June 20th i'm having L2-S1 ATP, L2-S1

@lovelifetotally54 Hello and welcome to Connect. I am a cervical spine surgery patient and I have to say I had not herd of an ATP fusion before. It helps other members understand your comments if you explain what this stands for. I did look this up and ATP stands to "Anterior to Psoas". The Psoas muscle connects the spine and pelvis and is important, so protecting it is important. L2 to S1 is the Lumbar 2nd vertebrae to the Sacral first vertebrae.

Here is a link to literature that describes this spine procedure. It has illustrations, so if you don't want to know the specifics, don't open the link. There are a couple surgery photos and one that shows the patient's pelvis positioned on the side on the table.

National Library of Medicine
"Anterior to psoas (ATP) fusion of the lumbar spine: evolution of a technique facilitated by changes in equipment"
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5233851/

Thank you Jennfer ! I had seen a video somewhere and it gave a a good idea of the procedure . What you added is also a great expalnation of all the steps . I am acutally only able at this time , to walk with a walker . Looking to get my life back . Thank you again for the reply.

Four weeks ago I had an L2-5 which included inserting new discs (cages, actually) via my right psoas. Two days later I had a both sides of the spine fusion also L2-L5. We had considered a more extensive T10-S1 coverage but we elected the more conservative (L2-L5) option.

A few comments. Four weeks post surgery - I am walking (mostly) with a cane and still experience pain - sometimes intense - in my lower back. Sleeping remains a significant challenge. No PT yet as I am merely letting my body follow its natural healing processes for at least a few more weeks. I am a 70 yr old male in above average physical condition which I believe is a very positive contributor to overall recovery. Get yourself in the best shape you can before surgery!

I'm so happy we backed away from the much more comprehensive T10-S1! That recovery was projected to be epically long with some very permanent (and some negative) side effects. Consider all options before agreeing to the final surgical decision.

Despite many positive predictors - good general condition, minimally invasive, a great at-home support system, a terrific neurosurgeon...The L2-L5 was still a significant trauma which will likely take me 3+ months to digest. At 4 weeks - I cannot even definitively state I'm better off than before surgery.

Best of luck!!!

So sorry that you are having a difficlt time . So next Tuesday is my surgery date and dr said day of surgery or next day I will have to be out of bed walking and I will need to go to a rehablilatation center for I haven't been able to walk for months . I currently walk with a walker . I can walk on my own but not far and my back feels so out of balance or should i say the mechanism feels messed up . Thank you for your comment.

The step-down rehab facility sounds right to me. I'd embrace that opportunity to have such focused PT attention! My balance issues were cleared up almost immediately. I walk easily with a cane (and sometimes without...but don't tell the docs!). I imagine you'll see some nearly instant improvements. Best of luck! Sending positive energy your way...

i thank you so much for you sending positive energy my way . God Bless and hopefully soon , you will start to feel much better. I will say a prayer for you tonight .

So i had my fusion on 06/20/23. My neurosurgeon said he only had to od L2 L3 AND l4 . Once he got i L5 looked perfectly fine. I was in the hospital for a week . My United HealthCare would not pay for a rehab facility so I came home . The other choice i had was a nursring home and i didnt want that sitting in a chair or lying in a bed alll week . Mage some modifications around the house we put a cahir type attachement on the toilet with handles so i could gt up . Bought a 4 inch cushion for my recliner so i could get up . I never had any pain walking and still dont today ..just taking oxy when i need it.The back brace is the worse way too bulky . I've seen a few reading where is indicates back brace is not really required as long as you dont twist . I see my surgeon next Tuesday maybe he will tell me i dont have to wear the brace anymore ha ha