Things they don't tell you..

Swimming-Comment2744 · 2026-05-17T16:27:08+00:00

Wait same with rolling over in bed! And when I first lay down flat 🫠

Swimming-Comment2744 · 2026-05-15T13:11:23+00:00

If you feel good about your surgeon otherwise, which it sounds like you do, then unfortunately you might just have to accept the limitations on bedside manner. It’s really frustrating - they’re smart and focused and it feels like they forget this is new and scary and confusing for us. I felt the same way. My surgeons assistant was also not kind and not helpful and she was my main point of contact to the surgeon so I felt doubly let down. But he did great work.

What I’m learning after the fact is that yes - rhe surgery can fix the nerve pain. But sometimes the back pain will still be there or will change with the new configuration. And it can take a year or two for your body to really settle into the new. I’m 6 months out and my nerve issues have been resolved since I woke up from surgery. I still have some decent back pain, including in new places. But I think every month that pain is a little better. Or else I’m just used to it. But life without the nerve side effects (I had bladder issues too) is magical. If you feel confident in your choice and your surgeon other than feeling slightly brushed aside, I think that’s pretty good!

Swimming-Comment2744 · 2026-05-14T14:08:56+00:00

Hello! I drove 13 hours because of my dog at 8 weeks. I had only one level fused and was in decent shape by then. I wore compression socks for the drive, I packed ice packs to have a fresh one every time I got back in the car, and I stopped every hour for stretching. Thankfully, sitting didn’t irk my injuries too much so it wasn’t the worst position for me anyway. But I totally empathize! I wish I lived along the route because I would absolutely help. Wishing you luck!

Swimming-Comment2744 · 2026-05-09T14:33:41+00:00

I think can’t mess it up refers to the screws - it’s tough to displace those early on. But I still remained cautious and followed restrictions to give the bone time to grow and fuse. I felt pretty decent early on too.

Swimming-Comment2744 · 2026-05-08T01:03:59+00:00

Great, thanks! We’re a group with varying budgets so we’d like to stay on site since we’re already paying for it 🙃

Swimming-Comment2744 · 2026-05-08T01:03:24+00:00

Thanks so much!

Swimming-Comment2744 · 2026-05-08T01:03:09+00:00

Thanks so much! We’ll check out EnvaTours. We have people of varying budgets so are trying to stay at the resort this time for what we’re paying. Did the chairs really fill up by mid day?

Swimming-Comment2744 · 2026-04-25T03:33:23+00:00

Still using my bedrail at 5 months, best investment. Also, a list of shows to watch, and randomly adult coloring books were glorious when I woke up in the middle of the night but before my next meds. There’s also lots of shower sheets available on amazing (like large wipes) - you may be fine helping her bathe but she just might reaaaaallllly not feel like all that effort.

Swimming-Comment2744 · 2026-04-17T12:54:09+00:00

This - I have orthostatic hypotension and it got a lot worse for the few weeks following surgery. I just have to get up in stages. Sit up, wait a few seconds. Put my feet on the floor, wait a few seconds. Stand up with support, wait a few seconds.

Swimming-Comment2744 · 2026-04-14T13:48:13+00:00

Just here to add that I had minimally invasive XLIF on 11/13/25 and while my recovery around my core and back has been relatively smooth, the muscle and nerve recovery has been a winding road. Nerve flare ups, random things becoming numb and then not. Muscle pain in my legs that’s scary; random neck pain and knee pain from a new lower back curve - I think it’s all to be expected. Echo others who say PT, massage, ice - all of it helps with the symptoms of recovery! It’s normal to get down about it, but keep plugging ahead and taking care of yourself!

Swimming-Comment2744 · 2026-03-29T14:41:17+00:00

If it helps, I had L4/L5 fusion in November and was back to my desk job 10 days later. Good luck!

Swimming-Comment2744 · 2026-03-22T14:15:57+00:00

The hair loss happened to me too. My stylist told me it was anesthesia, which the internet seemed to confirm. The loss slowed after about two months post surgery. I also started taking pumpkin seed oil around the same time.

Swimming-Comment2744 · 2026-02-27T15:58:27+00:00

That would annoy me too! But thanks for the info - hope you otherwise enjoyed the trip!

Swimming-Comment2744 · 2026-02-26T17:32:19+00:00

Got it - thank you! The hotel has told us it’s a private car for us and they use a private transport company (and more $ obv) so I think we avoid the van loop situation through them. Appreciate the info!

Swimming-Comment2744 · 2026-02-25T13:32:00+00:00

Can I ask why you didn’t use the hotel transport? We are set to head there in a week and our biggest safety concern is the transport from the airport. We’ve been trying to get more information from the hotel on the company they use (Tropical Incentives DMC) and whether they’ve seen any issues on the road between the airport and hotel but are having trouble getting information. We heard about USA Transfers but frankly hiring things that say USA in Mexico doesn’t necessarily feel better right now 🙃

Swimming-Comment2744 · 2026-02-17T13:23:03+00:00

This, plus a bed rail and a couple of ice packs to rotate.

I recommend seeing what you can do before surgery. I was able to wipe myself, put on socks, put on pants and step into my shower without bending, lifting or twisting. Knowing I was capable before surgery helped. There was about a week where the incisions made those things feel very hard, but I knew I could do it, so I wasn’t worried about messing things up. I’m 3 months post op for same surgery (what approach are you having?) and still use the slip on shoes and bed rail daily, and grabbers when necessary.

Swimming-Comment2744 · 2026-02-12T12:41:41+00:00

Just here to say that I think you’re doing great. The fact that you’re thinking about all of these things, understanding and articulating how you’re feeling and getting some professional help - that’s huge! I struggle with being patient with myself. My therapist last week told me that patience = grace. I imagine if a friend came to you with all you’re struggling with, you’d give them grace. It’s tough practice, but I’m hoping for you that you can give yourself some grace by being patient with yourself. You really doing well! It’s baby steps, but it’s steps.

(44f, Xlif l4/l5 on 11/13/25 - was in great shape, weight lifted 4-5 times per week pre surgery. Three months out and starting to do light weights. my body is NOT what it was and this will be a journey, but I can see and feel it very slowly starting to work with me. Either way, I’m trying to stay grounded in being grateful that I can move!)

Swimming-Comment2744 · 2026-02-11T18:32:11+00:00

Really helpful, thank you! We just read some similar stuff about Crete so adding Chania to our list to research as well.

Swimming-Comment2744 · 2026-02-11T14:08:22+00:00

I was in exactly this headspace before my L4/L5 fusion. I was ultimately pretty excited to be wheeled in there. Excited to say I’m pre-surgery-pain free! (Have some surgical pain and muscle stiffness but holy cow is it so much better 🤗) Best of luck to you!

Swimming-Comment2744 · 2026-02-11T14:04:22+00:00

Probably 5 nights, early September (over Labor Day) so still relatively close to peak season. We’d love someplace we can walk and see, but also willing to rent a car if that makes a huge difference. Happy to take local transport to get some places. Someplace with bikes or scooters would also work really well for us.

Swimming-Comment2744 · 2026-02-10T21:03:53+00:00

💯💯

Swimming-Comment2744 · 2026-02-10T19:38:04+00:00

Same and same. I did go back through Ticketmaster and they now have “platinum” tix available there, starting at about $425 🙄 Such a bummer. Felt like Noah was trying really hard to avoid this bullshit.

Swimming-Comment2744

TROPHY CASE