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← Return to Journey from foraminotomy to ALIF (Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion)
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Journey from foraminotomy to ALIF (Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion)
Spine Health | Last Active: Jul 16 10:59am | Replies (36)Comment receiving replies
My neurosurgeon had previously (13 months ago) said to me, "it's a matter of when, not if".
I saw him again on Friday, expecting the worse. I have two levels, from L4 to S1, that are bone-on-bone, with the nerve root at L5 (between L5 and S1) significantly flattened in the exit foramen. This is causing significant issues with my left leg and, since the issue is mechanical, a mechanical solution is required.
I have been given the details, but I declined theatre in 3 weeks time, opting rather for the surgery on 20 July. He will jack up the vertebrae (L5 - S1 contact) and wedge in a titanium cage interspersed with bone fragments from the bone bank. Then I will be turned over on the table, and have pedicle screws inserted on both sides locking in L5 to S1.
I believe recovery takes a while, so here I am looking for anyone else whose had an ALIF with pedacle screws, and what was their experience and recovery time (and recovery regime)?
Replies to "My neurosurgeon had previously (13 months ago) said to me, "it's a matter of when, not..."
Thanks, @jlssurplus. This is informative and some of what I was hoping to get out of this forum.
On following up, is sitting a problem after surgery? Since there's minimal BLT recommended, is one required to lie flat as long as possible after surgery or can one go between sitting, standing, walking and lying flat? Or is this more a case of "if it doesn't hurt to sit, then sitting is ok"?
Also, do the rods create discomfort at all (e.g. when lying on one's back", or perhaps you can't feel them at all?
Thanks again for any additional info.
Reply to several individuals.
I have posted several times. I have had two fusions 30 years apart from each other - one: PLIF [posterior] and one LLIF [lateral / side] - one year ago.
Two specific comments: (A) PLIF was much more pain and longer recovery
(B) LLIF less pain and faster recovery
Please realize every individual is different and one should have the confidence in ones physician's direction.
At the time I had the fusion (Rods and Bolts) 30 years ago - no other method
was offered / or / did not exist. Additionally the "bone graft" was taken from
my hip, which resulted almost with more pain than the back. Today they use
cadaver bone put into a "cage". Thirty years
ago I remained hospitalized for five days /while the recent LLIF surgery I
went home from the hospital the next day. One last thing - I have never had
any discomfort from the rods/bolts put in thirty years ago.
All the best to everyone. peter-paul
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I have the exact same issue just haven't made it to surgery part yet and L2-L5
Wife has had 6 fusions no ALIF but PLIF with screws and rods.
She was in hospital 4-5 days, then home with me.
They get you on your feet usually the 1st night and start walking as much as possible
If you don't have someone to provide 24 hr care for the 1st few days you may go to a skilled nursing for a bit.
I think most people are on pain pills maybe 2 -3 weeks but varies.
Restrictions were 8lbs for 3 months NO BLT Bending Lifting, Twisting
Recovery time really varies by person, The better your physical condition going in the easier things seem to be coming out.
Driving was I think at 3-4 weeks
Helpful things: Shower Chair, Ice packs, we use the soft ones from amazon and rotate 6-8 of them, side rail on bed is helpful. I have a pole one that squeezes between floor and ceiling that has worked great for both of us. Otherwise they have ones that go under the matteress and stick up on the side. Clamping picker upper
If you want any info on anything just feel free to message me
Good Luck