@profevl Good morning, thank you for the update. I noticed you are having a different surgery than you initially mentioned when you left you first message here. Your first message stated you were having Foraminotomy surgery, which is usually the removal of bone or tissue to allow the nerve(s) coming from your spine to have room to move. In today's message, you said you are having ALIF surgery, which is a bit different, a little more involved.

My surgery back in November was ALIF surgery, a Lumbar Fusion at L5-S1, the same as you mentioned this morning. My surgery went very well, and it seems almost impossible that someone can not bend, lift, or twist for 6 weeks after the surgery, but it can be done with good planning.

Getting dressed, showering, and having a place you can get off of your feet for a good part of the day are three areas to prioritize. I was told to not stay in bed all day, to get up and move around every one to two hours.

I have a foot stool next to the bed, which is a big help for what you will be shown, the Log Roll, for getting in and out of bed without bending. I also had a small table in the bathroom where I would be showering to hold the supplies the hospital will send you home with.

There are wipes for cleaning the area around the incision, a small plastic tub for washing your face while standing at the sink, and I kept a small trash can on the table so I did not have to bend over to throw things away or change the trash bag.

Please ask if you have specific questions about this procedure, I'll answer what I can. And good luck with the surgery!