Spinal Fusion: From Pain to Progress in 2 Months - My Story

#spine #backpain #healthylifestyle
Whats up KZbin!?!? This is the fifth video of many videos documenting my experiences surrounding a Spinal Fusion Surgery. I had my L4-L5 fused and the L5-S1 decompressed and cleaned up. I hope you enjoy the raw emotion of the videos because I'm trying to be as real as possible. Yes, the videos are a little bit amateur but I am making these to get the information out to those who need it.
Thanks for watching.
Here is a link to my next video - Unveiling my Incredible Recovery Journey after Lumbar Fusion
• Unveiling my Incredibl...
Send questions to [e-mail] and I will answer your questions during a Q and A video.
Appreciate your support!!!
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[@TheFuzedLife]

What’s up guys! Hope you’re enjoying the My Recovery Story series! Please make sure to Like, Comment, Subscribe and watch my other content! Contact me at [e-mail] with questions about your spinal fusion!! Thanks for the support!!

[@TheFuzedLife]

Hey Guys! I was locked out of my account for a while. I finally got back in. I’m going to start making content again real soon!! I’ll post a Q and A video for you tonight!!

[@gilbertbenavides172]

Thanks for your videos, I’m waiting for the approval from my worker’s compensation for my L4-L5-S1 fusion, your videos have helped me tremendously thank you.

[@TheFuzedLife]

Best of luck!

[@TheFuzedLife]

Hey Gilbert, do you have an update for the channel? Thanks!!

[@its_ari5458]

Hello friend how you doing now?

[@gilbertbenavides172]

My anxiety has been off the charts

[@user-eg8hb8xt3j]

lol and ?

[@maalru]

I'm 2 months out. My surgeon still has me on full restrictions. No house work, no stretching, bending. Chores. Told me to walk and rest. Full restrictions for the next month. Nothing else. You are doing a lot wow! Sneezing and coughing is still really painful.

[@whatthe6532]

Stick with your professional advice. Don’t pay much attention to what others do. Good luck.

[@TheFuzedLife]

I agree 100%. Like I said, this is what I am doing. It’s a guide. It’s not what you SHOULD be doing, but it’s a comparison. This is where I am and there is no shame I’m healing slower. I’ve gotten many comments of people healing faster. Some people are squatting, deadlifting ridiculous weights after a year. Just do what your doctor wants and listed to YOUR body!! Update? How are you?!?

[@TheFuzedLife]

@@whatthe6532 how you doing nowadays brother?

[@sandramurkerson9041]

You inspire me!! Thankyou...I'm 70....looking forward to better days

[@TheFuzedLife]

Better days are ahead!

[@TheFuzedLife]

Sandra, update the channel! I’d love to know how you’re doing nowadays!!

[@RonaldAWhite]

I would like to see a compilation of videos taken of you during your recovery to be able to see the evolution of your movement and posture over the weeks. Basic tasks, walking, exercises , even the yardwork. Your first video sounded a lot like myself and my Dr wants to perform the same procedure.

[@TheFuzedLife]

Let me see what I can do your you Ron.

[@AllNFLAllTheTime]

Compilations are good

[@mulberry8930]

I am at week 3 now. I get a fever daily, once it goes in 2-3 hrs, I am all good for the day. I’m Walking & driving a little. Doc said go swim, unfortunately the pool is a mile away. The fig 4 is not an issue for me, found that it helps when putting on socks. I need really comfortable shoes or I can’t stand much.

[@TheFuzedLife]

Mulberry, I'm having a similar issue finding a pool to swim at. Keep walking and getting that exercise. You'll get better as time goes on.

[@TheFuzedLife]

Mul berry, how are you doing nowadays? Checking in on ya. Keep us updated!

[@MikeCaress]

I'm 74 and considering L4 L5 S1 fusion. I am not overweight 145 Lbs. and have walked 1700 to 1900 miles per year for the last 16 years. Your videos have been very helpful in my consideration for surgery. My biggest question I know you cannot answer is how long it would be before I can golf after surgery.

[@TheFuzedLife]

Mike, I believe by 6 - 8 months I could golf. I’m 2 years post op and have golfed quite a few times. With your age, I’d recommend a year but I am no doctor. Just a guess based on what I’ve experienced.

[@TheFuzedLife]

Mike can you send the channel an update? You doing ok?

[@flyovernews22]

I’m 5 months and 3 days past l2-3-4 fusion. I’m 62. Had bad bad atrophy in right thigh and moderate in left. Nerve pain through thighs and inside of knees. Still have some nerve pain but much better and improving. Some back muscle pain and tightness. I was no bend, lift, or twist for 3 1/2 months. Then PT. Left leg is pretty much back completely to normal. Right is better and still recovering. I can over do it if not careful. Walk 1 1/2 mile each day. 45 minutes of stretching and strength exercises. I’m retired and working back into active life. Yard work. Work around our ranch etc. Secret is to know when to sit….. and ice on your back is your friend. PT says most people complete and full recovery is 1 year.

[@TheFuzedLife]

Shoot us an update on your status sir!! Thanks!!

[@TheFuzedLife]

Flyover, you doing ok? Give us an update brother!

[@flyovernews22]

@@TheFuzedLife I am doing pretty good. Back came around pretty good. Stronger, life pretty much back to normal. Actually I was better and quite a bit more active than before the surgery. I did have a freak accident 3 months ago. I broke my left leg. About half way between knee and ankle. Working on that recovery now. It can be challenging! Thanks for asking!

[@TheFuzedLife]

@@flyovernews22 keep moving forward! Keep healing! Please stay active as well. Amazing to hear you’re healing. Crazy that you broke your leg! Get better and keep us updated!

[@Benny_B0O0]

@@flyovernews22Surgery is a scam, they did it to me when I was 16 and it has ruined my life. More than half of my spine was unnecessarily spinal fusioned

[@helenrankin1449]

I'm 6 months post l4/5 fusion with screws. My fourth and biggest op. I was off major pain killers by day 10 and feel great. I was really careful for 12 weeks - no blt's!. One physio wanted me to bend forwards and backwards, not likely. Just gentle walking and resting. Started on my static bike after 3 months 3 times a week. My consultant is amazed at how well I am and how pain free. The only problem I have is driving for more than 20 minutes so I've got hand controls on my van. Remember be kind to yourself, your body let's you know if you're doing too much. Gradually building up exercises, walking further and looking forward to the summer when I'll swim in the sea.....

[@TheFuzedLife]

Helen, I’m glad you’re doing good! 4 surgeries!?!? Tell me more! Yes I agree, the body tells you what’s going on. Always listen to it! Thank you for watching and your comment. Please update us on how you’re doing!!

[@helenrankin1449]

@@TheFuzedLife I had a laminectomy first, but hadn't done enough. Had cage fusion 5 years later. Then disc went out sideways.....4 years on. Then 2 years ago had full fusion at l4/5 to complement l3/4 cage fusion. Given 4 weeks to decide on op but best thing ever. Nearly 2 years later I feel much better.

[@helenrankin1449]

Btw I'm 72.

[@TheFuzedLife]

@@helenrankin1449 72 years young. Keep fighting for your health. You doing ok? Give the channel an update!

[@helenrankin1449]

@@TheFuzedLife doing well up to a few weeks ago. Last year tore my meniscus, stumbled a few weeks ago and tweaked my back. Awaiting operation for the meniscus tear - luckily although old no arthritis in the knee so they will repair it. Hopefully all the exercises I'm doing will soothe the irritated nerves in my back. Having the fusion was still the best decision I made.😁

[@brianmacintire3064]

L4/L5 for me in three weeks. Looking forward to week 8 :)

[@TheFuzedLife]

Brian, you doing ok? Update the channel brother!

[@brianmacintire3064]

@@TheFuzedLife L4-L5 on March 17th. Doing great. Limbed a tree today and cut it into logs with a chainsaw! almost 3 months post op :) I won't be running any marathons, but I'm finally getting strong again. Sore muscles, but they can be dealt with. **edit** LOTS of sore muscles!!! but the knife is out of my spine so it's all good :D

[@TheFuzedLife]

@@brianmacintire3064 that’s truly amazing to hear. Keep healing and if you have any questions about my recover please, feel free to ask.

[@jasonstarnes7265]

Thank you for sharing your journey. I may be having the same vertebraes fused.

[@TheFuzedLife]

You’re welcome Jason

[@shuggirl]

I'm getting ready to have this surgery so I was very happy to stumble to your channel. I really enjoyed you. I feel I've gotten a better handle on what I am in for. Thank you.❤

[@TheFuzedLife]

Thank you for watching and so glad you got value from the channel!

[@umiltaedwards5330]

I wish I could say the same thing about my lumbar fusion. I had it done 2 months and 10 days ago and I am having some problems

[@TheFuzedLife]

I’m willing to talk. [e-mail]

[@umiltaedwards5330]

I will like to speak with you

[@AllNFLAllTheTime]

@@umiltaedwards5330 he answered my emails

[@mrrodgers2968]

Sick dogs!!

[@AllNFLAllTheTime]

Love em

[@PickleJuiceDuce]

Thanks for sharing your story. This is really helpful for those of us about to experience the same!

[@TheFuzedLife]

Genady, you’re very welcome! I hope you’re doing ok and keep me in the loop on your recovery!

[@user-ty9sb4sl2j]

10 days out from L4-5. Already worth it. Still some pain but not like before. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@TheFuzedLife]

Joe, thanks a lot for supporting the channel and I’m glad you got value from the video!

[@chetmarcotti4953]

Your words are encouraging. I appreciate your words of you experience as it pertains to someone your age. As you might recall I am 81 so I’m trying to extrapolate the difference in age and try to understand what I may experience, should I actually go through the same procedures. Thank you for you input. Your a real trooper, pushing yourself to get to to acceptable results. Like Bob Dylan once said, “ keep on keep n on”. Thank you again.Chet Marcotti

[@TheFuzedLife]

Chet, I’m glad the videos helped. You better keep on keepin on also and keep us updated. Hope you’re doing well!!

[@TheFuzedLife]

Chet, you doing ok brother?

[@JoeNasr123]

Couple of questions: 1 - Did you at any point wear a back brace to keep you from bending or twisting? 2 - I might have missed it in a previous video, but when did you start driving? 3 - I'm very worried about sex life returning to "normal" - anything you can tell me about that? Thank you!

[@TheFuzedLife]

1 - Never wore a back brace. 2 - I started driving around 2 months but out of luxury. I just had the wife driving me. 3 - By 3 months I was able to do so. Now at 6 months everything is just fine.

[@Polecat-qz5om]

2 months I still feel like hell

[@maalru]

Me too. I'm 2 months out. Have some good days but still really hurt. More so at night. When I walk, sometimes I'm still getting feverish, hot and cold. I'm still on full restrictions for 1 more month. Stopped pain meds 3 weeks ago. Now I'm taking tylenol but probably to much and still in pain. Especially at night. Night time is rough.

[@TheFuzedLife]

Prototype, maalru, how are you both feeling? Can the channel get an update!? Thanks for the support!!

[@kevinmcelvany1771]

Great content. Ive had 2 surgeries most recent was 3 months ago. Have had all lower lumber fused. 4 cages im very restricted as far as mobility. I am back at the gym now having to be very cautious on how i approach lifting. Not going to lie it is exhausting. But no pain.

[@sammykarlin3737]

Thank you brother, looks like I'll be getting a fusion at l4 L5 in 2 weeks and i ran across your channel. Im super active with a bodybuilding lifestyle even with similar pain to what you've been describing. Im wondering how long I'll have to stay away from the gym.

[@TheFuzedLife]

Sammy, 6-8 months

[@TheFuzedLife]

Sammy, send the channel an update! How are ya?

[@MultiShepster]

Thank you. Great videos. I’m still 2.5 weeks from surgery. How long did you need pain meds?

[@TheFuzedLife]

Hey sir, I needed them for about 3 days. After that I did take about a half dose for about a week. I’m not a pain meds type of guy. I’d rather not take them.

[@IndustMachWerksofTX]

Bro your smart not taking any risk! My dad has had 5 surgeries, he always feels better and over does it and messes it up again. Have you tried mountain biking instead of running? It’s much less impact, and a great workout.

[@TheFuzedLife]

Hey sir, I ride the Peloton every day. Yeah Im taking it slow.

[@IndustMachWerksofTX]

Hope your doing good! I had the micro disctomey done 2 weeks ago and feel great. All my terrible leg pain was gone right after the surgery. The surgery pain wasn’t nothing compared to the pain from sciatica. I didn’t even need pain meds after. I had no choice, I could not even walk anymore. I put the surgery off for almost a year, may have nerve damage cause my foot and toes still numb, but hopefully it comes back!

[@TheFuzedLife]

@@IndustMachWerksofTX how are you today brother? Healing up well?

[@IndustMachWerksofTX]

Yeah I’m in good shape. Hope your doing good!

[@TheFuzedLife]

@@IndustMachWerksofTX I’m doing great. Thanks for checking in with the channel! Stay safe and healthy!

[@thebruise]

Awesome to see you doing so well, I’m just a week behind you but my physio has told me not the stretch anything just yet, just doing sit to stands and leg lifts and holds, thigh and hips feel really tight at the moment, have been walking a lot (maybe too much 10k steps) as starting to get sore, what do you do when you’re not walking? Sounds like a strange question, but was told not to sit for more than 30 mins at a time so I’ve been laying down in between which I don’t think is helping. Seeing my physio and surgeon on Tuesday as I think they’ll be giving me the ok to return to work although I might ask them for another week as still not sure I’m ready to return because I’ve not driven yet and think it would be wise to at least I have a week of me being able to do normal stuff before work. We’ll see how that goes, anyway useful to see how you’re going even though you’re younger and fitter than me to start with it does give me an idea. 1 question though, does your back still feel dull and heavy with an ache, does that make sense? Take care cheers Rich

[@TheFuzedLife]

Rich, When I'm not walking I stand to watch TV. I take my kids outside and just walk around and stand as they play. I've been painting my fence and lightly raking up stuff in my yard. When I'm relaxing I'm laying down, hardly sitting for more than a few minutes. Sitting just now became comfortable. I wear a protective belt when I stretch and bring my legs up onto a surface instead of bending my back. My doc gave the ok to jog and get back to my normal life after the last visit so I've just been doing what I can. His advice was that if it hurts, stop and wait a week before trying again. I have tried different things but just never with weight. Info back to work on Monday. I have a standing desk so we'll see how it goes the first week. Thanks, Mark

[@TheFuzedLife]

I forgot your last question Rich: No it doesn't feel heavy and achy. The incision feels like it pulls a little but not any pain I'm worried about. I feel like everything is progressing well. I feel like last week I turned a corner and, if this makes sense, I feel like I already know that the metal and bone have fused. I feel different. I feel really confident. I don't know how to explain it. More to come next week.

[@thebruise]

Just done my first KZbin update, thanks for the inspiration! Cheers Rich

[@TheFuzedLife]

@@thebruise I'll go check it out!

[@tonymaurice4157]

@@TheFuzedLife was it worth it?

[@jfox11000]

How did you injure your back ?

[@TheFuzedLife]

Years of wear and tear with sports, weightlifting, etc. thanks for your question. You doing ok?

[@anushatilakaratna8315]

Hi I’m 9 weeks after Lumbar fusion. What sort of yoga you do ? And did you do bending yet? Thanks

[@TheFuzedLife]

Hey Anusha, I did the Yoga on the Peloton App. I stick with beginner. I’m not that flexible and Yoga is hard!!!

[@TheFuzedLife]

Can you update the channel? We’d love to know how you’re doing!

[@mychaelpierce8049]

Thanks for this. My surgery date is 6-6-24 for L3.L4. I've been physically fit, healthy and at my ideal weight all my life. However, I will be 62 next month! How long was it until you could do push ups without pain and or risk? Thanks again for all your videos, it has given me a lot of hope and a positive attitude towards this journey. I'm almost looking forward to getting the surgery and taking on the challenge. It's worth the risk for me, because I can't live with this for the rest of my life. It's a gamble I'm willing to take. Take Care

[@TheFuzedLife]

I want to say pushups happened at about 6-8 months. I can tell you now, at 3 years post op I just did a set of over 50 today. No pain, no issues.

[@mychaelpierce8049]

@@TheFuzedLife Wow that's a long time. I do 5 sets of 30-40 everyday now. the hardest part for me is going to be not being able to work out. I'm an avid distance swimmer. At least I will be able to walk. Thanks again for your help

[@xnycbadboy]

Hey buddy. I got a L5- S1 fusion on jan 7 2021. Today makes it a 6 weeks out I feel much better- surgeon said I should Start PT but I read many places I should wake 8-12 weeks. What you suggest ? Also anything u suggest to never do again so this problem never occurs in my life

[@TheFuzedLife]

Well, I'm at 11 weeks and I've done zero formal PT. I've done it all myself as you can see in throughout the videos. I'm probably not going to back squat anymore. It's just not worth it. Jogging just became comfortable. I'll keep you updated. Let yourself heal. You feel great now but you're just not there yet, it's deceptive. I'd give 6-8 months before you decide what you can and can't do for the future. Just be patient.

[@bellabluu1279]

Hi! I just got my L4S1 fusion done on 2/15, days by day I feel a little less pain, although it will flare randomly. After your surgery did you have trouble sleeping? I cannot get any good solid sleep. I’m uncomfortable in every position I try that I’m able to try and I just can’t. Did you find that got better or did you even have an issue with it. Are you still doing the barrel roll for getting in and out of bed?

[@TheFuzedLife]

Yes, I got patchy sleep. I was reversed at one point where I was up all night and slept most of the day. It happens.

[@TheFuzedLife]

Missed second question: No barrell roll. I'm able to spring out of bed. It gets better, trust me.

[@bellabluu1279]

@@TheFuzedLife honestly, I am very hesitant to move normally out of bed just afraid to be in pain. I find myself falling asleep really early mornings and not really sleeping in the daytime. For your BLT restrictions at what week were you okayed to resume? Not really too concerned with the lifting part but mainly the bending part because that’s what I feel I do most. I really appreciate you taking your time to reply and answer my questions.

[@AmberBaerlin]

@@bellabluu1279 sleep on your side with a pillow under your stomach

[@TheFuzedLife]

I believe it was 3 months no BLT How are you doing??

[@grandfury5609]

What's up brotha. Im 4 weeks out and wanted to paint my fence next month. I heard u say u didn't kneel or bend? Im also under the BLT restrictions for 12 weeks I have a 10 gallon paint bucket. Im assuming u used a roller but im having hard time envisioning that being light work Lol

[@TheFuzedLife]

Yes I had a roller but, it was a wooden fence on top of 3 feet of a block wall so it was a unique situation.

[@grandfury5609]

@@TheFuzedLife oh yea I see... I'm ready to get busy but can't yet. I watched your episode about mental health w tyran brown and I will say it's extremely present.

[@sandramurkerson9041]

Anyone use recliner at first?

[@TheFuzedLife]

I did not use a recliner. I was walking or laying.

[@denisebast9961]

I wish I could share good news on my L5S1 fusion. I'm in my 10th week, still same pain before surgery. PT stopped bc I wasn't showing any improvement. I do exercises to stretch, doesn't seem to help much. I'm on Tramadol, valium and muscle relaxers, alternative them plus gabapentin each day. My next x-ray/Dr visit is this Monday. Praying he can help.I walk each day until my toes and leg go numb. To travel I lay in the back seat of our car. Sitting and standing is painful. Appreciate your prayers.

[@TheFuzedLife]

@@denisebast9961 This sounds like the exact opposite as to what I've been going through. I have experienced 0 of the pre op pain. I hope it's an easy fix.

[@maalru]

Definitely recliner!!! I have tried my bed. Multiple times. Each time I wake up about every hour. Hurting and in a cold sweat. 2 months out and Definitely recliner still.

[@debbicolley2453]

Yes, I actually have a lift chair. And I am so thankful because it allowed me to be somewhat pain free while visiting with family.

[@carlmancini3220]

Hi Mate. Ive has exactly the same surgery as you. I have a couple of questions. Im on week of post surgery. I still have pain in my lower back area, which i guess is normal at this stage. At what stage did you not have any more pain and feel back to normal? Are you back to living a normal life now? Can you ben and twist and lift as you were able to before? How long did this take before you were able to do this? Can you run? Anymore long lasting issues?

[@TheFuzedLife]

I felt back to normal sometime between 9-12 months. But once I got to 2 years I realized that I wasn’t quite normal at 1 year. My point is. After about 9-12 months you get more adventurous and feel less fragile.

[@carlmancini3220]

When you say after 2 years you didn’t feel normal. Can you expand on that? So after a year was you Normal or not. Did you have any pain? When did your pain stop?