Spinal fusion! First week of back surgery

Here is my experience with having L5 to S1 spinal fusion surgery. This video is my personal account of how it went, and a little advice through my first week of recovery.
5/2024 Update, My surgery did not help my paint unfortunately. Sitting is very painful, and I have become very limited in what I can do. I am no longer able to work.
PLEASE buy and read this book before considering any surgery. So many people who may be "ruined" by surgery could solve their back issues learning from The Back Mechanic. I wish I knew about it before my surgery. amzn.to/3V09Qou

[@TheGaginator]

PLEASE read this book before any back surgery: amzn.to/3V09Qou

[@constancehenry5531]

Thank you for this recording. I'm a 79 year old woman having surgery this Friday. I want to know about the recovery. I'm so happy to hear that you are doing so well. Thanks too for sharing your faith. God is with me, too. ❤

[@Yessicuhhh]

How are you doing now 5 months post OP?

[@Nayana5840]

No lies detected!! I had L5-S1 AlIf on 1/31/24. The constipation was so bad i ended up in the ER and had to get a prescription enema x2. I stopped my pain meds at 2 weeks post, best decision ever. People can't believe I've had surgery . I wish i would have done it sooner!

[@ragingbull3157]

Just had my fusion on the 27th of March. I needed an enema 3 days in because the pain meds constipated me. The enama didn't work..then someone told me to stop the pain meds for 72 hrs..I did.( Was in pain) But started having a bowel movement. After then I started back with the pain meds just at night.

[@waldenanthony]

I have ALIF 2 stage may 28 and 30 .. I'm so nervous.

[@donnasheren6800]

Had the same thing I stop pain meds but the surgery was the best thing I did no more pain meds

[@AndreaEllis-vr3kn]

​@@waldenanthony By Now you've already had your surgery. Prayerfully this yr,I'm Next. God be with you All the Way& I understand being scared. But no matter what, This too Shall pass. Be Strong... God be with you dear.

[@mikemyers-wu3do]

Glad to see this video. I have spinal fusion in August

[@zair498]

Im 31 years old firefighter and got a total colapse of l5-s1 disk while trying to save an old lady, im gonna do the same surgery soon. Thanks for showing how it went with you because im really scared of this..

[@TheGaginator]

I hope your surgery goes well. I am doing well after over 3 months. Expect to be light duty for AT LEAST 1 YEAR. Don't overwork yourself no matter how bad you want to. I'm a busy body, so its very hard for me

[@prajwalmeti7453]

How are you now

[@typure81]

Praying for you. Same here total collapse at l5-S1. Having the anterior and posterior surgery February 2023.

[@stetomlinson3146]

I'm a former firefighter in the UK. I did 32 years in the job. I retired in 2006 With the back issues, NOT because of them. I'm seeing the surgeon on Thursday (26th Jan 2023) and get booked in. I too have the same disc issues as yourself. I think I understand your fears. Can I still do the job? What will my life be like? How will my family cope? WILL they cope? But I looked at it as facing a decent job, the fear you feel before going into a BA job, the not knowing how its going to go, what's in there? But the thing is. WE faced them and overcame them! YOU SAVED A LIFE! You, (I did) face bigger things every day at work. Use that experience to get you through it. That's what I'm going to do! I mean we're, (well you still are) firefighters! What could possibly go wrong? 🤔😱😉😂 Stay strong my friend and see you on the other side! 😉👍💪💪

[@mikelp8265]

@@stetomlinson3146 same here EMS and firefighter, hopping that I can still wear an SCBA after this ,

[@JoeGalganski]

Had the same surgery. I was in surgery for 51/2 hours. Open tlif. In the hospital for 5 days. My pain was similar to yours. Feeling really good, week 7. Maybe too good. I actually have to slow down some. I am also a born again Christian. Many prayers and Gods wonderful and mighty strength helped me immensely!!!

[@marilynhall3227]

Wow, 5 hrs, my surgeon said 3, but it could be longer with scopes since I'm obese.

[@hobbs3710]

Facing back surgery myself, I appreciated your video about what to expect. As a brother in Christ, I'm especially blessed by your testimony! Thank you sir!

[@TheGaginator]

Thank you for the kind words! I'll have you on my prayer list. My advice is to get several opinions from different places before comiting to anything.

[@VincentMelluso-xz9fj]

Would you recommend this for a 73 year ol​@TheGaginator

[@VincentMelluso-xz9fj]

Would you recommend this for a 73 year old

[@erich9162]

Thanks for the video. I just had a level one fusion back on Sept. 19th 2022. I'm 41 and this was my 4th the first when I was in 08. The previous 3 surgeries were decompressions. I've also relied on my faith and Jesus Christ! It's been 5 months and I'm finally walking long distances, still not lifting much. I don't want to chance it. They released me from the hospital the day after surgery. My pain has been deep like in my bones. They put 4 screws, 2 rods, and a plate in me. There for awhile I never thought I'd get better but hallelujah here I am. Almost All the pain has been in my legs, hips, and groin. I've been remodeling and roofing since I was 18. It's genetic, my Dad and his 6 siblings have all had at least 2 back surgeries, my sister also had one when she was 26. Just wanted to let everyone who's going through this it DOES get better. Some people just take longer than others to heal. Everyone's different. Oh just wanted to also say they didn't change my dressing or let me change it for 2 weeks after surg. God Bless and God Speed. 🤲🙏✝️👆

[@TheGaginator]

Thank you so much for this comment of good new and hope!

[@janeenmillar836]

I am post op 10 days tomorrow from a decompression and fusion of L4/5. All my pain was in my left leg. For the most part my pain has been gone since my first day post op. I am also a believer in Jesus and for the last 8 months, my faith has been the only thing that has kept me sane.

[@erich9162]

@janeen millar hallelujah! Praise the Lord! I pray the fusion fixed all that was "broken" and you never have another problem. May Jesus keep a hedge of protection around you. Amen. Good Luck.

[@michelescott7781]

I just had surgery 3 weeks ago l5s1 discteomy I'm in absolute agony I have no help I'm on my own so have to cook eat clean I've been bending not realising and just been moving completely wrong was given no aftercare or proper pain management I just keep my faith in the Lord

[@michelescott7781]

If anything my nerve pain has got worse I'm worried surgery hasn't worked

[@jeaniebartholomew6979]

I wanted to add one more thing. Don’t keep yourself in pain if you have had injury or spinal degeneration. If let go for too long you can run the risk of major nerve damage. So thank you for posting this and sharing your experience plus allowing us to share ours which may help others who worry.

[@SusiesRepeat]

Yes this fact of living with nerve pain for too long (up to a year) is not conducive to healing after back surgery. This is what my wife’s surgeon stressed.

[@wandahare8064]

I just had the same surgery last week. I’ve had many surgeries. This was the most painful by far. The recovery was very similar to yours, even to the meds. Each day gets better. Surprised how fast I’ve been able to get up and walk around. Glad it’s done. Wishing you any all others having this procedure a speedy recovery

[@marsidanajdeni]

Praying for you sister. May you make full recovery. What exactly was your surgery?

[@HappyLife-vh2ey]

Wanda glad yours went well . I am getting L2 S1 done minimal invasive on June 25th .

[@TheGaginator]

Thanks for the comment! It is defiantly easy to overwork yourself during recovery. I am going back in for MRI and CT scans on the 20th. I've been a little too active...

[@mdmcpheron1]

I'm having L2 L3 laminectomy an bone fusion. Then attch it to L4 L5 wich was done in 2013.. on May 31this month. Thank you for the movie it was awesome.

[@gosman949]

hi Wanda, how are you doing? I'm having the surgery on June 12.

[@angiek1001]

After refusing back for almost 20 yrs, i have recently been referred to UC Davis for spinal surgery. I have NO quality of life, i average 3-4 hrs sleep a night, cant stand, sit, walk, or lay down for any real length of time. I don't leave my house unless absolutely necessary. I've underwent countless epidurals, PT, and RFA. Latest MRI showed 2 herniations @ L-4 L-5 & L-5 S-1 both showing nerve impingement. Spinal stenosis, neurogenic claudication, spondylosis, spondylolisthesis, and facet arthropathy. I looked into total joint replacement but the clinical trial is way to far away for me to travel, so fusion it is. I am in so much pain everyday, i often am disappointed I wake up in the morning. I just pray the surgeon i get is the best spinal carpenter in the state and i can finally get my life back.

[@Lulubloo]

After surgery any spasms? I get them after physical therapy.

[@mommabear8673]

I have the same diagnosis as you. I'm seeing a surgeon next Thursday. I have no quality of life.. I was hoping you could give me an update after your surgery.

[@mjlatham9350]

Praying for you!

[@angiek1001]

I have a surgeon, two of them actually. I'm scheduled for anterior release/interbody fusion L-4-S-1 lumbar spine; percutaneous vs open posterior spinal decompression/instrumented fusion at levels L-4-S-1. Other levels as indicated. Site-abdomen/back. It's going to be a big surgery taking 6-8hrs. A normal person would be terrified but having to live with debilitating pain for so many years, I see this as a temporary wound that will heal over time and I can get my active life back. I'm drinking a protein drink everyday leading up to my surgery date that's scheduled 04/25/24. Taking vitamin K2+D3, Calcium, Zinc, C, NAC, and liquid collagen in preparation. I will keep you all posted

[@carlabrooks906]

@@angiek1001I just had L4L5. L5 S1 fusion . I was wondering how you were doing? I had mine 2 weeks ago.

[@Pscans1234]

Day 5 of recovery here. Your video really helped me. Hearing someone else’s story brought me comfort. Thank you.

[@its_ari5458]

Hello friend how you doing now

[@mikekruger8806]

I am glad I stuck around until the end of this to learn you're a follower of Jesus Christ. I have been struggling with bulging disc pain on the nerve for ten years now without pain meds until now. You've given me just what I needed to hear because the most recent injury made life unbearable and started affecting my confidence in God's help. Thank you

[@terilynncaine6238]

In 1978 I was fused T6 to L2, to correct scoliosis, I grew nearly 3 inches in 7 1/2 hours. Five years ago they fused C5 to C7 to relieve the pressure on my spinal cord. I have had zero problems with both fusions. The whole secret to a good outcome is doing exactly what your doctor tells you, no more, no less. And physical therapy is key for a successful recovery. I have 14 fused vertebrae and no problems.

[@TheGaginator]

SUCH GOOD INFO RIGHT HERE!!!!

[@NiccBlacc-NCBC]

I had scoliosis surgery in 2009 now have lumbar radiculpathy possibly degeneration of l5 S1so possibly need fusion for that which is adjacent segment syndrome also have nerve pain coming from around C6 C7 now and considering to do Acdf because cervical radiculopathy is very painful too.

[@dennisandkathykleman9763]

Thanks for your info. I am a 80 year old female. I am scheduled for a L5 -S1 fusion next Monday, Sept. 16. I have an additional problem. Osteoporosis. We, Dr. & I are hoping that the bones will be able to handle the hardware that is used. Very scared at this time, but know that my savior will be there with me,, . Prayers please! All alone.

[@marytouchette5055]

I have had back surgery in the past. Laminectomy without fusion L2 L4 L5 in 2013. Now all the problems are back and I am looking at spinal stenosis surgery with fusion. Thank you so much for doing these videos. You are so frank and down to earth. I just love you and wish you the best. I will see how mine goes soon enough. I don't know if I could do a video, but I am so grateful for you and these videos. The fact that you are a Christian and believe in Jesus and that gives you hope, gives me hope as well. I believe in Jesus as well. You are in my prayers. God bless you

[@TheGaginator]

Thank you for the comment and kind words Mary! I'll have you on my prayer list. I hope you are able to find long lasting relief

[@JohnSmith-uy7sv]

Just remember, Bad things happen to good people and Good things happen to bad people. It is sin in the world. If we could escape all the pain and suffering by becoming a Christian, then everyone would want to be one. Everyone goes through some sort of trials in their lives. My L3-L5 is really really bad for years. Had a boston Scientific stimulator implanted Dec. 3, 2007 and had to retire from the forestry service because of all the years on a bulldozer destroying my lower back. I was an adrenaline junkie and I could not give it up and become a dispatcher/secretary. I hate paperwork. Now at 66, I've been having bad problems and muscle spasms and charlie horses in both hips for the past 6 months. I am terrified to have this surgery of a laminectomy or fusion and they say it comes back again after 2-8 years. I suffered so much in the early 2000's until 2011 when I lost 135 pounds and I was pain free for 8 years. But the past 3 years dealing with my aling wife who is older than me is so stressful and it is difficult to stay on the strict vegan diet I was on and gained 65 pounds in the past 3 years. Any extra weight you put on will add to or cause you pain. I didn't see or hear anyone mention getting a neurostimulator implanted for the pain. They work really great, but you have to really crank them up when the pain is really bad and will lock up your muscle like a tens unit. I may need a new one again if this one goes broke. I pray that everything works out for the best for all of you and consider an implant first. There are 3 different companies who make them. Boston scientific, Saint Jude and Medtronics are the top 3. But there are others too. As of 2020, there are nine commonly used SCS platforms made by four manufacturers including four SCS units from Abbott, three from Boston Scientific, and one each from Medtronic and Nevro.

[@gosman949]

@@JohnSmith-uy7sv pain stimulators are great and usually as a last resort. Docs want the spine to be secure and nerves to be clear down the spine first. If still a problem after the surgeries, then consider a pain stimulator.

[@CigarShowTim]

I just watched this whole video as I’m about 10 weeks away from having my L5-S1 fused at 41 years old. I won’t go into all the diagnoses I have, but I can relate to the mental taxing that back pain and back problems can produce. As a Christian and fellow brother in The Lord, I love how you shared that you had hope for the future despite the pain from the surgery. I saved this video so I can go back and watch it during my recovery and have a reminder of what you experienced knowing that it won’t necessarily be the same in my experience. God bless and I hope you’re doing amazing now!

[@TheGaginator]

Thank you for the kind words Tim! I will have you on my prayer list for sure.

[@thisizdo2]

I just had lumbar fusion on Monday October 16 by Tuesday morning I was walking and doing upstairs with little pain as of today Tuesday 24 one week after op no pain at all from surgery just a littke stiff but wasn't really that bad honestly but well I'm 34 years old

[@jimmie3times]

Please pray for me. I’m a backslider and haven’t been living right. I’ve been diagnosed with the same issue and I’ve had additional heart issues as a result of the pain and stress. God bless

[@19Dane71]

You are 1000% more mobile than I was after my L2-L5 laminectomy! Flying colors! you are doing great!! Stay hydrated, eat well, and keep on keeping on! Love you!

[@TheGaginator]

Thank you! I am so thankful for how things are going.

[@maxbelski]

@@TheGaginator How are you doing now? Looks like you posted this video about 2 weeks ago. I am scheduled for ALIF l5s1 in mid Nov. Thanks and hope you are feeling better.

[@stitch2499]

@@maxbelski hello. How did your surgery go. Hope and pray that it went good for you.. God bless. Take care..Stitch

[@licybe]

Hey thanks so much for doing this! I’m a Christian as well, and I’m about to have this surgery & it’s so helpful to be able to hear from someone who’s already had it. Especially hearing you say you have hope at the end of the video. It’s definitely been a big build up to deciding to do this, and I’m excited to have that hope as well once I’m in recovery too.

[@TheGaginator]

Thank you for the comment, tonight I will be praying for your journey and the accuracy and efficiency of the surgeon and staff when your surgery comes. I am going to do another video soon

[@BobSchecter]

At 71, and two months away from going in for L4-5 fusion. Fear of the unknown is as debilitating as my condition. Your honesty and frankness gives me hope as well. Thanks

[@TheGaginator]

You are on my prayer list!

[@user-di8hm2jl2u]

My 16 yr old had spinal fusion today. 16 screws from t2-L3.

[@marilynhall3227]

Same here, I'm 59 and in need of the same surgery, and I'm scared. Good luck!

[@kellyh4052]

I hope you had a speedy recovery. May i ask how you're doing now? I'm dealing with the unknown now.

[@albaroagredano6412]

Had my l4-l5 and my l5-s1 fused 19 weeks ago and I now feel a positive difference .. best decision of my life ❤

[@TheGaginator]

That is great to hear!!

[@NiccBlacc-NCBC]

Did you get adjacent segment syndrome from the previous surgery that led to having to fuse to the S1 and did it cause radiculopathy onto the feet ?

[@donnasheren6800]

I had L4sndL5 done with S1 on march 26 of this year. I ‘m pain free from the time I woke up I m still pain free today I had a great surgeon. I know it took six hours and my husband said that the doctor said I did really good. That was the best decision I’ve ever made. I’ve been having back pain since I was 12 years old. I’m now 65 and I’m pain-free.

[@parkinlox9049]

this is GREAT to hear !!

[@shawnsweet7037]

Thank you for posting this video blog. I just had L1 thru L4 fused in the first surgery and two weeks later a second surgery to straighten my lumbar spine with alignment rods. You did a very good job describing your experience.

[@babarhussian8048]

How are you about your surgery

[@tasha-ui7vn]

i am soon to have this surgery. I thank you so much for your sharing your journey with us.

[@FlightJockey2377]

Very strong and powerful testimony, thank you very much. I have been suffering from back issues for the past 5 years and it has been terrible, to the point that I just couldn’t take it anymore. This Friday I will get to find out if the doctor I’m working with is going to allow me to get the surgery. Please pray that he’s willing to do something about it. Thanks again.

[@TheGaginator]

Chuck, I'll have you on my prayer list! It never ever hurts to get multiple opinions from doctors in different networks. If more than one person can confirm the same course of action, that's all you need!

[@heosomeheosome6752]

I go tomorrow morning and have my surgery. I'm 41 and have gotten to the point I can't do anything I enjoy anymore. I pray this helps. I greatly appreciate the end where you said you have hope. That makes me have more hope and not be as afraid of this. Thanks man!

[@Dime333]

How did it go?!

[@heosomeheosome6752]

@Dime333 i was in surgery for 5 hours. It's almost been 2months, and I honestly can't complain. I feel better than ever. The hard part is remembering that I have a lot of restrictions.

[@TheGaginator]

I've got you on my prayer list for a good recovery!

[@lobstermania4025]

​@@heosomeheosome6752how are you doing now? I need it but I'm terrified

[@its_ari5458]

​@heosomeheosome6752 hello friend how you doing now??

[@sassylynncapps9839]

Thanks for sharing your journey as it is very uplifting. I am scheduled in less than a week, 12/8/23 for a TLIF L5-S1 fusion. Not my 1st surgery, however 1st spinal surgery. I have been in constant low back, buttock, and left leg pain and numbing nonstop since May 2023. Pain has been intermittent for years. My anxiety is getting off the charts as I get closer. So glad people have me in their prayers. I know God already knows my outcome and will be with me thru it all. I'm just such a big baby and hate pain😢

[@marilynhall3227]

Prayers your way for healing! I'm due for the same surgery this year.❤

[@marks.1550]

This video really gave me "Hope" like you said, as well as set my expectations as to the level of pain and recovery. Hearing how you relied on being a Christian and people all around you praying for you is wonderful.

[@marks.1550]

OH and my TLIF surgery is June 20th.

[@TheGaginator]

Thanks for the comment! It is really great to see how people have responded to the video. I will say, I would not do the surgery again if I knew then what I do now. So many back issues can be fixed and or managed with correcting posture and daily habits. After the surgery didn't help my pain, my wife bought me this book amzn.to/3K8KQVM and I am serious when I say, it would have solved all of my issues. I'll have you on my prayer list for God to guide you on your path, and for the surgery to go well if you proceed with it

[@ЦецилияСамойловна]

I’m scheduled for spinal fusion next week. I’m glad to have stumbled on this video. Thanks for sharing.

[@wa4aos]

Thank you for your video. I have spine surgery in two days, 6-18-2024, but like you, i have had chronic pain for years. I know the surgical pain will be bad for 3-4 days but should ease up some by next weekend. I'm in SC and also a Christian and have people praying for me as well. I hope your recover now a year later is all in the past and you're feeling great now. God Bless, Glenn

[@stitch2499]

Hello. Hope and pray that your back surgery went great.. please take it easy.. God Bless..john 8.12.

[@beckygriffith8903]

How are you now Glenn?

[@wa4aos]

@@beckygriffith8903 Hi, Thanks for asking. Surgery went well and as expected, the first 3 - 4 days were tough but after that things started to settle. Each week was better and next Tuesday 7/16/34 will be one month since surgery. I still have pain standing and walking but it's much less than prior to surgery. The pain now is just getting past the surgery and not the chronic severe pain I've lived with for years. The doc said this is normal for the first several months. I hope you are doing better !!

[@martycarmichael3885]

Just had L4-S1 fusion done yesterday. I’m back home and walking. Started stool softeners today. I want to get off pain meds ASAP. Yesterday was rough, today is better.

[@petermark9660]

Hope you keep progressing. Had my fusion l4 l5 about 12 weeks before you had yours. Doctors used glue and glued edges of wound together. Very nice way to do it, no dressing changes. After a couple weeks of showering, the glue was gone and healing really well. If I may suggest, try some prunes or prune juice daily along with colace and possibly senoket (sp?). Today I worked on an old car I have, used a creeper and was underneath car. I followed instructions and doing quite well. Did not twist or turn until doctor said to ease up on restrictions. Only thing troubling me is surgery dissected some tendons and ligaments, so guess maybe will always have some pain in some positions. You have much to look forward to. I been walking dog up and down hills, hiking some primitive areas. Back at gym lifting light weights, medical permission given to me to do so.

[@TheGaginator]

Thank you for the comment and kind words Peter! Eating prunes and prune juice REALLY helped. That was a bigger help than any medication that I tried.

[@marilynhall3227]

Thanks for the info. I hope that you are doing well. I read that after this type of surgery, you will not be able to twist or bend ever! Is that true?

[@Lord2nancy]

@@marilynhall3227not true, just while in recovery, I had fusion L4-L5, L5-S1 in 2016 it was a failed surgery then changed Drs and I got a revision on 2019 and it was good for a while then I had rejection of hardware last Sunday and my problem is solved so far but you can twist and everything else the same after fully recovery

[@beverlymartin-mfume2921]

Thank you for sharing your experience I’m going to have done May 5, 2023 a Friday as well, I needed to hear from you, the right mind set is perfect you were a sent bless you and your family ❤🙏

[@TheGaginator]

I'll be praying for you!

[@summerchain32]

You are giving great insight. All the wonderful insight has started helping me understand what is to come in 8/6/24.

[@kellyh4052]

I hope you're having a speedy recovery. May I ask, how are you doing as of today. I'm also going in for surgery a bit nervous. Blessings...

[@loistarr5742]

Thank you for your response to my questions about the meds. You’re doing so well and will surely have a full recovery. You hiked and walked! Keep up the positive thoughts and strong faith.

[@TheGaginator]

Thank you so much!

[@chacesmith4193]

Praying for a speedy recovery bother

[@TheGaginator]

Thank you so much!

[@annstoller6614]

Wow Gage, thank you for sharing your experience with such honesty. My husband is having L4-5 fusion and 5 S1 decompression next month. He is an orthopedic surgeon so he knows so much, too much. Your video really helped me prepare. I hope you are so much better now as it's been a year for you. God bless.

[@its_ari5458]

Hello friend how you doing now

[@amie.lyn.smiles]

Thank you for this video. I am waiting to be scheduled for this surgery and I’m too scared to google too much about it because I don’t want to freak myself out. So I am glad to see your positive video! Hope recovery is still going good.

[@TheGaginator]

Thanks for the comment Amie! I'll add you to my prayer list.

[@marilynhall3227]

I'm waiting to schedule mines for this year. Hope all went well for you.

[@Joe-k5c]

I am now 10 days out. First few days after were as hard as anything I’ve been thru. As I woke up at home beginning day 4, my pain level had become manageable. Mine was L4-5. Thanks for sharing yours.

[@JRBaumgardner-i2z]

Thank you for your video.. had spinal fusion and hip realignment. On July 31, 2024. Fully expected post op pain … but it is something you can’t even describe adequately. From the recovery room day 1 through day 5, I was in hospital and couldn’t even lift my head off pillow. Could not turn from side to side , even with help from nurses. I was literally shaking and crying due to pain. I have had surgery before and 2 C- section babies so understood post op pain! My surgeon would not adjust the dosage or try a different pain med. He gave me the LOWEST DOSAGE of all the meds I had. I ended up in the hospital 6 days because of extreme pain that wasn’t being addressed by Doctor . So could not do the protocol used, called a “ bed leg roll “ for moving side to side, could not sit up and once my catheter was removed had to have a nurse or PT get me into a contraption called a 400 SD to roll me to restroom. On day 6 post op I was moved to a rehabilitation nursing home for PT OT. Because of my poor pain management in 😢hospital I wasn’t able to get any PT during my hospital stay. On day 7 I had such painful constipation that continued into 3am on day 8. Had to be transported to ER for treatment. That is a terrible experience too … for 12 hrs after ER treatment I had uncontrollable diarrhea….and because you can’t get out of bed by yourself and have to put a back brace on to get up .. unfortunately you cannot hold your bowels and make a big mess of yourself… and this goes on for about 12 hrs. My BIGGEST COMPLAINT HAS BEEN GETTING THE PROPER PAIN MEDICATION. I WAS PRESCRIBED THE LOWEST DOSAGES OF ALL MY MEDS AND MY DOCTORS WOULD NOT CHANGE ANY OF IT …. Even on the request of my nurses or Physical Therapist. You have to be able to get up and sit in chair as well as START walking to begin recovering. But without proper pain management, you can’t do it! I am a healthy female with no other medical chronic conditions. I am also extremely motivated to recovering and have cooperated with everything drs nurses and PT have asked of me. So my big gripe is with my surgeon and rehab doctors that will not listen to Me regarding the extreme pain you have with this surgery. I have never been a drug user or been on a chronic opioid medication regimen. So I am extremely angry and upset that I couldn’t get the meds I needed post op. It’s now day 11 post op and I’m still in the rehabilitation facility and they’ve cut my pain med. down to once a day at bed time. My pain level has been consistently 9 to 10+, Yet I’m suppose to sit up with brace minimum 4 1/2 hrs, and walk but by the time I’ve done all of that my back is in a lot of pain between a 9 to 10… and I’m told I can’t have any Percocet until bedtime! SO JUST A WARNING THE PAIN FOR THIS TYPE OF SURGERY IS absolutely the worst. You almost want to shoot yourself to end the pain. DOCTORS, NURSES AND THIS MEDICAL HOSPITAL INDUSTRY IS SO WORRIED ABOUT GETTING INVESTIGATED OR LOSING THE LICENSING regarding pain med use THAT THEY HAVE NO EMPATHY FOR THE PAIN YOU ARE GOING THROUGH. I had no choice on having this operation if I wanted to walk again. And I Am not someone who dramatizes my pain or did not understand post op pain. Nor did I expect to go home with high doses of opioid prescriptions to be taken for months. However, how I was treated while still in hospital was TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE. I an convinced that if a surgeon or MD had a wife, daughter, mother, husband experiencing this kind of pain, they would have made sure their loved ones received the proper DOSAGES AND MEDS TO CONTROL IT!!! AND I AM EXTREMELY ANGRY ABOUT HOW MY PAIN MANAGEMENT WAS HANDLED !!!!

[@kathleengrant1584]

I had constipation, very badly. Constipation has always been a problem for me, but with my back surgery it was a lot worse I took Pedialyte extra strength within seven hours. I had a bowel movement now I take it in the morning and I have bowel movements and there is no more horrible stomach pain from the constipation. I actually went to physical therapist for my pelvic floor, which is causing a lot of my constipation. I swear by Pedialyte, extra strength.

[@TheGaginator]

This is EXCELLENT info!

[@loistarr5742]

You’re an inspiration to a 76 year old about to have same fusion as you had. Thanks for your honesty and being comfortable with all the advice-so helpful! You are a great parent and husband . What was muscle relaxant (never used any myself) and what was second pain med after norco, which I was on first day of laminotomy surgery, which didn’t fully relieve pressure on the disc. Thanks again!

[@TheGaginator]

Thank you for the kind words :) The muscle relaxer that they prescribed to me was Methocarbamol.I didnt like the way it made me feel for sure. A muscle relaxer that works for me without side effects is Tizanidine. The pain medicine that worked well for me at the hospital was Dilaudid. I know little to nothing about medication, so this is not advice, just stating my experience. God has been so good to me, I was just able to complete a major life goal hike last week in Oregon (video posted), and I walked over 50 miles the week before!!

[@JohnSmith-uy7sv]

Did you not know of or consider a spinal cord stimulator like I did in 2007.

[@gosman949]

@@JohnSmith-uy7sv everyone is different, but usually docs like the frame to be fixed and nerves to be free down the spinal canal before doing a pain stimulator.

[@mjc42701]

Just know it will be harder and take longer to recover than people in their 30's, I'm in my 60's just had the same surgery as this guy, I have had issues all my life with sciatic pain, I threw up for 14 hours after the surgery, never used the dilaudid pump, the only thing I could tolerate was 5mgs of IR Oxycodone with a dissolvable nausea medication, it has been two months and I still have sciatic pain but it is gradually getting better, the surgeon had to do a lot of bone removal from spurs, I had blown my L5/S1 disc when I was 13 and lived with it but I started having other disc herniate and it got to the point of nothing helping not even steroid injections, so I caved and had the surgery.

[@anthonysanchez4503]

I very much enjoyed your videos documenting your L4-L5 fusion experience in dealing with the pain and your frame of mind. I just had my L4-L5 fusion and S1 bone spur removal done 4 days ago where a minimally invasive approach was used (OLIF procedure for the fusion). Pain definitely was the biggest challenge and I agree with you about being active to accelerate recovery. I hope your results have improved your quality of life and happiness is the norm. Life is good!

[@oobabby]

Going in tomorrow at 530. I pray it all goes well. You sound great. Been on pain meds for so long now, I'm worried mine won't work. Congratulations

[@TheGaginator]

I'll have you on my prayer list for sure!!!

[@nicholeowens5516]

Sept 16 and ,18 for my spinal fusion. Been on oxycodone 10 for 7 yrs straight. Worried it want work. How did surgery go for you and how did medicine work after what helped you because I'm worried about that mostly and need to know what combination of meds will be great for this. Having 2 surgeries in 1 week

[@susanjmc8742]

Thank you for sharing. I am older and it is my first surgery. I am a Christian too. I had faith for a healing,really a miracle, but the Lord reminded me of Hebrews 10. The faith chapter. Although they believed, some did not receive their answer to prayer like they wanted. I’ve moved past this and am preparing for surgery. Your piece was real and it has helped me. Thank you for posting and God bless🙏❤️‍🩹

[@chat5254]

Thank you for doing this!

[@janiceford6843]

Thank you for sharing such personal details so honestly. Your video is so helpful to those of us possibly facing this surgery. I am humbled by you sharing such personal information with strangers but you are helping us make this tough decision for surgery.

[@robmiller54]

I was told back surgery is a 6 month recovery, currently getting shots every 3 months for relief, stay strong Brother !

[@briancicio7738]

Thank you for the video, Gage! I'm having an L4 to S1 fusion next month after 20 years of chronic pain. Now I know what to expect. God Bless you.

[@TheGaginator]

Thank you for the kind words, you will be in my prayers for successful surgery and speedy recovery!

[@jasonjones6208]

I’m in the same boat with ALIF fusion of my L4-L5-S1 coming up on July 19. Good luck to you!

[@briancicio7738]

@@jasonjones6208 Same to you. I will be praying for both of us!

[@zizapop]

its been 4.5month post ops... fusion L4/L5.. laser shrink the L2/L3 and L3/L4....i am still not feeling well with my lumbar.. painful and tiredness.... cannot walk far, stand long, sit long, lay long... cant even walk fast.. 😓 how you guys feel..?

[@briancicio7738]

@@zizapop I was VERY lucky as my healing is WAY ahead of schedule. I'm three months post op and my surgeon has already cleared me to return to the gym (no squats or back extensions). He believes I will be fully healed within another three months. Yes, I still have some pain, but the 9 is down to about a 2, maybe 4 after physical therapy. I wish you the best and will pray for your full and speedy recovery.

[@blue98jettavr6t]

thank you for sharing your experience. At 48 i have had 2 episode of demobilizing pain related to L5 S1. I'm tired of the pain from sciatica resurfacing at the worse time in my life. Right now and for the first time I have outer edge of foot and 2 toes numb. I have been researching procedure but your video is the one we all want to see. the after fusion recovery and experience.

[@blue98jettavr6t]

I also want to add that I see you've had a busy year from AArma Rc cars to SVO projects to Civic engine swaps. Hope you have been well.

[@thomaswoodlief3066]

Thank you so much for this video brother. I am having to make the decision of L4-L5 fusion or just live with the pain. Your honesty of your journey is very much appreciated. Scary decision to have to make. Hope that it has turned out to be best decision for your back.

[@TheGaginator]

Thanks for the comment! So far I am so much better. i lived with the pain for 15 years, what finally made me do it was the lack of sleep, and overall attitude because of how bad the pain had gotten.

[@funke24]

I'm in ur same point I'm really scared and worried about it and I don't get scared literally ever and I'm terrified do u have the same feel I do where u feel like u need to be pulled apart or stretched out similar feeling ro right before ur knuckles are about to pop

[@kimr.9906]

Ugh I lived with my pain for well over 10 years and when I couldn't ride my mountain bike even for a mile I called my orthopedic surgeon and made an appointment. Couldn't take life anymore. Just do it. I did mine winter time so I didn't miss good weather. Just make sure you have a support system and get the grabbers to pick things up if something falls to the ground, they are so helpful.

[@DrKimberlyWinters]

Thank you for your account of your experiences and sharing your faith in Jesus! I’ll be having surgery in 1 week. I trust God.

[@TheGaginator]

I will add you to my prayer list, thanks for the comment Kimberly!

[@wewhagg]

Praise God my bless brother I am getting my steroid shot next week and then i see my surgeon 9 days after, so he can tell me everything about the surgery. I have a tumor on my L5 between L5 and L4. He said he will have to remove the piece of bone with the tumor and then put a cage in. The tumor is pinching my nerves, I have been doing PT twice a week and working out, and stretching everyday which has greatly improved my life and my pain. I went from 10% range of motion on my right leg and 50% with my left leg. Now i have 80% on the right and 100% on the left, my PT said I'm perfect for my surgery now. So once i get it i will be able to heal better and faster and I will have full range of motion with my body. Thanks for the great video. May the Lord Jesus bless you and your family🙏🏾

[@harkerl1]

Very thankful for you video! Praying that your surgery was completely successful!

[@georgeannastead2375]

Prayers for all first responders and prayers you continue to recover

[@TheGaginator]

Thank you!

[@barbdelcastilho-op6zn]

Thank you for sharing. I only wish you and your family God's blessing. I am 72 years old. From Ontario having to have surgery in two weeks in Sandusky, Ohio due to our crumbling medical system up here. Your information has helped a lot with step by step progressing. Not like going forward to trying to get back home a week after surgery but will let ok for a sitter brace and we have an SUV that I can be a bit more comfortable. Thank you again. 🙏

[@TheGaginator]

Thanks for the comment, wishing you the best!

[@StvRob76]

I am scheduled for an S1/L5 and L5/L4 MIS TLIF Fusion on February 16 of 2023. He will be approaching it from a minimally invasive technique that I pray will make things easier in the recovery. I had years of typical back pain from wear and tear over the years but was always able to recover. In March of 2021, I was in a car accident that took everything over the top! After battling two years of every type of treatment, we found that both L5 and L4 has bilateral pars defect causing instability in the spine and now I feel it’s time to address this and work on healing in a different, positive way. Your transparency helps a lot with it not only being the good or the bad but both. I like especially how you ended with “hope and your spiritual belief”! That is exactly what I am surrendering too that all will be well and this will go smooth with a solid recovery. I did have one question? Did you have a catheter? I don’t hear much about that? Hope you are doing well now and feeling better than you have in years! I am not expecting to be 100 percent but 90 percent surely will beat the 40 percent I live with daily.

[@marsidanajdeni]

I will be praying for you. I need the same surgery L4/L5. Please let us know how it goes. Good luck! ❤

[@TheGaginator]

Thank you for the comment! I have has good success, and it's all a gift from God. During my back surgery there was a catheter, but it was already pulled by the time I woke up. I dont remember pain from it at all, but i do remember having a hard time going pee due to alot of gas build up. I was unable to pee very well or at all sometimes in the bed like they wanted. I had to get up and use the toilet instead. This was pretty difficult, but aided in my recovery i think having to get up and move around more often.

[@Teresa-K]

I wish you good luck. I hear the minimally invasive endoscopy is the way to go. You have less incisions and all the “cutting” is done inside. I’m afraid I’m up for surgery in February also. I see the surgeon soon. This video answered of lot of my questions and brought up things I didn’t think of. Take good care.

[@marsidanajdeni]

@@Teresa-K Thank you dear. I'll say a prayer for you and please ask all the questions. Sometimes we get intimidated in front of doctors. From all my research the most important part is post-surgery. How well you keep your body your first 2-3 months for the vertebrae's to naturally infuse, so no mobility is lost or little. Let me know what your surgeon will say. I see mine sometime end of next month. Good luck!

[@timothycook8383]

How are you doing brother? Did the minimally invasive approach work OK for you?

[@momsnewseizurejourney6180]

I'm so glad this video came up. I'm day 5 (same exact surgery) and i'm still in the most excruciating pain. So looking forward to when I can be down this far of the road you are in. By far the most painful one I've had! whooo

[@TheGaginator]

Thanks for the comment and kind words, You'll be on my prayer list!

[@momsnewseizurejourney6180]

@@TheGaginator 🙌 So very kind of you. Thank you!

[@ConE49]

Hang in there! I would lie in bed and cry and thinking how I couldn’t wait until after 1 year. It was definitely the hardest surgery ive had and ive had c-section & a hysterectomy but I prayed and trusted God. I got a huge blood clot which slowed down my healing but here i am now 1 yr & 4 months later than i thought would NEVER come. I will be glad to answer any questions or help anyway i can. Sending healing wishes!

[@momsnewseizurejourney6180]

@@ConE49 Aww you are so very sweet. I'm so sorry you went through all that with your surgery struggles. I had my first Fusion then 2nd 4 weeks later due to hardware coming out and the second one failed and now so far doctors think I will be permanently disabled from that surgery. Complete nerve damage. Did you have any Nerve issues? And how are you doing to this day? And your right this was the hardest surgery EVER! lots of tears and praying.

[@Teresa-K]

Thank you for sharing your surgery and recovery experience. You are very well spoken and explained things very well. I am happy you are doing well. I am just starting my experience. You answered a lot of my questions and some things I didn’t think out. Best of luck to you.

[@TheGaginator]

Thank you for the kind words! I hope your journey goes well! I will be doing an update video soon

[@olubunmiolumuyiwa1536]

I have been slated for a decompression and instrumented fusion for my L4 & L5. I live in Nigeria. And I am scared. I am wandering if my doctor would give me the best care as promised... Thank you for this video. It has helped me to realize what to expect. I hope by God's grace I will overcome this situation in Jesus' name. Pain (mild or excruciating) is not something anyone should deal with.

[@jollygreen4639]

I had a discetomy L4-S1 with fusion and instrumentation in Dec of 1993. I have rods and screws in my back. I blew the discs out lifting luggage on my part time job as a motorcoach driver. I also worked full time as a building maintenance mechanic with HVACR as my main trade. I was on morphine drip for three days, which helped a lot when turning in the hospital bed. Constipated for a day or two, I had bran muffins and prunes for hospital food breakfast for a few days and that worked for me. I only took Motrin after that, which I used for years after that but only when needed. I went back to work at both jobs after 6 months, knowing I had limitations for another 6 months and had to change my body mechanics on doing things differently. For example , getting out of bed (or at work if I was on the floor repairing something) I turned on my side and use my hands to push my body up. Never raise up like as a sit-up type of motion. I continued in my maintenance job until 2015 when I retired. Over the years I had flare ups that caused me to take a few days off and use Motrin, ice and heat, and rest. But as I got into my late 50’s it took longer to calm down. I was at a point where it was more like two weeks to recover from simple things that are now very aggravating to the condition. I had to retire from motorcoach driving because it got really bad and I had weight limitations of 15 pounds and no prolonged sitting. So obviously can’t drive a bus with that 😆. A point to anyone having disc fusion, from my experience, is this; expect that you may later suffer pain from Sacrolitis and Adjacent Segment Syndrome, where the areas around the fusion have to take the strain of movements that your fused areas can’t anymore because they can’t move. I have both, among other issues. I have a Spinal Cord Stimulator implanted to alleviate nerve pain going down my legs and I had Sacroiliac Joint Fusion 7 months ago. These have all helped my pains and I have NO regrets about doing any of them. I will be having Cluneal Nerve Blocks soon, to address the inflammation of those nerves from impingement and “wear and tear” over the 30plus years. I’m not trying to scare anyone who may be having disc surgery but only want to prepare you for what MAY happen. I knew this before I had it done in 1993. So it wasn’t a surprise. But I’ve been proactive with my doctors, my pain management doctor, and any other specialist. I know what and where I feel pain and focus on that for treatment. Hey, I’m lucky I made out good after the ‘93 surgery and worked two jobs together for as long as I did. I wish you all well and hope I helped someone with fears or doubts about doing it by telling my experiences.

[@kam-Saff]

Wish you the best my friend. I had laminectomy with fusion 10 days ago. I am managing the pain with oxycodone and acetaminophen since then. I am feeing a bit, just a bit better. My drop foot that was supposed to go away within a few days after surgery got even worse. Thanks for sharing your story and hope all goes well with you very soon. 🙏🙏🙏

[@karenmiller3750]

I feel you just described my journey ..I went through same Fusion for L4 L5 S1 Nov 7 2022 here in 🇨🇦 I've been through hell and back. I didn't take any pills as I'm allergic to all opioids ..I had no help at home either ...I honestly don't know how I got through last 12wks. I am now 12wks post surgery and can barely sit for more than 10min and u can only walk Total of 15min ..I also can't drive more than 15min either. I had 22 staples in my back as well as rods . I'm praying to the heavens this is going to get better . I still have to do physio when my bone has fused at 6month mark ...my surgeon will call me Feb 15th again as I have numbness in both legs and feet. I wish I'd never had this surgery but i suffered 16months in excrutiating pain and this was last option for me as I had severe stenosis. I tried cortizone injections, Epidural steroids and ablation ..nothing worked ! Today I still walking with a cane. The past 3wks I feel are worse than ever. Thanks for sharing your journey I should have done the same..

[@TheGaginator]

I am going to pray for you and your journey Karen. I am fortunate enough to have a 15 year old son to help me, and my wife was able to work from home during the first month or so. Sitting is the worst thing for me. Laying flat on my back is the best way I've found to sleep, but moving around makes me feel the best. The Lord really blessed me and my recovery. I am praying for you tonight that he will give you strength and hope. Don't give up and lean into Jesus when the suffering is too much for you to bear alone. I will say, month 3-4 area was the worst for me, but I am doing so much batter than I thought I would ever be able to now.

[@Groot573]

Seriously, you wish you never had it done? My only choice is this. I’ve been bedridden for 7.5 years. Please tell me it’s not worse and why if it is?

[@karenmiller3750]

@Susy Velarde I'm now 15wks post surgey ..I was back in ER end of Jan and in Feb the pain was unbearable ! Had an MRI which showed everything is good . My surgeon doesn't know what to make of it 🙄 Now seeing a holistic Dr. And started physio . No food that causes inflammation . I still have numbness in both legs and feet, my pain is about 50% better. I am walking 30min day but can only stand sit and drive 15min before the pain is worse .. I feel this will take up to 1yr before I ever have a Normal life back ..my physiotherapist said 1yr is the norm. Some people 2yrs. If anything please seek a 2nd opinion and take it easy. Do not take too many pain meds...I've still not taken any . They are poison to your l7ver and kidneys. I have high hopes I'll be 80% better in 6 to 9 months ..I was told I'll never be 100% . Good luck 🙏🏼

[@Groot573]

@@karenmiller3750 you can still have mris?

[@karenmiller3750]

@Susy Velarde I've had 3 in one year ...you also here in Canada get one 3 to 4 months post surgery ...I was getting checked at ER to make sure everything was okay as I literally could not walk in so much pain ...

[@cryptoladymakingtendies9100]

Fused L4-S1 no pain after op down leg and surgical pain was minimal. Rehab by walking and hydrotherapy pool. 3 months later walked up highest mountain in UK Ben Nevis returned to job 6 mths after op. You must rehab yourself properly and no issues since 7 yrs later I am an aerospace ground equipment mechanic Good luck

[@TheGaginator]

Proper rehab 100% is the key to success ^ assuming the surgery was actually needed, and properly done.

[@karentadas9005]

You probably will not see this as it's been a long time but I'm having this same surgery Jan 8 2024. I too am a believer in Jesus Christ and have had my reservations about doing this but after hearing you, I also feel "hope". I appreciated that you did not sugar coat anything, explained the pain you were in that first week and prayerfully now, you are completely pain free. Thanks so much for sharing. You've been a confirmation to me that it's the right thing. Blessings.

[@maryprestridge9659]

Thank you… I am 4 weeks post op and 72 years old. I am walking 1 1/2 per day on a level floor. The pain gets intense in the late afternoon. I believe it’s because as you mentioned… sitting is the hardest part. I never had lower back pain until someone was texting and hit us at a stop position. I can say there is still pain as it should be but it’s a different pain and gets better everyday. Blessed and so happy I had the L4-L5 fusion. At my age I thought twice about it but so glad I trusted my doctor and Tulane Hospital.

[@TheGaginator]

Thank you for the comment! I am praying for a full and speedy recover for you

[@debbyebouldin1543]

I’m having surgery from L2- L5 and L5 -S1. I’m very nervous and scared about all of it. Thanks for the video.

[@JCMasterCraftsman]

@@debbyebouldin1543Thats a long span. Please keep us posted!

[@bkairportservices9292]

Good Day….What a wonderful video. Thank you very much. I am going into Hospital next week for the same spinal fusion and you have given me some insight on what to expect. I am very grateful to you. Hope you are fully recovered. God Bless you.. 🙏🏽

[@poohsreviews8992]

You're Awesome! Thx for taking the time to inform us. Valuable Information.

[@apexseeker3821]

Thanks for this video and I look forward to your six month update. I’ve been suffering from back pain for about 30 years. I’m 71 now and it’s getting unbearable. I’ve always been active in sports until about ten years ago. I’m looking at a three level fusion L3-S1 which is extremely scary because your single level fusion was pretty difficult in itself. Just imagine what a 3-level must be like. And 18 months ago I had a fusion in my neck from which I suffered nerve damage. In any case I’m glad you seem to be mending well and I hope you have a full recovery.

[@karlaagebrasted1797]

I am having the same surgery as you in ten days time. Not looking forward to it at all, but hope the result will be good.

[@TheGaginator]

I am ok after 1 year now, but still have pain. Just different pain. Next i am going to try strength training and conditioning since surgery did not give me the result i wanted. I will have you on my prayer list for sure!

[@karlaagebrasted1797]

Thanks for your answer. Sorry to hear you are still in pain. My surgery last Monday was cancelled during anestecia as they found problems with my Hearts. Sometimes 10 seconds between its beat. So now they are looking into that, before a new surgery is done. I was mentalt ready for the surgery, so I was very dissapointed when I woke up. They said I would have died during surgery, if they had not stopped.

[@Lexila1936]

Your video is painful but at the same time hopeful. I had L5-S1 fusion in 2014, an ACDF C5-6 in 2010 and another lumbar fusion, this time L4-5 in a few weeks. I’m terrified, knowing how painful the process is, especially since I never recovered after the L5-S1 fusion. It was due to Spondylolethis, slipped vertebrae, and couldn’t be fixed as the surgeon had hoped for. I’ve been in chronic pain for the past 9 years and need the surgery now for another slipped vertebrae, that has caused an almost complete foot drop, leg weakness and intense pain. I’m so scared knowing what awaits me pain wise but worse is the uncertainty of recovery and length of it. Thank you for sharing your video with us and being so optimistic despite the pain and limitations. I’ve never shared my personal experiences online but might record my upcoming journey to provide others with a-hopefully-positive experience. I wish you Godspeed, a full and complete recovery and may you be able to return to a life without pain and limitations! Thank you 🙏

[@fibromyalgiajourney-denisebowe]

Thank you so much for sharing!! I have my surgery next month. Your recovery is amazing!! 🙏

[@TheGaginator]

Thank you for the comment, I'll have you on my prayer list!

[@fibromyalgiajourney-denisebowe]

@@TheGaginator Thank you 😊

[@lindatower6437]

Thank you. L4 and 5 surgery pending and this real episode helped a lot!

[@karynwood1786]

I pray you continue to have a speedy recovery!

[@TheGaginator]

Thank you so much

[@ja.k.triggered5826]

I've had 5 of these surgeries at the age of 36 to 40. They aren't fun and hard on your loved ones. Everyone of the surgeries failed for me as the hardware broke loose in my spine. Had to remove and replace all hardware. They finally had to put a pain pump in me because of all the damage to my spine from the screws wollering holes out, and now the disc are bulging out above all the hardware grr. Hope all is working out for you, and hope all is well.

[@littlebug1026]

Hello friend. Sept 6 2023 I had a 4 level spinal fusion in my neck. C3 thru C7. My right arm has severe nerve damage from the spine to the fingers. My left arm is also not great. :) 10 months before that I had a laminectomy on my lumbar L3 thru L6. NOW, I have a ruptured disc between T12/L1. I am miserable and I hate pain meds ugh. I ended up being in the hospital 9 days because my spinal fluid drain would not stop draining and then it blew and I had spinal fluid running down the front of me which i thought....was water. NOT. I'm glad you are feeling better hang in there.

[@TheGaginator]

I will add you to my prayer list, you have been through quite alot it sounds. Thank you for the kind words, and info you shared. I have been having increased pain lately, so im going in for some teste before i do my next video.

[@connielovett1846]

Thank you! I am looking to have back surgery is video is a blessing to me. And especially when you that you have hope in God am a Christian to and you have been a blessing to me so much. God bless you and continue being a witness for the Lord.

[@e.c.2289]

Thanks for this detailed overview. I will have my L4/L5 fusion surgery in a couple of months and am trying to learn from those who have been through it.

[@TheGaginator]

6 months out, I am doing ok. I still have pain, but i have not done a good job of resting at all. The biggest benefit for me has been the ability to sleep better.

[@leilalineberger995]

Really good job with this!! I’m in the “wait for insurance approval” stage. I think I understand the waking up happy. I’ve been in terrible level 10 constant pain for months, from neck to my toes. I can’t wait to wake up and not have that pain hit me before I’m really awake, before my eyes think about opening. Yes, you’re still hurting (well you were then-9 months ago) BAD, but it’s different and you feel it getting better. I have RA (well you get all of them mostly-arthritis) and I’m older. I had both knees replaced, as soon as you wake up from surgery they have you up and walking, PT week x a week. The doctor told me, “at least you won’t have to do all that”. I’m not worried about “opiate constipation” but I appreciate the heads up, I’ll be prepared for all of that anyway. Hope all is well and you feel better. 😊

[@TheGaginator]

Good info, and thank you for the kind words. I will have you on my prayer list!

[@davestuart6593]

I’m having L4 L5 fusion through the side and L3 through L5 laminectomy on April 4th,530 AM hosp surgery at 700,thx for sharing. I’m aware of the pain issues not looking forward to it,thx for sharing your faith,Jesus is my savior and redeemer my king,praise God!

[@TheGaginator]

Thanks for the comment, I'll add you to my prayer list!

[@angelap330]

Thanks for your time letting people know you went through. I’m scheduled to have my back surgery on L4 L5 And fusion.

[@TheGaginator]

I'll be praying for you Angela!

[@fayefire8793]

How did yours go?

[@Rust-g7y]

Hi Angela I like to ask as I’m very hesitate and scare have surgery at the same level as yours With fusion you be able to bend normal after said month of the surgery or no I appreciate your answer And wish you well

[@bdessak]

You are great and your faith is the foundation of your recovery I am going to spinal fusion surgery and your video is very helpful and encouraging

[@TheGaginator]

Thank you for the kind words, I will have you on my prayer list for sure!

[@bobeallison]

Thank you for your Journal on your back surgery. I am 71yrs. old and will be going in for back surgery in two weeks. L1 through L5, cages and all that jazz. Your video is great on post surgery journey. Like you said. the surgery should be ok, 4-5 hours. The recovery is the challenge.Great tip on using PT shorts or under-ware. I've had both hips replaced and a rotator cuff tear repaired., all in the last six years. So, it will be interesting to see how this goes. I've had back issues since H.S. (long, long, time ago, in a galaxy far, far, away). I was advised several years back to do the hips first, then look into the back issues when it was just getting to hard to manage. So here I go! Again, what an encouragement your video was, kind of!

[@TheGaginator]

Thank you for the kind words and sharing your story! I'll have you in my prayers Bob

[@pumpkinheadghoul]

That's what I'm having done in about two months, Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) to L5 & S1. Apparently I was born with Spina Bifida, and never knew it until about 10 months ago when my pain problems started becoming far more serious and debilitating, and the PT clinic sent me back to my doctor, who then ordered a MRI which showed the deformity, and the damage it had caused over the years. Apparently because of the L5 vertebrae not fully forming in the womb, it was weaker than the other vertebrae, so when I was about 12 years old I fractured the two little horns off of the main vertebral body. It's those horns which interlock to the horns of the connecting vertebrae and keep them all in alignment. Unfortunately when I broke those horns off when I was 12, I didn't know it. I recall having horrible back pains at that age which lasted for a couple of months, but my dad said it was probably just due to a crappy mattress, so he put a sheet of plywood underneath my mattress to give it more support, and to be perfectly honest, it was more comfortable like that because it no longer sagged. So, after spending a couple of months as a kid with horrible back pain, and my dad doing a redneck fix on my mattress, the fracture finally healed itself and I stopped having back pains. However, what we also didn't know, aside from the fact I'd broken my back, the vertebrae had slid forward to about 25% out of alignment, which then caused me to not only have poor posture, but also to completely wear out the disk cartilage between L5 and S1, to the point I'm now 57 years old and completely bone on bone with only the tiniest little pinhole of space for those nerves to pass through as they exit the spinal column. Which, as I said, is now causing me horribly debilitating pain that's entirely unpredictable. It seems to go from 3 to 10 in the blink of an eye for seemingly no reason at all, and I never know when it's going to hit. Over the past couple of weeks it's gotten to the point I can no longer drive. So a week ago the pain clinic cut me loose and sent me back to the spine center because they've gone about as far as the can go with me, and now no matter what they throw at it, the pain just continues to get worse, and it's now happening at a really advanced rate. Two months ago I had an occasional back ache if I stood too long, if I laid in bed too long or if I sat too long without getting up every hour or so and walking through the house a bit. I could easily predict and control it to keep the back aches to an all around minimum. However, now I'm in constant pain that hovers about 60% of the time at around a 6, on the pain scale, with 10% of the time being at about a 3 and 30% of the time it just swings back and forth between 8 and 10 on the pain scale, and it's starting to become absolutely maddening, and I don't know what to do about it. Even though I had a visit just a couple of days ago with the spine surgeon's extremely knowledgeable PA, I'm still more than 7 weeks away from the official surgery consultation appointment with the spine surgeon, after which, and ONLY after which we can finally get me on their surgery schedule calendar, which will most like not be for another two to four weeks, so best case scenario I'm probably looking at not being able to get this fixed until the last week of September or the first week of October, and as I said, that's a very wishful thinking a best case scenario. Well known coveted specialists like this doctor often tend to be booked anywhere from one to three months out. I'm obviously guessing, but I've had enough major surgeries in the past to have a pretty good feel for how these things go. Right now I'm absolutely miserable and it's starting to mess with my mind. It's already started zapping most of my extremely extroverted personality. I'm constantly trying to make people laugh, but now I can't even find that part of myself anymore. I've noticed my wife and our teenage son are beginning to avoid spending time with me when I'm at my worse levels of pain, and I certainly can't blame them. No one wants to sit next to someone just to listen to them moan and groan in agonizing pain for hours on end. The spine center has already put me on a steady regiment of muscle relaxers, oxycontin, tramedol and lorazepam, yet NOTHING is even coming close to touching this constant pain. It's Friday, so I have to wait until Monday to call the spine center to tell the PA that nothing we're doing is working, and I'm starting to lose my mind because of the constant torturous pain that runs from the left side of my lower back, seems to explode in waves into my left hip and piriformis area of my left buttocks, often scorching its way up and down the lateral side of my lower leg, making sure to encompass my ankle, because you know, why the hell not! I wish I knew what else to do to at least keep my sanity unit I'm finally lucky enough to find myself naked in a refrigerated room, on a stainless steel table, in front of a bunch of bright young strangers, who half way through the surgery will be forced to flip me over, using I guess whatever appendages they can manage to grab a handful of, in order to avoid dumping me onto the floor like a slippery walrus narrowly escaping a group of tourists. I mean, how on earth DO they flip a flaccid seemingly lifeless 210 pound middle aged man without someone losing an eye, or spending the rest of the afternoon crying in the shower because she inadvertently handled the type of junk even Fred Sanford wouldn't display in his front window?

[@valeriemetzger501]

Thank you so very much! I go 7/14 to meet the neurosurgeon. I've put this off for a few years, but can't any longer. I'm terrified. I am a single mom, have a small farm, and work 2 jobs. Thank you so much for this. It has helped me with the whole reality.

[@TheGaginator]

Thank you for the kind words, I've got you on my prayer list!

[@maryviglotti1200]

Gage, Thank you so much for your in-depth look at fusion surgery. I’m facing it for the first time in 2 weeks. I don’t think most health care professionals ever really arm you for the constipating effects of opioids? Your real world view of what you went through was extremely insightful and helpful! Hopefully you’re out of pain now and fully recovered?

[@TheGaginator]

Unfortunately, I have had worse back pain since month 3 of my surgery. I also think I had a misdiagnosis. They say all is well, but i have had to stop working all together the pain is so bad. I sold my shop last November :(

[@mypoppy04]

Thank you for this video. Im a christian also, ive been extremely nervous about making this decision. My surgeon just told me yesterday he strongly suggests i take this surgery. I have a really bad case of spinal stenosis and 2 lumbar discs slipping. I will follow your recovery Blessings Brother Praying you recover quickly. 🙏

[@DanBrown-30MODELA]

Thank you brother in Christ for sharing your surgery experience. I am having this very same surgery at the end of April. I pray for the touch of Jesus in your recovery and complete healing. Amen

[@MichaelTracy-cj7kq]

Love that Nomad buddy! I'm probably gonna have the same surgery soon. Thanks for posting this.

[@TheGaginator]

Thank you for the comment!! Definitely get multiple opinions before surgery. Even if it seems monotonous.

[@beckiedavis4214]

Just came upon your video . I’m having back surgery next month and was curious what to expect. Your words gave me some hope that all will go well . I do believe the Lord guides me to my surgeon who is also a believer . Thank you for sharing and God bless.

[@TheGaginator]

Thanks for the comment!!! I absolutely suggest reading this book before getting surgery. I wish I had known about it. I may not have gotten surgery at all if I knew then, what I know now. amzn.to/3QRv19O Ill have you on my prayer list for sure

[@beckiedavis4214]

I have bone spurs on my spine . Doc says it severe. I’ve done the whole gamet nothing has helped . So surgery is my only option.

[@jamesdempster1187]

Hello Jim here again I kind of like you. I’m watching what you going through. I know what you mean. I haven’t walked in two years the spinal stenosis. I had it through my back my balance off I can feel my legs and I can still use my legs I just can’t stand up in, the surgery I’ll find out next month. They say if I don’t do it, I’ll be paralyzed. So I have no choice. I like that 55 Chevy nomad you have a nice car. I had a 67 Chevelle that was my car. I’ll be listening to you. I saved your thing on KZbinand I want all your videos. A big deal and Jesus is a big deal too. I’ve been praying people praying for me too. I am a Christian too as you can tell. Good luck, my friend.

[@TheGaginator]

Hey there Jim! Thank you for the kind words. I'll have you on my prayer list for sure! Praying for a successful operation and a quick recovery on the way to freedom of movement!!

[@lindadtiner]

🙏 for your complete healing!

[@TheGaginator]

Thank you so much!

[@ShannonNewsom-x6n]

I'm 52 and having the exact same surgery Tuesday (11/28/23) SCARED TO DEATH. I've always had constipation problems after my total hysterectomy and bladder tie up in 2021. Thank you so much for sharing this video, I've been in constant pain since the beginning of September with severe sciatic nerve pain. I'm not the greatest on handling pain.

[@marcuswarrak9131]

hope you are doing well after the surgery.

[@anthonysanchez4503]

You should by now be seeing some relief from the pain and discomfort of it all. I had mine done on 12/4/23, so still feeling a bit weak and unsteady, but I am seeing daily improvements (I will be turning 71 in January}. Milk of Magnesia worked for my constipation by the way. After awakening from the surgery I was very happy to realize that all my nerve pain (sciatica and numbness) was gone, which made dealing with the surgical pain easier to deal with (no pain no gain). I had been seeking a surgical solution since 2019, but was looking for a minimally invasive procedure. Finally found a surgeon that was on my wavelength and am now looking forward to a much better quality of life. I wish the best for your recovery and happiness!

[@Jiren0420]

Thank you for being so brave. My mom will have surgery (L3-L4) next month. She has no other choice unfortunately. She did L5-S1 done by July 2014. I feel bad because sometimes I am so tough on her😢. I am her caregiver. I don't have high expectations but I hope she can get some relief even 10% 😢

[@roxanamarin2323]

Hello. I'm glad I found your video. I had my first spine surgery on Nov 2022 the day before my ski accident. It was so painful after that surgery. I had 8 screws, 4 on each side and 2 rods. Anyhow, nobody told me about NO BLT - bend, lift, twist. Therfore after 2 weeks I had 2 screws that get loosen. Painful experience. I was able to sleep only on my left side and on my back, because on my right side I had 8 broken ribs and the shoulder. Then two months later I had the second surgery with more screws. I vomited for almost 20h after that surgery. I think the anesthesia was causing me a lot of problems. Then constipation. Having a poop was my go home ticket, so I tried everything I could, until it was too much, but didn't say anything because I wanted to go home. This time I had 29 staples for 2 weeks. I didn't have much movement for 6 weeks because of the pain from spine and ribs. Tomorrow I'll have my 6 week post op follow up appointment. I still take pain medication only night time, because I need to rest. I had another surgery to fix my right clavicula, which means a plate with 6 screws. I feel like "Home Depot" 😕 I walk every day, few times per day. I don't give up and I have faith that I'll be back to skiing, bec I love it so much. I have a question please: you mentioned something about bone stimulator. What exactly is that? And how did you use it? Thanks for sharing your story

[@roxanamarin2323]

Sorry, I said the day before my ski accident. It was the day after, of course 😄

[@TheGaginator]

Thanks for sharing your story, you will be on my prayer list. Sounds like you had quite an ordeal! Safe daily movement is the key to recovery for sure. I am guilty of overdoing it during recovery. The bone growth stimulator works like a metal detector, creating magnetic field pulses. It was prescribed by my surgeon. I can't say if it has any positive affects, but research shows it may.

[@roxanamarin2323]

@@TheGaginator thank you. I'm so glad I found your video. Tomorrow is my appointment and right now I feel pain all over my spine. I have to stop thinking about the visit and pray for better health and life. Please God, help us all!

[@angelatrebor8681]

@@roxanamarin2323 ❤🙇🙏

[@moparchargergang2050]

I’m 47 years old ,I have to get a ALIF L5-S1 fusion , I found out in 2020 , I put it off till now , I’m going to see the surgeon 10/19/22 soon and see what he says , iam terrified scared. I hope it didn’t spread and get worse , I been working all this time back breaking labor work/struggling, I appreciate your video

[@TheGaginator]

I hope the best for you man. My recovery has been going great so far. Tomorrow will be one month after my surgery. I am walking and doing many normal tasks. The hardest part for me is trying not to overdo it. I'll do a 1 months video think and offer some more insight

[@lisarose56]

How are you doing? My fusion is January 9th. I'm really scared!

[@moparchargergang2050]

@@lisarose56 I’m putting off my fusion as long as I can , cause I keep hearing once you get that first fusion it will go up from L5-S1 to the L4 in about 6 years , give or take. So I will get my back checked once a year just to keep an eye on it.

[@joyckerr]

Super helpful as I prepare for L3-L4 laminectomy and spinal fusion!

[@TheGaginator]

I'll add you on my prayer list! I am going to do an update video soon after my next MRi / CT appointment

[@JL-dw4jd]

Can you say why you didn't have minimally invasive surgery? It supposedly requires only 1 day in hospital, and one is back to work very quickly. Also much less pain. Names of some of the surgeons who do it are Cantor and Deuk in Florida. Great to see your cheerful attitude, its an inspiration to all of us.

[@TheGaginator]

I am not sure why it was done this way. I know that I got 4 screws, and some rods in my spine to make a cage. I also had some pain issues with medication resistance after surgery, so that added some time. Thank you for the kind words!!

[@mariehance924]

I can't imagine making a video after my surgery, you are tough. L5-s1 lamenectomy at 17 years old, disc removal and fusion at 23 (cages were to large for the space), now at 42 waiting on mri results after having new low back pain leg tremors and weakness and loss of reflex from knees down. Really nervous because I feel my life will change for a bit, I love to work and just want to keep going.

[@TheGaginator]

Your last sentence is exactly how I felt / feel. I'm 110% a busy body. Its been almost 8 months since my surgery, and I recently had an x-ray, MRI, and CT scan that I hope to talk about on my next video. I'll have you on my prayer list for sure. God has done amazing things in my life that I could never explain or accomplish on my own, and I know he is not done yet.

[@paw45]

The ride home is a doozy X 100. Opioids dehydrate the colon causing constipation. Stay hydrated, rocking back and forth on the throne helps. Also Mirilax is a gentle stool softener.

[@TheGaginator]

Excellent info!!

[@Nito_Dinero]

I’m 13 days away from my surgery I get more scared as the days get closer. Back pain are unbearable I cant imagine after surgery. 😢

[@TheGaginator]

You've got this! I'll have you on my prayer list

[@danr5239]

Thank you very much for making this video. Lots of very accurate information. Everybody heals differently. I had my surgery just shy of a month ago. I could tell everybody my entire story. But the doctors gave me the thumbs up that the surgery went well, and it just have to be careful and try not to lift anything that weighs more than a gallon of milk. The one thing I really do agree with you about is being constipated. And the doctors were equally concerned. They literally would not discharge me from the hospital until I had a healthy bowel movement. I had no problems going number one. When I told the doctor that I haven’t made a Dookie in one week, he was extremely concerned. After the surgery my pain was really bad so I had to hit the call button for a nurse to come and help me go to and from the bathroom. If you go poop, don’t flush the toilet. Apparently either the doctor or the nurses wanted to do make sure. Other than that, I really appreciate this video cause I’m recovering. It’s been about a month and I still use a walker. Not necessarily because I have to it’s more so psychological because before I had my surgery I was at a high risk of falling. (I’m 50 years old). I use the walker as “insurance”. I just don’t want to fall down and screw up my back again until it’s completely healed. My doctor said I really have to hit something hard because the titanium screws in my lumbar are extremely strong. Either way, thank you for the video. I watched it from beginning to end. And I sent it to my cousin she is gonna have to have the same surgery so she’s in the process of learning.

[@joannmorgan2515]

I having my 2nd surgery. My screws and brace came loose after a fall within 6 mos post surgery. Looking forward to it, no mor walking wonky or hurting. Hope your surgery goes well. My first was great.

[@martinasurrency6988]

I had spinal fusion surgery a week ago. So far recovering well. Having trouble sitting too. Thanks for sharing your video. Martina

[@TheGaginator]

I'll have you on my prayer list Martina!