[Spinal Fusion / Lumbar] ACDF in March of ’09, TLIF Scheduled November 2010

[Boudin]

Hi Everyone, I’m Chris. Just found this site a few weeks ago. I sporadically post over at one of the other spine forums. I had an ACDF in March of ’09 which was a success and became one those people that disappeared after he got better. But I’m back on the boards now that I’m about to have a lumbar surgery.

Just wanted to introduce myself. I would love to hear anyone’s experiences with regard to minimally invasive TLIF’s as that is what I am about to have this fall. It’s being done by a surgeon who seems to be something of a guru of minimally invasive spine surgery, here in the Chicago area. If anyone has questions about cervical surgeries I’d be happy to chime in with my experiences.

Chris

[KBear]

Hi Chris! I have no information on that, but best of luck!
Kathy

[Justin]

Hey Chris,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society.

I'm sorry to hear that you are facing another surgery. Make your self at home and take advantage of our Educational Materials in our Library and Video section of the website (Spine Patient Society | Resources For Spine Surgery Patients). Also, if you do a search for TLIF's it should pull up a lot of good threads.

[trkdoc714]

Chris,

Welcome to SPS. I don't have any insight on TLIF but Justin's right, there is a lot of ammo in this research library.

I hope you heal as quickly as you did from your last surgery. Here's to your upcoming success story

Bob

[Boudin]

Thanks for the warm welcome. I've been researching the heck out of this just like I did when I had my neck surgery. While recovery from the ACDF wasn't a walk in the park, it cetainly wasn't awful. Hopefully this one will be comparable.

Chris

[Justin]

Hi Chris,

How did your TLIF go? I hope your recovery is going well!

[Boudin]

Justin,

Sorry for the late reply. Recovery has been going very well. I had surgery on the Tuesday the 9th and was out of the hospital on Thursday the 11th. While I have never liked hospitals, the doctors, nurses, physical therapists at Northwestern were all very nice and very helpful.

I thought my pain levels would much higher when I left the hospital, but I actually felt pretty good. I’m still a little stiff and sore, but if you saw me walking down the street you would never guess that I just had spine surgery. I was up and walking on my own the day after surgery. Technically, I was walking a few hours after surgery. I had to get x-rays and a ct scan and had to get out of bed and walk about 10 feet to a different gurney for them to transport me. But once they took the catheter out, they had me walking around my floor multiple times a day. I am now going on daily walks of about a mile or so, and going up and down stair is not a problem at all. No brace either, which is awesome in my book. I had to wear a neck brace for a month after my ACDF.

The pain in my legs is basically gone and the tingling that I have felt in my feet has been eliminated. Most of my pain is at the incision site and I get a little pain in hamstrings at night or if I have stayed in one position for too long.

I’m going back to work on Monday. Since I’m still on pain killers I’m going to have my wife drive me. But I will be able to get up and walk when I need to and it will be good to get out the house, I get cabin fever easily. Plus it will be a short week with the holiday.

So all in all, very happy with results so far, and definitely happy I went with the minimally invasive procedure. If anyone in the Chicago area needs a spine surgeon, I heartily recommend Dr. Richard Fessler. Not only do I feel much better, but I found him to be a very compassionate doctor and very willing to answer any and all questions. The only down side to seeing him is that it is very hard to get an appointment with him. But if can stand the wait to see him, it is well worth it.

Chris

[Gilbert P]

Hi Chris

And thanks for you update sounds like you are doing well. What line of work are you in? Do not push it you have only one spine.

What does the Doc say about you autofusing?

All The Best

Gil

[Justin]

Hey Chris,

Justin,

Sorry for the late reply. Recovery has been going very well. I had surgery on the Tuesday the 9th and was out of the hospital on Thursday the 11th. While I have never liked hospitals, the doctors, nurses, physical therapists at Northwestern were all very nice and very helpful.

I have a couple friends doing their residencies at Northwestern. It's a great place!

The pain in my legs is basically gone and the tingling that I have felt in my feet has been eliminated. Most of my pain is at the incision site and I get a little pain in hamstrings at night or if I have stayed in one position for too long.

I’m going back to work on Monday. Since I’m still on pain killers I’m going to have my wife drive me. But I will be able to get up and walk when I need to and it will be good to get out the house, I get cabin fever easily. Plus it will be a short week with the holiday.

This sounds like a great week to ease back into work--smart idea.

So all in all, very happy with results so far, and definitely happy I went with the minimally invasive procedure. If anyone in the Chicago area needs a spine surgeon, I heartily recommend Dr. Richard Fessler. Not only do I feel much better, but I found him to be a very compassionate doctor and very willing to answer any and all questions. The only down side to seeing him is that it is very hard to get an appointment with him. But if can stand the wait to see him, it is well worth it.

Chris

I've heard great things about Dr. Fessler. Congratulations again and keep us posted on your progress.

[Boudin]

Gil- I’m in construction, but I’m a suit, so to speak. I spend most of my time in the office. I have been working from home since I got back from the hospital, but I have a couple meetings I can’t miss before the holidays. With regard to L2/L3 autofusing, my doc is not very concerned about it. It’s probably the reason I don’t have any symptoms associated with that level. Even a discogram at that level didn’t produce any pain.

In fact, it wasn’t until I switched to my current surgeon, Dr. Fessler, that I even knew it was fusing. My last doctor either didn’t notice it or neglected to tell me about it. Even the MRI reports didn’t say anything. But when Dr. Fessler and I were looking at my MRI he showed me the image and it’s as clear as day.

Justin- Not only is Dr. Fessler a great doctor, he is a very nice man and very approachable. I keep you posted as to my progress.

Chris