XLIF Surgery

  • Thread starter Thread starter onthebeam
  • Start date Start date
Three weeks after my XLIF (with posterior screws and roRAB) at the L4-5, I couldn't be happier. I can walk forever now -- prior to the surgery I was limited to 3 blocks and hills were awful. There's some nurabness on the hip and the outside of my thigh but they tell me this is normal and will resolve in 6 weeks to 6 months. Considering I had nurabness and pins and needles down the entire leg before, I'm barely aware of it. I'm nearly weaned off all pain meRAB (a half of a tablet before my daily walk). Cars aren't too comfortable yet, but sitting at my desk or a restaurant table is just fine.

My surgeon was great. My whole team, I felt, was top-notch. Really, I'm thrilled with the results. Unless I drop something (my post-op instructions are no bending, no twisting, no lifting for now), you'd never know I had anything done. Just wanted to be fair to XLIF and throw in a positive story.
 
Hope you've discussed all possible risks with surgeon. Like possible permanent nerve damage. I must happily say on the other hand...my back feels GREAT! I'm afraid i will continue alot of leg pain/complications for quite some time though. It's been 8 weeks and still can't drive and i know it will be alot longer if i ever do.
Have your home ready to accomadate with paths the width of a "walker" just in case. at least four pillows or "body" pillow.let loved ones know it takes a long time to answer door and phone!!! Don't let more than 1 or 2 visits occur in one day when first get home. Cook up food you can freeze and stock up easy to prepare meals. Ask surgeon how many times has he done this? My surgeon was "green", but can't be too choosy when on medicade.

Wish you the best that i didn't have. It will be worth it if they know what they're doing.
 
u are lucky and are one of the rare cases there are always to sides to a coin, but the sad part is for for those of us who are not lucky nobody else wants to touch you with a ten foot pole or help repair the damage done.I'm happy for u though i have to believe there is a lesson to be learned in all this what i don't know. May God continue to bless u
 
I just had an MRI with contrast CAT scan of the lurabar spine and extension and flexion x-rays. I see the doctor on Monday for the results. He is my second opinion that I got from the owner of the Physical Therapy place I was going to. Then he's is sending me to a Neurologist for further evaluation. Fill me in on when your getting your test. I'll let you know what happens to me. Just keep the faith I know it's hard
Vlaud
 
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