Posted , 9 users are following.
Im having a L4 L5 S1 spinal fusion done Sept 1st. Curious about your recovery & final outcomes of patients who've had similar surgery. Also wanted to know if you had a front incision or back incision surgery
0 likes, 22 replies
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scott17436 bethel0622
Posted
Hi, I had a double ALIF (Front) in April. I'm still recovering from it. It's a harder road than I thought it would be. I've got other back issues over and above that but it's not an easy road. First 3-4 weeks are the hardest, especially with the front access.
Plenty walking afterwards and make sure you have a good Physio who doesn't push you too hard.
Where are you getting it done??
bethel0622 scott17436
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bethel0622 scott17436
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Im getting it done through my back. A few Dr's suggested front but most that I consulted with wanted to go through the back. With a 2 to 3 day stay inpatient. One Dr wanted to do outpatient. No way!!!
bethel0622 scott17436
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scott17436 bethel0622
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They couldn't go through my back as I have already had two surgeries in the L4-S1 levels. Only option was front or side. So went front.
Breezy1974 bethel0622
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Breezy1974 bethel0622
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I forgot to mention that my colon was cut and I got a staph infection between my colon and screws and spent a month in the hospital once they found the infection, I was in and out of the hospital for weeks but they didn't know why I was so sick.
bethel0622 Breezy1974
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tracey07174 bethel0622
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Hi Bethel0622, I had a spinal fusion on L4, L5 & S1 on 8th of December & mine was done with 2 incisions either side of my spine. It was a 5 hour operation & I was very anxious beforehand & afterwards but I was out of bed standing the next day & walking the following day. I came home on the 12th & coped with alot of help from my partner. It was a very long slow recovery & i didnt return to work until 6 months post op but im doing ok now. I couldnt drive for 4.5 months & i do still have a numb big toe on my left foot but thats nothing compared to my pain before surgery. My scan has shown good bone graft growth & i no longer have leg pain. I still have to be careful but my life is returning to normal. I'm pleased I had it done. Just remember to be patient & don't expect miracles to start with but try not to worry too much, you read many horror stories on here but mine is not one of those thankfully, I feel mine has been a success. I wish you all the best for your surgery.
scott17436 tracey07174
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tracey07174 scott17436
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Hi Scott, yes I did have physio but it didn't start until about week 10 post op. It wasn't very thorough though, just given exercises to do which were helpful in building strength again but that was about it. Have you had the same op?
scott17436 tracey07174
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Yes, same levels fused but mine was in from the front (ALIF). I had Physio from week 10/11 but pushed me too fast and with exercises I shouldn't have been doing so early on (Sit-ups to name one). Changed Physio and now getting the correct things to do.
bethel0622 tracey07174
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dina_43525 bethel0622
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im going to try another doctor for different diagnosis. All this started 2 years ago. I got the incision in the back . The recovery was fast , but I got more pain. Good luck hope you are lucky and everything is better for you.
bethel0622 dina_43525
Posted