Let's hear the positive outcomes from anyone who had spine surgery

One of my primary concerns for myself is my ability to lose weight. Exercising is daunting for me; pre-op. It causes me all kinds of cramping, charley horses and pain. As a result, with the weakness I have in my arms, I find it very difficult to lose all the weight I gained when I quit smoking and when my pain started to get worse. I'm am sincerely praying that surgery will renew my ability to move and exercise. This is the heaviest I have ever been, and I can't stand myself.

@northstar25 Congratulations on a great recovery!

@jenniferhunter

Great news for you! So happy your outcome was everything you needed and hoped for.
Glad you mentioned hubby as a big part of your recovery. Sometimes we neglect to acknowledge them. Mine has been my rock, attending doctors visits, hours in the ER, days in the hospital, hours waiting for the doctor to give an update after surgery, hours in recovery, helping me walk, bathe, do exercises. I honestly don't think I could have done it without him....of course he says it's because he wants me back on my feet cooking him some good meals ASAP..lol
Kudos to you, honey...you're the best, taking those in sickness and in health vows to heart.

@loriesco
Had to ask -- where did you find them?
Although the surgeries did get better over the 20 years, I had to wait and I did find my Prince charming surgeons.

@dit09

Found mine at Johns Hopkins.

I am 10 weeks post surgery, three weeks into Physical Therapy and I couldn't be happier!!

A very complex 11 hour
surgery, but very worth it. My miracle workers.....
I am so glad I did this procedure. The difference is just incredible.

This was a great idea, sticking around to help where you can, even after your surgery was successful. Like you mentioned, many move on with their lives after they are as close to where they were before they needed surgery. I have actually had a positive and a negative experience since my surgery back in November of 2025.

I had ALIF surgery, a lumbar spinal fusion at L5-S1 due to the disc collapsing on the right side. So, a little more then 7 months post-op as of today, July 8, 2026. And my back has been fine. It has been healing well, and I was actually surprised at the pain levels I had after the surgery, as I expected to be in more pain than I experienced.

This leads to my negative experience. I had two different issues going on, one with my spine and the other with the pain I have had in my right side/flank/oblique muscles for three years (July 7, 2023 when it all started). So, with my spine healing well, I thought physical therapy would help with my side pain. Unfortunately, I am still going to doctors (just saw a hip specialist yesterday, all is good with my hips), and I have been spending about $1,200 / month going to different physical therapy clinics. My insurance only covers 24 visits a year, so twice-a-week therapy only lasts three months. The remaining 9 months is all out-of-pocket, and these places are not cheap.

A quick summary, my spinal fusion is going well, the surgeon did his job very well. But I still have a medical journey to complete besides for my spine. If anyone has questions regarding ALIF / spinal fusion surgery, I can give you my experiences if you would like to ask.

@dit09 ucsd the Spine orthopedics department. I also have a ton of arthritis and I’m sorry to say I can’t recommend the arthritis doctors and I’m sorry to say I can’t recommend the neuropathy department. But I definitely can recommend the orthopedic spine doctors. And everybody that I speak to has had a genuinely great experience with them as well. They take their job seriously and they are training the next generation of doctors. It’s not always perfect and people don’t understand that it’s an art form as much as it is a science.

I am in both camps- I was thrilled with my first surgery. After over a year of debilitating pain and not being able to walk more than 5 minutes, I got my life back. Surgery 2, a year later, was an unexpected surprise to the doctor and me. I did get 80-90% relief but recovery was tough. And now I'm facing surgery 3. I totally trust my neurosurgeon at Tufts but still... I've made an appt for a second opinion. I'm seeing the MGH neurosurgeon tomorrow.
Anyone who tell me they'd rather be in pain than have surgery is not understanding that it can really be helpful. But it sometimes feels like a long road with some smooth surfaces and a few bumps here and there.

@gowalking
I agree! My husband has been with me at every appointment and hospital stay. I think we need to tell them frequently how much they are appreciated. It's hard to remember to say those words when you are in pain, worried, frustrated and scared.

I think they know how much we appreciate them, but reminding them often is nice.
They also know we would do the same for them.
It's a good feeling to know you have one constant by your side 24/7.
Kudos to those good hubbies, caretakers and all around good guys.
Give him a big hug every day!!!! It's important to say I love you.