XLIF (lumbar fusion) Recovery wk 1

Back story and 1st week of recovery.
33yr old
200lbs
Prior successful ALIF at L5-S1 in 2022
XLIF performed at L4-L5 at end of June 2023.
Original injury stemmed back to 2014.

[@desgoulding7154]

I have have L 4/5 S1 fusion with cage a lift I am worried groin pain unreal butt same thighs both right foot drop I fall 1 year ago on waiting list. Some 50 year ago I had just got in to police then had motor bike accident had leminectomy had a few car accident no my fault. Now cervical 5;6;7 are bad T section 10; 11;12 now can’t walk have walker now old tried walking fall movement slippage very bad 1 had fall 1 year ago I know I shouldn’t lay down but no want to fall any more. On public waiting list now operation has been put off yet again. Thank for sharing

[@patrickbowen5398]

Hi, how are you feeling today? I enjoyed your video. I just had a Laminectomy and an L3-4-5 Spinal fusion. I am 3-weeks post-op. Alwyas looking for new videos to watch from patients who have gone through this. It's a slow recovery. I hope you are feeling better. Thanks again for your video.

[@CallMeGarrison]

I’m still not 100%, but don’t know if I will ever be lol. I am walking 3-5 miles a day. Back in the gym too. The worst part of the day for me is the morning, so darn stiff. I think I still have some multifidus muscle issues going on. Over all, the surgery didn’t fully fix me, but if I had to redo the first fusion again, I would 100% do it without a doubt. Took me from dang near bed ridden, to about 70-80% functional. I’m 1 year out from my second fusion, so there is still progress to be made! Good luck on your journey. Maybe post a few videos of your own too! Like you, I also like to see how other fusion patients are doing and hear their story. I will try to upload an update video this weekend!

[@lrb3989]

Thanks so much for the vid I am 68 will have an XLIF in august

[@CallMeGarrison]

Good luck! You’ll do great! Get a good pair of walking shoes that can be slipped on! And walk as much as your doctor allows!

[@amyrobertskrause9403]

Having XLIF L2-3/3-4 next week. Had L4-5 traditional fusion 10 months ago and it was awful.

[@CallMeGarrison]

XLIF was super easy for me compared to the ALIF. Both I’m sure are way better recovery wise than traditional fusion. The biggest complaint from the ALIF surgery was the stomach pains if I needed to sneeze or cough.

[@its_ari5458]

Hello friend how you doing now ​@CallMeGarrison

[@gratuitousfootnote1183]

I'm a teacher too, having problems at L5 S1. Any tips for managing pain when you're teaching? Wishing you a speedy recovery!

[@CallMeGarrison]

Everyone’s injury and symptoms are different obviously, but for me, changing positions often is the only thing that helped. Suiting, standing, walking around, repeat. Some days I sat more than other, some days I walked more than others. But I found staying in one position for too long was never good for me. Find comfortable shoes. I switched between sandals and brooks. Also, position yourself in a way that you are able to engage your core when sitting! Hope you find relief soon!

[@christinefoster3225]

You mentioned Dr. Meyer. Was he by any chance at Columbia Orthopedic Group in Columbia MO? My surgery is with him in 18 days...

[@CallMeGarrison]

@@christinefoster3225yes mine was with Dr Meyers. Great surgeon. Loved working with him and Lauren.

[@yolandabutts649]

I just had a spine fusion 8 days ago. L5S1 . They cut me in the back and front. Im still having a little pain in my right leg and my left leg and foot is swelling up a bit. I see my surgeon in 2 days.i hope all is well. Can you please give me any advice cause im not sure if i did the right thing.

[@CallMeGarrison]

Pain is normal. I was told that there has been pressure on the nerve for awhile, so it might take a bit for the nerve to recover. As for the swelling, I wouldn’t panic, but I’d call my doc in the morning and let them know just incase. Good luck with recovery! Stay active!! Movement is the best medicine.

[@yolandabutts649]

@@CallMeGarrison thank you so much, you gave me peace of mind. Much love, respect and prayers to you ❤🙏💯👍