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ALIF plus Pedicle Screws - L5
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)?
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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
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.
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You won't feel the rods.
You can sit, stand and lay down, sitting in 1 posistion for long periods of time is not really a good thing. You need to get up and move around.
Walking is the most important thing to do, movement is good for healing.
They want you walking as much as you can.
You just have to go by what your body tells you.
@profevl I can feel the rods when I first lie down. There are also certain chairs I sit in and can feel them. That has been an “ick” factor I discussed with the doctor and he said it’s because I’m thin🧐. It’s not painful, just an awareness. Best to you as you go through this and recover!