ALIF Surgery (L5/S1) 6 Month Post Op Recovery

This video is providing an update on how I'm coming along on with my ALIF Spinal Fusion Surgery Recovery (L5/S1).

[@joepublisher166]

Thank you for your video, but I'm 6 months out, 69 years old, and I would like to offer advice for anyone recovering from S1/L5 fusion. I've always been an active individual, exercised all my life, but I would NEVER run again. Walking on the other had is optimum and you can do that every day. Running, on the other hand is BRUTAL on your joints, esp. your knees and BACK! Why anyone would run after fusion surgery is beyond me. Now, I'm speaking as a patient and not some kind of expert, but there are times in your life that you need to use the power of reason when making decisions. I strongly advise against running. Sidepoint: Three weeks out I started a walking program and progressed to 1 - 1.5 miles (sometimes more) on a daily basis and haven't stopped. A side benefit was that I lowered my BP, which had been rising, no doubt because I couldn't do any sustained walking pre-op for years! Use your common sense when recovering from this surgery. Just because you feel better and have no previous pain, doesn't mean you're "new". You shouldn't be pushing your recovery just to see how far you can go before you're in pain. That's not wise or advisable.

[@offkeyth]

Thank you for sharing this. I will go through this procedure in August. I am looking forward to the relief. 🙏🏾

[@SteveHatzman]

Man I’ve been dealing with back pain and problems for almost 30 years and I’m finally at an age where they wanna do surgery. So I’m in the process of scheduling everything for an ALIF surgery and I’m not gonna lie I’m nervous as hell. Your videos are very encouraging and I wanna thank you for making them.

[@BJ-sg6uk]

@SteveHatzman: No worries, Steve, I'm glad to make them. I'm just happy to help someone out. I just made a 21 month PostOp video last week that I think will help. I feel fantastic! All the best, Steve

[@tereyes5633]

Just had alif L5 L4 SI on June 13th. They went through my abs and my2 incisions in my back. I recovered from the surgery pretty quickly . Up until surgery nerve pain radiating from butt to feet both legsxwas EXCRUCIATING. THe thought if this kind of surgery is very daunting, but what else are you going to do? There's no way I could go on living like that. In the interim, I developed extremely tight hip flexor which rendered me nearly crippled. So I'm working through PT. It can be discouraging but I have made progress. The recovery is a long process, up to 18 months.

[@BJ-sg6uk]

@teresareyes5633 Teresa, I'm glad to hear the progress. Make recovering your job. The more you move the looser you will become. Best of luck to you.

[@bigcws4522]

I'm glad to see you are doing well! I'm set to have my alif on October 2nd 2023 and posterior fusion from l2 to sacrum I've been suffering quite a long time I've had two other operations that weren't successful so I'm hoping just to walk again with a little dignity I've done concrete work all my life 7 days a week and in 2021 I had to put the shovel down. I miss it I even tried to go back in 2022 6 months after my second surgery at the concrete job downtown St Louis only lasted 2 days I had to mentally in physically test myself😂. I'm not ready to be done though I miss the work I did I was a concrete foreman from McCarthy construction for 15 years of my career and I really enjoyed working for them and doing what I did. Anyhow nice video and thanks for sharing.

[@BJ-sg6uk]

@bigcws4522: I can certainly understand where your mind is and it is very, very frustrating. I started as a civil engineer moving the earth, sculpting landscapes, and creating things that make one marvel. I only say this because masonry/concrete work (to me) is similar in nature, it's the end product; something you've created and there's gratification in knowing that - knowing you built something that will be there long after you're gone. My advice for you, my friend. Make your recovery your full-time job, take it seriously, walk, stretch, and eat proper foods to recover (plenty of collagen protein). Get in a routine if you can and stick to it. I will not tell you to put down your shovel forever, it's limited thinking; however, being 24 months postop myself, I personally would not lift 60-80# bags frequently. I am still going through this journey, even at 24 months postop, and I am still learning ways to get stronger, but found strengthening my core and being flexible is key in sustaining mobility and being pain free. I have a 21 month postop video to help you get an idea of where you may be. I wish you nothing but the best and a speedy recovery.

[@christinedubois7672]

Thank you for your videos, I have had the same surgery as you, it was my 4th surgery on my back (don't know when this will end) I do feel like I am walking better, please continue with video, very much like to know how you are doing, God bless you and take care!!!!

[@BJ-sg6uk]

@christinedubois I'm feeling like a champion!!!!! Granted, it's been 2-1/2 years and it took a lot of work, and its a journey, for sure, but I am living life on my terms, not my pain level. I made a 24 month update video and I thought I was doing great then.... I'm feeling even better. A few tips. Walk as much as your body allows and do it frequently, every couple of hours. Take PT seriously and work on the posterior pelvic tilt. This is important later on when working on your core. Next, work on your core. Fyi - I started working my core @24 months. Always be in the posterior pelvic tilt when engaging core, this will prevent injury. I still had stiffness in the morning at 24 months... however, after working core and gained core strength that too resolved itself. I'm living pain and stiffness free life. I'm also able to run any distance and i have registered for the Marine Corps Marathon this coming October. I wish you a speedy recovery and will post another update video soon.

[@danr5239]

I’ve watched your video twice already. And one thing I can agree on and tail everybody else that watches your video is that your mental state of mind is important. I’ve had spinal fusion recently. And for years, everything that I do, I have to think about. Before I had my surgery I had fallen down in so many parking lots. in my house in my driveway. I’m 50 years old and before surgery I’ve fallen down more times in six months than I did in college. But the reasons why I fell down in college were because they may or may not have been alcohol involved. 🍺 my physical therapist tells me to stop using my walker. And I keep telling him I said this is psychological. It’s kind of my insurance policy. If I feel like I’m going to fall I have it. It’s been a month and a half since my fusion. And I know I’m healing. It’s getting better. But there’s only so many times you can rewatch the Star Wars and the Godfather trilogies before you start to go crazy. My point is to everybody that’s reading this if you’re back is in severe pain, get the surgery and be patient.

[@rehmansaeed7288]

Thank you for posting these videos. They definitely help and encourage someone like myself who is a bit skeptical or nervous about the surgery and the recovery. I am 40 years old, very active, i workout well used to workout 4-5 days a week and played sports on Saturdays. I herniated my L5 S1 back in 2019 and after 8 months of agony, tons of narcotics, 2 epidural injections and therapy i threw in the towel and had microdiscectomy. 3 years later i am back to square one, I reherniated the same L5 S1 that is hitting my sciatica nerve and after following the same process as before i was told i need the surgery. My options are ADR which Artificial Disc Replacement or ALIF and i just cant choose which one I want to go with to be honest. I have been doing ton of research on which route to take and have many doubts whether I will be able to lift again, or play sports again or will i be able to run again. My surgery is scheduled for Dec 18th this year for ADR but i am thinking about moving forward with ALIF so lets see how that goes. So glad to see you have been healing well. Stay blessed!

[@waldorfmartialarts8320]

WOW! Good for you! I just want to walk not bent over and pain free.

[@christinekinion9187]

Im 5 months post op and this video made me feel better about where im at!

[@BJ-sg6uk]

@@christinekinion9187 Awesome! I'm glad it helped someone.

[@bigblue3568]

ALIF on June 5th flipped with pinnacle screws and rods in back.. wasn't fun but not that bad. Stopped all prescription pain meds on day 4..

[@brianbello9839]

Thanks for your videos ! I’m 25 years old and have a 7.7mm offset on my L5 to S1 (spondylolisthesis). Been dealing with numbness / back pain since I was around 19-20. I’m pretty sure I herniated my back when I first joined the Navy but I never got seen by a doctor and just “toughed it out”. Been in the navy since I was 18, and I finally made the decision to have an ALIF surgery so I can continue my career without daily pain. Surgery was recommended so there isn’t further damage to my nerves. I’m incredibly scared to have surgery especially being so young, but your videos give me hope.

[@BJ-sg6uk]

Brian, I can certainly understand your concern and something that caused me to wait until I was in agonizing pain to where I couldn't walk (literally). My biggest regret is I listened to the "nay sayers" and did what you did and toughed it out for so long. I listen to all the "horror" stories of back surgery. I'm not saying all surgeries are perfect or dont come with risk, but medical technology has very much advanced in the last 10 years. Heck, even from year to year now. If i could have given myself advice at your age, knowing what i do now, i would say to myself "You're too young to be in pain. Get the surgery and take advantage of your youth. Don't waste your youth in pain." I know you're in the Navy, your options might be limited as to where and who your Healthcare provider is, but research the doctors and find the one you're comfortable with. You are going to be fine. Next year you're going to find this thread again and comment how great you feel. Take care and thank you for your service.

[@LEMONS884]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I have been suffering from a real bad L5-S1 for over 10 years. Herniated in 2010. Surgery in 2011. Re-herniated in 2020. Recovered but then re-herniated once again in 2023. I am so done with this…the condition robbed me of my 20s and I decided I will not let it rob my 30s. Looking forward to ALIF.

[@BJ-sg6uk]

@LEMONS884 I'm not sure what surgery you had (assuming the microdiscectomy) but if moving forward with the ALIF, take a few steps back, afterward, and really focus on healing. Even after you are "oked" by the Doc and they say you are 100% fused, you're NOT 100% healed. You have been inactive and not used your back or core muscles in over 10yrs. I have a 21month update video and I thought I belt good then.... I'm feeling 10x as good as I did then (I'm currently 28 months post-op). Just take the time to heal and after you are healthy enough, really, really focus on your core muscles and stretching. I too was as ambitious and impatient with the healing process but didn't have a full understanding of how the healing process works. If you have a solid core, it not only strengthens your core but it strengthens your stabilizer muscles and will absolutely help, not only prevent reinjury, but help support the upper and lower discs of your fusion. I wish you all the best and a speedy recovery.

[@maritzafebus8016]

Don’t push yourself like that. Even if you feel better.

[@jamiefisher1393]

Hey thanks for your vid , im 6 months post opp l5 s1 what a hell of a ride its the most physically and mentally challenging experience ive ever had, i haven't stopped noticing improvements and think what you said is spot on in tearms of muscular inactivity . I've been swimming freestyle at least 30, 25m lengths and 10 to 20 of various strokes 5 days a week for 5 weeks as well as core strengthening and streach routine. Id love to start running but im gona start a skipping routine 1st . Chears for your video .

[@BJ-sg6uk]

Jamie, that is awesome to hear! I haven't ran anything regular just yet (21 mo. Post op); however, I've been doing a lot of mobility workouts and stretches. I have had GREAT results. In that workout, I even do 10-15 min of jump rope w/o issue. My plan is to gain my mobility, where i feel confident and comfortable before logging those miles. I wish you a fast and smooth recovery.

[@sandrapacheco2579]

I’m almost 1 month since my surgery, and I’m still in pain😢I think I’m just wanting to heal fast but they keep telling me to be patient 😢😢

[@BJ-sg6uk]

@@sandrapacheco2579 Yes, be patient. Make sure you walk as much as your body allows. It doesn't have to be long but walk frequently. For me, it was every couple/few hours I would walk about a mile. No race whatever the distance but do it often. Walking induces blood flow, blood flow brings oxygen to your recovering muscles, surrounding connective tissue, and ligaments. Keep in mind, your back has been compressed for a long time, the surgery stretched everything out in order to put the cage in. That said, that is what happens when you sprain something...it's stretched out. That may be the pain you're feeling, that will go away. Just KNOW you are healthy....your body hasn't caught up to your mind. All the best.

[@sandrapacheco2579]

@@BJ-sg6uk thank you will keep that in mind, 😩 they keep saying recovery will be 8 months to a year but I know my Legs will get stronger. Did it take you long do be able to drive ?

[@BJ-sg6uk]

@@sandrapacheco2579 I do not recall how long it look to drive, maybe a few weeks. Now that I think about it, I shouldn't have drove and should have waited. Anyway, healing took a long time. It wasn't over night, it took a year. FYI - I still had improvements up to 2- 2-1/2 yrs. Stay active, and don't just wait to recover. I have a few updates videos you may find helpful. My latest one was a 33 month post-op video. All the best.

[@notnamed8926]

Thanks for the videos bud! I am having ALIF Surgery in two weeks. I appreciate the motivation you gave me! If you can build a retaining wall 6 months post surgery, then I can ride a camel in Australia in six months!!!

[@SS-wz8po]

Hello BJ, you haven’t posted your recovery update in a long time, I’m wondering how you’re doing? I hope you continue to feel well. Please give us your update whenever you can. Thank yoi

[@janpaulsanchez3371]

Thank you for sharing. Looking at this video gives me more hope that I will feel better. I’m a 26 year Navy veteran and I got injured in 2013. Been living with nerve pain down my both legs ever since. I’m 4 days out of surgery and I’m looking forward to those good days to come !! Stay up stay blessed.

[@BJ-sg6uk]

All the best, JP! Just remember to walk as much as you can tolerate. Short but frequent walks. Keep the body moven'.

[@janpaulsanchez3371]

@@BJ-sg6uk thank you. Will do. 🙏🏽

[@craigehrlich3112]

Looking for an update. Thanks

[@BJ-sg6uk]

I'll do one this week.

[@Berrylucy50]

Whistling past the graveyard.

[@jeanpichardo87]

You never did the video you said you would!!! How are you doing now? Hope everything is well ❤

[@CHAITANYAJAGTAP]

Thanks for your story, in my 6 month post op, it helps get perspective

[@BJ-sg6uk]

Wish you eell and a speedy recovery. Know that there will be setbacks, but it's just a part of the healing process. I need to make one last video, which I will do in the upcoming weeks. All the best.

[@jflexfit]

How are you doing now?

[@vzeller]

How many weeks or months was it before your stomach felt 100 percent?

[@BJ-sg6uk]

@vzeller: I am not sure of what aspect you are referring to. The incision itself took a few weeks because my incision got a little infected. That said, the incision took about three weeks. If you're referring to your bowels, my stomach felt a little weird for two-three days. After a BM or two; however, I felt normal. I hope I have answered your question. All the best.

[@vzeller]

@@BJ-sg6uk Thanks. Yeah, it's been 6 weeks for me and I just feel like if I tried anything remotely active, it would get damaged. Just so sensitive, like a torn feeling.

[@BJ-sg6uk]

@vzeller I made these videos so people can get an idea of what to expect, but everyone heals at their own pace. Some are in better shape before surgery, while others live a sedimentary life. Ask your doctor at your follow appt and be patient. My stomach incision felt weird, still does, because nerves were severed during surgery. I'm still a bit numb, but I never give it much thought. The surgery is a pretty major surgery, despite the recovery time. My advice is to bring it up to your doc, but relax and stop dwelling on it. Seriously. Easier said than done but busy your mind with something else. 2 yrs from now you will look back on this and shake your head you were worried about it. All the best to you and a speedy recovery.

[@markusgarcia4136]

👍👍👍

[@jflexfit]

how are you now?

[@BJ-sg6uk]

I will make another video in a few weeks, but overall I'm doing great. Don't get me wrong, I'm not physically where I was before getting injured but I'm pretty happy with where I am. Granted, I am stiff in the mornings but by 10am it's gone and I feel fine and if I stand for 45 min or so, my back starts to ache. However, unlike pre-op it will recover if I sit down and rest. I had my last Drs appt at 8 months where he said I was 100% fused. He said I may have some lingering pain but expect that it will continue to get better for the next year. I'll put together another video shortly. Best of luck in your journey.

[@totalnoobfishing1753]

Greetings BJ, stumbled on your vids and noticed you mention you worked in NYC ( as do I ), I have begun my journey down the road of looking at spine surgery. May I ask what practice and surgeon you wound up using for your procedure? Thanks for doing what you do with the channel, ...the internet is a chess game of opinions on spine surgery.

[@BJ-sg6uk]

Progressive Spine & Orthopaedics. I went to their Edison, NJ location, but there are a few different locations. I think it was Dr Rovner's confidence that was my deciding factor. If I'm doing a review, I am very, very happy with the surgery but the administrative staff could use a bit of work. I won't say anything worse than that as it gave me my life back. Best of luck!

[@Milkybar882]

Great to see you’re doing so well. My back would have blow up after doing all that, like you said it would have done before surgery. 31 years old also been offered a ALIF but just feel like I’m too young and should manage if I don’t do much to aggravate it.

[@BJ-sg6uk]

Alex, I am now 20 months post op and I feel amazing, it was certainly the best option for me. You are the only one that knows when you're ready, though.

[@Milkybar882]

@@BJ-sg6uk great to hear and see. I can remember watching your videos post op.

[@Yashinka]

I’m 31 as well, saw my neurosurgeon for the 3rd time in two years after putting another back surgery off for so long, and I’m at to have an L4-S1 ALIF with posterior stabilization. I’ve had a previous MICRODISCECTOMY, laminotomy, and foraminotomy on my left sided L5-S1 region. I’ve done every pain management related procedure (disc annulus injections, DRG injections, Epidural, ablations)… it’s all temporary and now difficult to walk or stand for long periods of time, horrible radicular pain down my left side, weakness in my right leg, severe crushing lumbosacral pain. I’ve exhausted my options. I’m a former emergency room nurse and had to leave the bedside due to pain. Thankfully I work in an office now so no more picking patients up off the floor or transferring from bed to bed. I hope you get some relief man. I know surgery can be scary, I’m in the same boat especially myself being in the medical field I’ve seen a lot of different outcomes in the hospital.

[@miquel8376]

@@YashinkaSo you had the ALIF surgery? How are you doing right now? Here also a young (33yo) healthcare provider (physiotherapist) who has been offered an ALIF surgery by 3 different neurosurgeons after 2 microdiscectomies 13 and 8 years ago.

[@Yashinka]

@@miquel8376 in some aspects I am much better but still left with a lot of pain in my lumbo sacral area like around the paraspinal muscles. I’ve responded very well to dry needling with electrical stimulation. The pain in my legs has seemed to subside. Occasionally I still get some heaviness in my left heel if I stand for too long or if my muscles are inflamed which was occurring prior to surgery but much more severe then. I think overall I am doing much better. I feel much more “stable” as my spondylolisthesis was corrected. 5 months out and I am able to squat and pick up both of my children at the same time, together they weigh about 65 pounds

[@nics.2301]

Thanks for the update. Just watched your 10 days post up video aswell. Im 12 days out Alif on l4l5 and l5s1 .. Ive always been very active kinda of like you id guess,nice to know what to anticipate. I feel pretty good now, but still having problems with standing and walking for periods of more than 15 min, the pressure/pain just sets in in my lower back. Hope it goes away or gets better soon.. nice to know youre doing great🙏

[@BJ-sg6uk]

DO NOT be impatient or get discouraged...it will come. Many people forget, although minimally invasive, this is a major freaking surgery. Give your body time to heal. I will say; however, walk as much as your body will allow. When you walk, put your earbuds in and listen to a gentleman by the name Neville Goddard. You can find his lectures on KZbin. I think you'll find it beneficial. Best of luck to you and your recovery.

[@nics.2301]

@@BJ-sg6uk Okay I'll try to look him up on youtube.. Thanks for the reply and advice. Makes me hopefull🙏

[@karamveer13]

Hi BJ Can you get back to marathon in future?

[@BJ-sg6uk]

That is the idea...I am doing 2 mile runs at the moment. I believe I could do more but it comes down to being motivated enough to log those miles rather than being restricted from back pain. I had my final post op appt yesterday and the doc told me I am 100% fused. I still have a bit of pain when standing for long periods of time but he said the pain will continue to decrease in the upcoming months. He said the pain level will continue to decrease for the next 1-1/2 yr. I will post one more post-op recover video in the coming days.

[@karamveer13]

@@BJ-sg6uk so what doctors says? He is confident that u will be returning to marathon eventually?

[@BJ-sg6uk]

@@karamveer13 He said there is no reason why I couldn't. Again, I will provide an update in the next few days.

[@karamveer13]

@@BJ-sg6uk thats the great news. Will pray for your speedy recovery. I’m 33. Physical active but have disc bulge. Just looking for my options and impact.

[@miquel8376]

@@karamveer13Did you finally get ther surgery? ALIF? I’m also 33 and also worried about what I will be able to do and what not mainly regarding to physical activity and work. Also an sports/nature lover and aiming a long active life. I got 2 previous microdiscetomies 13 and 8 years ago.

[@katherinequintero8782]

Thanks for your advice