Connect
Questions about TLIF
Has anyone had TLIF and is that done going into the back mainly ? My surgeon said it would involve putting cages in also. I only need one level he says/thinks. My pain is all in my legs. I have throbbing and twitching in my calf muscles after walking only a few steps. I already had a simple decompression with fusion and the symptoms came back after four months.
Thanks
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Spine Health Support Group.
Connect
Just had a l3 l4 TLIF ( two and a half weeks ago) to address leg pain which had been getting progressively worse over a couple of years.I am a big cyclist and it was making it difficult to ride my bike due to constant pain in my thighs and a constant burning sensation.After waking up from the surgery I could press on my thighs without feeling pain and I’m now walking up and down stairs without the burning sensation of the last few years.
I also had a l4 s1 fusion during Covid which was also a success.
My advice would be to find a surgeon with great credentials at a respected institution and follow the post op instructions very carefully.Everyone tells you that walking is the key to a successful recovery and that was my experience after the first fusion. I walked so much my dogs were begging for mercy.
I realize that this is serious surgery and that many different outcomes are possible but in my case there was no question about having a second fusion.
Feel we’ll.
I have consulted so many surgeons, all at well respected institutions. The last two thought I only needed a simple fusion going in through the Back and just fusing L3-4, where I had a decompression without fusion on March 1, 2024. It helped only for four months so that's why they want to fuse it. I also have Spondyldisis.
So you are fused from L3-4 also ? My legs throb after just walking a little bit. I cycle also which dosen't seem to bother it, just weight bearing.
Where are you located ? Do you mind sharing that and also the surgeon privately to me ? It's getting confusing because I have gotten several recommendations to different surgeons. I'm in NYC area.
@stuartlloyd
So did the surgeon go in through your side or Back ?
Hi. He went in through the side and the whole process has been so much easier than going in through the back.I’m doing 40 minutes of simple exercises a day and walking for an hour a day already.Still using a small dose of oxy and lyrica a day but the pain is now more of an aggravation and sleeping through the night is a big help,especially compared to last time.And I forgot to mention I’m 69 so that should encourage the majority.Hope this helps.
@annie1 hi happy to provide the info
I live in Ct but had the surgeries in NYC
Because I’ve only been on this site for a few days they won’t let you message until a certain (unknown)time has passed
Will provide the details when I am allowed to do so
Ok, I guess you aren't allowed to put it in the general thread either, right ? I'm just anxious because two surgeons recommended the old school going through the back, PLIF which I think would have much more recovery time for my back muscles. And also obviously everyone's spine is different, but I was told by the surgeon that PLIF would give him a better view of all the nerves etc.