[Spinal Fusion / Lumbar] NuVasive XLIF -- L2/L3, L3/L4, L4/L5

[DMT]

Thanks for having this forum for those of us who have struggled with spine issues.

After nearly 25 years of lumbar pain I had a three level fusion on Oct. 2, 2009. The results have been fantastic and after nearly five months I am 90% pain free. The surgeon used the X-LIF procedure from Nuvasive. Through two small incisions in my left side he accessed my lower back and placed spacers at L2/3, 3/4, 4/5. the spacers were packed with BMP and my most recent x-ray shows bone growth beginning. He also put in screws and stabilizers (Medtronic) through very small incisions in my lower back which will come out after 12 months. I spent only three days in the hospital and was driving after ten days. I am 56 years old and have always been very active. This has given me my life back. I played golf after 4 1/2 months and have continued to play every week with no pain. I realize that many of you have had significant difficulties after back surgery and I truly feel for you. I know what it is like to spend your life in constant pain. Thus far, I am fortunate to have found an excellent surgeon and this new technique. Good luck to you all.....

[Cindylou]

Wow!! Good for you DMT! Fantastic news! Do you mind me asking who your surgeon was? I have often wondered if maybe I should have just had a 3 level fusion 3 years ago, instead of my 3 level lumbar adr's, as I still have pain issues. I keep hearing more and more folks reporting great results with their multi-level fusions. I hope your pain free days go from here to infinity!!! Yay for you!

[DMT]

Hi Cindy Lou,
I live in CA and my surgeon is James Bruffey M.D. at Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, CA. (San Diego area) The entire experience was fantastic. The surgeon is a great guy and the hospital overlooks the Pacific Ocean. It's easy to forget why you are there!! Try the Nuvasive website, NuVasive - Creative Spine Technology - Patients | Surgeons | Investors or XLIF | the power of X to see if there is a surgeon in your area who is trained in this procedure. Best of luck, David.

[scduggan]

Dear DMT,
Welcome to the website. Your successful outcome makes my heart leap for joy. I thought I knew a LOT about spine technologies but did not know about your procedure.....so cool! You sound like you have a really positive mental outlook.....no doubt this is playing a huge role in your story. I just had ADR surgery exactly one week ago. I jokingly said my stay in the hospital was like Disney World or being at a nice spa....yours really trumped mine. I was just in San Diego in November. We had lunch on the beach in La Jolla.....you lucky dog. Here's to unending healthy days!
CD

[Katie]

Hi DMT,

Welcome, and I have so many questions! I am scheduled to have the cervical ceramic disc, the CERPASS from Nuvasive, plus three levels of PEEK fusion in my lumbar at the same time. I have not spoken to anyone at Nuvasive yet, but another poster here has plenty of nice things to say about them.

What was your experience? I am going to try and reach someone there tomorrow and get a better feel of the appliance being used in my neck.

I have been fighting against fusion in favour of ADR for so long, then found out that it is the only option for me now for a variety of reasons. So my knowledge of that is far less than of the common ADR appliances. I only have a couple of weeks to catch up on what I should already know

My surgeon is skilled at minimally invasive surgery as well, so I am looking forward to smaller slices

We are almost the same age, and the recovery time is worrying me. I've also been very active before this hit, and hope to return to a life like that again, fingers crossed. I'm very encouraged about your success, and hope you continue to post and encourage us who are still facing surgery. Thanks so much!

[DMT]

Hi Katie,
Sorry to hear that you are facing surgery. Nuvasive is located in San Diego, just a few miles from where I live so it is a well known company in this area. I didn't speak directly to Nuvasive but did spend a lot of time on their website and reading their patient packet available through the website. My knowledge really comes from my surgeon who called the Nuvasive procedures a "paradigm shift" in the way spine surgery is done. Prior to the development of the X-LIF procedure I wasn't a good candidate for surgery. My lumbar fusion was three level and after ten days I was driving and going to the grocery store, etc. It is now 4 1/2 months since the surgery and I am playing golf, walking several miles a day, and going to the gym, so it is realistic to expect your life to turn around after your recovery. Nuvasive is a class company and dedicated to improving the lives of people like us. Today (Sun) there was an article in the San Diego Union business section, about the company. You can probably find it by Googling the newspaper and going to the business page for Sunday 2/28. Good luck and let us know how things turn out for you.