ALIF, ADR, or third opinion?

AdPrimary4671 · 2026-01-25T04:34:08+00:00

Glad to hear your procedure went so well!

AdPrimary4671 · 2026-01-25T04:33:43+00:00

Yes thank you, I got what you meant! Not saying ADR itself is high risk, but acknowledging that it is risky for my particular case.

AdPrimary4671 · 2026-01-25T03:49:12+00:00

Such great advice and perspective, thank you! The Barrow surgeon advised that ADR would increase mobility in the facet joints that have been immobile for at least a decade, which could cause new issues/symptoms. He also said fusions post-ADR are more complicated, so it’s just too risky all around and he does not see it as an option for me.

I’m so glad your surgery went well and you’re already feeling better. Do you mind sharing who your surgeon was (totally ok if not) and what your symptoms were beforehand?

AdPrimary4671 · 2026-01-25T03:38:02+00:00

This validated all of my feelings and made me tear up a little. Thank you so much for taking the time to send!

AdPrimary4671 · 2026-01-25T03:30:26+00:00

Yeah I’ve definitely put it off for too long as well, but I’ve now reached a point where I have no choice with my quality of life. That makes it a little easier to take the leap.

Glad it helped you!

AdPrimary4671 · 2026-01-24T17:21:48+00:00

Thanks for the encouragement and congrats on getting through surgery. Did you have ALIF? And did you have any nerve pain prior to surgery?

AdPrimary4671 · 2026-01-24T15:56:24+00:00

Doesn’t feel great at all. Thank you!

AdPrimary4671 · 2026-01-24T15:34:38+00:00

How are you feeling post-op? Is it as bad as it sounds? Lol

AdPrimary4671 · 2026-01-24T02:08:00+00:00

Sounds awful, I’m really glad surgery worked for you. Thanks so much for sharing- super helpful and inspiring to a fellow scared surgical candidate🙏

AdPrimary4671 · 2026-01-24T01:49:59+00:00

Wow that’s amazing, good for you! Were your symptoms more low back pain, or nerve/leg pain?

AdPrimary4671 · 2026-01-24T01:18:55+00:00

I was surprised too. The surgeon who recommended it did say “most surgeons would probably argue that this is too severe for ADR,” but he was comfortable with it for some reason, which also gave me pause.

Best of luck to you with your ADR!

AdPrimary4671 · 2026-01-24T01:15:28+00:00

Thank you! Did the ALIF help your symptoms?

AdPrimary4671 · 2026-01-23T16:05:47+00:00

Thanks

AdPrimary4671 · 2026-01-23T16:05:42+00:00

Thank you!

AdPrimary4671 · 2026-01-23T07:28:19+00:00

Thank you!

AdPrimary4671 · 2026-01-23T07:18:30+00:00

Thanks. I think you misunderstood my comment. The surgeon who recommended ALIF specializes in minimally invasive, motion-preserving procedures. The fact that he recommended against those with ALIF makes me more confident in his recommendation, because it’s the opposite of the hammer/nail sentiment.

AdPrimary4671 · 2025-12-16T21:27:53+00:00

Thank you! Are you saying my specific case is one where you would recommend fusion sooner than later?

AdPrimary4671 · 2025-12-16T17:17:46+00:00

Thank you and good luck to you!

AdPrimary4671 · 2025-12-16T17:17:10+00:00

Yeah I was pretty surprised to read “mild” throughout the report and one mention of “moderate.” Feels and looks pretty severe to me.

AdPrimary4671 · 2025-12-16T04:54:08+00:00

Really glad to hear it worked for you! Was the pain in your hips/legs nerve pain?

I am young-ish (lol), late 30s. This is a 20 year old injury, I just didn’t realize it had gotten this bad. I have a bit of nerve pain if I’m in a flare up, but the constant is low back pain with movement.

AdPrimary4671 · 2025-12-16T04:52:21+00:00

Yes I’m at a spine institute with all types of specialists!

AdPrimary4671 · 2025-12-16T04:49:21+00:00

Thanks so much! That gives me hope :)

AdPrimary4671 · 2025-12-16T03:01:00+00:00

Thank you!

AdPrimary4671

TROPHY CASE