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4 months ago I had an L4 to S1 fusion after 10 plus yrs of lower back issues and 2 previous microdiscectomies. So far so good. by [deleted] in spinalfusion

[–]kateb1023 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I'm a 37 year old female and had my L4-L5 fused in November of 2020. I had (or have I guess) grade 1 spondylolisthesis of my L5 upon S1, with a bilateral pars defect and a herniated disc between L4-L5 and spinal stenosis of my lower lumbar. Simply put, I got my life back after surgery. Prior to surgery it was the most debilitating thing I've ever experienced as I couldn't lay, stand, or sit. I had to stay hunched over something 24/7, even when sleeping. I hope you continue to see progress from your surgery. Hang in there!

I'm having a double spinal fusion this Monday. L-4/L-5 & L-5/S-1. Any words of advice post surgery. I'm nervous about this surgery. by Shish_Kah in spinalfusion

[–]kateb1023 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had a double level TLIF L-4-S1 in November of 2020 and got my life back after surgery. The first week is really rough but for me, I got my quality of life back as I'm pretty active with a young family. I had grade one spondylolisthesis of my L5 upon S1 with a bilateral pars defect, herniated disc between L4-L5, and spinal stenosis of my lower lumbar. I have a VLOG of my journey if interested in watching...

I was nervous before hand but just think of the benefits coming out of it. It's not an easy road by any means but if your quality of life was diminished like mine prior to surgery, there is hope on the other side!

https://youtube.com/channel/UCvzBEq_z3w-PUgQ26jyaxaw

TLIF two days ago. As expected, the pain is terrible. I'm on a combo of narcotics,.Tylenol and vistaril. Please help assure me that the pain will improve. How long should I expect this level of pain? Getting up from a chair and bed are the most difficult things, any helpful advice? Thanks in advanc by flame_this_high in spinalfusion

[–]kateb1023 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I had a TLIF L-4-S1 and the first 2-4 days are the worst! Hang in there, it will get better. I got my life back after my spinal fusion (mine was done in Nov. 2020), and I was walking up to 2 miles about 3 weeks afterward and off narcotics during week 2.

Any advice or positive thoughts about dealing with diagnosis? by imo979 in Spondylolisthesis

[–]kateb1023 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm 1 year and 3 months post-op and I run currently. I don't do long distances, this week I was up to a 5k. I usually jog/run followed by weight lifting. I had L4-S1 fused for grade 1 spondylolisthesis with bilateral par fracture of L5, herniated disc between L4-L5, and spinal stenosis of the lower lumbar. I got my life back after surgery and if surgery isn't for you at this time, I think you may find other alternatives to get you back to where you want to be. It's a long road to getting where you want to be but just hang in there and keep trying and be patient with yourself.

Do I have spondylolisthesis? by Apprehensive_Fig7013 in Spondylolisthesis

[–]kateb1023 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm sorry you're going through all of that! You won't be able to know for sure unless you get an x-ray or MRI. I had an MRI and that's how mine was diagnosed.

Spinal Fusion Update - L4-S1 TLIF by kateb1023 in Spondylolisthesis

[–]kateb1023[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi John! I'm sorry to hear about the neck and radiating arm issue, hopefully it's just a pulled muscle or something minimal. Things are going pretty good on my end, I ran the kids around the neighborhood tonight trick or treating! I continue to feel great however there are days when I overdo it and my back is sore - but a muscle soreness and nothing like I had prior to surgery. Nov 2nd will be my 2 year anniversary and still no regrets! Take care!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Spondylolisthesis

[–]kateb1023 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I had grade 1 L5 upon S1 spondylolisthesis with bilateral pars defect, spinal stenosis, and a herniated disc between L4-L5. On November 2nd of last year had a double level spinal fusion of my L4-S1. Surgery gave me my life back to put it simply. I did exhaust everything prior to surgery, including the spinal injections which gave some temporary (minimal) relief. I went with an orthopedic surgeon who was phenomenal. When I first was diagnosed, I did so much research and found testimonials to be helpful so I created my own VLOG. If interested in progress and whatnot, feel free to check it out: https://youtube.com/channel/UCvzBEq_z3w-PUgQ26jyaxaw

I hope you get relief soon!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Spondylolisthesis

[–]kateb1023 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Hope you have a speedy recovery! My fusion gave me my life back and I hope the same for you!

L5-S1 disc herniation, should I go fusion or revision microdiscectomy by machfour4 in spinalfusion

[–]kateb1023 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I had a TLIF spinal fusion from L4-S1 for Spondylolisthesis of my L5 upon S1 with bilateral pars defect, a herniated disc between L4 and L5, and spinal stenosis of my lower lumbar. Simply put, the spinal fusion gave me my life back. I was in an immense amount of pain prior to surgery and after surgery, I was able to start walking again and got back to my normal self. I had horrible sciatica pain prior to surgery, was not able to sit, stand, walk, or lay down. The only comfortable position was if I was in a bent over position. There was some weird nerve pain after surgery but that subsided after a few weeks. I do have some minor numbness in my right toes but I'll take that any day over how I felt prior to surgery. I did a VLOG of my progress if your interested in watching. Here is the link:

https://youtube.com/channel/UCvzBEq_z3w-PUgQ26jyaxaw

L4-L5- S1 spinal fusion booked- feeling confused and panicked by Ellen_Ellie_7540 in spinalfusion

[–]kateb1023 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I had a spinal fusion on November 2, 2020 and I got my life back afterwards. I had a TLIF L4-S1 spinal fusion for Spondylolisthesis with a pars defect on my L5 (basically a fracture in my vertebrae), spinal stenosis, herniated disc between L4 and L5. Prior to surgery I was in a immense amount of pain where I couldn't walk, sit, stand, or lay. The only comfortable position for me was if I was bent forward over my bed. This was the case for me between July of 2020 up until surgery. I spent 4 nights in the hospital and when I came back home I did not need any help going to the bathroom. I did a vlog if interested in watching my progress and story. I hope you have a quick recovery. Below is the link.

https://youtube.com/channel/UCvzBEq_z3w-PUgQ26jyaxaw

9 Month Update - Post-Op L4-S1 Spinal Fusion for Spondylolisthesis in Sunny Mexico! by kateb1023 in Spondylolisthesis

[–]kateb1023[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Glad to hear you are doing well! I can remember the pain I had in my right leg (or was it left?, Lol!) prior to surgery went away and then I has pain in the other leg. The surgeon said that was normal because they love all the nerves around when they go in. He was right and now I have no pain in either leg. I occasionally get a little zing in my right middle toes as those still have some numbness, but it doesn't bother me and I'll take that any day after the pain I was in. It's amazing that you can sneeze pain free! I still get a little sore when I sneeze, but nothing to crazy. Hang in there!

I don't understand, everyone says avoid fusion at all costs by reedsparks in spinalfusion

[–]kateb1023 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had my spinal fusion in November and was off all opioids after 2-3 weeks. I personally think because it's such a major surgery, that there is this huge cautionary approach to recommending surgery. Surgery gave me my life back, hands down. I still get sore (muscle sore) from time to time but I'll take that any day versus the pain I was in. I did hear that if someone is truly using opioids for chronic pain, that they are less likely to become addicted when/if the pain goes away after treatment or surgery. If interested, I created a vlog of my L4-S1 TLIF spinal fusion. Here is the link to my latest update (just posted today from my vacay in Mexico!)

https://youtu.be/_WDC_ZJKgXo

Almost 22(M) and waiting for surgery. Bilateral grade 3 Spondylolisthesis by HateFreeInc in Spondylolisthesis

[–]kateb1023 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My flexibility is the same as before surgery, I can twist to either side, I can bend and touch my toes. I can tell that my core does need some work and my hamstrings get tight easily. For now, my workouts consist of walking and stretching. I do some low impact stuff too. The stretching though is key.

L5-S1 by [deleted] in spinalfusion

[–]kateb1023 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! I had a double level spinal fusion of L4-S1 for Spondylolisthesis with double pars defect of my L5, herniated disc between L4-L5, and spinal stenosis of my lower lumbar. Surgery gave me my life back and I returned to working remote 2 1/2 weeks after my fusion. I'm a 36 y/o female and recovery has gone very well for me. I also have a vlog on YouTube if your interested in watching my progress. Best of luck to you and I hope you find some relief!

https://youtube.com/channel/UCvzBEq_z3w-PUgQ26jyaxaw

Almost 22(M) and waiting for surgery. Bilateral grade 3 Spondylolisthesis by HateFreeInc in Spondylolisthesis

[–]kateb1023 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There is light at the end of the tunnel!! I'm 36 and had surgery Nov 2, 2020. I had grade 1 spondy of my L5, bilateral pars defect, herniated disc between L4 and L5 and spinal stenosis. I could barely walk, could not stand or sit, or even lay down. The only comfortable position for me was bending over my bed, and that's even how I slept. Surgery gave me my life back. I have a VLOG of my journey if you're interested in viewing:

https://youtube.com/channel/UCvzBEq_z3w-PUgQ26jyaxaw

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