[Spinal Fusion / Lumbar] Very happy to find this site! (L4-L5 PSF, pedicle screw fixation, L4-L5, L5-S1 TLIF)

[fumo24]

Thank you SPS for this awesome site. I have found it very informative, and it has settled my nerves a little for my upcoming surgery. Nice to hear the experiences of others facing the same situation as myself..keep up the good work!

[Gilbert P]

We are here to help each other.

Could you give us a little more information Surgeon, location, etc

All The Best

Gil

[Hooch]

Gday, good luck with the procedure.

[Justin]

Thank you SPS for this awesome site. I have found it very informative, and it has settled my nerves a little for my upcoming surgery. Nice to hear the experiences of others facing the same situation as myself..keep up the good work!

Hi Fumo,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society.

Thank you for your kind words about the Society. When is your operation? Please keep us posted and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Wishing you the very best.

[fumo24]

Thanks all- im going in on the 26th, little nervous, trying to prepare for some long bedrest. Any directions on this site for preparing/recovering would be greatly appreciated .thanks again..

[Cindylou]

Good luck with your upcoming surgery Fumo. I had ALIF of my L6 (a lumbosacral transitional vertebra)-S1 in July of 08. It's a fairly long recovery but you should do just fine. And it is perfectly normal to feel a little nervous, or a lot nervous, whatever the case may be. Surgery is a very major decision. Not sure how long it took you to come to your final decision of surgery, but many times it can be fraught with an array of emotions, such as the nervousness you described, panic can occur (my husband actually had some of that when I was about to go on the operating table for my 3 artificial lumbar discs), second guessing oneself, or even relief....that a decision has finally been made, and a whole lot more. With lumbar fusion, remember the basics of no bending, lifting or twisting, and generally no driving for sometimes a minimum of 6 weeks. Also try to avoid "jerky" movements and bumpy car rides. The bone healing process typically doesn't occur on average until a good 3-5 months, and it can take a good year or longer for the bone fusion process to completely take place. Patience is the operative word here. Again, good luck and ask away. We're here for you, Cindylou

[Justin]

Thanks all- im going in on the 26th, little nervous, trying to prepare for some long bedrest. Any directions on this site for preparing/recovering would be greatly appreciated .thanks again..

Here's a great thread: Spine Surgery Recovery: "Must Have" Items & Postoperative Tips.

[fumo24]

Justin, Thanks for the thread, lots of good ideas in there.
Cindylou, yes its been a little bit of an emotional and cognitive roller-coaster. I keep second guessing myself, am I doing the right thing, should I just live with it. Im not in a lot of pain, only when I bend and try to lift something. When I think of an operation as serious as this I think I should be reeling in constant pain with no other alternative. But I know Im making the right decision because I want to try to get back to FULL strength, and not live like this the rest of my life. Also my spondy has progressed over the past 7 yrs. and I think its better to stop it now while im younger and before it gets to advanced. Dr.s told me I'll most likely have to do it sooner or later anyway. I guess you just have to make the best and most educated decision and put the rest in gods hands and roll with it.

[Justin]

Justin, Thanks for the thread, lots of good ideas in there.
Cindylou, yes its been a little bit of an emotional and cognitive roller-coaster. I keep second guessing myself, am I doing the right thing, should I just live with it. Im not in a lot of pain, only when I bend and try to lift something. When I think of an operation as serious as this I think I should be reeling in constant pain with no other alternative. But I know Im making the right decision because I want to try to get back to FULL strength, and not live like this the rest of my life. Also my spondy has progressed over the past 7 yrs. and I think its better to stop it now while im younger and before it gets to advanced. Dr.s told me I'll most likely have to do it sooner or later anyway. I guess you just have to make the best and most educated decision and put the rest in gods hands and roll with it.

Hey Fumo,

How did your surgery go? Please post an update when you get a chance!