Howdy! New member, L3-S1 DDD possible ALIF with question....

[Kimberly]

Hi all.

I've been "lurking" around this site for quite some time now and even as a bystander I've found it extremely helpful, supportive and caring. Thanks to you all for being here (or wherever you all are :-)

I've suffered, like so many of you, with chronic LBP for over 10 years now. DDD at L3L4, L4L5, and L5S1, all levels dessicated and herniated (some with annular tears) and all levels have foraminal narrowing and facet hypertrophy. I've limped along over the years (no pun intended) while steadily declining in my abilities until last May when I reinjured myself and the LBP was joined by unrelenting and severe leg pain. Years of conservative treatments (meds, PT, injections, massage, NSAIDs, activity/body mechanic modifications) have kept me going, albeit at lower and lower levels of functionality, and I succumed to a microdiscectomy/laminotomy in Dec. I found some initial leg pain relief for the first few weeks but then reherniated and have been declining once again.

In the past my internal dialogue has moved from,

"I miss running and moutain biking, but hey! I can still use the elliptical at the gym and work in the garden."

to....

"I miss the gym but I can still get out and walk and I can delegate the yard work."

to....

"everything pretty much hurts too much so I will be grateful that my brain works, my body is otherwise healty, I can still get clothes on, earn a paycheck and (most days) stay up long enough in the evening to make and eat dinner before I reach for the meds." (I typically don't tolerate the opiates very well and only take them when absolutely necessary - They make me nauseous and make me fall asleep.)

I have decided (I think) to move forward with my Dr.'s recommendation of a two-level ALIF (L4-S1)with some hopes of regaining a little functionality and "life." I don't expect to be pain free, don't expect a 20-year old back out of the deal, nor do I expect to run again or use a long-handled shovel, but at 42, I think I've got a few good years left in me yet and I'd like to see if I can expand my universe and add a little quality of life.

One of the questions I have is a tricky one as I know everyone heals differently and everyone is unique in their situation and recovery, but......what types of things are people able to do after a two level fusion? And how long, typically before one can return to work? (I'm a Biology Professor, so I don't have a really physical job and my day is broken up with standing/pacing while I teach, lab work and some sitting in office.)

I know my story is not really "anything new" but I have been so grateful to read everyone's stories and see the great amount of caring and support and advice offered here.

Thanks for having me!
Have a great day,
Kimberly

[ajj1001]

hi Kimberly, just a quick answer as I'm on my phone. . your job sounds ideal for going back too after fusion as standing up and moving about are some of the things you will probably find easiest. welcome to the forum

alison x

[Katie]

Hi Kimberly! I had an ALIF and XLIF surgery a year ago (as well as ADR at C5/6). While Alison is right about standing and moving, I'd like to add a caveat....if it is on cement/hard surfaces, you might find yourself in a fair bit of pain after a few hours.

At least that is what sets me off...that and sitting too long. Walking on trails, etc. bring me lots of pleasure with little pain though. And as for gardening, I just spent the better part of the day cleaning out old beds and building a new one....was it the smartest thing I've ever done????? Well, no.....but it brought such pleasure it was worth it

I have not gotten completely off pain meds yet, but I'm down to at least 80% less than before surgery. If I never get any better, I'm content. And I've got fourteen years on you

Since I mainly work at home as an artist, it is difficult for me to give you a solid answer about going 'back to work', as I can pace myself as I please. I've been doing an office job for the past two weeks to help out a friend, and I find that as long as I get up and move around every hour or so, I'm great.

I hope that helps.

[Kimberly]

hi Kimberly, just a quick answer as I'm on my phone. . your job sounds ideal for going back too after fusion as standing up and moving about are some of the things you will probably find easiest. welcome to the forum

alison x

Thanks for the input, Alison. Any input as to the "when" part of restarting work?

Thanks,
Kimberly

[Kimberly]

Hi Kimberly! I had an ALIF and XLIF surgery a year ago (as well as ADR at C5/6). While Alison is right about standing and moving, I'd like to add a caveat....if it is on cement/hard surfaces, you might find yourself in a fair bit of pain after a few hours.

At least that is what sets me off...that and sitting too long. Walking on trails, etc. bring me lots of pleasure with little pain though. And as for gardening, I just spent the better part of the day cleaning out old beds and building a new one....was it the smartest thing I've ever done????? Well, no.....but it brought such pleasure it was worth it

I have not gotten completely off pain meds yet, but I'm down to at least 80% less than before surgery. If I never get any better, I'm content. And I've got fourteen years on you

Since I mainly work at home as an artist, it is difficult for me to give you a solid answer about going 'back to work', as I can pace myself as I please. I've been doing an office job for the past two weeks to help out a friend, and I find that as long as I get up and move around every hour or so, I'm great.

I hope that helps.

Thanks Katie. It sounds like things are going well for you and you're pretty active even after fusion. I won't be standing on concrete so I'm hopeful that if I am conscious of taking breaks, not sitting too long, not standing too long, I might be ok.

Kimberly

[hooperleo]

Kimberly, after my L5-4 S-1 fusion in 1982 I went back to work after 6 mos post op and then relapsed for 3 more months. Had flair up in 1996 and 2006 until an auto accident put me back 30 years to step 1. While I fully recovered I advanced to CEO of a Financial Institution. Lots of bicostal travel and very active home construnction an small ranch ownership. Now with DDD at multilevels and with major vitimian D defficiency I 'm on norco 3 X daily and pain level is 3 to 6 normal and any activity brings it to 9 plus. I had 30 good years and now settle with what ever I can get. No complaints but sure can be a real pain! Won't opt for any more operations or inplants for pain meds. When you get back to work, enjoy the time and thank the Lord. Leo

[ajj1001]

Thanks for the input, Alison. Any input as to the "when" part of restarting work?

Thanks,
Kimberly

the restrictions on no bending, lifting or twisting (blt) will probably mean that it will be quite a while. organising a gradual return to work ( ie a couple of hours 2 or 3 days a week for a couple of months) might mean you are able to return sooner. having an enlightened employer helps. my best guess would be 6 - 9 months post op to start the gradual return but that us only a guess based on anecdotal evidence and it could be alot longer. prepare for the worst case and then if it's sooner you can have a good surprise.

[Justin]

Hi all.

I've been "lurking" around this site for quite some time now and even as a bystander I've found it extremely helpful, supportive and caring. Thanks to you all for being here (or wherever you all are :-)

Hi Kimberly,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society. Thank you for your kind words above!

I have decided (I think) to move forward with my Dr.'s recommendation of a two-level ALIF (L4-S1)with some hopes of regaining a little functionality and "life." I don't expect to be pain free, don't expect a 20-year old back out of the deal, nor do I expect to run again or use a long-handled shovel, but at 42, I think I've got a few good years left in me yet and I'd like to see if I can expand my universe and add a little quality of life.

From reading your post, it seems like you have cover all of your bases with conservative care. Your post-op expectations are very reasonable. I think you will be surprised how your recovery goes. BTW...you are extremely young.

One of the questions I have is a tricky one as I know everyone heals differently and everyone is unique in their situation and recovery, but......what types of things are people able to do after a two level fusion? And how long, typically before one can return to work? (I'm a Biology Professor, so I don't have a really physical job and my day is broken up with standing/pacing while I teach, lab work and some sitting in office.)

Most Spine Patients return to work after a lumbar spinal fusion anywhere from 8 weeks post-op on. However, returning to work will greatly depend on your surgeon's preference, if you had any complications post-op and how your rehabilitation is going.

BTW, I was a biology major in undergrad. What courses do you teach within the biology department?

[Kimberly]

Kimberly, after my L5-4 S-1 fusion in 1982 I went back to work after 6 mos post op and then relapsed for 3 more months. Had flair up in 1996 and 2006 until an auto accident put me back 30 years to step 1. While I fully recovered I advanced to CEO of a Financial Institution. Lots of bicostal travel and very active home construnction an small ranch ownership. Now with DDD at multilevels and with major vitimian D defficiency I 'm on norco 3 X daily and pain level is 3 to 6 normal and any activity brings it to 9 plus. I had 30 good years and now settle with what ever I can get. No complaints but sure can be a real pain! Won't opt for any more operations or inplants for pain meds. When you get back to work, enjoy the time and thank the Lord. Leo

Hooperleo,

I'm sure sorry to hear of all that you've been through. What a journey you've been on. It's good advice to thank the Lord and be grateful for every day (although saying it can sure "be a real pain!" could be the year's biggest understatement :-)
Hang in there and God Bless!

Kimberly

[Kimberly]

Your post-op expectations are very reasonable. I think you will be surprised how your recovery goes. BTW...you are extremely young.


Most Spine Patients return to work after a lumbar spinal fusion anywhere from 8 weeks post-op on. However, returning to work will greatly depend on your surgeon's preference, if you had any complications post-op and how your rehabilitation is going.

BTW, I was a biology major in undergrad. What courses do you teach within the biology department?

Thanks for the information Justin.

I hope that my expectations are reasonable. It's tough to know how much to expect from something like this, but I'd like to hold on to at least a little "cautious optimism." I know 42 might be on the younger side of the curve for spine patients, but I've never felt older.

If all goes according to plan, I should have surgery sometime in June and then I plan to take the fall semester off. This puts me (hopefully) back to work sometime in mid-January. Hopefully that should be enough time to get back on my feet.

Biology! My favorite subject! I teach non-major's introductory biology (lecture and lab) as well as a major's level course in Cellular and Molecular Bio (lecture and lab.) When I can I sneak in an Environmental Science course as well. I used to be a field plant biologist and enjoyed doing research for a couple of different Universities, but I really enjoy teaching (plus working locally and not being "out in the field" for days/weeks at a time is a much better fit for having a family.)

Kimberly