Spinal fusion! First week of back surgery

Published 2022-09-25
Here is my experience with having L5 to S1 spinal fusion surgery. This video is my personal account of how it went, and a little advice through my first week of recovery.

5/2024 Update, My surgery did not help my paint unfortunately. Sitting is very painful, and I have become very limited in what I can do. I am no longer able to work.

PLEASE buy and read this book before considering any surgery. So many people who may be "ruined" by surgery could solve their back issues learning from The Back Mechanic. I wish I knew about it before my surgery. amzn.to/3V09Qou

All Comments (21)
  • 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. ❤
  • @hobbs3710
    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 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.
  • @Nayana5840
    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!
  • @erich9162
    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. 🤲🙏✝️👆
  • @wandahare8064
    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
  • @Pscans1234
    Day 5 of recovery here. Your video really helped me. Hearing someone else’s story brought me comfort. Thank 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 ❤
  • @mikekruger8806
    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
  • @angiek1001
    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.
  • @JoeGalganski
    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!!!
  • @harkerl1
    Very thankful for you video! Praying that your surgery was completely successful!
  • @loistarr5742
    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.
  • @shawnsweet7037
    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.
  • @poohsreviews8992
    You're Awesome! Thx for taking the time to inform us. Valuable Information.
  • @janiceford6843
    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.
  • 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.. 🙏🏽
  • @Teresa-K
    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.
  • @19Dane71
    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!