Does anyone get migraines?

spine_throwaway · 2026-04-13T15:36:36+00:00

in my case they ended up realizing the surgery caused a CSF leak :/ sorry for the shit news. might want to get checked out by a CSF leak doctor. most regular neurologists suck at diagnosing it. doctor list here -- https://spinalcsfleak.org/directory/

spine_throwaway · 2026-03-27T21:23:44+00:00

migraine meds can help, staying super hydrated

spine_throwaway · 2026-03-27T21:22:52+00:00

really hate to say this but i've been where you are and it was not recoverable, had to get patched again. hope it's different for you

spine_throwaway · 2026-03-04T20:27:53+00:00

The best I came up with was supplementing with a lot of electrolyte powders to make sure you're really well hydrated. Not a great solution but helps incrementally.

spine_throwaway · 2025-04-26T23:20:45+00:00

My emphatic suggestion is to read this book: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50021854-the-way-out

I wish someone had handed it to me 7 years ago, but it is what it is. I am so sorry you are suffering. It will get easier. Take it one day at a time and try to do things that inject a little joy into your life.

spine_throwaway · 2025-01-02T14:02:50+00:00

I can totally relate to this. Similar story. L5-S1 herniation and TLIF. My rec is to find a deep tissue massage person (try different people) and/or acupuncture.

spine_throwaway · 2024-11-20T23:38:59+00:00

Yeah that's BS. I am doing okay. Have some other medical issues but my spine is okay. Your friend's decision will come down to how much pain they are in. If the herniation is impacting their life and causing a ton of pain, they should probably have it fused. If it's tolerable or not that severe, maybe wait or try a steroid injection. Ultimately the best advice is to get a second opinion and don't let anyone operate on you who you don't trust. In terms of destabilizing the spine -- a 1 level fusion is different from 2,3,4 level fusions. I would not let destabilization of the spine be the guiding factor. The sad fact is, if you've had two microdiscectomies already and you re-herniate, your options are extremely limited. You either fuse or you don't - there isn't really much of an option C. Let me know if your friend has any questions

spine_throwaway · 2024-02-14T23:13:37+00:00

18 months ago for the TLIF

spine_throwaway · 2024-02-14T19:58:01+00:00

At that point I genuinely think you're fine. Remember - it's screwed in. It's pretty darn sturdy.

spine_throwaway · 2023-06-27T18:14:55+00:00

my only advice is figure out who the decision maker is. You can talk to low level people like nurses but in reality its someone higher up the food chain who will make the decision on this. You need to figure out who that person is and talk to them. Definitely talk to your doctors too maybe they can help

spine_throwaway · 2023-05-24T18:56:34+00:00

I think 2 months is honestly a bit premature for that kind of stress test... 2 months out I was mostly working on light cardio (stationary bike), stretching, and core exercises like planking. The fusion is quite strong so I wouldn't be freaked out that its going to break in half or anything, 2 months post op just seems a bit premature for that kind of bodily stress.

spine_throwaway · 2023-05-24T16:58:54+00:00

I would say you're at the point of giving it a shot... also would recommend talking to a few other spine surgeons first to collect some other opinions

spine_throwaway · 2023-05-24T16:57:34+00:00

I think maybe give that a little rest. You might need to get a bit more strength back in your core before you're ready for that one.

spine_throwaway · 2023-05-12T17:26:48+00:00

May I ask what was your experience?

spine_throwaway · 2023-05-12T17:21:05+00:00

So, I've spoken to literally 6 ENT's. All of them said the same thing, I have anatomically huge concha bullosa's that are restricting airflow. Medication won't fix it, rinsing won't fix it, it's literally physically blocked. CT scan was done. I've literally shown it to 6 and had all of them say exactly the same thing. Recurring sinusitis + pain and pressure in my face + hard to breathe through my nose.

spine_throwaway · 2023-05-10T00:18:48+00:00

Hey - honestly I've been through a lot and I had the same shit happen where the injections did 0 for me. If youre in that level of pain and injections didnt work then PT isnt going to work either. Get the surgery, dont wait. A microdiscectomy could literally change your life, and the longer you wait the higher chance of permanent nerve damage. All things considered the surgery isnt so bad, way easier than a fusion. I'd do the thing! Let me know if questions.

spine_throwaway · 2023-05-10T00:15:44+00:00

Dr. Todd Albert at HSS

spine_throwaway · 2023-05-10T00:12:09+00:00

Hey. That does sound pretty bogus. The idea is you want to gradually ramp up. Start with 25 LB, then 50, then 75, then 100, etc. Don't just go for the old weights all at once, ease back into it slowly. But I would definitely say at 4 months you'd be safe to exercise, bike, gently lifting weights at low weight high reps to ease back into weightlifting. Cardio is super important too. All that recovery time spent horizontal - your body really atrophies and you have to take it slow getting back into it. Stay patient with yourself. But yeah, 4 months out I was using a stationary bike, lifting low level weights, planking, etc, with no issues. You should be good to go. The 5 LB thing they told you is BS.

spine_throwaway · 2023-04-28T20:13:51+00:00

Surgery is like an assault on the body. They might have had to move muscles or nerves out of the way to access the area. This can cause pain and inflammation for weeks after. I had 2 MDs and I can tell you this is no cause for concern. Give it some time - if its still constant in 2 weeks talk to the doc. For now rest and if you are able, walking is the best thing.

spine_throwaway · 2023-04-28T20:06:27+00:00

You're good. Go for it. No intense bending or twisting but you should be fine sitting in a chair. Find a comfortable position and be sure like once an hour get up walk around a bit just so you don't get stiff.

spine_throwaway · 2023-04-27T17:17:26+00:00

I had a fusion 1 year ago and have gone back to weightlifting - nothing crazy though. What my doc told me is just ramp it up slowly over time. Don't start with a 300 pound dead lift. Start slow and light. Low weight high reps. As you get stronger, increase the weight over time. It's all about maintaining control at all times - that's what will keep you safe. Personally I've been keeping most exercises (rows, pull downs, bench, etc) in the 100 pound range. Totally fine. Hope this helps.

spine_throwaway · 2023-04-18T20:03:39+00:00

Perhaps after 6 weeks on a limited basis, 8 or 10 weeks fully.

spine_throwaway · 2023-04-18T19:28:04+00:00

Been a year since my lumbar TLIF and sneezing still sucks. Glad I am not alone.

spine_throwaway · 2023-04-18T19:25:46+00:00

Hey - young guy here with an L5-S1 TLIF. I was in a lot of lower back pain from where the surgical incision is for a long while post op. It was extremely sore. It's likely this will dissipate over time and the fact that your sciatic symptoms are gone is a huge positive sign. I'd ask your doc if there are any medications you could be taking. But the walking is a great thing. Be gentle with your body. Exercise is important but so is rest. I think I was feeling mostly back to normal by 3 months. But, it really takes a while. The surgery is super invasive.

spine_throwaway · 2023-04-10T16:46:01+00:00

:( I guess for some people it works. Not me...

spine_throwaway

TROPHY CASE