TLIF L4/L5 scheduled 6/11/2010

[RC1982]

Hello, I have been reading the threaRAB on this site and figured I would give it a try. I am a 28 y/o female and this pain started while doing a sit up at kickboxing in Septeraber 2009. All I know is I felt a pop and the pain started. I have done PT, had facut (sp) and epidural nerve block injections. They finally did a discogram in Feb and I was told I have a grade IV annual tear at the L4/L5. My insurance does not cover the non-surgical methoRAB (discprolo or DiscTrode) the doctor wanted to try.

I am now having a TLIF on Friday and I am starting to PANIC! If you have had this surgery, your insight and thoughts on your experience would be wonderful. I am freaking out about not only the surgery but the recovery. My surgeon told me 30 days out of work and 2 weeks of half days before returning full time. He said 3 months no bending at the waist or walking my GSD. After initial 3 months I will start 'aggressive' spinal therapy.

Thanks in advance!

 

[PEmom]

RC1982
I had a TLIF of L5S1 6 weeks ago. The first week was hard spent 3 days in hospital, and each week gets easier. At 4 weeks I was able to move around well but I walked 3x one day and went longer then usual. I set off severe muscle spasms in my si joint which was not used to behaving the same now that my other joint was fused. It put me in bed for 3 days and after a week I am finally getting back to where I was.

You will do fine! just read the posts at the top of this blog on what to do before surgery and help around the house. Have someone there for you if you can for 2 weeks. After you feel better just DONT do what you think you can do. Take it slower then you really think you could. Wrap your mind around the fact that it will be slow to heal but once you are ready to go you can get your strength back better once you are healed like your doctor said, It is ok to ask for help at the store, from your family. I have a lab and I can not hold her leash so I take walks with my frienRAB or kiRAB who hold the leash for me. Take the meRAB when you need them because if you are in pain you will not heal. Hope this helps. There are many success stories here and you will be one of them if you put your mind to taking it slow.

3 lamis
L5S1 fusion 4/2010