a Christian and believe in Jesus and that gives you hope, gives me hope as well. I believe in Jesus as well. You are in my prayers. God bless you

Thank you for your response to my questions about the meds. You’re doing so well and will surely have a full recovery. You hiked and walked! Keep up the positive thoughts and strong faith.

Thank you for this video. I am waiting to be scheduled for this surgery and I’m too scared to google too much about it because I don’t want to freak myself out. So I am glad to see your positive video! Hope recovery is still going good.

Very thankful for you video! Praying that your surgery was completely successful!

Praying for a speedy recovery bother

Hope you keep progressing. Had my fusion l4 l5 about 12 weeks before you had yours. Doctors used glue and glued edges of wound together. Very nice way to do it, no dressing changes. After a couple weeks of showering, the glue was gone and healing really well. If I may suggest, try some prunes or prune juice daily along with colace and possibly senoket (sp?). Today I worked on an old car I have, used a creeper and was underneath car. I followed instructions and doing quite well. Did not twist or turn until doctor said to ease up on restrictions. Only thing troubling me is surgery dissected some tendons and ligaments, so guess maybe will always have some pain in some positions. You have much to look forward to. I been walking dog up and down hills, hiking some primitive areas. Back at gym lifting light weights, medical permission given to me to do so.

Very strong and powerful testimony, thank you very much. I have been suffering from back issues for the past 5 years and it has been terrible, to the point that I just couldn’t take it anymore. This Friday I will get to find out if the doctor I’m working with is going to allow me to get the surgery. Please pray that he’s willing to do something about it. Thanks again.

You're Awesome! Thx for taking the time to inform us. Valuable Information.

I very much enjoyed your videos documenting your L4-L5 fusion experience in dealing with the pain and your frame of mind. I just had my L4-L5 fusion and S1 bone spur removal done 4 days ago where a minimally invasive approach was used (OLIF procedure for the fusion). Pain definitely was the biggest challenge and I agree with you about being active to accelerate recovery. I hope your results have improved your quality of life and happiness is the norm. Life is good!

Thank you for sharing your experience I’m going to have done May 5, 2023 a Friday as well, I needed to hear from you, the right mind set is perfect you were a sent bless you and your family ❤🙏

Thank you for sharing your surgery and recovery experience. You are very well spoken and explained things very well. I am happy you are doing well. I am just starting my experience. You answered a lot of my questions and some things I didn’t think out. Best of luck to you.

Thank you so much for sharing!! I have my surgery next month. Your recovery is amazing!! 🙏

I go tomorrow morning and have my surgery. I'm 41 and have gotten to the point I can't do anything I enjoy anymore. I pray this helps. I greatly appreciate the end where you said you have hope. That makes me have more hope and not be as afraid of this. Thanks man!

Thank you so much for this video brother. I am having to make the decision of L4-L5 fusion or just live with the pain. Your honesty of your journey is very much appreciated. Scary decision to have to make. Hope that it has turned out to be best decision for your back.

Thank you for your video. I have spine surgery in two days, 6-18-2024, but like you, i have had chronic pain for years. I know the surgical pain will be bad for 3-4 days but should ease up some by next weekend. I'm in SC and also a Christian and have people praying for me as well. I hope your recover now a year later is all in the past and you're feeling great now. God Bless, Glenn

Thank you for sharing such personal details so honestly. Your video is so helpful to those of us possibly facing this surgery. I am humbled by you sharing such personal information with strangers but you are helping us make this tough decision for surgery.

At 71, and two months away from going in for L4-5 fusion. Fear of the unknown is as debilitating as my condition. Your honesty and frankness gives me hope as well. Thanks

Thanks for sharing your journey as it is very uplifting. I am scheduled in less than a week, 12/8/23 for a TLIF L5-S1 fusion. Not my 1st surgery, however 1st spinal surgery. I have been in constant low back, buttock, and left leg pain and numbing nonstop since May 2023. Pain has been intermittent for years. My anxiety is getting off the charts as I get closer. So glad people have me in their prayers. I know God already knows my outcome and will be with me thru it all. I'm just such a big baby and hate pain😢

In 1978 I was fused T6 to L2, to correct scoliosis, I grew nearly 3 inches in 7 1/2 hours. Five years ago they fused C5 to C7 to relieve the pressure on my spinal cord. I have had zero problems with both fusions. The whole secret to a good outcome is doing exactly what your doctor tells you, no more, no less. And physical therapy is key for a successful recovery. I have 14 fused vertebrae and no problems.

I'm so glad this video came up. I'm day 5 (same exact surgery) and i'm still in the most excruciating pain. So looking forward to when I can be down this far of the road you are in. By far the most painful one I've had! whooo

You’re an inspiration to a 76 year old about to have same fusion as you had. Thanks for your honesty and being comfortable with all the advice-so helpful! You are a great parent and husband . What was muscle relaxant (never used any myself) and what was second pain med after norco, which I was on first day of laminotomy surgery, which didn’t fully relieve pressure on the disc. Thanks again!

This video really gave me "Hope" like you said, as well as set my expectations as to the level of pain and recovery. Hearing how you relied on being a Christian and people all around you praying for you is wonderful.

Wish you the best my friend. I had laminectomy with fusion 10 days ago. I am managing the pain with oxycodone and acetaminophen since then. I am feeing a bit, just a bit better. My drop foot that was supposed to go away within a few days after surgery got even worse. Thanks for sharing your story and hope all goes well with you very soon. 🙏🙏🙏

Good Day….What a wonderful video. Thank you very much. I am going into Hospital next week for the same spinal fusion and you have given me some insight on what to expect. I am very grateful to you. Hope you are fully recovered. God Bless you.. 🙏🏽

Thank you for the video, Gage! I'm having an L4 to S1 fusion next month after 20 years of chronic pain. Now I know what to expect. God Bless you.

Thank you. L4 and 5 surgery pending and this real episode helped a lot!

Love that Nomad buddy! I'm probably gonna have the same surgery soon. Thanks for posting this.

Thank you for sharing. I only wish you and your family God's blessing. I am 72 years old. From Ontario having to have surgery in two weeks in Sandusky, Ohio due to our crumbling medical system up here. Your information has helped a lot with step by step progressing. Not like going forward to trying to get back home a week after surgery but will let ok for a sitter brace and we have an SUV that I can be a bit more comfortable. Thank you again. 🙏

Thanks for this detailed overview. I will have my L4/L5 fusion surgery in a couple of months and am trying to learn from those who have been through it.

Wow Gage, thank you for sharing your experience with such honesty. My husband is having L4-5 fusion and 5 S1 decompression next month. He is an orthopedic surgeon so he knows so much, too much. Your video really helped me prepare. I hope you are so much better now as it's been a year for you. God bless.

I had a discetomy L4-S1 with fusion and instrumentation in Dec of 1993. I have rods and screws in my back. I blew the discs out lifting luggage on my part time job as a motorcoach driver. I also worked full time as a building maintenance mechanic with HVACR as my main trade. I was on morphine drip for three days, which helped a lot when turning in the hospital bed. Constipated for a day or two, I had bran muffins and prunes for hospital food breakfast for a few days and that worked for me. I only took Motrin after that, which I used for years after that but only when needed. I went back to work at both jobs after 6 months, knowing I had limitations for another 6 months and had to change my body mechanics on doing things differently. For example , getting out of bed (or at work if I was on the floor repairing something) I turned on my side and use my hands to push my body up. Never raise up like as a sit-up type of motion. I continued in my maintenance job until 2015 when I retired. Over the years I had flare ups that caused me to take a few days off and use Motrin, ice and heat, and rest. But as I got into my late 50’s it took longer to calm down. I was at a point where it was more like two weeks to recover from simple things that are now very aggravating to the condition. I had to retire from motorcoach driving because it got really bad and I had weight limitations of 15 pounds and no prolonged sitting. So obviously can’t drive a bus with that 😆. A point to anyone having disc fusion, from my experience, is this; expect that you may later suffer pain from Sacrolitis and Adjacent Segment Syndrome, where the areas around the fusion have to take the strain of movements that your fused areas can’t anymore because they can’t move. I have both, among other issues. I have a Spinal Cord Stimulator implanted to alleviate nerve pain going down my legs and I had Sacroiliac Joint Fusion 7 months ago. These have all helped my pains and I have NO regrets about doing any of them. I will be having Cluneal Nerve Blocks soon, to address the inflammation of those nerves from impingement and “wear and tear” over the 30plus years. I’m not trying to scare anyone who may be having disc surgery but only want to prepare you for what MAY happen. I knew this before I had it done in 1993. So it wasn’t a surprise. But I’ve been proactive with my doctors, my pain management doctor, and any other specialist. I know what and where I feel pain and focus on that for treatment. Hey, I’m lucky I made out good after the ‘93 surgery and worked two jobs together for as long as I did. I wish you all well and hope I helped someone with fears or doubts about doing it by telling my experiences.

Prayers for all first responders and prayers you continue to recover

Thanks for this video and I look forward to your six month update. I’ve been suffering from back pain for about 30 years. I’m 71 now and it’s getting unbearable. I’ve always been active in sports until about ten years ago. I’m looking at a three level fusion L3-S1 which is extremely scary because your single level fusion was pretty difficult in itself. Just imagine what a 3-level must be like. And 18 months ago I had a fusion in my neck from which I suffered nerve damage. In any case I’m glad you seem to be mending well and I hope you have a full recovery.

I had constipation, very badly. Constipation has always been a problem for me, but with my back surgery it was a lot worse I took Pedialyte extra strength within seven hours. I had a bowel movement now I take it in the morning and I have bowel movements and there is no more horrible stomach pain from the constipation. I actually went to physical therapist for my pelvic floor, which is causing a lot of my constipation. I swear by Pedialyte, extra strength.

I am now 10 days out. First few days after were as hard as anything I’ve been thru. As I woke up at home beginning day 4, my pain level had become manageable. Mine was L4-5. Thanks for sharing yours.

I pray you continue to have a speedy recovery!

Thank you for your video.. had spinal fusion and hip realignment. On July 31, 2024. Fully expected post op pain … but it is something you can’t even describe adequately. From the recovery room day 1 through day 5, I was in hospital and couldn’t even lift my head off pillow. Could not turn from side to side , even with help from nurses. I was literally shaking and crying due to pain. I have had surgery before and 2 C- section babies so understood post op pain! My surgeon would not adjust the dosage or try a different pain med. He gave me the LOWEST DOSAGE of all the meds I had. I ended up in the hospital 6 days because of extreme pain that wasn’t being addressed by Doctor . So could not do the protocol used, called a “ bed leg roll “ for moving side to side, could not sit up and once my catheter was removed had to have a nurse or PT get me into a contraption called a 400 SD to roll me to restroom. On day 6 post op I was moved to a rehabilitation nursing home for PT OT. Because of my poor pain management in 😢hospital I wasn’t able to get any PT during my hospital stay. On day 7 I had such painful constipation that continued into 3am on day 8. Had to be transported to ER for treatment. That is a terrible experience too … for 12 hrs after ER treatment I had uncontrollable diarrhea….and because you can’t get out of bed by yourself and have to put a back brace on to get up .. unfortunately you cannot hold your bowels and make a big mess of yourself… and this goes on for about 12 hrs. My BIGGEST COMPLAINT HAS BEEN GETTING THE PROPER PAIN MEDICATION. I WAS PRESCRIBED THE LOWEST DOSAGES OF ALL MY MEDS AND MY DOCTORS WOULD NOT CHANGE ANY OF IT …. Even on the request of my nurses or Physical Therapist. You have to be able to get up and sit in chair as well as START walking to begin recovering. But without proper pain management, you can’t do it! I am a healthy female with no other medical chronic conditions. I am also extremely motivated to recovering and have cooperated with everything drs nurses and PT have asked of me. So my big gripe is with my surgeon and rehab doctors that will not listen to Me regarding the extreme pain you have with this surgery. I have never been a drug user or been on a chronic opioid medication regimen. So I am extremely angry and upset that I couldn’t get the meds I needed post op. It’s now day 11 post op and I’m still in the rehabilitation facility and they’ve cut my pain med. down to once a day at bed time. My pain level has been consistently 9 to 10+, Yet I’m suppose to sit up with brace minimum 4 1/2 hrs, and walk but by the time I’ve done all of that my back is in a lot of pain between a 9 to 10… and I’m told I can’t have any Percocet until bedtime! SO JUST A WARNING THE PAIN FOR THIS TYPE OF SURGERY IS absolutely the worst. You almost want to shoot yourself to end the pain. DOCTORS, NURSES AND THIS MEDICAL HOSPITAL INDUSTRY IS SO WORRIED ABOUT GETTING INVESTIGATED OR LOSING THE LICENSING regarding pain med use THAT THEY HAVE NO EMPATHY FOR THE PAIN YOU ARE GOING THROUGH. I had no choice on having this operation if I wanted to walk again. And I Am not someone who dramatizes my pain or did not understand post op pain. Nor did I expect to go home with high doses of opioid prescriptions to be taken for months. However, how I was treated while still in hospital was TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE. I an convinced that if a surgeon or MD had a wife, daughter, mother, husband experiencing this kind of pain, they would have made sure their loved ones received the proper DOSAGES AND MEDS TO CONTROL IT!!! AND I AM EXTREMELY ANGRY ABOUT HOW MY PAIN MANAGEMENT WAS HANDLED !!!!

Really good job with this!! I’m in the “wait for insurance approval” stage. I think I understand the waking up happy. I’ve been in terrible level 10 constant pain for months, from neck to my toes. I can’t wait to wake up and not have that pain hit me before I’m really awake, before my eyes think about opening. Yes, you’re still hurting (well you were then-9 months ago) BAD, but it’s different and you feel it getting better. I have RA (well you get all of them mostly-arthritis) and I’m older. I had both knees replaced, as soon as you wake up from surgery they have you up and walking, PT week x a week. The doctor told me, “at least you won’t have to do all that”. I’m not worried about “opiate constipation” but I appreciate the heads up, I’ll be prepared for all of that anyway. Hope all is well and you feel better. 😊

thank you for sharing your experience. At 48 i have had 2 episode of demobilizing pain related to L5 S1. I'm tired of the pain from sciatica resurfacing at the worse time in my life. Right now and for the first time I have outer edge of foot and 2 toes numb. I have been researching procedure but your video is the one we all want to see. the after fusion recovery and experience.

Thanks for your time letting people know you went through. I’m scheduled to have my back surgery on L4 L5 And fusion.

Great documentary video of your experience, bro. Thank you 🙏 🙏🙏

Thank you! I am looking to have back surgery is video is a blessing to me. And especially when you that you have hope in God am a Christian to and you have been a blessing to me so much. God bless you and continue being a witness for the Lord.

Thank you for sharing. I am older and it is my first surgery. I am a Christian too. I had faith for a healing,really a miracle, but the Lord reminded me of Hebrews 10. The faith chapter. Although they believed, some did not receive their answer to prayer like they wanted. I’ve moved past this and am preparing for surgery. Your piece was real and it has helped me. Thank you for posting and God bless🙏❤️‍🩹

You are great and your faith is the foundation of your recovery I am going to spinal fusion surgery and your video is very helpful and encouraging

You are giving great insight. All the wonderful insight has started helping me understand what is to come in 8/6/24.

Super helpful as I prepare for L3-L4 laminectomy and spinal fusion!

I feel you just described my journey ..I went through same Fusion for L4 L5 S1 Nov 7 2022 here in 🇨🇦 I've been through hell and back. I didn't take any pills as I'm allergic to all opioids ..I had no help at home either ...I honestly don't know how I got through last 12wks. I am now 12wks post surgery and can barely sit for more than 10min and u can only walk Total of 15min ..I also can't drive more than 15min either. I had 22 staples in my back as well as rods . I'm praying to the heavens this is going to get better . I still have to do physio when my bone has fused at 6month mark ...my surgeon will call me Feb 15th again as I have numbness in both legs and feet. I wish I'd never had this surgery but i suffered 16months in excrutiating pain and this was last option for me as I had severe stenosis. I tried cortizone injections, Epidural steroids and ablation ..nothing worked ! Today I still walking with a cane. The past 3wks I feel are worse than ever. Thanks for sharing your journey I should have done the same..

Just had L4-S1 fusion done yesterday. I’m back home and walking. Started stool softeners today. I want to get off pain meds ASAP. Yesterday was rough, today is better.

Thank you for being so brave. My mom will have surgery (L3-L4) next month. She has no other choice unfortunately. She did L5-S1 done by July 2014. I feel bad because sometimes I am so tough on her😢. I am her caregiver. I don't have high expectations but I hope she can get some relief even 10% 😢

I am scheduled for an S1/L5 and L5/L4 MIS TLIF Fusion on February 16 of 2023. He will be approaching it from a minimally invasive technique that I pray will make things easier in the recovery. I had years of typical back pain from wear and tear over the years but was always able to recover. In March of 2021, I was in a car accident that took everything over the top! After battling two years of every type of treatment, we found that both L5 and L4 has bilateral pars defect causing instability in the spine and now I feel it’s time to address this and work on healing in a different, positive way. Your transparency helps a lot with it not only being the good or the bad but both. I like especially how you ended with “hope and your spiritual belief”! That is exactly what I am surrendering too that all will be well and this will go smooth with a solid recovery. I did have one question? Did you have a catheter? I don’t hear much about that? Hope you are doing well now and feeling better than you have in years! I am not expecting to be 100 percent but 90 percent surely will beat the 40 percent I live with daily.

Thank you for your account of your experiences and sharing your faith in Jesus! I’ll be having surgery in 1 week. I trust God.

Thank you for your Journal on your back surgery. I am 71yrs. old and will be going in for back surgery in two weeks. L1 through L5, cages and all that jazz. Your video is great on post surgery journey. Like you said. the surgery should be ok, 4-5 hours. The recovery is the challenge.Great tip on using PT shorts or under-ware. I've had both hips replaced and a rotator cuff tear repaired., all in the last six years. So, it will be interesting to see how this goes. I've had back issues since H.S. (long, long, time ago, in a galaxy far, far, away). I was advised several years back to do the hips first, then look into the back issues when it was just getting to hard to manage. So here I go! Again, what an encouragement your video was, kind of!

So glad everything went well for you. So scared to do this due to the fact that I have read many wrong stories. We would love an update after these months. God bless!

i am soon to have this surgery. I thank you so much for your sharing your journey with us.

Going in tomorrow at 530. I pray it all goes well. You sound great. Been on pain meds for so long now, I'm worried mine won't work. Congratulations

I was told back surgery is a 6 month recovery, currently getting shots every 3 months for relief, stay strong Brother !

I having my 2nd surgery. My screws and brace came loose after a fall within 6 mos post surgery. Looking forward to it, no mor walking wonky or hurting. Hope your surgery goes well. My first was great.

Having s1 l5 jan 21 can barely walk a.t.m Thanks for sharing appreciate your effort. All the best m8 from newzealand.

Very nice information, thanks for sharing. If you could have added before and after MRI/X- ray reports in the video would have been nice just to see how they have placed the rods, fusion stuff etc., But this video is really inspiring.

Hello friend. Sept 6 2023 I had a 4 level spinal fusion in my neck. C3 thru C7. My right arm has severe nerve damage from the spine to the fingers. My left arm is also not great. :) 10 months before that I had a laminectomy on my lumbar L3 thru L6. NOW, I have a ruptured disc between T12/L1. I am miserable and I hate pain meds ugh. I ended up being in the hospital 9 days because my spinal fluid drain would not stop draining and then it blew and I had spinal fluid running down the front of me which i thought....was water. NOT. I'm glad you are feeling better hang in there.

I’m 13 days away from my surgery I get more scared as the days get closer. Back pain are unbearable I cant imagine after surgery. 😢

I really appreciate you doing this video. I am going to be having the exact same surgery before the end of this year, I hope. This helps me to know what to expect.....honestly.

Thanks for sharing all this, so helpful!

I've had 5 of these surgeries at the age of 36 to 40. They aren't fun and hard on your loved ones. Everyone of the surgeries failed for me as the hardware broke loose in my spine. Had to remove and replace all hardware. They finally had to put a pain pump in me because of all the damage to my spine from the screws wollering holes out, and now the disc are bulging out above all the hardware grr. Hope all is working out for you, and hope all is well.

Ty for this..I am a retired RN about to have same surgery. I appreciate you. God bless you.

Fused L4-S1 no pain after op down leg and surgical pain was minimal. Rehab by walking and hydrotherapy pool. 3 months later walked up highest mountain in UK Ben Nevis returned to job 6 mths after op. You must rehab yourself properly and no issues since 7 yrs later I am an aerospace ground equipment mechanic Good luck

I had spinal fusion surgery a week ago. So far recovering well. Having trouble sitting too. Thanks for sharing your video. Martina

Praise God my bless brother I am getting my steroid shot next week and then i see my surgeon 9 days after, so he can tell me everything about the surgery. I have a tumor on my L5 between L5 and L4. He said he will have to remove the piece of bone with the tumor and then put a cage in. The tumor is pinching my nerves, I have been doing PT twice a week and working out, and stretching everyday which has greatly improved my life and my pain. I went from 10% range of motion on my right leg and 50% with my left leg. Now i have 80% on the right and 100% on the left, my PT said I'm perfect for my surgery now. So once i get it i will be able to heal better and faster and I will have full range of motion with my body. Thanks for the great video. May the Lord Jesus bless you and your family🙏🏾

You probably will not see this as it's been a long time but I'm having this same surgery Jan 8 2024. I too am a believer in Jesus Christ and have had my reservations about doing this but after hearing you, I also feel "hope". I appreciated that you did not sugar coat anything, explained the pain you were in that first week and prayerfully now, you are completely pain free. Thanks so much for sharing. You've been a confirmation to me that it's the right thing. Blessings.

That's what I'm having done in about two months, Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) to L5 & S1. Apparently I was born with Spina Bifida, and never knew it until about 10 months ago when my pain problems started becoming far more serious and debilitating, and the PT clinic sent me back to my doctor, who then ordered a MRI which showed the deformity, and the damage it had caused over the years. Apparently because of the L5 vertebrae not fully forming in the womb, it was weaker than the other vertebrae, so when I was about 12 years old I fractured the two little horns off of the main vertebral body. It's those horns which interlock to the horns of the connecting vertebrae and keep them all in alignment. Unfortunately when I broke those horns off when I was 12, I didn't know it. I recall having horrible back pains at that age which lasted for a couple of months, but my dad said it was probably just due to a crappy mattress, so he put a sheet of plywood underneath my mattress to give it more support, and to be perfectly honest, it was more comfortable like that because it no longer sagged. So, after spending a couple of months as a kid with horrible back pain, and my dad doing a redneck fix on my mattress, the fracture finally healed itself and I stopped having back pains. However, what we also didn't know, aside from the fact I'd broken my back, the vertebrae had slid forward to about 25% out of alignment, which then caused me to not only have poor posture, but also to completely wear out the disk cartilage between L5 and S1, to the point I'm now 57 years old and completely bone on bone with only the tiniest little pinhole of space for those nerves to pass through as they exit the spinal column. Which, as I said, is now causing me horribly debilitating pain that's entirely unpredictable. It seems to go from 3 to 10 in the blink of an eye for seemingly no reason at all, and I never know when it's going to hit. Over the past couple of weeks it's gotten to the point I can no longer drive. So a week ago the pain clinic cut me loose and sent me back to the spine center because they've gone about as far as the can go with me, and now no matter what they throw at it, the pain just continues to get worse, and it's now happening at a really advanced rate. Two months ago I had an occasional back ache if I stood too long, if I laid in bed too long or if I sat too long without getting up every hour or so and walking through the house a bit. I could easily predict and control it to keep the back aches to an all around minimum. However, now I'm in constant pain that hovers about 60% of the time at around a 6, on the pain scale, with 10% of the time being at about a 3 and 30% of the time it just swings back and forth between 8 and 10 on the pain scale, and it's starting to become absolutely maddening, and I don't know what to do about it. Even though I had a visit just a couple of days ago with the spine surgeon's extremely knowledgeable PA, I'm still more than 7 weeks away from the official surgery consultation appointment with the spine surgeon, after which, and ONLY after which we can finally get me on their surgery schedule calendar, which will most like not be for another two to four weeks, so best case scenario I'm probably looking at not being able to get this fixed until the last week of September or the first week of October, and as I said, that's a very wishful thinking a best case scenario. Well known coveted specialists like this doctor often tend to be booked anywhere from one to three months out. I'm obviously guessing, but I've had enough major surgeries in the past to have a pretty good feel for how these things go. Right now I'm absolutely miserable and it's starting to mess with my mind. It's already started zapping most of my extremely extroverted personality. I'm constantly trying to make people laugh, but now I can't even find that part of myself anymore. I've noticed my wife and our teenage son are beginning to avoid spending time with me when I'm at my worse levels of pain, and I certainly can't blame them. No one wants to sit next to someone just to listen to them moan and groan in agonizing pain for hours on end. The spine center has already put me on a steady regiment of muscle relaxers, oxycontin, tramedol and lorazepam, yet NOTHING is even coming close to touching this constant pain. It's Friday, so I have to wait until Monday to call the spine center to tell the PA that nothing we're doing is working, and I'm starting to lose my mind because of the constant torturous pain that runs from the left side of my lower back, seems to explode in waves into my left hip and piriformis area of my left buttocks, often scorching its way up and down the lateral side of my lower leg, making sure to encompass my ankle, because you know, why the hell not! I wish I knew what else to do to at least keep my sanity unit I'm finally lucky enough to find myself naked in a refrigerated room, on a stainless steel table, in front of a bunch of bright young strangers, who half way through the surgery will be forced to flip me over, using I guess whatever appendages they can manage to grab a handful of, in order to avoid dumping me onto the floor like a slippery walrus narrowly escaping a group of tourists. I mean, how on earth DO they flip a flaccid seemingly lifeless 210 pound middle aged man without someone losing an eye, or spending the rest of the afternoon crying in the shower because she inadvertently handled the type of junk even Fred Sanford wouldn't display in his front window?

Look forward to herring more about ur recovery. I backed out of surgery a year ago. Thank you again for sharing about ur experience and ur faith

Thank you for doing this!

Thank you… I am 4 weeks post op and 72 years old. I am walking 1 1/2 per day on a level floor. The pain gets intense in the late afternoon. I believe it’s because as you mentioned… sitting is the hardest part. I never had lower back pain until someone was texting and hit us at a stop position. I can say there is still pain as it should be but it’s a different pain and gets better everyday. Blessed and so happy I had the L4-L5 fusion. At my age I thought twice about it but so glad I trusted my doctor and Tulane Hospital.

Just came upon your video . I’m having back surgery next month and was curious what to expect. Your words gave me some hope that all will go well . I do believe the Lord guides me to my surgeon who is also a believer . Thank you for sharing and God bless.

Hello. I'm glad I found your video. I had my first spine surgery on Nov 2022 the day before my ski accident. It was so painful after that surgery. I had 8 screws, 4 on each side and 2 rods. Anyhow, nobody told me about NO BLT - bend, lift, twist. Therfore after 2 weeks I had 2 screws that get loosen. Painful experience. I was able to sleep only on my left side and on my back, because on my right side I had 8 broken ribs and the shoulder. Then two months later I had the second surgery with more screws. I vomited for almost 20h after that surgery. I think the anesthesia was causing me a lot of problems. Then constipation. Having a poop was my go home ticket, so I tried everything I could, until it was too much, but didn't say anything because I wanted to go home. This time I had 29 staples for 2 weeks. I didn't have much movement for 6 weeks because of the pain from spine and ribs. Tomorrow I'll have my 6 week post op follow up appointment. I still take pain medication only night time, because I need to rest. I had another surgery to fix my right clavicula, which means a plate with 6 screws. I feel like "Home Depot" 😕 I walk every day, few times per day. I don't give up and I have faith that I'll be back to skiing, bec I love it so much. I have a question please: you mentioned something about bone stimulator. What exactly is that? And how did you use it? Thanks for sharing your story

Thank you so very much! I go 7/14 to meet the neurosurgeon. I've put this off for a few years, but can't any longer. I'm terrified. I am a single mom, have a small farm, and work 2 jobs. Thank you so much for this. It has helped me with the whole reality.

🙏 for your complete healing!

Thanks for the info! I’m considering L4- L5 fusion later this year I’ve exhausted all other PT options at this point surgery is the last option I have

Thank u so much!!! My surgery is on February 9th 2023 I'm so scared but I'm tired of the pain!

Thank you for making this video. I have had 2 failed discectomies, and now I'm waiting for scheduling the spinal fusion. I've been really down wondering if the fusion will help, and your video has been very uplifting!

I bet you got sick because you might have been setting up taking the pain meds. I’m having back surgery 11/21/23, nervous but this is helping me know what to expect!! I have years of medical experience but it’s different when it’s you, you know. Thanks for this information!!

I can't imagine making a video after my surgery, you are tough. L5-s1 lamenectomy at 17 years old, disc removal and fusion at 23 (cages were to large for the space), now at 42 waiting on mri results after having new low back pain leg tremors and weakness and loss of reflex from knees down. Really nervous because I feel my life will change for a bit, I love to work and just want to keep going.

Thank you for sharing your experience. Great video.

Good info! I am a few days into a thoracic fusion surgery and trying to figure out what to do and not to do. I reached too far today so I am walking around like a T Rex with my arms close to my body. Have not been released yet because I haven’t pooped. Thank you for this!