Your information is extremely helpful. You have to listen to your body. I sleep in the living room now because I’m afraid to go up the stairs. I’m already up. I’ve had the surgery done but I’m afraid I’m gonna fall. Especially in the morning. I’m a 50-year-old male and they did my surgery just through my back L2, L3 and L4 fusion. A lot of people think that once you have surgery you’re fixed. That is absolutely not true. It takes time and patience to recover. I appreciate your advice because I’m recovering right now from my surgery and you gave great advice
Thank you for not scaring me and so many wonderful tips! My surgery is in 7 days and it's the same as you, L5-S1 anterior spinal fusion. The unknown is what is so scary, I'm almost 61 female and don't want to limp and hurt the rest of my life. Thank you!!!
@@aquawoman2 Good Luck Aquawoman2!! Tomorrow is 3 months and I'm so much better and thankful that I got the surgery. I still have low back soreness worse some days than others but OK for the most part. I decided to take Gabapentin for my continued right hip pain and that stuff works but took 4 weeks to "kick in." I've diligently worked my physical therapy twice a week and at home too and walk my one mile per day. It's work but so worth it all. God Bless you:)
Ms Jennae Thank you for sharing your progress and being so positive. I had ALIF L4-L-5 S1 surgery June 26th 2023. I feel pretty good and my incision hurts the worst. I’ve been getting a walk in every morning. Like you sometimes I walk a mile some days I’ve been able to walk 1 1/2. I’ve watched some of your other videos and I appreciate the important tips that you share. I hope that you have fully recovered. I go back for fusion surgery on July 10 th. Thanks again for the tips. I’m a 57 year old retiree from professional fire service. Many thanks Mason.
Jennae thanks for doing this inspiring video. You are helping a lot of people to face this daunting surgery. I’m happy to see you doing so well. I admire your quiet courage. It will take a while, but I am looking forward to seeing a video of you enjoying your morning jog. You go girl!
wow so glad I found your videos! My surgery is approaching and I have so many questions and thoughts. You sharing your actual experience is a huge help. Best wishes for your the rest of your recovery and THANK YOU!
@@TheDiamondWoman1 I am 10 weeks out today! My range of motion is so much better! So many things I can do now. I am now back working from home (desk job) and can go periods of time with out my brace but wear it when walking or doing things that may make me bend or twist. I over did it moving around the past couple of days so I'm aching so I'm taking it easy. I thought about doing a video but I don't know how everyone did it. Was in the hospital for 3 days and the pain was the worst I've ever had. Having to lay on my back for weeks and weeks really takes a toll on you mentally, but it does get better!!
@@pattisharpston6907 omg weeks and weeks of sleeping on back?!! I can’t sleep on my back. F-this man I’m really thinking about callin this off. I’m gonna end up being worse off and regretting it
@@FromTheHood2TheWoods I am now almost 8 months out and have no regrets, other than when I'm feeling good over doing it, which sets me down a bit. I finally started PT a few weeks ago and they are giving me some good things to do. As much as it is so hard mentally and physically during the recovery, I am so glad I did it. Wishing you the best.
@@pattisharpston6907 it’s been 8 month and you are still having to do PT?!! Wow that’s crazy. I thought I get the surgery and after a month or two will be ok. I can’t be out of work for 8 months. If the surgery was successful seems like you should be able to move on and live life. I’ve had so much trauma and things I had to overcome in life, last thing I want to do is get a surgery that’s gonna make my leg and back pain worse and require pt. Even with virtually no disk left at L5 S1 I’m still able to run half marathon and enjoy life. Thanks for the input….I never take meds but I hope they give me good pain meds for this. The people that abuse them have really messed it up for a lot of us who need them after major surgeries. Hopefully at least 6 weeks worth of opioids. Only been on them one other time 2 years ago when I got caught in explosion and had to get skin grafts on my burns. I took exackly as prescribed and immediately stopped taking when the pain was no longer there. No withdrawals no addiction
Thank you for sharing, Jennae. I'm 22 and just had a similar surgery through the back. Next month I will get a cage transplant in an anterior surgery. So far I'm not very scared, but surprised that there are barely any reports of patients sharing their experience with this procedure. Wishing you all the best from Germany; I hope you're well and 100% mobile today!
I hardly ever leave comments in general. You have actually helped me. L3, L4, L5, S1 anterior exterior fusion lumbar surgery in September. You are tough and you got heart!
How are u now? Do you regret the surgery? Are you better off now? I hope I’m making the right decision, in two weeks I get the surgery please help thank you
@@hpurey Oh I hope you'll be okay! Yes, I had the procedure and my recovery was so easy, actually! I ended up only having L4-L5-S1. My surgeon decided to only do two levels rather than the 3 levels. Someday I may need L3-L4 fused, but what I had done actually solved the pain in my legs! So good luck with your next surgery.
@Varsha Joshi you will heal just fine! Having the surgery was a game changer. It's been 9 1/2 months and I am doing wonderful. Good luck and best wishes!!. Let me know how it goes for you! When is your surgery?
I'm so glad I watched ur video, I found out yesterday that I'm gonna have to have this surgery done 😢I'm terrified, I didn't know it was such a invasive surgery 😮but I have to get it done, I'm in so much pain all the time 😢I don't wanna be in pain for the rest of my life😢 ur information is very helpful ❤
Got a pars fracture from pole vaulting in college with no symptoms (woot woot fellow track athlete) and got rear ended and herniated 2 discs recently. I got the ALIF at L5/S1 and a disc replacement at L4/L5. My incision is what is killing me! Ice on my stomach helps. My upper back muscles are all tight and painful too. Btw you are beautiful and you look great for 1 week out!
She could include that due to Sedation and Pain meds the first Bowel Movement will have you Screaming in Strange Tongues.Plan ahead. Stool Softners,Ice Packs,as well as Heat. Hydrate Hydrate Hydrate. Walker,and Cane. Daily Dressing changes. Good Idea too check your temperature from time too time. Different Level of Pain Surgery. Not easy,but in long term hopefully fixes one from where they were at as far as Mobility,and Pain.
Good for you, unfortunately I’ve had four fusions Anne a few more surgeries on my back. Take care of your back as once you start down this road it can rupture a lot easier. Blessings
Did you have any pain in your stomach not incision area but lower to the right or left? When I walk I have to stop at a half mile or less because my lower stomach kills!!!
Appreciating your videos and experiences as I contemplate a similar option. How are you now, this long after this surgery? Happy with your results? Solve, or now well improved from your original issues? Any new post surgery or lingering issues?
I am fixing to have surgery on my L4 L5 they are supposed to cut the bone off the top of my left hip make the incision in the front and put that in the desk and then rods and screws is that the same surgery you had? I’m very nervous I was supposed to have a very long dangerous thoracic surgery first but I ended up slipping on the grass and hurting these disc in my lumbar so they’re going to do it first and then after that hopefully cervical and maybe I won’t have to do the thoracic but I live in constant nerve pain down my legs and they Feel like they’re freezing all the time if I don’t have pain medicine but then again the doctors don’t want to give you any pain medicine these days and so I do suffer a lot.
My ALIF is this Wednesday, 10/24/24 and the next day 10/25. L4 has spondylolisthesis and L5 and S1 both have herniated disc. Possibly will also have a laminectomy on S1, as I’ve began having sciatica issue on down part of my leg, S1 the last few days has been having pain. I’m 71. Hoping your recovery is smooth.
Good information I'm having PLIF in about a month and I'm concerned with things like stairs and sleeping position. I will rent an electric "stand-up" recliner lounge so I can lie back, but the chair will stand me up. By the way - you have beautiful eyes 😉
Can you walk, run, jump, stand, bend, stretch, carry weight, ride a bike, drive long distance and sit down on the floor without pain and stiffness today?
Hi Jannae, thank you for posting your experience through surgery. I just scheduled mine for next month. I have 2 level alif procedure. I just wanted to know how are you feeling now being almost a year after surgery, so you feel you have any mobility issues? Have you gone back to running? Do you get any pain on your spine?
Hi, i am considering this surgery but the dr said it will help my leg pain but not my back pain? Did you have any relief with your back or just your leg?
I just had my ALIF L5 S1 last Friday, I have had so many procedures, nerve burns to epidural, anyway its Tuesday and the pain in the stomach is minimal except for sneezing and coughing. The Dr said it was going to be 6 months before full recovery. The fused disc are not producing too much pain just sore. From the lower spine all the way to my toes i have extreme pain almost feels as if i pulled every muscle from butt to the toes. Just curious if you happened to have experienced this. It is kind of manageable only with the really good pain pills. If this was one of your side effects how long before the leg pain went away? Also I want to thank you for documenting your recovery!!
Jennae I am supposed to have ALIF surgery next Tuesday, pending insurance approval. He is going to do the ALIF first, then flip me over and do a discectomy and fusion. L2&3. I already have a fusion in L3-5. My question is how important was it to have someone with me when I come home? I live alone and have always come home by myself but I am a little more nervous with this surgery due to going thru the belly. Appreciate your thoughts. Thx.
Hi Jennae, Im scheduled for this surgery 10/25/21, curious why your doc went thru the stomach. Mine is going thru the back. Also how long were you off work?
I had the surgery 6 days ago, and this video kinda freaked me out because whole video you sit still 😦 For me sitting after a short time is so painful.. I don’t know why my recovery is so slow 😟
Its anybody on this video was lucky after back surgery?please comment!!!I had PLIF L4,L5 and S1 and left&right SI joints fusion too, but all of them fail,doctors want me to for the spinal cord stimulator wich I dont want no more instruments in my body,Im out of hopes now!any advice of self experiencies will be wolcome🙌
Your information is extremely helpful. You have to listen to your body. I sleep in the living room now because I’m afraid to go up the stairs. I’m already up. I’ve had the surgery done but I’m afraid I’m gonna fall. Especially in the morning. I’m a 50-year-old male and they did my surgery just through my back L2, L3 and L4 fusion. A lot of people think that once you have surgery you’re fixed. That is absolutely not true. It takes time and patience to recover. I appreciate your advice because I’m recovering right now from my surgery and you gave great advice
Thank you for not scaring me and so many wonderful tips! My surgery is in 7 days and it's the same as you, L5-S1 anterior spinal fusion. The unknown is what is so scary, I'm almost 61 female and don't want to limp and hurt the rest of my life. Thank you!!!
how are you doing now? I'm having the same surgery in 3 days and I'm 58. I just want to walk upright again.
@@aquawoman2 Good Luck Aquawoman2!! Tomorrow is 3 months and I'm so much better and thankful that I got the surgery. I still have low back soreness worse some days than others but OK for the most part. I decided to take Gabapentin for my continued right hip pain and that stuff works but took 4 weeks to "kick in." I've diligently worked my physical therapy twice a week and at home too and walk my one mile per day. It's work but so worth it all.
God Bless you:)
Ms Jennae Thank you for sharing your progress and being so positive. I had ALIF L4-L-5 S1 surgery June 26th 2023. I feel pretty good and my incision hurts the worst. I’ve been getting a walk in every morning. Like you sometimes I walk a mile some days I’ve been able to walk 1 1/2. I’ve watched some of your other videos and I appreciate the important tips that you share. I hope that you have fully recovered. I go back for fusion surgery on July 10 th. Thanks again for the tips. I’m a 57 year old retiree from professional fire service.
Many thanks Mason.
I’m so thankful for this information. My surgery is in three weeks and your video has really helped me understand what to expect.
Jennae thanks for doing this inspiring video. You are helping a lot of people to face this daunting surgery. I’m happy to see you doing so well. I admire your quiet courage. It will take a while, but I am looking forward to seeing a video of you enjoying your morning jog. You go girl!
wow so glad I found your videos! My surgery is approaching and I have so many questions and thoughts. You sharing your actual experience is a huge help. Best wishes for your the rest of your recovery and THANK YOU!
How are you now!? I need this done. Thinking about backing out of it. There is no way I can sleep on my back for weeks while it heals
I am glad you put this video out. I'm going to be having an ALIF and PLIF L4-L5 mid November and am very anxious. Thank you again!
How are you doing after your surgery? I hope it went well.
@@TheDiamondWoman1 I am 10 weeks out today! My range of motion is so much better! So many things I can do now. I am now back working from home (desk job) and can go periods of time with out my brace but wear it when walking or doing things that may make me bend or twist.
I over did it moving around the past couple of days so I'm aching so I'm taking it easy.
I thought about doing a video but I don't know how everyone did it.
Was in the hospital for 3 days and the pain was the worst I've ever had.
Having to lay on my back for weeks and weeks really takes a toll on you mentally, but it does get better!!
@@pattisharpston6907 omg weeks and weeks of sleeping on back?!! I can’t sleep on my back. F-this man I’m really thinking about callin this off. I’m gonna end up being worse off and regretting it
@@FromTheHood2TheWoods I am now almost 8 months out and have no regrets, other than when I'm feeling good over doing it, which sets me down a bit. I finally started PT a few weeks ago and they are giving me some good things to do. As much as it is so hard mentally and physically during the recovery, I am so glad I did it. Wishing you the best.
@@pattisharpston6907 it’s been 8 month and you are still having to do PT?!! Wow that’s crazy. I thought I get the surgery and after a month or two will be ok. I can’t be out of work for 8 months. If the surgery was successful seems like you should be able to move on and live life. I’ve had so much trauma and things I had to overcome in life, last thing I want to do is get a surgery that’s gonna make my leg and back pain worse and require pt. Even with virtually no disk left at L5 S1 I’m still able to run half marathon and enjoy life. Thanks for the input….I never take meds but I hope they give me good pain meds for this. The people that abuse them have really messed it up for a lot of us who need them after major surgeries. Hopefully at least 6 weeks worth of opioids. Only been on them one other time 2 years ago when I got caught in explosion and had to get skin grafts on my burns. I took exackly as prescribed and immediately stopped taking when the pain was no longer there. No withdrawals no addiction
Thank you for sharing, Jennae. I'm 22 and just had a similar surgery through the back. Next month I will get a cage transplant in an anterior surgery. So far I'm not very scared, but surprised that there are barely any reports of patients sharing their experience with this procedure.
Wishing you all the best from Germany; I hope you're well and 100% mobile today!
I hardly ever leave comments in general. You have actually helped me. L3, L4, L5, S1 anterior exterior fusion lumbar surgery in September. You are tough and you got heart!
So encouraged to find some real feedback on this recovery.
Thank you very much for your video. My surgery is tomorrow & your videos have helped me focus on recovery.
How was your surgery?
I just got home from my alif. I want to thank you sooooo much for your videos. Beyond helpful. The recommendations of things needed etc. Thank you!!!!
How are u now? Do you regret the surgery? Are you better off now? I hope I’m making the right decision, in two weeks I get the surgery please help thank you
How are you now
I will be having L3-S1 fusions and two discs replaced August 11, 2021. These videos are so helpful! Thank you so much!
Hope it worked out for you. It's Dec 2021 and was just told today the ALIF for my L5/S1 is my next option.
@@hpurey Oh I hope you'll be okay! Yes, I had the procedure and my recovery was so easy, actually! I ended up only having L4-L5-S1. My surgeon decided to only do two levels rather than the 3 levels. Someday I may need L3-L4 fused, but what I had done actually solved the pain in my legs! So good luck with your next surgery.
@Varsha Joshi they replaced the discs and fused the bone. Yes, on both levels.
@Varsha Joshi yes, 57
@Varsha Joshi you will heal just fine! Having the surgery was a game changer. It's been 9 1/2 months and I am doing wonderful. Good luck and best wishes!!. Let me know how it goes for you! When is your surgery?
I'm so glad I watched ur video, I found out yesterday that I'm gonna have to have this surgery done 😢I'm terrified, I didn't know it was such a invasive surgery 😮but I have to get it done, I'm in so much pain all the time 😢I don't wanna be in pain for the rest of my life😢 ur information is very helpful ❤
Prayers for your recovery
Got a pars fracture from pole vaulting in college with no symptoms (woot woot fellow track athlete) and got rear ended and herniated 2 discs recently. I got the ALIF at L5/S1 and a disc replacement at L4/L5. My incision is what is killing me! Ice on my stomach helps. My upper back muscles are all tight and painful too. Btw you are beautiful and you look great for 1 week out!
Thank you. Great words of advice.
Thank you for sharing. I'm looking at surgery in May.
Many thanks . Your videos are very useful and provide me with a bit more confidence about the procedure and recovery. Great job
I wish you a full recovery
I’m having an alif on Monday and your video is very helpful. I’m not as panicked about what to expect. Thank you.
You are incredible and your videos are so helpful thank you so much and all the best :)
Thank you. For this video. I am getting mine done & I was so nervous but with this video I got a lot of information.
Thank you for all your help. My surgery is May 23
my surgery is tmr morning and snd these videos are really helping with making me feel more comfortable about my procedure
Thanks for the great update.
I’m scheduled for the same surgery in 8 days. You take care.
Very helpful. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for sharing. You have a good outlook and I admire that.
She could include that due to Sedation and Pain meds the first Bowel Movement will have you Screaming in Strange Tongues.Plan ahead. Stool Softners,Ice Packs,as well as Heat. Hydrate Hydrate Hydrate. Walker,and Cane. Daily Dressing changes. Good Idea too check your temperature from time too time. Different Level of Pain Surgery. Not easy,but in long term hopefully fixes one from where they were at as far as Mobility,and Pain.
Having this done next week THANK GOD !!
Thanks for doing this video. Getting an ALIF this week.
Good for you, unfortunately I’ve had four fusions Anne a few more surgeries on my back.
Take care of your back as once you start down this road it can rupture a lot easier.
Blessings
I'm encouraged by your video. I'm scheduled for L5 S1 ALIF surgery in four weeks. Great video, thank you.
Thanks Jennae! I am having ALIF Surgery in two weeks!
Thanks so much! I’m going in for the same surgery in 2 days. Would love to know how you are doing these days. Hopefully well!
Thanks for the airplane pillow suggestion works well for comfort
Thank so much for the helpful recap!
It sounds like things are getting worse. I
Live alone. U are so patient
Best of luck to you
If I do this procedure I have saved all your videos
Thank you!
Did you have any pain in your stomach not incision area but lower to the right or left? When I walk I have to stop at a half mile or less because my lower stomach kills!!!
Can you please do a updated video are you okay?
Appreciating your videos and experiences as I contemplate a similar option. How are you now, this long after this surgery? Happy with your results? Solve, or now well improved from your original issues? Any new post surgery or lingering issues?
I am fixing to have surgery on my L4 L5 they are supposed to cut the bone off the top of my left hip make the incision in the front and put that in the desk and then rods and screws is that the same surgery you had? I’m very nervous I was supposed to have a very long dangerous thoracic surgery first but I ended up slipping on the grass and hurting these disc in my lumbar so they’re going to do it first and then after that hopefully cervical and maybe I won’t have to do the thoracic but I live in constant nerve pain down my legs and they Feel like they’re freezing all the time if I don’t have pain medicine but then again the doctors don’t want to give you any pain medicine these days and so I do suffer a lot.
I meant disk
My ALIF is this Wednesday, 10/24/24 and the next day 10/25. L4 has spondylolisthesis and L5 and S1 both have herniated disc. Possibly will also have a laminectomy on S1, as I’ve began having sciatica issue on down part of my leg, S1 the last few days has been having pain. I’m 71. Hoping your recovery is smooth.
I have not had my surgery yet, in a few weeks. Thanks for your honesty. How did you do with the back brace? Was it hot, uncomfortable?
I don’t think I’ll do it. When did you decide to do this procedure. We’re. You unable to walk
Thanks for your videos I have l5 s1 and i d not know what type of surgery is the best for me and doctors dont seam to explain this either
Thankyou 😊
Hi Jennae, How are you doing as of 6/13/2022?
Good information I'm having PLIF in about a month and I'm concerned with things like stairs and sleeping position. I will rent an electric "stand-up" recliner lounge so I can lie back, but the chair will stand me up.
By the way - you have beautiful eyes 😉
I had a posterior L4L5 and I had horrible pain I now have the dull ache pain and bad pain on and off. I'm out 12 days from surgery.
Can you walk, run, jump, stand, bend, stretch, carry weight, ride a bike, drive long distance and sit down on the floor without pain and stiffness today?
Hi Jannae, thank you for posting your experience through surgery. I just scheduled mine for next month. I have 2 level alif procedure. I just wanted to know how are you feeling now being almost a year after surgery, so you feel you have any mobility issues? Have you gone back to running? Do you get any pain on your spine?
How are you now?
I’m a dancer and swim laps. I am freaking out. How long before u feel better. You are so brave
Hi, i am considering this surgery but the dr said it will help my leg pain but not my back pain? Did you have any relief with your back or just your leg?
🐐
Is the scarring really bad? Did it go away? Also, how long did it take for you to feel normal again?
I just had my ALIF L5 S1 last Friday, I have had so many procedures, nerve burns to epidural, anyway its Tuesday and the pain in the stomach is minimal except for sneezing and coughing. The Dr said it was going to be 6 months before full recovery. The fused disc are not producing too much pain just sore. From the lower spine all the way to my toes i have extreme pain almost feels as if i pulled every muscle from butt to the toes. Just curious if you happened to have experienced this. It is kind of manageable only with the really good pain pills. If this was one of your side effects how long before the leg pain went away? Also I want to thank you for documenting your recovery!!
How are doing now? The severe pain doesn’t sound like an expected or normal post op recovery?
I’m on day 5, having muscle spasms when standing up. My back just tenses up and locks. Terrible.
hi..thanks alot for yours videos..how long its takes you to be perfect condition??i have the same problem
Why did she stop posting videos after four of them?
Jennae I am supposed to have ALIF surgery next Tuesday, pending insurance approval. He is going to do the ALIF first, then flip me over and do a discectomy and fusion. L2&3. I already have a fusion in L3-5. My question is how important was it to have someone with me when I come home? I live alone and have always come home by myself but I am a little more nervous with this surgery due to going thru the belly. Appreciate your thoughts. Thx.
Wishing you all the best my brother.
did your should pain/ upper back pain go away?
Hi Jennae, Im scheduled for this surgery 10/25/21, curious why your doc went thru the stomach. Mine is going thru the back. Also how long were you off work?
I had the surgery 6 days ago, and this video kinda freaked me out because whole video you sit still 😦 For me sitting after a short time is so painful.. I don’t know why my recovery is so slow 😟
Dr suggested me Alif . Confused what to do?
Adjacent segment disease is real, I'd think real long and hard about it
Peek Hall Did you have anything done?
@@AlexJenkinsTTA .no I haven’t I am still waiting for to approve my surgery by insurance company.
I think you covered evert detail. Do you live alone? Did you have help. ?
I found you searching for people who had the surgery I'm curious on an update how do you feel now
Hi I have my alif surgery Tuesday July 9 2024
Its anybody on this video was lucky after back surgery?please comment!!!I had PLIF L4,L5 and S1 and left&right SI joints fusion too, but all of them fail,doctors want me to for the spinal cord stimulator wich I dont want no more instruments in my body,Im out of hopes now!any advice of self experiencies will be wolcome🙌
can i ask your age? why didnt you choose adr?
I can’t do this.
Parsonage Turner Syndrome.....happened to me too
Hey great to see you doing ok. Did your lower back ache at all I’m post op 2 weeks and have a ache at L5 S1
My Dr said Sux weeks. Glad I now know the truth
🎉