Was it worth it? One year after 3 levels of spinal fusion back surgery

[@debwolford5663]

My husband had 10 levels done about a year ago. He is fused from the middle of his shoulder blades all the way to his tailbone. He has his legs back and is pain free. However, balance is his issue. He bends at the hips like a Christmas Nutcracker Soldier, but he will take it! He will continue to gain torso stability in the coming months, and we are learning to do a bunch of things together so we can continue to maintain our home and about 5 acres of land.

[@jacquelynnecollinskemp5760]

Wow. What an inspiration your post is. I have a thoratic wedge compression fracture and my spinal Consultant has recommended medial branch blocks. I truly hope they work. If they don't, I pray he'll agree to do a spinal fusion in my t7 t8 t9 area of my thoratic spine. I have osteoporosis which contributed to the bone weakness, but I know that he can use cement in the hardware for it. I'm in excruciating pain and have a tight squeezing torso and upper arm and literally cannot walk around. Your post gives me so much hope though.

[@danspaghetti2797]

🤣😂 much luve and prayers

[@TracillaLorens]

I did have L4 & L4 fusion last October. It was a slow recovery but worth it. Don’t get rear ended!

[@shannonmckinney5249]

Hi Deb! I'm having T10-S1 fused in November. I'm scared to death about the pain afterwards and the possibility of being worse off than I am now. I'm doing great pain-wise now, can hike, bike, lift weights, do core stuff but my curve due to scoliosis is getting rapidly worse. I'm hopeful that being in good shape right now will help in my recovery and keep me going strong for many more years. I'm 59 right now. I'd love to hear from you and your husband.

[@metalmouse7714]

@@shannonmckinney5249 I can relate sorta to your surgery coming up. I’m paralyzed from my waist down but I am fused from T2 all the way down to s2 with screws drilled into my pelvic bone for stability. I won’t sugar coat it because it hurts but don’t be afraid. The pain gets less and less as time goes on. My advice is get moving as fast as you can. Start slow because it’ll hurt but if you can break up the scar tissue it’ll be a world of difference. I had my latest surgery April and I’m back to weightlifting and kayaking already.

[@cathycross1004]

Hi guys! I am 4 weeks out from lumbar fusion at 2 levels for scoliosis. The first 3 weeks were awful, more due to the pain meds than the pain. I walked 2 miles yesterday! So far, my recovery is on track. No new numbness. Awesome!

[@RealQuickChris]

Awesome keep doing what they tell you and don't over do it. Wait you did not ask for my advise lol and 4 weeks out you got this. You are off all the pain meds or?

[@cathycross1004]

Still on the meds. The side that had the curve is still pretty angry. I was twisted, as well. The doc said that I can walk as much as I like, as long as it doesn’t cause more than a little pain. This hasn’t been easy. I cried for three weeks straight. But I’m over the hump and and glad I did it.

[@Flutt3rbyy]

THIS IS SOOOOOOO GOOD TO READ!!! Thank you

[@Flutt3rbyy]

@@cathycross1004 Omgggg im in tears daily... i can't walk

[@samdavidson5511]

@Cathy Cross How are you doing now 2 years later? I may need the same procedure and have DDD, mild scoliosis plus twisted, would be great to hear from you! 😊

[@mariav4053]

I am so glad I came across your video. I've had such anxiety over getting this two-level fusion of L4 L5 L5 S1. I've had A discectomy in 2007, a microdiscectomy in 2009, then another in 2021. Unfortunatley it was unsuccessful. I pray this is it and I can return back to a normal life. My heart breaks when my 5 year wants to play and I am unable to get down on the floor, run, etc... My quality of life has gone down and it's very depressing. I am very happy your surgery and recovery went well. I am hoping mine does as well. Thank you for the positive and honest feedback.

[@triggcox3492]

I wish you 🤞 luck... You will heal well and be able to play with the 5y old baby... That's how old mine is...I know how that is... Even though I have no back problems a friend of mine brought me here good luck to all prayers

[@its_ari5458]

Hello friend how you doing now years later

[@theuniqueldy]

I had my 3 level spinal fusion 03/4/19 (@ Banner Univ. hospital in Phoenix. I was discharged the next day (way too soon) w/o any instruction or anything for pain. As always after a discharge I was given a envelope w a bunch of papers. 6 days later I got a call from a nurse telling me my restrictions. I just self discharged from PT since it took more than a hour to one hour and 55 mins. before a Yellow cab picked me up & post PT pain was unreal for 1-2 days. So far I have seen my surgeon once and still have the no lifting more than 5 lbs, no pushing or pulling and no bending. Yeah, right, not easy to do when you live alone w a 22 yr. old cat, have no family in the state and neighbors were only good for 1st week or so. My surgeon said it will take one yr. for full healing! To add insult to injury, I'm 68 years old!

[@susannaden2736]

How are you now? I had a four level lumbar fusion on 3-4-19 and still hurt.

[@brendahale6312]

I've got 5 fusion disk ,I also had drop foot after my first surgery I kept walking,exercises, it went away,my surgery was successful to the point I went back to work at 64.

[@Seekingtruth-mx3ur]

I want to go back to boxing and weight lifting, but most importantly I want to be able to carry my daughter without pain. I'm thinking of getting either artificial disc replacement or fusion.

[@kadijaish]

@@Seekingtruth-mx3ur get into Stuart McGills work before surgery. Buy Back Mechanic, it's a life changer

[@youngfire9361]

What do you do for a living. I’m in construction and I’m wondering if I’m able to go back

[@lanaofficiel4042]

Hi Brenda, how is your foot today??? I have foot drop and I'm going for spinal fusion in January and I am praying everything day that I will regain full use of my foot and I'll walk normal again!!! Please let me know how your foot is today, thanks.

[@victorvalenzuela6949]

Thank you I needed that positive happy seeing you move so freely. 🙏🏼💪🏼 I’m getting L4-5 fusion this Wednesday 12/16/20

[@brendahale6312]

Hope all is well.

[@victorvalenzuela6949]

Thank you 🙏🏼. My Fusion went well. My back is still swollen and the back pain is gone. The only pain I have is from the 29 staples in my back. I still feel little pain in my left leg and some numbness on my right thegh. When I get up it feels like a guitar sting getting pulled. Over all I’m able to get out of bed by myself. The pain after surgery is worth getting it done like Chris says it is the best move I have made and looking forward to getting better every day. I’ll post an update 2021 February. 💪🏼🙏🏼 for anyone going through this type of pain. Stay strong 💪🏼 it’ll get better after surgery and living a normal life again. I know living with pain was normal for me for 1yr. I also had hardware put in my left elbow it shattered do to my fall. That was done the same week of my injury and it has healed up nicely. It’s not as strong as it once was but it’s moving well. 🙏🏼

[@susieoseguera4009]

How are you doing I had L3 -L4 fusión November 23 , It still hurts for me , I have no more nerve pain.

[@egzonkrasniqi8773]

@@victorvalenzuela6949 so nice to hear that. i also have spondylolisthesis but I am afraid of surgery, especially of the prognosis...

[@egzonkrasniqi8773]

@@susieoseguera4009 hi Suzee. Are you feeling better now? Did you have the surgery with TLIF?

[@Budrob998]

I totally understand what you are saying or explaining when you talk about if the surgery was a success, just because you still have pain dose"nt mean it was not worth doing ,people need to understand that the symptoms have different degrees of intensity, which can be managed postoperative , but the symptoms before surgery were not manageable!

[@Polecat-qz5om]

This helps thanks :)

[@crystalb.1391]

I'll eventually have to have the surgery c3-c7. Fusion etc. My Dr was honest in saying the Goal of Surgery isn't to remove all your pain but to stop the compression. And avoid further damage..he said he never tells patients you will be pain free .

[@ronburke8649]

Thanks for posting a couple of vlogs about your surgery. I know they are older now, but hopefully you've continued to improve. I am on the verge of a 3 level fusion and have been reading anything and everything about life afterwards. I've had a laminectomy in 2018 but the disc above and below have gotten worse as well. The previous surgery done wonders for my pain level. Unfortunately I'm getting the numb foot. Heck, some days it feels like I have a log attached to my lower leg. So here I am digging up information about what to expect. Thanks again for sharing your experience!

[@ritastutler1470]

Did you have your fusion..now my below and above are bad.. I guess I needed it.

[@yellowglider]

Very interesting. I went for surgery after “only” nine months of trouble, just because I realized that my calves were getting a significant atrophy. Instead of fusion I went for a four levels laminectomy. It has been now almost two months and the post-surgery has been absolutely uneventful, the pain disappeared the same day of the surgery and the wound pain has faded away in the first few weeks. Now I will go into PT trying to get my calves back, but so far the surgery has been a resounding success...

[@RealQuickChris]

Happy to hear that and I hope to hear that with doing your PT you get muscle growth and strength back in your calves.

[@chriskoebel1820]

Hi Yellowglider, I just read your reply here in the post and have a couple questions regarding your surgery. Did your surgeon first suggest a fusion for your solution and then you asked for the laminectomy instead as a solution? So curious as I've recently had a lumbar decompression of L3-L4 which didn't work for my leg pain. Now my surgeon wants to do a fusion of that level and a decompression of L4-L5. So scared!!

[@yellowglider]

@@chriskoebel1820 I went to three doctors, two of them suggested fusion and the third one said that since I was in a good shape (for my age) i could go for laminectomy. The rationale was that if I can support the spine with some core strength it could be enough. I took his suggestion… It has been three years now. The surgery was a great success, I went back doing all what I like, hiking, road biking, skiing, all of it pretty intensely… I’m now starting to have some occasional pain from the sides in the lumbar area, but that was to be expected since there’s quite some arthritis and the foraminen are probably getting a little narrow. But it would have been the same with fusion.

[@imveryhungry112]

​@RealQuickChris hey Chris do you know why you developed back and spine problems? Did you have an initial accident at some point, or is it just genetic degeneration?

[@yellowglider]

@@imveryhungry112 It was a stupid accident. I was going down a ladder and I slipped, I was already close to the ground and I did not let go my hands so my body went first to one side and then it came back as a pendulum and my feet hit the ground sideways. I immediately felt a "jolt" from my neck to my feet, and from that moment on no amount of PT was able to get me back... (Btw, it has now been more than 3 years. Great success, I still have some occasional pain but I have been back to all my activities, skiing, biking, hiking and so on...)

[@jrchicago9216]

Fusion is old school and often leads to ASD Adjacent Segment Degeneration 6 to 12 years later needing another surgery. People in good health can also consider artificial discs that maintain the 6 degree of omobility nature intended. I flew to Barcelona Spine in 2016 and had an artificial disc placed on top of my old lumbar two level fusion and all nasty pain stopped immediately and I am very happy. The artificialdisc is implanted from the front, a small incision next to the bellybutton and is a surgery under an hour. After three days in the hospital, I walked 15 miles with ease literally as a tourist (Barcelona is a fantastic walking City) we stayed for ten days and had a blast. No silly braces, just mild discomfort after a surgery. Europe is way ahead as the artificial disc was invented in Germany in the mid 70’s and is the worlds epicenter of training excellence. The US kept training Fusion Only and dragged their feet. However there are US specialist that have performed thousands of successful implants surgeries so expect to travel, which is worth the small inconvenience. He are the experts I know: Dr Harel Duetsch RUSH Chicago; Dr. John Hsiang Swedish Spine in the Seattle area (both are regarded as top neurosurgeons). Then there is Dr. Michael E. Janneson in Denver, he is an orthopedic surgeon. He also has good KZbins. If your Fusion surgeon claims artificial discs are experimental and can fail, that’s a play on words. It may be experimental to him or her and guess what, both fusions and artificial discs can fail, so be careful to believe the facts, not fall in love with your fusion only surgeon and fall under the ether of faith. Now, with that said, some people are not a good candidate due to health, obesity, other spinal or bone density disorders. I chose Barcelona spine Center as Dr Clavel is a world class neurosurgeon and has performed several thousands of successful disc implants and has access to the Spinal Kinetics M6-L cushion effect discs that don’t transfer as much energy to the next level up helping avoid ASD. The US may have the Spinal Kinetics M6 available as it’s FDA trial is over, but they take their time. The problem is it’s only for one level cervical. Europe has performed multi level, like my neck has s double level ESP implants also done by Dr. Clavel in 2018. I paid cash and will work for a couple more years before retiring to pay for it and there are tax deductible advantages. Paid $26k US for the lumbar single level and $35k for double level neck. Again very happy! No insurance won’t cover out of US, accept emergencies. However some privately funded corporate or privately owned companies will offer “Medical Tourisim” and some even pay for air fair, etc. because it’s way cheaper. I would be very careful in choosing a surgeon, the accreditation of the hospital, etc. I did my research and homework and talked to patients you can find online.

[@Authorinthemaking10]

I wish I had known about this. I have a full back fusion from T1 to S1 36 screws and 2 herring rods. And lost feeling in my right quadricep. This is a nightmare. Wish I had more options 2 years ago.

[@heritagechiropracticwellne6209]

I had a ADR from Bogan in Germay---it was a disaster

[@johnnyrotten4287]

JR Chicago that is interesting. I am so confused right now. I had a discogram on my lumbar and afterward I was told that there were at least 3 levels of discs that were damaged and therefore surgery was not even an option. I am now on disability and miserable. I am only 51

[@brendanparr5451]

how do you go about finding the best surgeon?

[@sofia_chem]

Well, artificial discs need replacement after 10-15 years. Did they tell you anything like that?

[@chrisvione]

Wow, what a story. Thanks for sharing. Im 41 and have a level 2 spondylolisthesis, L4-L5. when I hurt my back, Ill be in pain for 1-2 weeks, inflammation of discs, spasms... hell .. Had that since I was 20 yo.. I would hurt my back 1-2 times a year, lift something heavy when tired or sneeze hard etc.. around 32yo, I realized that stretching every morning, and doing exercises for my core (abs, lower back etc) really helped preventing symptoms and pain I was getting 1-2 times a year. Doing this stretching and exercises really really helped. I try to stay active on top of that, gym, running, even took on skateboarding at 40yo.. Lately, was on vacation with family, not much streching or exercises for a week, started to get sharp pain again, pretty much in pain for 1-2 weeks, not able to work (computer) for 3 days, looking at videos like these.. it proves that the core exercises work. But I cant ever take a break of it, its 7 days a week, 365 days a year, now I know. Soo.. eeeevery morning, have to do my back workout, and stretch well. I still have a little pain when I wake up, if I sit down too long, if I stand up for too long, if I hold my 6 months in my arms for too long, but now its way better if I dont have to be off for a week because of sharp pain and inflammation. Anyone else have experience with strengthening exercises? And how it helped?

[@zeb747]

Hi Chris, I'm kind of on the same boat as you are pal! 42, l3 to A1 degeneration. A massive left-sided extraforaminal herniation. I've had back issues since early 20s. I had a very strict regimen for daily core and stretch. Unfortunately, life happened and I didn't do them for a couple of months and now am in hell. Browning my options... Artificial vs fusion vs only some MIS minimally invasive...the main issue has become the extreme lower back spasms, stiffness and pain accompanied by hamstring stiffness

[@zeb747]

Hi Chris, I'm kind of on the same boat as you are pal! 42, l3 to A1 degeneration. A massive left-sided extraforaminal herniation. I've had back issues since early 20s. I had a very strict regimen for daily core and stretch. Unfortunately, life happened and I didn't do them for a couple of months and now am in hell. Browning my options... Artificial vs fusion vs only some MIS minimally invasive...the main issue has become the extreme lower back spasms, stiffness and pain accompanied by hamstring stiffness

[@chrisvione]

@@zeb747 Thanks for your reply.. Do you think you can slowly get back into core and streching and feel better? For me, when it happens, it usually takes 2-3 weeks to finally feel better. I can slowly get back into core and strech.. but if I ever quit, im screwed.

[@CL-lo4wd]

Thank you. I was brutally assaulted 3 months ago and incurred many severe injuries, including to my spine and now I’m waiting for approval to get my l4-5 l5-s1 fusion (this country goes out of its way to make getting health care difficult if not impossible). I appreciate your video. In my case I was a strong athlete who in 4 minutes had her life change. I’d never had pain like this before as well as inability to control my limbs and left foot. It’s been a complete nightmare. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@pfeliciano4062]

OMG I hope you feel better,! As an athlete myself I can relate to you. Do aqua therapy and decompression exercises by being in the pool, put ankle weights, and grab a float donut stay for 20 min and this decompresses your spine. Don't give up on working out, if you can afford it get stem cell therapy ASAP! regenexx is good for that. I wouldn't recommend fusion but did you get it? How are you now? be honest.

[@CL-lo4wd]

@@pfeliciano4062 Thank you. I didn’t get it because I live in the US and all my medical care was denied.

[@mdspider]

Thanks for the video. I’m getting ready to have my second fusion. I herniated the disc above my fusion for the second time in 3 years.

[@barbaraness1973]

I can definitely relate to the foot drop because like you I’ve waited so many years trying to avoid surgery that I have foot drop on the left foot. I’m scheduled for surgery in a month (my choice). I needed time to get everything ready. I really appreciate you sharing your experiences and I believe it’s going to help me. Thanks again!

[@RealQuickChris]

I hope it helps I found a few videos like this and they helped me. I wish and hope the best for you and that you get movement back in your foot

[@michaelt380]

Thank you for this update. I have an L4/5/s1 M6-L spinal kinetics ADR done in Germany in 2014. That was my 5th lumbar surgery since 2007. I've done everything to avoid Fusion. I became a truck driver. I drove OTR and local in Texas. I was in a trucking accident and pulled an implant out of place and compromising some Vertebre structure. So I"m looking at L3/4/5/s1 Anterior Fusion with the removal of the ADR I have. I am all alone in an apartment. So I appreciate the info you have put out here. Can you add your Back videos to a playlist on your channels? Thank you.

[@RealQuickChris]

Sounds like you have been dealing with your back for a while. Being alone after having the fusion will be rough but honestly I could have done it. My wife cooked, washed clothes, took care of the kids and drove me but stocking up on prepared foods and getting a ride or driving slow to the dr would help. All this back stuff is no fun and scary because I still don't know the outcome years from now. I made videos every day before surgery and after for over a year in total because I did not know what would happen. Thought it would be a good time to document my progress. Playlist kzbin.info/aero/PLKUeGZHevo9-VVxJsAV3kGX-aIBcxib2V

[@brians2328]

@michaelt380 - man that's tough to hear.. how are you doing now? I had 2 level lumbar lp-esp and 1 level cervical cp-esp all this year!! Germany 🇩🇪

[@melanweir1084]

I had my infusion done Apr 26 2018 one of the screw twisted into my bone and that were so bad i just went on Feb18 2019 to remove hardware my back were swollen so bad it been a week now feeling a little better not doing anything but a little walking my pain med dont work but my muscle relaxers are great thank God im in peace just having pain were they cut me so thank you all with your stories no lifting pushing for me.

[@RealQuickChris]

Wow meds never worked for me either but it sounds like I never had pain like yours. Recovery always seems slow and I hope the best. Sometimes just knowing there are others out there that have an idea of what you are going through helps because those closest to you may not know or understand and all they see is you in pain and the feeling of helplessness because there's no way they can help you

[@melanweir1084]

Hi everyone it's 2020 im Bless only have a lil pain when the weather switch. But i can't complain still don't do no heavy lifting Be Bless Everyone .

[@victorvalenzuela6949]

Hello Chris thank you for the quick response. 👍🏼 gives me piece of mind. Video was very helpful. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@HariPrasad-uy9dj]

Thank you for sharing your experience. Greatly appreciated.

[@colin101981]

Thank you for sharing your experience - I've had a number of spine surgeries and I'm waiting to see neuro-surgeon to see if another is needed. But like you, I appreciate hearing other folks stories. Greetings from Mold, North Wales 🙋‍♂🙋‍♂😊😊

[@josejsnchz]

Hey Chris I just had a 3 Level fusion too and expierencing numbness and aching on my thighs And numbness down my left leg n foot... Foot drop as well

[@darrintomasick5270]

I had L4-S1 last march, now I'm having L2-S1 with all hardware needing replacement on June 28th. It's refreshing to hear someone being honest. This sucks being only 54.

[@mauricioalfonso8521]

I dont mean to be so offtopic but does anyone know a method to get back into an Instagram account..? I somehow forgot the login password. I appreciate any assistance you can offer me!

[@aleksandarkravljaca9270]

How are you now?

[@laurieboissonneault9378]

10 months after fusion of l4l5s1 and feeling worse than before. Foot drop is back and my walk has messed up not only back but hips and knees too. Beginning of the experience was hard but hopeful as time went on I got better than after one bike ride, life changing experience. Not sure if things will ever improve. Still hoping it will.

[@nics.2301]

how are you doing now ?

[@AtifBD07]

Any update?

[@supernova44]

I hope your foot drop improved. I didn't do so well with spine surgery..I'm in constant pain with rods, screws, pain pump, and spinal cord stimulator. New problems cropped up over the years which makes life difficult, but I'll keep trying to manage. Good luck with your recovery

[@georgekolotouros548]

I hope you do well. You have a great attitude.

[@blackdouglas450]

I was very glad to see this update. I just had a revision discectomy on L4-L5. Things were pretty messed up in there so we are talking fusion already. L5-S1 is looking bad too. No foot drop yet, but I haven't been walking so well for a while now. Anyway - thanks and keep the updates coming please.

[@RealQuickChris]

The foot drop is what is kicking my butt and causing stress and pain in my back. Just thinking that the foot drop is permanent, I just don't want to accept it. Doing PT and thinking it's going to take along time to recover that's how I try think. Aside from my foot i only notice hardware in my back when I go from laying down to standing. If I had a discectomy years ago I do believe that my back was so messed up I still would have had to have a fusion. Do you hear your foot slap at all when walking? Or if you lay down with both feet next to each other can you bend your feet back to you head the same distance with both feet? Thinking back I had the start of foot drop long before anyone noticed it when it was real bad.

[@blackdouglas450]

@@RealQuickChris My foot has been numb and/or in pain for a long time, but no drop. That gives me some hope - but I am concerned about recover. It almost seems like a series of surgeries and loss of mobility is inevitable.

[@RealQuickChris]

Best to pick your doctors brain. After a day at work my foot would go numb but when I would go home lay down and ice it would go away. Then one day it stayed numb and I had extreme pain in my back after that it took a few months but I could slowly see my foot going. Started with not being able to move my big toe then the others followed then my foot. All the while going to the dr meeting a surgeon and confirming the surgery date. By the the time the surgery date came I had a lot of muscle lose in my leg. This was all eight years after I first hurt my back mind you. Now I have to wear this foot brace to help me walk somewhat normal but not walking normal is messing and causing muscle pain in my back. I will be happy when I can make the video saying I have my foot back and can walk normal without tripping over my own foot. Aside from my foot the other day I was hauling up wood from a tree that fell down last year. Finally got around to cutting up the rest of it that fell down the hill. My point is the foot thing happened fast and is slow to recover if not for that I would have not even noticed I had back surgery.

[@blackdouglas450]

@@RealQuickChris Man that is so good to hear. I am having nightmares about multiple surgeries or being in a wheelchair and heavily medicated the rest of my life. I'm a school teacher and a coach, so that doesn't appeal to me.

[@RealQuickChris]

I mean don't get me wrong every case is different and anything can happen. Mess never did a thing for me I have always felt the pain. PT and exercise probably play a big part in a good recovery. For me the surgery was something I put off for as long as I could (probably to long) but nothing was going to fix or help my back otherwise.

[@johnmitchell8925]

Had my lower back fuse 2015 6 months later had to have 3 fused in my neck im 59 still suffer with back neck and shoulder pain.its no way to live.i try and walk every day and exercise if you have a compressed nerve and wait to long you can damage the nerve beyond repair.make sure you try every option avalable befor getting fusion because once its done it cant be undone.If your older like me almost 60 you will definitely be limiting you physical abilities to save wear and tear on the rest of your discs .I was a heavy equipment mechanic for 18 years and I had to retire on disability I can't lift anything heavy and it's hard for me to bend down or squat but my knees are giving me trouble now from all the extra work they have to do now because of the back If your younger you'll probable have a much better outcome.

[@DomalainDiLorenzo]

Hello, I had L4, L5, S1 fusion. I'm totally confused concerning the long term restrictions. My surgeon, top surgeon at the university of Miami is saying to me that my restrictions are permanent for the rest of my life. I cannot vacuum, mop forever, do yard work which I love. I saw four surgeon for surgical opinions. All said the exact same thing that 33% of patients with spinal fusion return for another fusion within ten years. This really scares me even though I'm a Registered Nurse. Prevention is the KEY to most surgery. However most patients after this surgery are not restricting themselves to anything. It seems that it's my surgeon is the only one recommending not to do certain activities.

[@RealQuickChris]

not to sure on that one I was told I would not be able to do some things but would be able to do others. No dead lifts but would be able to go biking. I am sure every back injury is slightly different as well as the outcome but being safe is better than sorry. I think about my movements a lot more now and take the best approach even if that is saying “I can’t do that”

[@lanaofficiel4042]

Domelain, were you able to go back to work as a Nurse after the spinal fusion? I'm a Nurse also and I'm going for spinal fusion in January 2025 and I'm hoping that I can go back to work in the hospital after my recovery. I work in the ICU. Did you go back to the hospital?? Please let me know , thanks 🙏.

[@richardmyles8237]

Great video…yes ,my left foot was numb for nearly 7 months due to my bad back. Most of the feeling has come back. I can move them but I still can feel the numbness. I meet with my doctor on Aug 11… I do believe I need surgery.

[@davidbennett1507]

Thank you. In the same boat at 8 months. I feel much better. So much BS about 6 weeks and 6 months recovery. Just like you I am going to be 1 year plus to feel ok. I have foot drop as well and hoping it improves.

[@comboy192]

Man, my situation is very similar like yours. I just had my surgery spinal fusion 3 levels from L3 to L5/S1 a month ago. Unfortunately 12 years ago, I had my first lower back surgery “no fusion” but I end up with my right foot drop. Foot drop never got better even after this recently surgery. I hope and pray 🙏🏼 yours get back to normal. Definitely no fun having a foot drop. My lower back got worst lately and I just end up doing the spinal fusion surgery, no choice. 12 years ago I got very bad and painful and I end up with the foot drop. No accident neither. Not sure what brace you use, I hate those plastic braces.

[@KBradAdams]

You mentioned scar tissue, did they see scar tissue on an MRI or did you and the surgeons just find that out during the surgery? Glad you are better! Was your surgery done from the back or the front?

[@yoelcordero2068]

God brother just got my surgery it's bine 4 weeks it's a hard recovery so far you seem so positive god bless you and your family I hope we get better

[@RealQuickChris]

Thank you, you to. What did you have done if you don't mind me asking?

[@yoelcordero2068]

@@RealQuickChris I got lower back done l5 s1 fusion the recovery hasn't been going so good but getting better had a lot of nerve damage so I still have pain I hope it gets better with time it's bine a ride lol

[@RealQuickChris]

I am finding out nerve damage can take a long time to heal if at all. I was just talking with my wife today about my drop foot and I am still crossing my fingers that my foot comes back to life. I hope the pain goes down more for you as you heal and time passes. I don't know about you but I never knew a back injury was like this.

[@yoelcordero2068]

@@RealQuickChris ya for me the fear of the unknown has bine the worst I'm concerned about damageing the level above or below but I guess time will tell lol are u taking alot of pain meds if you don't mind me asking

[@RealQuickChris]

No mess they never did a thing for pain. lol I am one of the lucky or unlucky ones. I have been dealing with the pain for over 8 years now it's different and better now.

[@Authorinthemaking10]

I had a full back fusion T1 thru S1 not a lot of mobility. I have 36 screws and 2 long herring rods. I lost feeling in my right quadricep. Its slowly coming back. But my mobility is what I miss the most. I felt like my doctor hid a lot from me in regards to the after effects.

[@RealQuickChris]

I feel the same as I am still waiting to see if I will be able to move my foot again

[@Authorinthemaking10]

@@RealQuickChris 😥 sorry to hear that. They really need newer technology and all the risks explained in greater detail.

[@MySons333]

Oh no! Would you feel comfortable sharing your experience? I am coming up on that surgery and scared.

[@marywhite8517]

I had the same spacers (cages) inserted S-1 L-4 L-5. My metal brackets placed mainly on one side of the vertebrae and multiple screws. This was 8/3/21. Today is 11/21/21. I am just now not feeling pain from the sugery. My back pain and left leg are no longer in pain. I'm still experiencing healing and discomfort but at least I'm no longer taking pain medication for it. I went 5 years going through therapy and ablation. It's only recently that I have started to move normal. Recovering was very difficult. I was in the hospital for 3 days and transferred to rehab for 26 days. I'd consider this a success. I'm due to start my therepy in December. I've run into another issue where I hurt somthing that popped out on the left side. As you know when sitting and standing you must remain straight. I stood up from a low chair and something on the left side popped out. I'll see a surgeon in about 2 weeks. Doctors are just backed up. I have some pain but this is a not issue for me. Im concerned I might have problems with a ruptured abdominal wall, but not sure if that is the problem. I think I may have waited to long to get surgery on my back but everyone discourages you, so you often delay. What I can say is recovery can be difficult but I think for the first time in years I'll experience less pain. I can go back to my life. I had very little ability to enjoy my life before the sugery. I forgot to mention that I cant feel my left thigh My feet feel like they have socks on, with the toes out. LOL. 🤪🤣🤣 I was told I'd I'd have trouble with my left leg. L-5 was very worn and the nerve depressed.

[@k.bright7459]

Everyone thinking about spinal surgery...think hard. I had unbearable pain in my left leg, so what I thought was the right choice I went to a neurosurgeon. After consultation I had the surgery 9 mos. ago where he performed fusion on l2-s2. Well, the deep pain in my leg is gone BUT I now have foot drop in my right leg, my toes on both feet are numb, the skin on the front of my left leg is numb with sometimes sharp pain near the surface. the skin on my lower right back and butt cheek is numb and my bowels now have a mind of their own. I was told the foot drop was caused by blood pressure drop in my leg during surgery resulting in nerve damage??? After 2 1/2 mos. of therapy with no results I had an EMG done by a neurologist, he told me the nerves in leg are fine that the problem is coming from my l5 where the surgery was done. The neurosurgeon wants to try corrective surgery but my primary and vascular drs. don't recommend it because I can come out worse. So, the choice is yours...good luck! Oh by the way, the vascular surgeon said that I may have avoided all this by having vascular surgery to take care of the pain in my left leg....HUH!!

[@user-zo2ln1en4l]

Thankyou Adam I have been waiting spinal fusion had preaasesment 9 weeks ago my op should be in 3 weeks time but this sure is a rollercoaster with pain I feel 4 u & I get those electric shocks to I have tried to keep qa positive as I can I like to look after my body & keep as healthy as I can as my dr gqve me antidepressants 4 my nerve pain & meds dont agree with me make me very foggey head & i cant get motivated & I like to keep doing light gym work walking pool & stretches Thankyou so much for these its so great to hear other peoples stories & helps with ideas & tips to help with the symptoms

[@capatga]

Had L4-S1 in 2017. Okay now but recovery was hell. I lost bladder control after I came home and started to move around . It lasted for two weeks. I hardly have any pain but, my thigh is still numb before and after .

[@marksobotkin6141]

Hi, how are you doing 3 years later? I'm getting ready to have 4 level fusion. I also have numbness in my foot and extreme weakness in my leg. I'm trying to put the surgery off a couple of months to take care of my son. Did your foot come back? I'm having a fusion from L2 to s1. I had a fusion at L4/L5 less than 3 years ago, which really pisses me off that I'm going through this again. Hope to hear back from you

[@Spotty2Hotty1]

I had spinal fusion on October 7th and so far it’s the best decision I made because the pain I had before was horrific

[@RedCdot]

I'm only 19 and I need one I'm scared about have problems 10-20 years from now

[@neetusingh7672]

Greg Visi have you look in to ADR .

[@Borntohustlee]

@@RedCdot bro what !!!! I’m 19 tooo

[@Borntohustlee]

@@RedCdot how are you man

[@RedCdot]

@@Borntohustlee I'm good now I'm about to turn 21 in a couple months I had back surgery when I was was 18 they shaved my disc no fusions, couple months later after the surgery the same disc rupture and I was having a little pain not as nearly as bad as what I had before any surgery they said I needed a fusion if I was going to get another surgery I didn't want that so I decided to keep doing physical therapy and right now I don't really have any pain, so I'm just dealing with a ruptured disc but if there's no pain there's no reason to turn off location

[@HappyHaggis]

Hi Chris I am so glad I found this I'm about to have L2-L3 L3-L4 and L4-L5 on 6th January 24 I also have left foot drop and walk funny now the nerve pain is crazy but looking forward to living my best life after. Have to be honest I'm sh=ting myself but I have no quality of life it's just painkillers and tv. I can't take my dog for a walk i worry she may pull me and I would be out for a week. take care Shaun

[@massachusettsprepper]

Well brother, let's hope that over the next year your foot will get better and that will make the back surgery even more worthwhile. Thanks for sharing.

[@RealQuickChris]

We will see and if not we'll life goes on. thanks for stopping by.

[@lorihite3961]

Same problem here my back doesn't hurt its way I walk on this leg. Muscle on that side are tight. I think some of muscles in my leg wasted away with the nerve being pinched so long

[@seishein]

Hi Chris, not sure if you're looking at comments so long after you originally posted this. I've been trying to search the web and have found limited info, except for a few of your video's commenting on noises coming from spine. I had a L4L5 TLIF in Oct 2019 so I'm almost 7mos out. Just started noticing a "clunking" sound when I bend over certain ways. Doesn't hurt or cause any sensations, but is alarming. I saw the video you posted on what sounded like the exact noise you recorded in your back, but I couldn't find (sorry if I missed it) where you posted what your Dr. said if it was something to be concerned with or it's just the hardware making noise or if it was the muscles, etc as you suspected? I do have a follow up with my surgeon in July (hopefully if the lockdowns are over) Any info is greatly appreciated.

[@HypotheticalX]

what was the source of the click? have you found out?

[@WildDigger]

I am glad I came across your video. Back surgery and neck surgery are on the horizon for me. Pain is almost unbearable anymore and nothing they have done in years have helped. My stenosis is worse and my pain is more constant. I had 2 surgeries on my arm but I am stubborn as well and it scares the crap out of me.

[@RealQuickChris]

Same here I put off surgery for to long and I hope I did not wait to long to where I did more damage than good. I wish the best for you my aunts had neck surgery and things did improve a little. All this stuff is had to go through.

[@Romanwk1]

My first surgery caused my drop foot. Seven total surgeries. Drop foot never cleared up, and still in pain. 20 years worth of pain

[@benedettobonanno1412]

You are a good man , i hope by now ypur foot is better and i wish you the best of luck my brother 🙏

[@RealQuickChris]

Thank you. My foot is not better but I am in good spirits

[@paulapowers8559]

I just had 3 level fusion 2 through 5 let me tell anybody that reads this its like going to hell an back no pun intended oct. 2nd was my day 2019 i will never forget it im still fresh just like this f ing pain good luck to all M.powers

[@j.p.bleacher5941]

if you dont mind me asking, how old were you at time of surgery?

[@Flutt3rbyy]

omg im swear im in hell

[@lorihite3961]

Heck day after I went home I begged them to take me back to hospital worst was getting in and out of bed if I every jave to do it again a bed rail is a must

[@stnixstore]

Here to show support. Saw u in a different stream. Thanks for the great content. Liked, Shared on Social And Subbed

[@RealQuickChris]

Hey thanks. Jay has a great channel

[@davidrogers9925]

Your story is nearly identical to mine with foot drop before surgery and worse after. I have to wear an ankle brace for foot drop. I also need a cane for stability. I also waited too long to have surgery and the surgeon told me so. My lower back pain is very bad. I’m going to get a post surgical second opinion. I’m not sure I want this fusion to stay in me. I look forward to hearing how you progress. David

[@RealQuickChris]

Still about the same hoping my foot comes back. I still have not found a brace that works well but is not huge. Find the right back surgery and surgeon can be a scary task knowing what could go wrong

[@texraze65]

You keep saying you had a 3 level fusion, you had 4 levels fused.you have 8 screws which means you have 4 vertebrae that will not move anymore, thus a 4 level fusion.

[@watercolorgirl]

One fusion requires 4 screws. Add 2 more screws for each level of fusion. Therefore, 2 levels = 6 screws and 3 levels =8.

[@Kasasafras6666]

Thank you very much. My neurosurgeon sent me home for a week to research and decide if I want to move forward with the same surgery S1 through L3. My foot is half numb I have half numbness through my leg it’s weird. You stated that you wish you had the surgery sooner. That’s helpful to me because I’m nervous and I thought about putting it off again but I think now is the time. Wishing you well and hoping that foot comes back for you.

[@DrivingMeCrazy]

No back issues myself (knock on wood, I'm in my 40s now) but interesting to hear your journey here. Hope that foot eases back to life my friend :)

[@RealQuickChris]

thank you. I never knew a back injury could change so much. if no one ever had to deal with a back issue I would be happy. I know I can handle whatever comes my way.

[@MrHorses1959]

Your video is very informative. I’m two months post spinal fusion I’m still using a cane which is keeping me stable. Because I don’t walk strong enough. In your opinion is this just part of the healing and therapy?

[@RealQuickChris]

it’s a little hard to say for me because I have drop foot on my left side so I don’t walk right now as it is. Healing and recovery seems to take a little while and it feels slow.

[@titaniumspine8995]

What kind of fusion did you have?

[@SalvatoreFerro-u7l]

What were your symptoms before the actual foot drop? Did it just come on suddenly? I get numbing in my feet and legs after a couple of minutes of 9:24 walking. I’ve got severe central canal and foramenal stenosis l4-l5. Going to see a neurosurgeon next month. I hope he approves surgery. I’m 57 years old.

[@roderickwedlowe564]

Hey Chris after the surgery were you able to walk better? I had the dropped foot and recovered well but my spasticity is causing some walking challenges 8 months after surgery. I use ski poles since they keep me balanced and upright. I was wondering if your spacicity is gone and your walking better. Also how long did that take? Thanks

[@RealQuickChris]

I still have foot drop so walking.... I have a sore muscle feeling in my low back because of the foot drop and how I compensate to walk. My balance is off because of the muscle loss due to nerve damage. As far as spasticity not much to speak of. I would say it took a good 18 months before I really felt comfortable even thinking about working out again aside from PT

[@ramsjimmidijimmidi8136]

@@RealQuickChris I want walking and works normally

[@daisydiaz3016]

Hi Chris this video is quite old and I'm curious to know how your foot is? Did you regain control of your foot? I just went through this surgery 6 weeks ago.

[@lanaofficiel4042]

Hi Daisy, how are you doing today? Going to have spinal fusion in January 2025. Hope all is good with you. Please update us on your progress.

[@battano]

[@bartkay1ify]

Peripheral nerves can heal up to 18 months.

[@MsShellyBobelly]

I just had this done at L5 LR S1, had hardware mangled with nerves from previous fusion 20 yrs ago. This time I had severe sciatica then weak legs and balance issues causing me to fall. I just had it done in Nov. I had a complication 2 days later due to the drain falling out early with no f/u care it turned into a hematoma and we had to drive 2 hrs to get back to the hosp for surgery, then another 2 day stay. Right now I have no sciatica but still leg weakness and balance. I'll probably have PT starting soon and we'll see.

[@lanaofficiel4042]

Hi Shelley, how are you doing today? Is your back healing well?? Please keep us posted. Thanks.

[@shauntaestewart3846]

Hi I had a spinal fusion May 2023. I had low back pain, especially on the right side, right hip pain it began in 2012. In 2021 the pain started hurting in my right calf. I put off having surgery for so long and did physical therapy several times. I never took medication until 2021 when the pain started going to my calf. After surgery I woke up to a numb feet. Especially my right. It is now March 2024 and my back pain has improved it’s not gone. My hip pain has improved But my feet and calves especially my right hurt constantly. And I too have foot drop on the right. Now even with pain medicine and muscle relaxers my pain is never better than a 5 out of 10. Most times is a 7 I can not sleep longer than 4 hours. I am constantly in pain and am becoming depressed. I get out of bed because I can’t sleep. Go to my den and cry. It’s a vicious cycle of pain, insomnia, and depression at this point. I have an EMG in 2 days. I pray there is no permanent nerve damage I understand when you say your walk is off. Mine too due to pain and I also understand when you say how devastating it would be to live with a foot that doesn’t work properly. Thank you for your video. I really appreciate it.

[@lanaofficiel4042]

How are you doing today Shauntae ??? Is there any improvement with your foot drop? I have foot drop also and I'm going for surgery in January. I will pray for us both. Please let me know how is your foot.

[@acanova2001]

I’m thinking about L5/S1 fusion. Been battling for 8 years. Only 41 definitely can’t do this forever. Any advice?

[@mariselamedina9637]

I’m heading in on dec 7, L4-S1 I decided because I don’t want to live like this. I can’t stand for more than a few minutes. I’m 34 had a car accident last year 9/24/2019. Walking is horrible even with cane/walker. My decision was not waiting to live this way for the rest of my life.

[@lorihite3961]

Yes do not keep putting it off more u do more nerve damage and some of .ine os permanent I feel

[@lanaofficiel4042]

​@@mariselamedina9637How are you doing today? Any updates? Hope your doing well.

[@its_ari5458]

Hello friend how you doing now?

[@jamilakhan1656]

Which yoga exercises are best for posterior lumber fusion please write down exercises names thank you

[@eastcoast3587]

Glad I found this video. I'm scheduled for l5-s1 fusion on july 12 2021. Had two micro discectomy on it prior but just kept re-shredding them.

[@RealQuickChris]

That’s a big reason way I did not want to have discectomy I knew I would just re-injure myself and my three herniations were so huge there wouldn’t be much left. And yes I have a loss of movement or more so I can’t bend the same because three levels are fused and there’s always a possibility of the levels above or below depending on where you have a fuse becoming damaged or having more of a workload. I am very aware of my limitations, lift correctly and ask for help when needed. Hope everything goes well for you.

[@brucenator930]

I just had L5-S1 fused June 21st also after 2 microdiscectomy. I’m now 3 weeks with still some sciatic nerve issues left leg but not like before. Just some advice. Use your walker and after walking lower it down and use it to get up and down sitting. Don’t push walking like they say. Small walks and use compression socks for me. Do not use a recliner plus pillow behind your back. Good luck sleeping hadn’t happen yet for me. Laying on a brick sucks. Laying on lots of pillows with a gap at the “brick” helps.

[@billdriscoll330]

On December 11, 2023 I had similar surgery from S1 all the way up to my cervical spine. Prior to surgery I was experiencing severe lower back pain making it difficult to walk or stand for more than a few minutes. Diagnosis revealed that the nerves in my lower spine were severely compressed. I had a very minor foot drop in my right foot. Over the previous years I had participated in every other option available for relief. I spent 4 days in the hospital following surgery. Recovery has been agonizingly slow. Although the pain in my back is totally gone, my left foot drop is significantly worse, my sense of balance is precarious. I still have pain over the incision which makes sleeping difficult. . So at 83 yrs old was the surgery worth it? The surgeon and the physical therapist suggests that maximum recovery for me should take about a year. So ask me in another 6 months at the one year post surgery anniversary

[@lanaofficiel4042]

How are you doing today?? Is the foot drop better???

[@bryanschuler7158]

Glad you’re doing well. My question is were you able to walk more than A block before surgery? I go in for surgery next week for three level spinal fusion. My legs feel like they want to collapse from underneath me if I walk more than a block or if I am moving too much during certain activities. Hope to get a response. Thank you 🙏

[@RealQuickChris]

I was not walking much before surgery because of pain and mainly the foot drop. I still have foot drop and back pain (muscle) but no nerve pain and my days of crawling and eating while laying on the floor are over. I hope the best for you. Surgery was a lot easier then when my back was at its worst.

[@TheFrenchPug]

I'm 54. I had l5 to s1, then l4 to l5. Now it looks like I'll need l3 to L4. I'm having sharp pains up right side of back. Always have had sharp pain sitting, into the groin area and on the right sit bone. How have you been since this video. You seem way more chipper than I have from my surgeries :)

[@KarenYarham]

I've just had 10 weeks ago I had 3 stage spine surgery a ND lower back fusion I've seen my consultant surgeon 1 months ago and he said I have nearly 200 thousand pounds of titanium steel in my back and it was 2x 15 hr operations in a space of 3 days. I lost 2 ltrs of blood and was wondering are you in any pain and are you back to who you was before yr surgery? As u obviously had lots of spinal problems to have the amount of surgery u have had. I just want to no if I will be the person I was 20 years ago before I knew I had skoliosis and spondylitis and kyphosis? Well done by the way. U seem very happy. That's good 🌟💯

[@terrencecarr4828]

I’m scheduled to have 3-Level Fusion in two weeks and your positive attitude is encouraging. I have been avoiding surgery for years as well but can hardly walk or stand

[@RealQuickChris]

I did the same until it got so bad I lost the movement of my foot. I hope the best for you and that everything returns to normal for you

[@monicagauna2757]

tw carr Hello! I’m curious to know how your surgery & recovery are going. I had a 3 level spinal fusion on May 20th (4 1/2 weeks ago) and I feel as if my recovery is going so slow & I’m still in pain. It would be nice to speak to others who have had the same procedure for encouragement.

[@susannaden2736]

I had a four level lumbar fusion 7 months ago. It will take a while before your pain free so hang in there.

[@amandag8179]

Just had fusions with rods and screws, I am a week out and having major cramping from my waste down and in both legs... did you do thru this?

[@RealQuickChris]

I remember that my low back would spasm when I was in the hospital but it went away pretty fast. As far a leg cramping only a few times but I don’t think it was right after surgery.

[@kevincismowski2139]

I had back surgery on 12-2-2019 on the L2, L3, L4 & L5. Eight screws and two rods. Back is stiff everyday but I am able to take walks without having to bend over after walking 50 yards to relieve pain. However, if I run the jarring on the base of my fusion is too much for me to stand. I am 67 and now have bone on bone on my left hip that I think is affecting my lower back someway. I am seeing a hip doctor in November. Thanks for your video. I could relate with the recovery after the surgery.

[@jeanettesalgado5169]

I had pretty much the same surgery in January 2020. How long did it take for you to fully recover. Leg pain is gone but I am still having a lot of pain at surgery site. It is super frustrating. 😫 does it get better in time?

[@ladymarjorie3777]

I am going in for a 2 level fusion in less than 2 weeks. L4-S1. Right now I am an invalid. My mobility scooter has been the only way I could get around, as the pain and numbness in both legs were excruciating. I also have osteopenia and I am a lot older than you. Would you recommend this surgery to other people? I know everyone is different. Some people have said, do not have a spinal fusion, of course the doctors tell you to have it.

[@RealQuickChris]

Not every back injury is the same I still have foot drop and back pain because of it and the fact that I do not walk correctly anymore. I do not feel nerve pain or numbness anymore or any kind of a debilitating flair up

[@deborahcraven6435]

Titanium does not set metal detectors off . I have 9 level fusion and never once did it set it off .

[@buffordevans6942]

Dude all the same here to Gotta stay moving bro

[@reginaprice7976]

I had the same or very similar surgery a year ago (October 2019). My question is have you experienced any numbness??? I had some before surgery and I still have it in my foot and toes but I also have some additional numbness since surgery. I just started having some pain but it’s like sore muscle pain.

[@RealQuickChris]

I had/have numbness in my foot and half way up my leg. It’s more likely that I have permanent nerve damage. The surgery said he removed as much scare tissue from my nerves as he could but I my have dealt with my injury to long for the nerve to recover fully. The surgery did take away the nerve pain and I do feel low back pain from time to time but more like a mild muscle soreness. The surgery should prevent my foot from getting worse or becoming incontinent.

[@reginaprice7976]

@@RealQuickChris This numbness in my left foot was so bothersome I had my pcp send me for an emg nerve test. It came back negative for any type of nerve problems yet I still have the numbness. I almost thought it was all in my head til I read /listened to your video and other’s comments. Now I just need to know how to fix this. I also just recently am experiencing a slight discomfort just above the fusion as you described. I can feel like a knot? And it hurts when I press on it or lay back on something hard.

[@PaulSter]

Thank you!

[@chrispardue3401]

I have done some research of nerve impingement /damage and found there are doctors who specialize in peripheral nerve surgery after fusion. You might want to look into that and gain back that control of your foot/leg

[@dfwjac]

Squeaky floor usually means loose floorboard. I'd be concerned... Loose screws, plate...

[@norarusch-hubbard5748]

Do you need more surgeries? I had a double laminectomy with a cage L4-L5 on April 23, 2018. I was in aback brace for 12 months. On August 30, 2018 I was viciously attacked and beaten by the person I hired to take care of me. (there is still a warrant for her arrest) The trauma to my head from the assault was so saver I had to have cervical surgery, a 2 layer fusion, C4-C5, C5-C6 with 2 cadaver to replace 2 of my disc's. I'm still in a neck brace with a bone stimulator. I need 2 more surgeries, above and below my double laminectomy. My next surgery is a fusion L5-S1 with a cage. They will go through my tummy and I will be a back brace again for a full year. I will have to wait until my body is able for the fusions L2-L3 and L3-L4.

[@JIMMYJREVIEWS_thaiM-A-F-I-A]

WoW! That’s hardcore! omg are you ok? I know the mental aspect is probably WORSE that the physical one ☹️ Why on god green earth would someone do such a horrible thing! They should get the DEATH PENALTY! those assholes !! Something similar happened to my mother in Japan and the people who did it are no longer able to hurt ANYONE ELSE! My family made absolutely sure of that! In Japan it is VERRY bad if you attack someone mother ! Let alone the elderly I will pray for you a speedy recovery and I hope you get the justice you deserve! God bless ❤️🙏

[@1056Carrie]

Oh my god sweetheart, how awful. I hope you recover soon & your surgeries go well. & god I hope this savage is caught & dealt with. xx

[@chriskoebel1820]

Hey Chris, Hope all's well with you years after your surgery. This is Chris here and was wondering if you'd be willing to have a conversation regarding your back surgery? I'm debating having a fusion after a failed back surgery. Bad leg pain and would love to get the thoughts of someone who's been through this kind of thing. Thanks

[@OGUncleP]

Hey Chris, I am about to have the exact same surgery on Feb 8th. Not looking forward to it but it needs to be done. My foot and the front of my right leg was completely dead about year ago but has come back 40-50% so If I can keep that ill be happy. Sad to hear that my favorite sitting spot (recliner couch) will be gone for quite some time. Anyway i'm defiantly nervous, but I know it necessary. Any post op tips would be appreciated. Fortunately for me I will have someone there for at least half the day during recovery. Thanks for your video, Ill update after it's complete.

[@RealQuickChris]

I hope the best for you. Foot drop was the reason I needed surgery it has been over a year later and I see a little more movement. In my foot I feel it's going to take a bit to get it back. Any tips hmm take it slow ask for help don't over do anything your job is to heal then recover then strengthen lol for me it has been a long process. The fact that your foot came back a little is a good sign.

[@OGUncleP]

@@RealQuickChris Hey Chris, I am 11 days past having my surgery and doing very well. I ended up having a L3 to S1 fusion. I believe that is the same as you had. 8 screws, 2 rods, 3 spacers, 6 cages. Anyway after all of that the only real issue I am having to sleeping more than 2 hours straight. The last couple of nights have been better but still nowhere near normal. After 3 nights in the hospital mostly due to losing a crap ton of blood during the sugery (Im a Ginger, we like to bleed) I came home and right away cut back the pain meds!! They had me so doped up it was crazy, they prescribed 2 5mg oxy every 4 hours and flexril every 8 hrs and Tylenol every 6 hrs. As of today I take the Tylenol as directed but only 1 oxy and 1 flex at bed time. Some days the ill take a oxy at noon and then also at bed time but thats all. The surgery pain is getting better everyday and the pain I had before is completely gone. Don't get me wrong mornings suck but only until I get moving. Well thats my spiel for now, I hope all is well and thank you for sharing your experiences. Take care and I update as more time passes.

[@RealQuickChris]

Happy to hear your pain is going down. Almost 2 weeks after surgery It only got easier for me after that. Sleep sleeping on a normal basis to take a little while. Recovery is going to take a bit I mean think about what they did. All we can do is take it slow recover and try not to overdo things.

[@jphillips472]

I hope things start getting better. Ive had 3 surgeries, 1 was a multi-level fusion, still have a ton of pain so I just had a spinal stimulator implanted last week. Hoping this will relieve enough pain to be functional. Good luck to you, hope u get ur foot back.

[@chriskoebel1820]

Hello JPhillips, my names Chris. I'm super curious how that stimulator has worked out for you? I see here you may have had it installed. My surgeon has gave me this as one solution to leg pain caused by my back. Would love to hear if the results are worth while in your opinion?

[@jphillips472]

@Chris Koebel hey Chris, so yes, I believe it truly does help to some degree IF you have a good representative and a good stimulator. It took about 18 months and many appts of trying different frequencies and "positions" to get it dialed perfectly, it isn't just install and go. My reps are the best. The stimulation can literally be moved around to where you like it best. So I have it set to target my legs and right foot. And of course intensities and frequencies. Think of musical beats. From slow and strong to fast and high and anything in between. The other consideratio is the stimulator brand itself. I have a trial stimulator installed that was just FDA approved 3 months ago called Saluda Medical. It runs in what's called closed loop. The only one on the market. When the stimulator is run in open loop like all the others, what happens is everytime you change body positions, ie sit,stand,lay,walk etc, the sensitivity fluctuates from gone to uncomfortably intense. So inevitable its so bad, people won't use it unless they know they won't change positions. Mine, closed loop, never fluctuates. It gets programmed in open loop, so I know exactly how that feels, it sucks. If you yawn or sneeze, the intensity gets bad, it can make you scream or wanna rip it out. So eventually you just stop using it. But with mine, closed loop, that doesn't happen. It stays put no matter how you move, so I can run it 24/7/365, and I do. And I can change the intensity up or down how I see fit. I even have 4 programs to switch from so I can target 4 different areas or different frequencies to target the specific pain at that time. The surgery wasn't bad either, in and out same day. I've also had an ablation, 4 nerve endings burned shut at the spine

[@shawnmatthews]

Hi Chris, very similar circumstances and as such just curious if your using an AFO brace for your foot drop...

[@johnnychacon9978]

Hi Chris I happen to stumble on your back videos and I was wondering how have things have worked out for you. I am headed down this path where I might need this surgery and I’m wondering if you got the use of your foot back.

[@brutuslee9523]

Hello. Im glad I found this video. Im only 15 weeks post surgery myself the L4/L5. I am having issues with numbness on the fronts and sides of my quads, it comes and goes, and nerve issues in my back as well. Have you experienced any of this? I am hoping with time the nerve issues resolve. Maybe at a year past surgery things will be a lot better. Tnx for the video!

[@lobstermania4025]

Only 15 weeks? I'm at week 1

[@briankim75]

I’m considering 1 level fusion. My biggest worry is not being able to do anything after surgery and becoming worse. What kinds of limitations do you have? Can you move furnitures, lift heavy objects, or even work out with weights? Bending down to touch toes? Thanks! Oh by the way, besides foot drop, what did you spike look like? Spondylolithesis? DDD? Bulging disc?

[@RealQuickChris]

I have a couple of videos some show my MRI before surgery and the X-rays after. I am stubborn there is not much I won't do. My foot drop is my biggest limitation. I put surgery off for 8 years maybe a little to long with the foot drop now. Recovery is slow it was a good 6 months or more before I felt I could start to get back to doing normal things.

[@rotex]

Make sure you get a good neurosurgeon not a orthopedist. You can get a new heart, liver, lung etc. You can't get a new spine. The longer you wait the pressure on your nerves can be permantley damaged. After surgery, no lifting more than 5 pounds, no bending or twisting. It's been hard for me to comply with this. I have not been good with these instructions and paid for it with pain. And it upsets my compassionate wife. You need to give the procedure time to fuse. I was told at least 3 months Ugh! for lite lifting. My first surgery took a good year to heal. Not sure what you mean by spike. One of my vertebrae was broken this had allowed it to slide forward above the one below. Scoliosis had occured since my last surgery. My discs had bulged where it was allowing vertebra to grate on each other. On the decision to have my first surgery was to have it done or end up permanetly paralyzed fom waist down. Second surgery was done to help with the pain and not to take the chance of ending up with paralysis. At times before my intrathecal pain pump I had thoughts that being paralyzed would be better then the pain I was having. Yah you worry about what happens after surgery or should you be more worried if you don't have surgery? When you answer that, you will no if you should have the fusion done.

[@RealQuickChris]

Well said and it sounds like you have been through a lot but you're getting through it and hopefully it ends up with a reduction in pain maybe more mobility than what you had hopefully everything ends up better than a life of pain and like you said being paralyzed

[@beverlytipton9037]

You will have to get over the idea of being "normal" again....once you start to think of what's landed you in this position & all of the things that are making you consider back surgery (DDD, etc are degenerative diseases that you have caused with "too much wear & tear") just like I did!!! :( I was a young 34 year old mom with 3 young kids, all still at home & in school that needed their mom still....& the more NO I heard, the more depressed I got & that's after my 1st back surgery (NO MORE bicycles, shooting basketballs, (my FAVORITE pastime with my kids), lifting or moving furniture, playing golf, horseback riding, etc etc AND I owned a Cleaning Company at the time so NO MORE mopping, sweeping, vacuuming, shampooing or walking up a ladder with a shop vac or to clean Windows, etc etc....just depressed the living hell out of me :( & I had to either manage/supervise only OR close my business, I chose to close down 6 months after my 1st back surgery) Since my 2nd (2 years later) which was spinal fusion because my discs were disintegrated & living in that much pain & extreme weakness in my lower body.....and it changes your perception I clean "what I can", I shop "when I can", I do the best at everything "that I can"....& you either hire people to do the things that you can't do or just don't worry about it anymore!!! & just know that if you're "too stubborn to not STOP doing things that you shouldn't" WILL ONLY LAND YOU BACK INTO ANOTHER SURGERY, because of the damage that you cause with more "wear & tear".....so what's it worth to you??? Because I give up moving furniture around, etc....I can hold my grandchildren instead!!! And that's worth everything in the world to me!!!!! ❤

[@beverlytipton9037]

Your specific rules after you've ruptured a disc are pretty similar to your post-op rules....NO BLT (bending, lifting or twisting), 5-10 lbs before surgery, 5 lb after surgery (1/2 gal milk=5 lbs), 2 weeks post-op is usually 10 lb max lifting (gal of milk, no heavier), no driving at all for the first 2 weeks, drive up to 1 mile for the next 2 weeks, slowly increasing....no pushing or pulling!!! PERIOD!!! After 6 months to a year they'll say "do what you can, if it hurts, don't do that anymore"! You'll learn that if you must lift something, it's easier if you hug it to your body (like a pillow) so it's added to your body weight & isn't straining your back too much. But you'll be in less pain, you'll get your strength back slowly, nerves heal....but slowly, you can rebuild most of your weakened muscles....just don't do anything stupid (that you know better, not to do) & your surgical healing can last you for many more years!!!! I can bend, to a certain degree, but I have to support my hands on my knees once I go down too far.....so it's easier to sit on a foot stool if you need to reach the floor to clean it, or pick up a small mess; I used to squat to get into the dryer to pull out clothes (now I own a "front load" washer & dryer that are up on a pedestal), I use a swifter mop if needed between mopping (that I have to let someone else do, hire a cleaning lady if you have to), & you will hire movers!!! Just use your common sense & THINK before you DO & you should be ok!!! ;)

[@justthisguy1948]

Currently 4 days out of full fusion pain is crazy high but getting better day by day

[@mantyshub90]

Your wholel back? How are you feeling now

[@justthisguy1948]

@@mantyshub90 lot better but sleeping is really uncomfortable

[@mantyshub90]

@@justthisguy1948 really.... are youva stomach sleeper or side

[@justthisguy1948]

@@mantyshub90 have to sleep on back now can’t do side and was told not to sleep on stomach

[@George14215]

I'm scheduled for L2-L3-L4-L5 fusion in 10 days. Pretty anxious.

[@susieoseguera4009]

Hi Chris I had L3-L4 fusion, I was wondering if you ever could feel the hard ware like it’s pinching you , I don’t know I can feel the hard ware kind of around my incensions

[@RealQuickChris]

How long ago? Sometimes I feel a slight pinch and thought the same thing.

[@susieoseguera4009]

November 23 2021

[@Dylanms123]

Hey I just had back surgery two months ago and I have the same problem with foot drop im am currently in therapy and your video was very insightful hopefully my foot drop goes away soon

[@lorihite3961]

I'm at 7 months and I can bend my foot up but like he said ur walking weird picking ur leg. So I think I need a leg brace.

[@arleneoakley6812]

Hi had my second back surgery Thursday and is now recovering

[@paul3454]

I just seen your post and was wondering how you doing today. I just had l-2 to l-5 fused on sept 5th and it still hurts like hell mostly in lower back and hips. Did you have same pain. I’ve done heat in hot tub and cold ice and no good. Anyway I hope your doing better. That will give the rest of us something to look forward to Thanks Paul

[@TracillaLorens]

I am researching L5 replacement with a titanium cage. Any suggestions? The surgeon wants to do it from the side and not mess with the ligament that runs down your back. I definitely need some relief for the nerves to go down both legs.

[@RealQuickChris]

It a tough call trying to figure it all out. I looked up as much as I could and asked my surgeon a ton of questions. Everyone has an opinion on back surgery but not many solutions for not having it if you really need it. For over eight years I tried conservative treatments but in the end I need surgery as I was losing the use of my foot. I hope you can come to a decision you can live with and hope for the best.

[@Polecat-qz5om]

@@RealQuickChris I think you made the right choice. I have spondylilothesis and I will have t have L4-S1 done Aug.3. I’m 34 petite female and just got engaged. But I am so blessed to have my family and fiancé supporting me and all pitching in to help me get better. I even had some Baptist door knockers pray for me today at my door step. I felt a much better just getting my mental health in order. It’s a journey and a marathon but you seem like you are well n your way to be whole again. Thank you for videos and sharing with us.

[@danielhanson2486]

Definitely exactly the same as me Well Said THANK YOU VERY MUCH

[@capt.bobroemer9547]

Had L3 to S1 fused with Titanium rods. The day of the operation, the rod on the left side popped out from under the set screw. The doc refused to believe me. After an emergency run to the hospital for massive pain, a different surgeon took all of the hardware out....three months of pain later. The recovery has been awful. What they don't tell you before knife time is that you are going to go thru heck for a yr to yr and a half. The pain is normal. The lack of movement is normal. Do your therapy as you can and give it time. You'll get there. Life is not going to be as good as new. That's over now. Make the best of it.....you aren't confined to a wheelchair.

[@RealQuickChris]

Well said and can’t believe what you had to go through. I am sure your story is a fear for many.

[@kayy2823]

Did u get new hardware installed or you currently have no hardware?

[@sciottos]

Glad to see you doing well.

[@RealQuickChris]

Thanks

[@mattgama3251]

Hello there, wondered how you are doing. I'm having the exact surgery soon and wanted to ask if the performed the surgery from the front or back. I've seen some sergeons perform it both ways.

[@makeupbykhani8178]

Hi Chris. I really have a question in my mind. The question is. Is this fusion your 1st surgery on your spine? Or you had a microdiscectomy earlier???

[@RealQuickChris]

Yes it was my first surgery there was so much damage a microdiscectomy would not have done much and I would have been back in for the fusion before long.

[@makeupbykhani8178]

@@RealQuickChris ok I'm happy for you .... can I know how you hurt yourself?

[@pammikaur66]

Very helpful video . I watching first time . I had three weeks before back surgery. When you can proper bend after surgery at the moment no lifting,twisting and bending. Please reply to me because I am very worried how I can do my house work. Thank you.

[@RealQuickChris]

Your dr will know best for the surgery you are having but house work like using the vacuum and carrying a laundry basket it’s going to be awhile before you feel like you could do it. Your body needs time to heal from a surgery like this. I am stubborn so I made sure I took the time to recover before I did anything that could cause injury. So I probably took more time than needed because I knew if I did not I would over do it and mess something up. I don’t remember exactly but a month or more before I felt strong or stable to do most things. I hope you have a safe and fast recovery.

[@pammikaur66]

@@RealQuickChris thank you very much .

[@EK-ck2xf]

@@RealQuickChris And does your back and foot feel today in 2021?

[@TheFrenchPug]

My triple fusion has left my right leg partially paralyzed with sharp stinging pain. I have your bad symptoms post surgery. Glad it worked for you. You're lucky.

[@hornetviper1]

I had a double fusion L5 and L4 two years ago and since then I immediately have nerve damage in my right foot which is numb and I have a 90 decreased ability to move my right toes. My upper left and right thighs have neuropathy. It’s hell and I have an MRI tomorrow and then the end of next week I have a follow up to see what is going on. I just recently retired and I can’t do much. This is so hard to live with each day. It has gotten to the point some times during the day or evening I wish I was not here. Anyway I hope you know you are not alone. Take care and I again hope you get better

[@lanaofficiel4042]

​@@hornetviper1How are you doing today? Hope things are better for you.

[@suemorrison217]

I had my back fused from L3-S1 a year ago . I am 56 yrs old and will never be able to work full time again. I have pain not like before but still painful. I notice that my gait is off and I have a lot of right hip pain. I tried physical therapy but my back kept cramping up. We tried muscle relaxers and they didn’t work. I am hoping that it gets better. Thanks for the video, there are not too many for multiple level fusions.

[@RealQuickChris]

Do you have foot drop at all? Mine developed because of my back and I am not so sure I am going to get the movement back in my foot. I hope things get better for you or At least more manageable. This is no fun