Spinal Fusion Recovery - ALIF, L5-S1, 1 Week Post-Op

Today is One Week post-op spinal fusion L5-S1 surgery and into recovery. The purpose of these videos is to give an idea of what I experienced and what to expect. There are so many bad, negative outcomes all over KZbin that I hope my experience will encourage others and show not everyone has a bad experience.
Actual Surgery Description: Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion at Levels L5-S1 with Interbody cage, posterior instrumentation, allograft, and autograft, Posterolateral fusion 1 interspace

[@stephenjohnson899]

I'm going in first of July to have a ALIF L5 S1 area..I've been terrified of having this done and I've seen tons of videos on it and the horrifying story's about it..I cant put it off any longer..I just pray it works and I do not wind up like these people say they are in..I know God is our ultimate healer and best doctor of all time..

[@Poke_The_Bear]

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ ‭ Believe. Pray and act with an expectation you will have a successful surgery. When you get out of surgery don’t lay there and make it worse, be smart about it, nobody knows you’re body better than you so you’ll know when too much is too much. Trust your doctor and work with them for a recovery plan that works for you and gets you going. God Bless and may He heal your body and give you relief from your pain.

[@its_ari5458]

🤞🙏🏽💪

[@ileanabaeza1775]

Thank you so much for taking the time to post these videos. The horror stories out there kept me postponing my surgery. I am 8 days post L4-S1 posterior fusion. I am trying to move as much as possible because I am only on Tylenol. Pain medication made me super sick. Just like you say, the surgery pain does not come anywhere near the pain I had walking before the surgery. I really like your videos 😊

[@Poke_The_Bear]

Thank you for the kind words. I pray you are back on your feet without pain fast.

[@cmo2591]

How did the surgery go? How are you feeling now?

[@sensei1x]

I pulled out of my surgery also. I haven’t had it done yet how are you fairing?

[@Fargosportsmassage]

@@Poke_The_Bear. Today’s day….how you feel medically after you lumbar surgery….thank you

[@Poke_The_Bear]

@@Fargosportsmassage I feel great! I do whatever I want. Of course I have to remember I still have other declining issues with the back so I don’t do anymore contact sports. Other than that I’m full speed ahead.

[@mattdobbins1960]

Thank you for posting these progress videos. I had the surgery done 4 days ago and came across them while being bored at home recovering. Everything you said about the videos and comments from other people was 100% on track. Nothing but negative info on it. Luckily I waited until my surgery was already setup and scheduled before I started looking at other peoples experiences or I may have changed my mind. I've had the same results as you. Wish I'd have done it sooner. You are a real inspiration to anyone looking into getting relief from the pain!

[@Poke_The_Bear]

Glad to hear you’re having good results too. Post some videos, not enough good ones on YT showing positive results. Thank you for your post.

[@bthorn5035]

Ive got an appt with a neurosurgeon in a couple weeks. Ive got multiple bad discs but have been putting off surgery for years. I cant put it off any more. I really hope i dont have to fuse the same joint as you. The others are almost guaranteed to get artificial discs, but my l5s1 is pretty worn down. In 2013, doctors tried to talk me into a cervical fusion. I ignored them all and found one willing to give me an artificial disc. I was back at work in 4 days. Best medical decision i ever made.

[@Poke_The_Bear]

Wow. None of that sounds like much fun! Good to hear you were right back at it.

[@bruce350]

That 'I'm not Superman' comment really hit home. I guess, much like you, I've been- until middle of last year- the sort of person who'd get on and do everything and brush it all off. It's a sudden shock when you can't ignore your body's weakness any-more.

[@Poke_The_Bear]

It certainly has a way of getting your attention

[@darleneschueller8281]

❤

[@Chiefles]

I completely feel you brother I’m almost 2 weeks out from my fusion s1-L5 been dealing since 21 now 25 🎉, in a lot of pain still but trucking along

[@Jennifer-ul2vz]

Ten miles a day at one week out..I thought two was good!!😂 That's incredible..Inspiration! I'm three weeks out from OLIF..Super bad butt, leg all the way down sciatic like pain.Hoping it starts getting better.Walk, walk, walk..🎉

[@Poke_The_Bear]

I don’t like sit still so it was a must for me to get going as fast as possible, otherwise I’d lose my mind in boredom. Haha

[@humanchildofgod3126]

My situation post your surgery is identical to yours!! I am TOO SCARED to get this surgery! I am an Army Veteran/ Paratrooper (175+ jumps) and I never felt such fear, as that of having my back opened for surgery! I suffer from severe PTSD and I am scared of my inner demons coming up during anesthesia. Thank you for your truth. A GREATER POWER IS WATCHING OVER YOU! Right now.. BOURBON & CANNIBUS, (with legal pain meds, YOGA,Mediation, reading Dr. Sorno’s book) have been doing well for me. The VA offers Programs for addictions. But… nothing for my fear of not being able to walk again or living in pain for the rest of my life. Not scared of a bullet! Just scared of pain!

[@Poke_The_Bear]

Jesus Christ is my strength brother! Thank you for your service to our country! I can tell you this, you find the right doctor and you find peace within yourself knowing that when we are prayerful and lean on God for our source of strength, it just comes. I had doubts 4 years prior to this surgery the first time another neurosurgeon wanted to do surgery on my back. He told me it wasn’t a matter of IF I needed the surgery but rather a matter of when. The when would be dictated on how much pain I could tolerate! I said, “I’ve got that covered pretty good, so I will see you later” and walked out the door. The last year and a half prior to surgery was a living HELL! It took an accident that broke my leg at the hip, a “Trochanteric fracture” it’s literally breaking the largest bone 9n your body at the largest part of that bone! That was something else to say the least! The Doctor that came in was an Orthopedic surgeon that happened to specialize in spinal surgery, and that’s how we met. Short story, I healed so well from the leg and ended being at a tremendous peace with this guy I just knew he was who was meant to do my spinal fusion. I was at complete peace going into the surgery and had zero nervousness! The rest is history! I am healed and have a new lease on life! No meds and nothing else needed just some good ole answered prayers! I pray your PTSD subsides and you are also able to get the surgery and have the same results. 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@trishelliottfriases9873]

They have labeled mine as clarification. I finally have surgery date of July 31. They are going in from my sides. Last year i had both of my knees replaced, they were bone on bone, still have some residual discomfort. But nothing like prior to the surgeries. I am looking to the future, i know it wont be easy, recovery for my knees wasnt either, but it will be worth it. Thank you for a positive, honest, real life video. My only concern is i live in Las Vegas and we are entering 100 degree plus days so walking every day is going to be more challenging, but i will do it.

[@Poke_The_Bear]

Sounds like you’ve been through a bunch already! You can make it through this too. Walking in the heat is certainly no fun but it is much dryer air there than this muggy mess that’s 95+ degrees and 90%+ humidity. If I can do it you can do it. Keep positive and just remember how great the payoff will be when you’re finished. Thanks for your comment and feel free to post anytime. Other people are encouraged when they hear others having good outcomes and posting real struggles and how they cope and get through them.

[@DukeHess-jx2qb]

Thanks for the post. I had L4/L5&S1 fusion in the middle of April. Similar to you. Same limitations. Still having some issues going into week 8 but surgeon said I might be a slow healer. I try to walk but I comment you for your 10 miles!

[@TomE007]

Mad respect and thanks for sharing your wisdom . 16th of Jan I have L5-S1 Fusion here in Barcelona . I believe in positive energy and to believe . I'm also planning on playing Beach Volley and Surf around the 6 month mark . Small goals and step by step . Thanks for your videos , they have helped a lot . God Bless

[@Poke_The_Bear]

Great attitude and tenacity will propel you to your goals! Looking forward the hearing about your success.

[@2jimszrnorth802]

Glad I found this. Everyone has been telling not to have the fusion done. I have NO disc at all on L5 S1. Right now it just sucks.

[@user-zo2ln1en4l]

Your doing so well 💞Well done as it’s a long recovery I had L5 L4 s1 in feb 28th saw my surgeon in April and he said my fixtures haven’t moved & he will see me in 5 months I have had no physio yet I’m in uk that sounds great where you live that your physios do your physio in stages of months wish it was like that here as it feels like I have just been left for 6 months to get on with it my restrictions should be released in September I haven’t twisted or bent passed my knees since before surgery really craving it now though I also had knee reconstruction last April with Tibia & Femur stems put into my leg & my 3rd knee replacement as my knee replacement before corroded . I have been doing my own physio plan walking in pool and walking , stretches & light cardio & resting Thankyou for this it’s nice hearing other people’s recovery well done 💞

[@Poke_The_Bear]

Sounds like you’re on the right track, apologies for the delayed reply. Keep charging ahead💪🏻

[@saraberry4636]

your my guardian 😇 I've been dealing with chronicpain over 13 years all I want to do stay home I'm having Alift spinal fusion surgery on my l4 l5 September 12 I needed to see this video I trust and believe this is part of my testimony, I have pain down left leg both butt cheeks ✝️❤️

[@Poke_The_Bear]

God willing you will be used to help other see that you did it too. Enjoy.

[@davidsf101]

Thank you for sharing. I had an ALIF in February of 2018. My surgery and fusion process have been great through this process. I'm doing great. I was partially fused at 6 months. I walked about 3 to 4 miles a day one month or two after the surgery. I feel your pain as I've been through this process. Sorry about your hip. Man, that must have been rough. I still have pain due to facet joints rubbing and minor arthritis. Otherwise, I'm doing well. Just like you, I deal with the pain every day. I have a family and have no choice. God Bless You.

[@Poke_The_Bear]

Nice! Forward we go 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@BJ-sg6uk]

I am 21 months PostOp and you hit it perfectly...mindset is everything. Thanks for posting.

[@Poke_The_Bear]

Awesome news! I take it you’ve recovered well?

[@BJ-sg6uk]

@Poke_The_Bear Indeed I have, I'm feeling like a champion. Posting my last update video later today. While doing so, I ran across your video and found you articulate the experience much better than I did/can. LOL. I'm glad to hear another had a positive experience. Hope your hip feels/heals the same. All the best.

[@Poke_The_Bear]

@@BJ-sg6uk that’s great to hear! I just watched your 6 month. Man that’s awesome! It’s so good to hear someone else having a great mindset and a great recovery. If it’s okay with you I’d like to mention you and put a link to your channel (if I can figure out how to do that, haha) so others can see other people having success.

[@BJ-sg6uk]

@@Poke_The_Bear Absolutely! I do not mind, I will do the same with yours.

[@Poke_The_Bear]

@@BJ-sg6uk Thank you.

[@eflo222]

I’m having my l5-s1 surgery Oct 30 & Nov 3! Im so excited to finally be able to have some sort of relief. I know it’s going to suck, but I appreciate your video. Definitely going to watch your channel when I feel down or discouraged during recovery.

[@Poke_The_Bear]

You’ll do great! Positive attitude wins every time.

[@eflo222]

@@Poke_The_Bear thank you so much!

[@davidsf101]

I had an ALIF in February 2018. For me, it went well. Best of luck.

[@manig6637]

All the best for your op, Had L5 S1 fusion done in 2014 at age 44, my advise, be patient BUT walk every day from day one. I was lucky enough to live near an indoor pool and my surgeon recommended pool walking. Went in every day for 2 months ( had to wait for stitches to be removed of course) I am fitter now than I ever was. Positive Vibes.

[@eflo222]

@@manig6637 I’m so happy to read that it went well for you! The incision pain is what bothering me at the moment! I did get up in the afternoon on Monday and kept pushing myself to my limits to walk. I actually walked around the unit with out a walker! I was discharged yesterday afternoon but I do go back Friday to have the rods inserted. We’ll see how I’ll manage both incisions and I’m hoping no drain tubes! I don’t live near an indoor pool, but my clinic does have pool physical therapy sessions, so I’ll be doing that along with acupuncture! Just trying to find alternative pain management!

[@user-mm3zr4ng7u]

Thank you so much for your video, you helped me a lot, only I and God truly knows what pain I am going through, pretty soon I will having my 4th surgery and I hope after your video it be my last! God bless you!

[@Poke_The_Bear]

I’m glad they’ve helped. I bet you’re looking forward to it being the last. I sure don’t want anymore than I’ve had.

[@imveryhungry112]

I think the hospitals are getting better at these surgieries. 20 years ago people used to be in bed for weeks after a surgery like this. I gotta get a spine fusion soon too so its good to know theres some improvenemnts.

[@Poke_The_Bear]

Yes they have! Thankfully

[@user-zi6gc7hq5n]

Grateful for your videos! Had same exact surgery 8 days ago

[@Poke_The_Bear]

Hope you are having a good outcome. I have a follow up this Thursday and am eager to hear things are showing bones fusing! I am ready for the next phase and look forward to this long journey being over with.

[@LoveLife-wy8gt]

How are you doing ? Im having l2 s1 done June 20th

[@rinksmehta4842]

​@@LoveLife-wy8gt sir your having open surgery ya endoscopic surgery

[@Poke_The_Bear]

@@LoveLife-wy8gt im doing great! Ready to get off all the restrictions and go full speed ahead! Patience is not my strong point.

[@LoveLife-wy8gt]

@@rinksmehta4842just got home, i had minimal invasieve .First day i was walkng with little pain

[@lisapitts9518]

I had L4-S1 fused in 2008, I now have ADD and a pinched nerve where the fusion was done. For anyone being told you need a fusion, please get a 2nd opinion.

[@joshuadean1743]

Just had the same exact procedure last monday.

[@Poke_The_Bear]

How are you feeling?

[@johnwhite993]

I’m waiting on my L3-L4, L4-L5,L5-S1 to be approved. Getting rods and cage. I’m pretty positive like you and I believe a positive can do mentality is essential to recovery. I’m a journeyman electrician. I do industrial work such as power plants and heavy work.

[@Poke_The_Bear]

Absolutely 👍🏻 fun job too. Whew, That’s a bunch of work! Are they replacing all 3 discs with a cage or just 1?

[@johnwhite993]

@@Poke_The_Bear all 3. I sure do miss it. Been of with my back 3 years in September. Workers comp sure don’t move fast

[@Poke_The_Bear]

Oof…. That doesn’t sound like fun. Hate to hear that. WC is a joke! My hip injury was a WC issue and that has been a nightmare! It’s been only one year for me so far (had to waive the 210 day requirement they have to complete the case) and they have yet to pick up the first dime! My personal insurance thankfully has covered it all this far but WC owes them BIGTIME! How’s the recovery time look for having that much work done? I imagine you’ll be pretty rigid for some time afterwards huh?

[@johnwhite993]

@@Poke_The_Bear I imagine at least a year. Dr didn’t really go into detail yet.

[@sensei1x]

I’m just coming across your video. I was supposed to have the surgery next month but I cancelled when the dr told me what they were going to do. I know I have to do it but damn it’s a hard decision to make. Once they cut you open you’re never the same again.

[@grandfury5609]

I'm 4 weeks post op and better than I was before the surgery already. I met a lot of nurses that had family members w spinal fusions being that they all worked on an orthopedic floor right. Lol. But anyways I just saw ur comment and just wanted to let u know it's bad the first week or two but it turns upward quickly.

[@Poke_The_Bear]

Best decision I’ve ever made with managing this messed up back! Pain free over 1 year now!

[@patrickbowen5398]

Am I correct in saying that this video is 1-week post-op from spinal fusion surgery? I am totally shocked that you are doing what you are doing one-week post-op. I am on Day 14 of having L3-4-5 spinal fusion surgery and I am still using a walker while ambulating, so I find this video of yours to be absolutely amazing.

[@karenhansen6556]

I’m blown away too! I’m 1 week post op and I’m not using pain meds or a walker, but I’m definitely not able to walk ten miles a day!

[@russhillman4973]

I had watched tons of video's prior to doing mine, including your video's. I'm 8 days post op Alif L5/S1 cage through the front/groin, and two slits in back for pedicle hardware. I have an extra slit low on left side makes me think they may have got bone from hip/si joint or something for cage or covering screws? Anyway, everybody heals so differently obviously because you walked a mile day one, hell I was in the hospital 3.5 days and just did little stints around the nursing ward otherwise got dizzy/nauseas. Got home, and had pt yesterday with some light stretching, a few excercises, and I walked down the street and back, last night my glutes and hips were aching like I had been in the gym all day long doing squats or something, couldn't sleep for a few hours. Prior to surgery, was going to gym a couple days a week and walking 1.5 miles a day. All I can think is the spine and s/i joint now repositioned causing the muscles to fire in a way they haven't in many years or ever. Sounds like you doing great, that's awesome. Thanks for the down to earth video's on this process. I've started yesterday weaning off the oxy and muscle relaxers, just taking those when I go to sleep for a couple nights then looking to get off 100%, otherwise just hitting the tylenol.

[@Poke_The_Bear]

Thanks for sharing your experience as well. I’ll be praying you get fast relief.

[@teediggy1785]

Having it tomorrow have to be at the hospital at 5 am have no disc left in L5 s1 so I pray for all out there and I pray for myself and know I will be okay

[@Poke_The_Bear]

How’d your surgery go?

[@Poke_The_Bear]

How’d your surgery go?

[@Thevoice28]

Just had a spinal fusion ALIF L4-S1 3 days ago.....still in the hospital, I should be leaving soon......im experiencing some bad hip pain, my back is tolerable and the incision is tolerable but my hip pain is horrible

[@Poke_The_Bear]

Oof! That doesn’t sound like fun. I don’t know what would cause the hip pain. I had pain in the groin area from the front surgical site but not hip stuff.

[@its_ari5458]

Hello friend how you doing now

[@Thevoice28]

@@its_ari5458 still struggling unfortunately, I can’t wait till my life can go back to normal 😔😫

[@lisapitts9518]

I had L4-S1 fused in 2008 and have had hip pain for years. I also have ADD and a pinched nerve.

[@jtstone7504]

Can you send me the first few days video that you did? I’m getting ready to go through the L5 S1 surgery in two weeks.

[@castaldo30]

Hi i am going to have my alif July 9 2024 in l4 l5

[@jasoncounts5320]

I'm looking at the same surgery. I just had 2 l5 s1 surgery's in 5 months which both failed.

[@Poke_The_Bear]

Oh man!! What failed?

[@juliegill9322]

Omg, you explained surgery better than the doctor. Question: Did you have a vascular doctor present during your ALIF surgery?

[@Poke_The_Bear]

Haha, I’m no doctor, just had a good one do a great job. I just repeat what he taught me. Yes on the vascular, there has to be one present to move the blood vessels and arteries out of the way so the Surgeon can have space.

[@saraberry4636]

Thank you so much for sharing this, I'm Sara I'm so scared I'm having Alift spinal fusion surgery on lower back Sept 12 anytips what does the pain feel like after words

[@Poke_The_Bear]

I can understand your fright. With the advancement of technology for surgeries you’re really in a good place. 10 years ago I don’t think I could’ve said that. It I was so ready because of the chronic excruciating pain I had been dealing with for many years. I am pro a Aly not the best to ask about the pain because I’ve always had a very high tolerance of it. When I say that I mean really high pain tolerance! So much that when I had a major accident July of 22 I broke my hip….. badly, and never took pain meds at all! They said I was nuts. Lol. I can tell you this; that hurt BAD!! The pain after surgery was brutal for weeks and I still didn’t use the meds. So talking about this surgery, it was far far better than that hip surgery. I went home the same day & walked 1.1 miles the day of surgery. The pain was much less than the hip surgery but still not fun at all. All of the pain was from the surgery sites and no longer the pain I had prior, wayyyyy different kind of pain. The back pain prior to surgery was horrible even for me, it felt like someone stuck a large knife in my back and just kept twisting it every time I would move just the slightest. I also had similar pains that would radiate down my legs and into my feet. Towards the end I was feeling like I was being electrically shocked in my tips of my feet and have numbered start from the toes and work it’s way up the leg to where I couldn’t walk straight because it was hard to tell just how I was planted on the ground. It was a rough rough time, so much that became the deciding factor to finally just go ahead with the surgery. At that stage in the game I really didn’t care if I even woke up from the surgery because that would’ve been the end of the pain, never suicidal just done with the pain. It took a lot of research and the trust my doctor built with me because he is the one that did my hip which healed miraculously. All the staff at the hospital that saw my scans (I had many because I fell from a height so they were making sure other things weren’t broke or worse) would say how messed up my back was and to have the doctor doing my surgery to do my back…. Longer story a little shorter…. I took all the advice and WOW!! Thank God I did!! My quality of life has made a huge 180 turn around!! Zero back pain outside of some muscular stuff I am still dealing with. You will deal with that because eventually in your recovery you’ll be stretching, and strength training areas that you’ve not used in a while. That does get uncomfortable but tolerable. Don’t be fearful, be hopeful and know you can move forward with a much better quality of life you may not have enjoyed for some time. Hope that helped.

[@karenhansen6556]

Were you walking this much in pain after surgery? I had the L5S1 ALIF SURGERY a week ago and I can only walk for 5 minutes at a shot. I have glute and leg pain and random back spasms. I’m an avid “incline” walker and before my back started hurting I used to workout daily as well. I’m curious if you were in pain a week after surgery at all if you are walking 10 miles a day.

[@Poke_The_Bear]

The only pain I had was surgery site pain. The incision in the front was very tender and the 2 in the back were sore. I was without the back pain I had been dealing with for many years prior to surgery. I kept increasing the walks both in distance and frequency until I was able to do 5 - 2 mile walks, which was 4 days after surgery. I kept a positive attitude and ignored the pain because it was nothing compared to the back pain I had prior to surgery

[@barrykamin8776]

Has stationary bike activity been recommended?

[@Poke_The_Bear]

As of week 8 they’ve said I can ride regular bike

[@vzeller]

What day did you start walking?

[@Poke_The_Bear]

Day 1. Had surgery in the morning, went home, ate dinner, did a 1 mile walk (it was slow for sure). All in less than a 12 hour period.

[@vzeller]

@@Poke_The_Bear Nice. That's what I would do if I need this done. Why do so many people have issues with this fusion later?

[@Poke_The_Bear]

I wish I had an answer. I honestly believe attitude is everything in just about every category in life so having a positive, yes, I can attitude I think is essential for a better and faster recovery. I am about to put out an 8 week video as I had my 8 week follow up today. Got good news about the surgery but not so much of the overall future of my back. I have to change my profession which is a real kick in the gut…. Time to re-tool.

[@vzeller]

@@Poke_The_Bear What was your job?

[@Poke_The_Bear]

I owned a tree business for 23 years and shut it all down then started helping/working with another company. I’ve always loved the physically demanding aspect of it but apparently that’s not good for all the other things wrong with my back. Great thing is that I’m pain free! Adapt and overcome is something I’ve always ushered so I guess I’ve got to do the same.

[@mguarin912]

1 week you are still on pain killers. Get back to us at 2.5 months. At one week I could do cartwheels if I wanted.

[@Poke_The_Bear]

Never took any past that. Been great ever since. Just posted my 1 year. This was life changing for the better! Zero back pain! I do whatever I want with no limitations….. outside of the fact I’m about to be 50 and can’t do what I used to at 20-30 hrs.

[@Elmont-Rules13]

Could you not have just gone inside for your video?

[@Poke_The_Bear]

Haha