L5-S1 Spinal Fusion Surgery TLIF Recovery (Pars Defect) - 67 Days Out, 9 Weeks Post-Op

[@kx4sam]

Thanks for sharing

[@multikillgaming2639]

Thank you for making these videos. I’d be lying if I said any of the videos I’m seeing on KZbin are helping my hopelessness that this surgery may get me back to an active lifestyle, but hey I genuinely appreciate the honest updates.

[@dylanandersen2159]

I would hate to mislead you man. I'm only 10 weeks now so there's still plenty of time for me. But right now, I'm struggling. When's your surgery?

[@multikillgaming2639]

@@dylanandersen2159 I understand, it’s still early. I’m unable to go under the knife until September due to work. Unfortunately it may be a two level, which is another beast all together, in my low 30s no less. Never should have deadlifted. Spine issues put a low ceiling to a lot of young life activities, kinda hard to see past that.

[@dylanandersen2159]

@@multikillgaming2639 damn. I feel you man. I'm so sorry. Hang tight and just be prepared mentally for a long recovery. I did but prepare mentally.. my biggest mistake.

[@danr5239]

Thank you for your videos. I’m one month out from L2, L3 and L4. Spinal fusion. I went to my scheduled post op. The CT scan said it looks like I'm healing well. But I appreciate your advice because I can barely sleep at night. they told me to take Tylenol, Aleve, or Advil. they also gave me oxycodone which I refused to take. I started going to PT. I'm not sure if that's going to help. but as long as I try to get as much rest as I can, and eat healthy and move as much as I can, it'll just be a matter of time before I'll be all right.

[@dylanandersen2159]

Hang in there! PT for me was not helpful as I said, the guy just printed out stretches to do. It was like paying someone to watch you stretch. Sucked. But yes, opiates are a no no, just focus on the typical stuff.

[@bigblue3568]

You NEVER take NSAID's for several months after spinal fusion....

[@oscardog1709]

Thanks for sharing I hope you are recovering fast and well. Spinal fusions are very hard to deal with after surgery.

[@dylanandersen2159]

Thanks man! You going through it too?

[@hartzellglj]

Hey man! Hang in there. It's a funny thing you mentioned ibuprofen. I read the same stuff you did. My surgeon told me and made sure I heard him clearly. You can take ibuprofen as long as it's not continuous use over a 6 week or greater time frame. Anything over that can slow bone growth. I don't know if you have one of these, but if not, get one. The Aircast Cryo/cuff IC. It's basically a cooler with a hose at the bottom that's attached to basically an water/ice pack. This seems to help me with swelling and some pain. I can also sleep with it on since it has a belt. Good luck with your recovery!

[@dylanandersen2159]

Yeah, it seems that new research is coming out that proves that NSAID use is not an issue - pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28283838/ Earlier studies say it's the worst thing but it's becoming more and more clear that it is doable. And the fact that NSAIDs like ibuprofen help SO much is important. It's worth the perceived risk - of which there is very little. Thanks for the Aircast suggestion! I'm going to check it out. I don't have a viable icing solution that doesn't drive me crazy right now, haha.

[@linkski4754]

Thank you for that I am in the same boat

[@jtld2824]

Maybe consider a standing alternating desk? I believe employers have to let you use one if you need it. You could alternate every 20-30 min or so. I use an ergotron at work and it really helps.

[@dylanandersen2159]

Totally. I've thought about it, and they've said they will buy a converter (since we have very large set desks for a customer-facing office) but I need a doctor's note (which I could get). I'm moving offices soon so I'll re-evaluate when that happens in the next 2 weeks. But you're right. I really appreciate it man. Standing is so much more comfortable for me anyways.

[@jtld2824]

@@dylanandersen2159 one thing to consider is monitor height relative to sitting and standing. You gotta watch out for your neck and shoulders. I find my units on eBay since they can get pretty expensive but yeah I like the workfit series (A or S) and they can be found it good shape on EBay. That way if you get something you like you can take it with you next time you have to relocate! The monitor height adjustment is key over the flat table top converters in my opinion

[@dylanandersen2159]

@@jtld2824 Yep, exactly. From what I read, you should have the top of your monitor at eye level while sitting up straight, right? I've ignored ergonomics for so many years. I learned the hard way. Although I had a pars defect which was going to require surgery ultimately, it was sitting down the past year at both my jobs that aggravated my nerves/spine that caused me to do the fusion ASAP. Should've taken your advice much earlier haha. I appreciate it man!! I'm looking into the brand right now.

[@jtld2824]

@@dylanandersen2159 Exactly. I did sit stand for five years and had no issues with that same thing you listed. 1 year of strict sitting at a new job and bam, similar boat as you (same surgery may be needed).

[@mooneyrj76]

Hey Dylan, Do you remember having pain that was like the preop pain? I believe its just my muscles tightening up from moving around more. It goes away after I rest with a heating pad. Hope everything is going good 34 days out myself

[@dylanandersen2159]

Pre-op pain for me was straight up sciatic pain 24/7/365. Only ibuprofen every 4 hours numbed it down. Post-op, I've felt no nerve pain at all - just insane muscle pain and bone pain. Like I said in my pre-op videos, I was told I'd be trading one pain for another, and it was a worthwhile trade because the muscle and bone pain eventually subsided!!

[@vzeller]

How is your leg now?

[@vortex21rainz26]

I feel you too it’s painful

[@samippudke]

I have L5 s1 Grade 1, sars can be heal by surgery?