Spinal Fusion / ALIF Surgery (L5-S1) 1 Month Update

[@whitneyjoyner7534]

Thank you so much for your post. The neurosurgeon told me today this surgery is the only thing that will correct the problem. I am so tired of being in pain.

[@dannyrock5919]

Whitney did you have the surgery and how are you doing now?

[@its_ari5458]

Hello friend how you doing now years later?

[@sandrainontario6710]

I'm having surgery January 19th and I cannot tell you how reassured I am after watching your videos. Thank you so much❤

[@sds11281]

I am 9 weeks post-op ALIF. Fused My L5 S1. After my Fusion, I am staying in an RV. Not by choice, but life became difficult right before my surgery. And I couldn't cancel my surgery. I was feeling awesome until about 2 weeks ago when I woke up out of a dream and I sat up really fast. I've been feeling this tingling numbing in my left leg after I was feeling great and little to no numbness or weakness at all. I'm terrified I screwed up my surgery site but I'm hoping that it's just in my head. Mentally I think I'm psyching myself out. Hopefully I am. I hope that's just the case. Now I'm paying more attention to my surgery site and every little everything that I feel slightly uncomfortable I think I screwed something up. Hopefully not. I'm still walking without a limp, I'm 35 years old and being positive. You're an inspiration! Thank you for this video!

[@jeanpichardo87]

Hi how are you doing?

[@D_S_88]

How are you feeling now?

[@its_ari5458]

Hello friend how you doing now?

[@rong...5837]

I've been watching all of your videos and appreciate you for making them. I'm having the same surgery in 3 days. Again Thank you

[@lazerkaboom]

Jenna, thank you for taking us through your recovery. Your videos helped me feel so prepared for my surgery I just received at age 37. You've energized my spirits and I'm looking forward to an exciting recovery. Wishing you the best.

[@ShortStef]

How are you feeling now, compared to before your surgery? Hope you are healing well.

[@LADYNIA18]

Honey I've suffered from back pain for many years. 50 years of abuse starting with drill team cheerleading as a child to sitting on the job for 32 yrs to dancing & gardening what can I say I've put my back into everything I do. 😊

[@lyss9050]

Your videos make me feel a little more confident with my surgery and recovery. I had spinal fusion last week with complications related to other health issues. Although my surgeon assures that everything's going to be alright within a few weeks I'm still not sure in it, and as I'm starting university next month I don't know if it was even the right choice to have the surgery at this time. Please do an update on your journey, I'd love to know the whole story💜

[@jeanpichardo87]

How was your recovery?

[@joydavis4905]

May 31st im having my spinal fusion this month🙏🙏🙏🙏i pray for everyone who has to get it done

[@haleemlone5693]

How r you now do you feel any pain after surgery

[@its_ari5458]

​@joydavis4905 hello friend how you doing now??

[@kellycrowe3417]

I'm 3 weeks out from L5S1 ALIF and doing great. I did not have pain at all at stomach incision site nor at back incision but I do get achiness. Taking 3 small walks per day. Rest when you need to. But she is correct, it's the mental state is hardest. I'm very independent and I'm lucky to have a lot of help but you've got to keep up with hobbies, keep busy or it can drive you crazy. I've had this surgery and both hips replaced in 3 years, it's a process but I know in a month, my outlook will be even better and I will be active again. Def get a neck pillow, toilet riser, shower seat, heating pad, freezer packs and a wiper that holds toilet paper to wipe yourself. Also her idea of trash bag to sit and turn on drive home was spot on. I dealt with my back for 10 years, it was time and I got the best care from Loius Chang and the John's Hopkins crew/nurses in Bethesda. I feel very fortunate. Just make sure you are eating protein, drinking water/prune juice, moving, resting and keeping your mind busy. I can do short drives now so may venture out today to Dollar Store to start on Xmas decor. Keep your mind busy, read, etc!!!

[@codetrend544]

Great input. I just had l5,s1 two weeks Ago.

[@juliegill9322]

Vascular suegeon part of your surgery team?

[@raydisantis8021]

All 3 videos were very Helpful as I face this surgery. Thank you for taking the time to report despite your extreme pain and circumstances.

[@nsansoni22]

I’m so grateful to watch your videos. I got this procedure done on Monday and I’m now back home from the hospital. These are rough days, but your story helps me stay positive and inspires me that things will get better.

[@ShortStef]

Hello. Can you please send me a message and keep me updated on how you are doing I’m looking for someone to tell me how they are now vs before the surgery. And her videos stop :( I hope you are healing well.

[@jeffreyf2380]

Thanks so much for doing your videos, they’ve been a big help for me as I get ready for my ALIF surgery. I’m 62 and having a L5 - S1 fusion in 10 days .

[@AnahataOpals]

Mines Nov 2nd. Best wishes to you dont worry, Im trying not to hence the video lol

[@AnahataOpals]

Update. Decided against the surgery. Never got to try PT and I had a very bad feeling about it.

[@jeffreyf2380]

Wanted to give an update,…..I’m coming up on 5 weeks post-op. I was definitely nervous about this procedure in the weeks leading up to my surgery date. With a lot of support from my doctor and family I decided to go ahead and I’m so glad I did. My surgery went according to plan with no issues. All the awful nerve (sciatic) pain I was having in my left leg is gone! My recovery has been pretty smooth. The biggest problem I had during the first couple weeks was sleeping. At best I was getting 2-3 hours each night before pain would wake me up. I just could not find a comfortable position to sleep in. Finally, by the 3rd week, I started sleeping longer 4-5 hours and I’m now able to get almost 8 hours. Such a relief. I walk everyday which is key. I’m currently up to two 30 minute walks daily. I had my first post-op dr visit last week. They took x-rays and everything looks good, I go back in a month. I know everyone is different, but I hope my experience so far provides some reassurance if you’ve considering an ALIF.

[@dannyrock5919]

Jeffrey I would like to hear how you are doing now, it’s July 6, 2022? APLIF L5, S1 fusion has been suggested by a spine surgeon for me. Does anyone else have experience with this surgery? I’d like to hear how Jennae is doing now too.

[@EngineerKaleem]

All of you guys please suggest me actually I have no pain all time only when I walked that time I’m unable to walk more and feel pain and my body posture also bent hips coming out but in sleeping and sitting I have no more pain like 3 years before Secondly sometimes I feel sensation in my right leg According to doctor I should take ALIF surgery but I afraid So please suggest me that I should go for surgery or just still spend my life with little walks.

[@TheDiamondWoman1]

I'm 3 weeks out from ALIF @ L4-L5 & L5-S1. I'm surprised at how little pain I actually have. Thank you for letting us know that a little slip up once in awhile won't undo everything. That's been one of my biggest worries. I'm glad you're doing better and hope you're much better now (89-14-21)!

[@nics.2301]

Im having this exact same surgery in just 3 weeks, and i gotta admit im superrr scared. How are you doing now ?

[@TheDiamondWoman1]

@@nics.2301 doing fabulous! 7 months out and it was the best decision of my life. I was so scared, too!!! But they made me get up later in the evening on the day of surgery, and I walked so well. No more pain! Good luck and please let us know how you get along. I'm 57 and doing great!

[@nics.2301]

@@TheDiamondWoman1 whoaw i'm so glad to hear that. Reading a lot of different experiences online and you're one of the first ones i've come across having had the exact same surgery as i'm having. I'm just 28 and been dealing with this pain for so many years that i cant remember anything else, ive came to adapt myself, by walking and standing as little as possible everyday but still its always there restricting me physically and mentally, always in pain going up and down. I still feel like i have a life though, and im afraid that going thru with this might put that in jeapordy if ever it goes sideways. But i guess thats what alot of us feel pre surgery. Hearing your recovery story makes me hopefull, thankyou. ill update once im on the other side🙏

[@TheDiamondWoman1]

@@nics.2301 Yep, I couldn't believe how fast and easy I recovered and am good as new. Now I need new knees. lol. Go into surgery with a good attitude. I hope you feel secure with the surgeon you've chosen. I started feeling that pain in my right side in March of 2020. Standing for more than 5 to 10 minutes or walking were excruciating. I was almost ready to get an electric scooter. But by December of 2020 I got an MRI and started the process of physical therapy (which did nothing but drain my bank account). I found an amazing surgeon and we got the process started. I postponed to August 25th, 2021 because my daughter was planning a wedding for August 2nd of that year, or I would have done it in June. Anyway, I know you'll have a great recovery!

[@nics.2301]

@@TheDiamondWoman1 what you've been thru sounds terrible, glad you chose the surgery then instead of the electric scooter and then it turned out great!!!. I really hope i'm as lucky as you are.. I'm here in Denmark and we have social welfare so its all free, but i had to convince them first to grant me surgery which has been really hard, taken me years of consistently pushing on and not taking no for an answer. Now i ended up in the best hospital in Denmark in Copenhagen, and they finally said yes. The surgeons are kind and i know they're very good, so i think im in good hands. Thankyou for the kind words

[@iraidarodrigue8979]

So good to hear about your progress. I hope you continue doing well. I’m having this done in February. I really needed to hear this.

[@stitch2499]

Hello. How did your surgery go. Hope all is well.. God bless. Stitch

[@joydavis4905]

This month on may 31st.. Im having my spinal fusion in my back. I love watching positive videos with people that had the spinal fusion❤❤🙏🙏🙏

[@dododo-sz2kz]

I'm going for exact same thing Nov 11th. You helped big time with what to bring what to have. Hope you have fully recovered.

[@leugim8872]

Good luck, hope you feel better

[@jefflashway6644]

Thanks SO much for these. I will likely have ALIF this fall along with at least another procedure to correct flatback syndrome. This will be my 4th back surgery. I was hoping to avoid it, but... I hope you are still doing well.

[@helenschultz7247]

Thanks so much. I’ve just had this and I’m also stressing every time I slip up and bend or twist a little bit. This makes me feel much more relaxed

[@johndiggins7310]

Thank you for your video. Today marks three weeks since my posterior lumbar interbody fusion of my L5-S1 vertebrae. I appreciate your helpful comments regarding certain movements I’ve made that made me worry that I did damage to my surgery. Happy to know the few minor twists or slight bending in bathroom are things I can put out of my mind. I start physical therapy in about three weeks & hope to return to driving and work. Thanks again!

[@ShortStef]

Hello. How are you doing with your back now compared to before surgery?

[@samrivera6248]

I’m schedule for ALIF on Mon Mar 8th. Your videos were very helpful in getting me ready. Thank you and hope you continue to improve and are able to reach your goals.

[@gosman949]

And how are you doing after your ALIF?

[@samrivera6248]

@@gosman949 I’m doing better as one of my main problems was pain shooting down my leg making it feel like leg was going to give in at times. That is no longer a problem and recovery went well. Still having problem which seems to be related to SI joint which they have tried more injections and PT.

[@dannyrock5919]

Sam how are you doing now July 6, 2022?

[@samrivera6248]

@@dannyrock5919 I’m doing great. I’ve been back in the gym even started taking some HIIT classes. Very happy with the result from the procedure.

[@dannyrock5919]

@@samrivera6248 I’m glad to hear this is looking good for you, thanks.

[@kwlweapons]

Please update, glad your doing well

[@72nsunny24]

Going in for microdiscectomy surgery for L5-S1 in 8 days. Thank you for your videos. My surgery should not be as intensive as yours, but your experience is helping me become more mentally ready for what is to come.

[@EngineerKaleem]

I can guide you more.

[@shilohgordon8398]

About to get double fusion and a compression, ( S1, L5, L4 ) thank you for this video!

[@HappyLife-vh2ey]

Thank you for your video . June 25th I have l2 S1 MINIMAL INVASIVE SURGERY done . Multiple disc implants and a few rods and screws . Dr said it will be extremly painful but he will keep me comfortable . Hopefully then i can walk again . I can only walk a little now. Its not really the pain its that the dynamics of my back feel all messed up .

[@tirzahmounsey719]

I watched all your videos, thanks for sharing your experience! I'm having a similar fusion on Monday and your story made the idea of recovery a little less scary!

[@mikec9636]

Thank you for providing your experience. I am at the three week mark and the pain is moving around, legs, foot, surgery site but I’m amazed at what I just went through it’s not worse.

[@dannyrock5919]

How are you doing now Mike?

[@mikec9636]

@@dannyrock5919 Thanks for asking. I am at the three month mark and have had a few complications. Blood clot and peripheral nerve trauma. I feel better but it’s been a rough recovery. They did both anterior and posterior on the same day. Hope you’re doing well?

[@dannyrock5919]

@@mikec9636 Anterior and posterior is proposed for my condition yesterday. I’m looking for those who have had this done for information how they are doing before I go for it. So far it’s not easy finding people willing to tell about their experience. I hope all your complications clear up and you are clicking your heals soon. Thanks Mike

[@mikec9636]

@@dannyrock5919 Good luck! Thanks 🙏🏻 Surgery fixed my issues however I was 8 of 1,000 people with complications. I would do it again. The complications will go away.

[@dannyrock5919]

@@mikec9636 so 8 out of 1000 people had complications, that seems like pretty good odds if those with complications have them go away in reasonable time that’s really good.

[@janetrivera4470]

I’m so thankful I found you bc I thought I was the only one going through the mental toll. I have leg spasm and back spasm and I’m so afraid I’m not healing faster. I’m 51. I’m walking 30 min a day but spaced throughout the day. I’m just mentally not taking this post surgery well. So thank you for taking us along on your recovery journey 🙏🏽🥺

[@Creativebirdie]

She is not updating anymore i am going in to schedule my back fusion today I will do video updates on my channel if you would like to follow

[@jeanpichardo87]

How are you doing? How was your recovery?

[@samanthadutoit1247]

I had my surgery 4 weeks ago. I had the best Dr so can't complain about pain really until now with the muscle aches.

[@dkcorporations3072]

Just had l4 L5 anterior fusion I’m a week and 3 days out and watching your videos are pretty much preparing me for what may be to come!! I know everyone recovers differently but it still helps

[@Enimasj91]

Hello how did your surgery go and did your pain get better?

[@mantyshub90]

How are you now

[@benjaminschloss6548]

I am 7 days out from surgery L5-S1 ALIF, same surgery. I still have some pain but wanted to know how normal am I. Am I being whiny about the pain? I also like your description of the mental part of this also. Makes me feel better.

[@prunellamae]

This is very helpful. Thank you for sharing your experience. I had two ankle fusions, and remember also slipping and thinking I had messed up the fusion.

[@supermushroom3175]

How are you doing nowadays?

[@dennisandkathykleman9763]

HAD L5S1 surgery done last monday9/16/24. Everything absolutely perfect. Until today. I had been sitting at my desk, lots of correspondence to take care of. About 3 hours. Got up , went to my mailbox. Half way there I took a step and just felt a little twinge in the butt area. Kept going, picked up mail , went back to desk. Read my paper. After 2 hours wanted to quit. I TRIED TO GET UP. HAD TO HOLD ONTO DESK OR DEFINITELY WOULD HAVE FALLEN. INTENSE PAIN IN SURGICAL AREA.I think I will be making a trip back to hospital. Followed orders perfectly. I am 80 years old😢

[@christinedubois7672]

Thank you for your post, I had the exact operation and the same time you did. I do feel alòt worse because this was my fourth time back surgery, but the alif helped me a lot! Thank you

[@jeanpichardo87]

I really would like to see and update on your recovery hope everything is well with you ❤

[@racheleisert4274]

I am in my 2 weeks after my L5S1 fusion surgery. I am doing good. I still get muscle spams as well, but this is all normal. I have my post op coming up and I cannot wait to see my before and after scans. My doctor told me I will hurt on and off. I take muscle spams meds and pain pill which I do not use much. I am up walking. I cannot do BLT yet. I use a walker to help me. I am so glad I had it done.

[@Felipe_serafim]

Can you make a new video update us about your surgery?

[@maalru]

Thank you. I'm getting ready tonhave this. Thank you for posting your experience

[@KarenYPonce]

I had ALIF on L5 & S1, today is my second week. They used my own bone from my hip. 2 days ago I stopped needing the pain meds. The surgery itself was a success. I'm walking with a walker but for other reasons. I have no pain. The incisions are closed. Yesterday I had my 2 weeks post op appointment and everything looks great. For me the worst pain was on the 3rd day and it was on the incisions, especially the one where they harvest the bone. My real problem came after surgery, I developed a stroke. A blood clot was developed on my cerebellum area, which affects my balance and gets me nauseous.

[@desgoulding7154]

You look great now no pain I hope pain I can’t take it to much groin butt thighs I don’t want to lay down but it forces me to. God bless thank you for your videos and talks it is a HELP

[@Creativebirdie]

Please update please

[@abbivincent9313]

I am getting ready to have this surgery Tuesday.

[@juliegill9322]

How did it go?

[@DarthLordRaven]

IVE HAD L4-L5-S1 DONE WITH ALIF. I THINK IT WAS THE WORST NIGHTMARE. I am hop[ing your going good, actually do take care of what you eat.

[@mohamednawasany2301]

Would you not recommend it then also why did you have it?

[@its_ari5458]

Hello friend how you doing now?

[@acesinger6092]

Tomorrow will officially be one month post op for me! I had mine January 20th. And god damm, time has just FLOWN by!

[@grandfury5609]

How are u feeling now?

[@acesinger6092]

@@grandfury5609 Good. It’s been a year now since I had it so everything’s healed up fine. Though the only post op check up I had was like 1 or 2 weeks after the surgery. Not sure if that’s normal or not

[@grandfury5609]

@@acesinger6092 oh wow great to hear. Did u request a follow up appointment and they didn't respond or you just felt that it wasn't needed? I'm having mine done in March I'm 45 yrs old and the scariest part to me is them touching my stomach, moving around things in there.

[@acesinger6092]

@@grandfury5609 I was supposed to have a 6 month post op appointment but then they called and said we needed to reschedule it but we never had the time to/forgot about it

[@grandfury5609]

@@acesinger6092 I know how that goes... Lol. Nothing like spending your day off driving across town for a morning doctor appointment 😔

[@nancylpr]

Who did your surgery? I have to have L-3through 5 fused and Ai am terrified.

[@maximus8992]

Hope all going well for you

[@mulberry8930]

The new discovery is I get a fever almost everyday, in 2-3 hrs I am all good again for the day. All dressing removed since my first post op appointment on 22. keep that body moving as many times a day as a possible and always sit on a flat back chair, it’s the best thing ever & your back feels great. Pls Slowly Try a figure 4 with your legs, it helps to flex the hip, useful for putting on socks.

[@jennaej1254]

Wow! I have not experienced the fever symptoms but definitely agree with the flat back chair. I was told to use the figure 4 when I first had occupational therapy in the hospital and am still using that technique often. Had I known it would be so helpful I would have been practicing it before the surgery!

[@mulberry8930]

Mine is L4,L5&S1, 10 screws in all, 2 implants in between with the rear bars. I figure the fever is the spine fusing together. Can’t wait to start exercising, I’ve put on some weight since last Aug. Hope your recovery gets even better to bring you back as new again.

[@dannyrock5919]

The same surgery you had is what is suggested for me, would you like to tell us what it’s been like to this point July 2022?

[@jeffreymilosevich1957]

thank you sharing all your videios helps me what expect keep healing

[@8095jleon]

One week post op my alif fusion. Doing 2-4 x 20-30 minute walks a day. Toughest part is it’s 104 degrees in texas. Every walk is different as to what pain I may have and just how stiff my body is. But overall I expected things to be worse.

[@juliegill9322]

Vascular surgeon part of your surgery team?

[@Justart_jpeg]

Thanks for the videos! I know its been a while now, but may I please ask how its going? any recommendations or concerns? Thank you!

[@pedrotello5129]

Thanks for taking the time to make your videos and share your experience, I will eventually get the L4-L5 fusion and my main concern is if I will be able to continue practicing sports, I know you’re an athlete and I would love to hear how’s your performance after the ALIF. Thanks much 🙏🙏

[@jeremys5904]

Hi I hope your recovery is going well? Thanks for making your videos!! I am about to have an alif for my l4l5 severely degenerated disc. I am super excited to get it on and not have to live in chronic pain any more. Doctor says my other discs look good except for a couple small things which he says were not part of my chronic pain. I had a herniation at l3l4 which was causing leg pain but that went away after two weeks of the start of my pain. Has the surgery ended your chronic pain? Can you run and jump again or do you think you will be able to? My favorite is when i tell people i am getting surgery and they say oh never ever ever get a fusion...People have no idea what its like to need a new disc.

[@reesef6030]

Hello Jeremy I basically had the exact same procedure. But I was told that certain high impact activities like martial arts and basketball would not be the wisest choice. Didn't say absolute just not the wise choice by my doctor.

[@AJohnson0325]

About 30 percent of people will have an adjacent disc messed up within ten years of a fusion. If you need another fusion then the chance of getting failed back surgery syndrome are pretty high. I would do whatever you could to protect your back. There’s a guy on youtube that did a vlog and lived his life like before backpain after a fusion doing heavy squats and everything and he had to get another fusion i think 6 years after the first and it failed and his life is miserable.

[@jordangoat2654]

Good info and keep getting well.

[@Enimasj91]

Hello 👋🏾 I hope all is well. How is your recovery going?

[@dmain1817]

How long did it take before you felt the surgery was worth it? Meaning when you didn't think about the pain you had before surgery or when the post-op issues were less than pre-op? How long before you felt you were leading a better life all together?

[@jamiewhite38]

Question; I had the same surgery 3 weeks ago. Did you have excessive numbness/tingling in the feet?

[@gosman949]

and how are you doing now?

[@tlanezion]

Hey, could you please share you experience until now? About your progress? I had surgery a month ago

[@dannyrock5919]

I Tlanezi would you share how you are doing now and what it has been like to this point?

[@EngineerKaleem]

All of you guys please suggest me actually I have no pain all time only when I walked that time I’m unable to walk more and feel pain and my body posture also bent hips coming out but in sleeping and sitting I have no more pain like 3 years before Secondly sometimes I feel sensation in my right leg According to doctor I should take ALIF surgery but I afraid So please suggest me that I should go for surgery or just still spend my life with little walks.

[@jaex9617]

Thanks for sharing this.

[@loreenheggli438]

Thank you!

[@misstango1001]

Thank you. I’m nervous.

[@chrischristofis8501]

Jesus this is scary 😱 i dont know how i can go through this! 😳

[@deniseyulfo6550]

I’m thinking about getting the surgery, can you please update us on how you are doing now 3 years after surgery?

[@boxinggloves87]

Hi Jennae how are You doing now being a year after surgery? Are You fully recovered??? I hope you are 🫶 please give us some feedback. Take care 💐

[@nancyradford8166]

At one month I am supposed to go several hours away to a music concert. Do you think you could have done that at this point?

[@mulberry8930]

I had muscle spasms down the back of my legs up to week 1.5, after that it’s gone & I am driving by week 2

[@jennaej1254]

That's great! Mine lasted about 6 weeks but I am finally in the clear now. Muscle spasms are no fun but I am glad you're doing so well.

[@hectorortiz2636]

I had the TLIF 3 days ago and I’m feeling good and not much pain as a I was expecting Once here in there I have shooting pain going to my leg other than that I think I’m doing Ok I guess I have to short my walk because I being walking 1.5 to 2 miles

[@gosman949]

and how are you doing now?

[@noahdunaway]

I had the L5-S1 fusion on 10-13-22, so I’m just over 3 months out. I am still having a fair amount of pain. Hopefully it will get better.

[@D_S_88]

How are you feeling now?

[@noahdunaway]

@@D_S_88 I’m still hurting more than I thought I would be, but still hopeful that my pain may go down more in time.

[@mantyshub90]

​@NOAH DUNAWAY is it like a shooting pain..? Just in lower back... also can you drive a fair amount of hours

[@mulberry8930]

Hey how are you doing now? I am all good so far. Only guilty for not stretching but I still cycle, not consistently ie. Work commitments

[@ellesbookoflife2855]

Hi Jennae, thank you for sharing your journey before and after surgery. I am having same surgery, in March and am scared to death, but anything is better than this excruciating pain. I cant walk any more because the pain is unbearable. And girl, don't get me started on the mental/emotional toll it has taken. I try not to cry everyday, but it just eats at you. I dont feel like the same person anymore. Not being able to do normal things. Did you have these challenges? How are you doing mental/ emotionally? Also, Im a bit of a klutz at times, so a million thanks on the last tidbit on moving the wrong way etc,, . That really eased my anxiety a bit. Kudos to you for sharing and again, a gazillion thanks!!

[@jennaej1254]

Hi! I completely understand where you are coming from. I went through so many mental and emotional battles for years between my initial injury and finally having the surgery. I constantly felt defeated by my pain and struggled with depression during that time. Your comment about not feeling like the same person anymore really resonated with me. Now that I have had the surgery and am recovering, it does feel like the "scary part" is over. Since I am still in some pain it does make me anxious that the discomfort is something that isn't going to go away, but I have to remind myself that the recovery is a long process. It does feel like I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel which is a relief. As intimidating as the whole process can be, I really think it was the best thing I could have done for myself and my quality of life is already improving. Please feel free to reach out to me if you ever have any questions, and I wish you all the best with your recovery!

[@ellesbookoflife2855]

@@jennaej1254 Thank you soo very much! Oh and the grocery bag thing....Genius !! Lol

[@Enimasj91]

@@ellesbookoflife2855 hello I hope all is well. how did your surgery go and did your pain get better?

[@jeanpichardo87]

How did your surgery went? Are you doing good?

[@EngineerKaleem]

All of you guys please suggest me actually I have no pain all time only when I walked that time I’m unable to walk more and feel pain and my body posture also bent hips coming out but in sleeping and sitting I have no more pain like 3 years before Secondly sometimes I feel sensation in my right leg According to doctor I should take ALIF surgery but I afraid So please suggest me that I should go for surgery or just still spend my life with little walks.

[@kenadair-c5i]

Jennae, can you send me the doctors name who did your surgery?

[@sinsentido....9023]

Hola, Es dolorasa esta cirugía?

[@Luke-eh4wz]

Question for you: in the first two weeks were you able to do any stretching?

[@terimichelegoodenow9508]

I had mine may 12

[@H.A.M.Y86]

How you feeling now? cause its been 3 years sinds your last up date ?

[@lannybailey4871]

At about 3:20 you mention something that happens often. Fear of ruining things.

[@LADYNIA18]

Hello can you answer a few questions about your surgery since you're about a year out? I'm scheduled for an ALIF in 2 weeks. My main concern is if I'll ever be able to bend over again. I love to garden & cook. What changes are you unhappy with? Also has your back pain been alleviated? Thank you for your help.

[@jlutie2943]

Hello how did your surgery go I'm in need of one I was wondering how long did you wait from the time you realized you had a problem I'm to the point where I can't roll out of bed with out unbearable pain

[@LADYNIA18]

@@jlutie2943 it went well as far as the actual surgery. I am disappointed with the results however. I am 11 months post surgery & I feel the same today as I did 6 weeks post op. I only got about 25% pain relief. Thankfully I didn't loose much mobility & range of motion. I healed pretty fast for an old lady. But it's not enough pain relief for me. I'm basically in the same boat.

[@arunchaudhary2180]

How r u feeling now ?

[@vzeller]

How long before your stomach felt completely normal again?

[@joerankin9596]

How long did it take you to drive again? I’m going in November 18 2022 for my L5-S1 fusion with spinal cage.

[@lannybailey4871]

Did you suffer from any nerve pain from l1-s1 down either leg?

[@cynderodriguez9946]

Ty

[@maalru]

How long was it b4 you could go back to work

[@rachealnyoni477]

Did you experience numbness on the leg before surgery

[@tabithabeverly5964]

Do you have any pictures from the cut you had to get?

[@barbsmith8383]

Your videos are great and appreciate them. I'm having the same surgery in July. I know you did a video with a few things you used after surgery. What kind of pillow did you sleep with. I'm looking but there are so many. You mention a dog, I have 3 and that's also a worry for me due to they think they are lap dogs but they are bulldogs. Ty

[@dannyrock5919]

Barb I hope you are feeling better. I would be interested to know how you are doing in the weeks and months ahead.

[@barbsmith8383]

I'm having surgery tomorrow so I will let you know ty

[@Uknowwhoitliz]

How are you recovering now ?

[@giuseppepescatore6878]

I had spinal surgery 29genuary Very slow recovery .and my left leg still hurt me. L5S1. I hope feel better in future. For Now just a lot of pain. I need phisioterapy But afraid of covid i just walk everyday. I hope feel better in the future.GIuseppe from Italy.

[@jeanpichardo87]

How you feeling?

[@giuseppepescatore6878]

@@jeanpichardo87 better but still pain left leg.sciatic nerve hurt me. I need another surgery l3.l4

[@jeanpichardo87]

@@giuseppepescatore6878 oh!! So you didn’t had a fusion? You probably had Microdiscectomy?

[@jeanpichardo87]

@@giuseppepescatore6878 oh did you herniated the L3 L4 as well?!

[@giuseppepescatore6878]

@@jeanpichardo87 had an electromyography examination of the lower limbs. I have sciatic nerve compression on l3 l4. The neurosurgeon wants to find a way to solve the problem with a new operation. in italy these problems are not easily solved the health system does not work.

[@annwhite5097]

please update

[@juliegill9322]

Vascular suegeon part of your surgery team?

[@AJohnson0325]

should be. That disc space is behind some important vessels that have to be moved out of the way

[@Boulonnias]

I'm wondering how to get in a chair and scoot all the way back? I'm short so I try to push up and kinda like walk one hip at a time till I'm sitting all the way in the chair. I had the same surgery L5 and S1.

[@genxx2724]

Use a footstool or a couple of stacked books? I also saw a hint to put a plastic grocery bag on the seat so you can slide.

[@AJohnson0325]

I’ve also heard to use a satin pillowcase

[@jcaleca60]

I had lumbar laminectomy now they want sane as you levels😮 in lumbar area

[@colestephen4846]

is there any way I could ask you a few questions about your surgery? if so I could send my email? thanks!

[@devinramdihal6733]

hey Jennae what made you fused your spine ? i wish you preserve the motion with artificial dics ( prodics l ). do you feel lack of rotation due to the spinal fusion ? i have l5 and s1 fusion its hell.its also a crazy process to revers a fusion , i been looking to fix my l5 and s1 fusion so far no doc is steping up .the wolrd is pretty cold out here.most system just wnna medicated you and not fix u. spinal fusion is not the solution .to preserve motion of the spine is the real solution.

[@Enimasj91]

Why do you need to fix your fusion? Are you in pain? And is it hard to move at your fusion point?

[@denisecurry7472]

Don't feel bad I'm finally getting my surgery Tuesday after 10 years of hell what scares me is that I have stomach scars and pain in my stomach all the time I just hope that it doesn't affect that worse

[@Momma81]

How is your range of motion?

[@JamesClark-v4b]

You look like you are doing well same with me L4/5 m body fusion don't do anything the B L T😅

[@samanthadutoit1247]

When can one ingage in sexual activity?😊

[@sarahmarti141]

I don’t know if you’re checking comments anymore but I was watching some other videos and they said you aren’t allowed to have your dogs and cats sleep with you after your surgery. Were you told that as well?

[@AJohnson0325]

I haven’t had surgery yet but I’m in such a screwed up mental state from the pain and how messed up my back is that all I want is my tuxedo cat cuddled up next to me. I imagine it would be the same after a surgery. Nobody would want to be alone in that state

[@aHTuŞİRELİ]

@sarahmart141 You asked a bit of a stupid question.

[@egzonkrasniqi8773]

Hi, what was your diagnosis?

[@jennaej1254]

Hi! I was diagnosed with lumbar degenerative disc disease and lumbar radiculopathy (often referred to as sciatica). It was caused by a herniated disc at L5-S1 that had endured several years of damage, and a fracture of my L5 facet joint.

[@egzonkrasniqi8773]

@@jennaej1254 so nice to hear that you are healing. All the best

[@Benny_B0O0]

I had the surgery in 2021 and it has completely ruined my life. These surgeons are scam artists and this surgery should never be done

[@tracytownsend624]

Why do you say that? Concerned since I'm having it done in a couple weeks. What's an alternative?

[@Benny_B0O0]

@@tracytownsend624 Anything but surgery. For the love of god do not get it done. Get plenty of vitamin d and exercise outside. These doctors will gaslight you into believing surgery is the only option. You can fix your curve, I believe in you

[@FerranteShow]

🥰😘

[@mulberry8930]

Mine is 3 days post op

[@jennaej1254]

Best wishes with your recovery!