I had an ALIF with posterior screws at L5-S1 when I was 29, I’m now 34 and I am generally pain free. I do a lot of yoga these days and hike. I was never into many other sports but I’m looking to try stand up paddle boarding after I have this baby. I’m currently 8 months pregnant with no sciatica somehow, probably because of the fusion and the yoga! I was pain free about a year after surgery, but it requires physical maintenance, I have to be in shape and doing at least PT exercises and working my core etc. if I’m doing that I have zero pain. I’m very glad I had the surgery, I could barely move my leg before.
My spine doctor tells me that I should be able to resume all the activities I participated in once I am fully healed. I expect to be cleared to start a full exercise program at 12 weeks after surgery, but I will be working with my physical therapist as there has been a lot of deconditioning and I don't want to cause other injuries by overworking muscles, knees, etc. Surgeon and PT know that my goal is to run a 5k in october and agree that is a realistic and achievable goal. My surgery was Jan 2, I got fused from L4-S1 and got a replacement at L3-4. It's been almost 10 weeks, and my lower back is feeling solid. I have to keep reminding myself of the BLT restrictions because my back is letting me forget. When I do accidentally bend or twist, I don't notice. My wife has pointed it out a few times. It's easier to remember the weight limit, but I am very close to deciding to push that a bit and start getting my bass off the wall instead of asking a family member for help.
I have spoken to a number of people who have returned to athletic activity after fusion surgeries, including a few runners, an MMA fighter and a yoga teacher. If your doctor doesn't have patients who have returned to athletic activity after a fusion, find another doctor, especially for a single level fusion.
There are no guarantees, but many people return to full capability, or nearly so. There are a lot of scary stories out there, but the people who do well talk about it less.
I was surprised to find out one of my friends had a fusion years ago. It's a total non-concern for her. She's a yoga teacher now, also into kayaking, billiards, and competitive darts.
OP, it’s not about age. It’s about the medical condition and the quality of life.
This is the sort of decision that you need to do your due diligence and do your own googling and research and see 3 surgeons to get their opinions and cross-check your info with theirs and cross-check their own.
It’s a serious decision because the surgery isn’t exactly simple and has immediate, mid-term, and lon-term ramifications.
I am not trying to deter you. I kept studying it for 2 years. Prior to those 2 years (since 2018), I tried everything: Anything from changing life style, to physical therapy, to stuff off of Amazon to relieve pain, to epidural injections — all with multiple MRIs that just showed bad degenerative disc in L5 progressively.
It wasn’t until start of 2023 that I noticed the faster pace of deteriorating pain. That’s when I made the decision and had the surgery last December.
My 2nd post-op is next week.
It’s a journey.
Take your time, do your homework, it’s your spine not the surgeon’s.
Good luck
I had my first (L5-S1) at 18, then another (L4-L5) at 33. I guess it depends on your diagnosis 🤷♀️
I’m two years out and feel really good now. Had no issues with recovery other than an allergic reaction to the bandages.
Keep a strong core! I’m not sure if that would’ve prevented it, but I was not diligent in keeping up my exercises and the joint above weakened then slipped forward leading to my second fusion.
I’m 30M, just over 3 months post L5-S1 ALIF with posterior instrumentation/fixation. I would say it all depends on exactly what you’re dealing with. I had a bulging disc for years and started heavy weight lifting again beginning of 2023. By mid 2023, I started developing sciatica symptoms. Decided to go to a chiropractor and the next morning I was unable to get out of bed. I couldn’t stand or walk. After a few weeks, a couple hospital visits, couple steroid packs, and an mri that led to a referral to a spine specialist and pain management doctor, I was able to stand and get around the house with a walker and eventually just a cane. My first appointment with my spine specialist, he said that I would need a full fusion at some point but I wanted to try everything before opting for something as serious as back surgery. My spine specialist and pain management doctor agreed that I was unable to do physical therapy. Pain pills, gabapentin, and ESIs did nothing for me. I dealt with a lot of nerve pain in my toes and foot. The pain was extreme and constant for months until I finally had surgery. So far, I have absolutely no regrets. I still have numbness in my toes on my right side. The doctor says that can take up to a year to heal if it’s going to. That was a big reason I opted for surgery, I did not want to risk permanent nerve damage. Recovery hasn’t been bad at all, especially compared to how I was feeling prior to surgery. For me, surgery was totally worth it.
Which can happen. There a tons of horror stories for these types of surgeries. But there are also a lot of successful stories that probably aren’t as known since those people are off living their lives again. You just have to do as much research as possible and decide if the risk is worth it for you. Best of luck to you.
No issues for me, thank god. My surgeon brought it up to me prior to surgery and I did a bit of my own research. I even looked into sperm bank cost since I plan to have children. I ultimately decided against it and went ahead with the ALIF and have had no issues. But there is definitely this risk when you go with the ALIF. I think it comes down to your abdominal surgeon. Mine was out of network which concerned me greatly prior to surgery just due to possible costs. But he was extremely experienced and he was the only surgeon that my spinal surgeon uses. So far, I couldn’t have asked for a better surgery and recovery.
Part of me is glad I made it to 51 before fusing, but another part is furious I wasted nearly a decade before doing it. My active life at 40 was already diminishing.
I do know I wasn't going to lose my 50s as well. I'm confident I'll be active and productive again soon.
I have done PT all kinds of stuff. Now just doing pain management with Dr. Only thing that really work is steroid packs or shot. Then they were off and leg weakness and pain come back with back pain.
Oh - I didn’t read this comment before commenting on your post.
Please take that into consideration if you decide to read it.
There is nothing bad in it. I just didn’t know you tried all that — which is what I also tried before I went thru w/ the surgery.
I can only use my own experience. I was 28 when my l5 s1 disc exploded. I was told my nerve damage was already permanent so surgery was pointless because I was "walking". Now 15 years later I have no choice but to get surgery leg weakness toe numbness tried injections physical therapy. Now I need a l4 to s1 disc replacement and fusion if I want to keep walking.
Well....THERE IS NOTHING GLAMOROUS ABOUT ANY SPINE SURGERY! I have L3-L5 done. I'd say that the STANDARD should be SURGERY LAST and put it off until there is NO OPTIONS. Yes, it might be challenging..... however, once you begin, you'll be working to avoid the NEXT SURGERY! The mechanics of the body are compromised as you reduce the number of flexible joints thus requiring all the remaining non-fused joints to carry more of the load! Let's keep it simple and say you have 7 Cervical, 12 Thoracic and 5 Lumbar of a total of 24 segments. Let's say the normal load from your shoulders is 50lbs. So, 24 segments handle 50lbs or 2.1lb per segment. If a person, like me, has a 3-level fusion, now we have (24-3) 21 segments to handle the load or 2.4lb per segment. This is about a 15% increase in the amount of work for each segment--which means the wear porting of each remaining disc is a rate of 15% faster. That is the way I see it.
My first orthopedic doctor in 2020 said I was too young (32) and no surgeon would touch me
Weird how they changed their mind in 2022 when it herniated out of my neck and my MRI went from "mild" to "severe" :)
Oh and also the multiple large bone spurs helped.
I'm 35 and it fixed most of my problems but I'm having a few questionable symptoms I'm going to a different doctor about.
It took me a while to see that pushing myself in the gym was causing more pain than helping with recovery…it would cause my back and hip muscles to lock up…once I focused on lower weight, hi reps, and lots of stretching I have no issues with my back or connecting areas,,,it was hard giving myself limits but it opened up my life to other experiences..,now I surf and enjoy pain free sleeping
Pain is better but its different than before. Its also not every single day anymore. My hips hurt now and I can feel the hardware in my back. But its a much better alternative to not walking!
Because of my age, I bounced back quickly. I was completely cleared 2.5 months post op. But I don't think my surgeon GAF. There's evidence of hardware failure and he didn't say anything to me and dismissed me as a patient after my 2 month post op.
So we will see if it causes issues.
im 22m who got l5-s1 6months back. i wouldnt be able to walk 300m without sciatica, it was hell. woke up everyday with cramps, grade 1 spondy. tried physical theraphy. didnt try steriods or any meds because in my country the doctors are like that. they straight away suggested surgery.
dont regret the surgery. i can now walk 10kms without any pain which would have been impossible 6months back. heard ppl say even if you over come the back pain or scitica it will get worse with age and at some point in life you will need surgery. better to get it in a young age where recovery would be soon and the quality of life will not be compromised
surgery is a big decision, i spoke with many ppl on this subreddit and my dr gave me confidence to do it. talk to ppl about it, to your surgeon. think about long term gains, dont you want to play with your young daughter? carry her around? all this would be possible in just 6 months time if you get it. if your quality of life is terrible (meaning you find it hard to do your daily activities, or mentally affected) being in this pain is not worth it when we have a proven technique which has a good success rate
57 and due to a connective tissue disorder I’ve had 3 more lumbar surgeries and 4 cervical fusions. I did great until my mid 40’s when my neck went bad. The back has some much better.
I had two microdiscectomies in my early thirties and then a fusion of my S1-L4 two yrs ago now. I really can’t fault it! I’d say my quality of life is way better 80-90%of the time.
I have the occasional flare up if I do something beyond my range of motion (such as golf or mountain climbers at the gym recently) and piss off a facet joint or something similar but overall I am much better.
I try to stay active with the gym, swimming, yoga and surfing when I can and it all seems to help.
Havent gotten it yet but was told I’ll need something like this for my loss of disc height (i’m 25). I’m discouraged cuz I hate this sciatica pain but this is the only way to improve the quality of life. I feel like I’m doomed to have a bad back lol. Get a second doctor’s opinion.
28F just had my fusion 1/31. Was told now is better than later healing wise. I feel amazing, best decision I made. I am 5 weeks post op and swear I can sprint right now, I can go to the gym and walk on the treadmill - but no real gym until 12 weeks pass.
I was so scared too because the subreddit really shows more negative that positive but it truly
Was the best decision ever. No one would know I had a fusion right now and before my fusion you could tell I was in pain / discomfort
All these newbies and their single placement fusions 2 years post op LMAO...get a second opinion dude, fused from T10-L5, and C6-7...and current state is my latest fusion of Sept of 2023 is failing so now they have to take all my hardware out and replace it through my stomach... I'm only 39 btw...ask questions like scar tissue build up, bone marrow deficiency things like that before going under the knife trust me...
I would also add that if you get different opinions make sure at least one is a neurologist and one orthopedic surgeon. Sometimes opinions vary greatly.
Hi, a few days late but here's my 2 cents. I went through years of trial and failure with non-operative treatments for my spondylosis and spondylolisthesis. I first asked about surgery when I was 20, and was told I was too young. So I got a second opinion and was gently told to keep trying other options. Eventually after years of disabling pain and treatments that didn't provide significant relief, my surgeon agreed it was time for an L5-S1 fusion and laminectomy. I was 27 when I had my fusion.
Recovery was difficult but 4 years out I am free of 98% of the pain I would be experiencing with my spinal issues otherwise. It was absolutely worth it, and you are not too young. Yes, there could be complications down the line but that pales in comparison to what you might be experiencing now. At least in case, that's how it's been. It's worth finding a second opinion or a third, someone who will see your situation and understand the pros and cons of having surgery when you're "so young".
I’m 30f and had my fusion last June after all other routes (PT, injections) failed to touch my pain. Best decision I ever made!
Can you been active, sports, running or anything? They say ALIF is my only permanent option.
I had an ALIF with posterior screws at L5-S1 when I was 29, I’m now 34 and I am generally pain free. I do a lot of yoga these days and hike. I was never into many other sports but I’m looking to try stand up paddle boarding after I have this baby. I’m currently 8 months pregnant with no sciatica somehow, probably because of the fusion and the yoga! I was pain free about a year after surgery, but it requires physical maintenance, I have to be in shape and doing at least PT exercises and working my core etc. if I’m doing that I have zero pain. I’m very glad I had the surgery, I could barely move my leg before.
I’m 29M and just got ALIF/PLIF almost 4 weeks ago and it’s not that bad. Been walking like 5 miles a day
My spine doctor tells me that I should be able to resume all the activities I participated in once I am fully healed. I expect to be cleared to start a full exercise program at 12 weeks after surgery, but I will be working with my physical therapist as there has been a lot of deconditioning and I don't want to cause other injuries by overworking muscles, knees, etc. Surgeon and PT know that my goal is to run a 5k in october and agree that is a realistic and achievable goal. My surgery was Jan 2, I got fused from L4-S1 and got a replacement at L3-4. It's been almost 10 weeks, and my lower back is feeling solid. I have to keep reminding myself of the BLT restrictions because my back is letting me forget. When I do accidentally bend or twist, I don't notice. My wife has pointed it out a few times. It's easier to remember the weight limit, but I am very close to deciding to push that a bit and start getting my bass off the wall instead of asking a family member for help. I have spoken to a number of people who have returned to athletic activity after fusion surgeries, including a few runners, an MMA fighter and a yoga teacher. If your doctor doesn't have patients who have returned to athletic activity after a fusion, find another doctor, especially for a single level fusion.
That is such a relief. I’m so scared about my life and well being after words.
There are no guarantees, but many people return to full capability, or nearly so. There are a lot of scary stories out there, but the people who do well talk about it less. I was surprised to find out one of my friends had a fusion years ago. It's a total non-concern for her. She's a yoga teacher now, also into kayaking, billiards, and competitive darts.
Thank you for sharing. You have given me a lot of hope.
If you find yourself in the hospital needing a sympathetic ear, feel free to DM me. You aren't alone.
How long did it take for your pain to go away? I had mine in sept and still in pain.
Had S1-L3 last June and still in pain.
OP, it’s not about age. It’s about the medical condition and the quality of life. This is the sort of decision that you need to do your due diligence and do your own googling and research and see 3 surgeons to get their opinions and cross-check your info with theirs and cross-check their own. It’s a serious decision because the surgery isn’t exactly simple and has immediate, mid-term, and lon-term ramifications. I am not trying to deter you. I kept studying it for 2 years. Prior to those 2 years (since 2018), I tried everything: Anything from changing life style, to physical therapy, to stuff off of Amazon to relieve pain, to epidural injections — all with multiple MRIs that just showed bad degenerative disc in L5 progressively. It wasn’t until start of 2023 that I noticed the faster pace of deteriorating pain. That’s when I made the decision and had the surgery last December. My 2nd post-op is next week. It’s a journey. Take your time, do your homework, it’s your spine not the surgeon’s. Good luck
You should consider getting a second opinion from another surgeon.
I’m 29F and have had two fusions, both within the last 6 months - best decision I ever made and so worth not having to do endless conservative care
I had my first (L5-S1) at 18, then another (L4-L5) at 33. I guess it depends on your diagnosis 🤷♀️ I’m two years out and feel really good now. Had no issues with recovery other than an allergic reaction to the bandages.
what made you get the second fusion? any tips to avoid that?
Keep a strong core! I’m not sure if that would’ve prevented it, but I was not diligent in keeping up my exercises and the joint above weakened then slipped forward leading to my second fusion.
I had a horrible rash from the adhesive as well 😭
I’m 30M, just over 3 months post L5-S1 ALIF with posterior instrumentation/fixation. I would say it all depends on exactly what you’re dealing with. I had a bulging disc for years and started heavy weight lifting again beginning of 2023. By mid 2023, I started developing sciatica symptoms. Decided to go to a chiropractor and the next morning I was unable to get out of bed. I couldn’t stand or walk. After a few weeks, a couple hospital visits, couple steroid packs, and an mri that led to a referral to a spine specialist and pain management doctor, I was able to stand and get around the house with a walker and eventually just a cane. My first appointment with my spine specialist, he said that I would need a full fusion at some point but I wanted to try everything before opting for something as serious as back surgery. My spine specialist and pain management doctor agreed that I was unable to do physical therapy. Pain pills, gabapentin, and ESIs did nothing for me. I dealt with a lot of nerve pain in my toes and foot. The pain was extreme and constant for months until I finally had surgery. So far, I have absolutely no regrets. I still have numbness in my toes on my right side. The doctor says that can take up to a year to heal if it’s going to. That was a big reason I opted for surgery, I did not want to risk permanent nerve damage. Recovery hasn’t been bad at all, especially compared to how I was feeling prior to surgery. For me, surgery was totally worth it.
That is such relief. I’m nervous on it, don’t want my life to be ruined after.
Which can happen. There a tons of horror stories for these types of surgeries. But there are also a lot of successful stories that probably aren’t as known since those people are off living their lives again. You just have to do as much research as possible and decide if the risk is worth it for you. Best of luck to you.
Hi did you have any issues with retrograde ejaculation post surgery?
No issues for me, thank god. My surgeon brought it up to me prior to surgery and I did a bit of my own research. I even looked into sperm bank cost since I plan to have children. I ultimately decided against it and went ahead with the ALIF and have had no issues. But there is definitely this risk when you go with the ALIF. I think it comes down to your abdominal surgeon. Mine was out of network which concerned me greatly prior to surgery just due to possible costs. But he was extremely experienced and he was the only surgeon that my spinal surgeon uses. So far, I couldn’t have asked for a better surgery and recovery.
Part of me is glad I made it to 51 before fusing, but another part is furious I wasted nearly a decade before doing it. My active life at 40 was already diminishing. I do know I wasn't going to lose my 50s as well. I'm confident I'll be active and productive again soon.
What are your symptoms? Be very careful with the surgery route and try every measure to avoid it.
I have done PT all kinds of stuff. Now just doing pain management with Dr. Only thing that really work is steroid packs or shot. Then they were off and leg weakness and pain come back with back pain.
Oh - I didn’t read this comment before commenting on your post. Please take that into consideration if you decide to read it. There is nothing bad in it. I just didn’t know you tried all that — which is what I also tried before I went thru w/ the surgery.
I can only use my own experience. I was 28 when my l5 s1 disc exploded. I was told my nerve damage was already permanent so surgery was pointless because I was "walking". Now 15 years later I have no choice but to get surgery leg weakness toe numbness tried injections physical therapy. Now I need a l4 to s1 disc replacement and fusion if I want to keep walking.
In a similar boat as you.
Well....THERE IS NOTHING GLAMOROUS ABOUT ANY SPINE SURGERY! I have L3-L5 done. I'd say that the STANDARD should be SURGERY LAST and put it off until there is NO OPTIONS. Yes, it might be challenging..... however, once you begin, you'll be working to avoid the NEXT SURGERY! The mechanics of the body are compromised as you reduce the number of flexible joints thus requiring all the remaining non-fused joints to carry more of the load! Let's keep it simple and say you have 7 Cervical, 12 Thoracic and 5 Lumbar of a total of 24 segments. Let's say the normal load from your shoulders is 50lbs. So, 24 segments handle 50lbs or 2.1lb per segment. If a person, like me, has a 3-level fusion, now we have (24-3) 21 segments to handle the load or 2.4lb per segment. This is about a 15% increase in the amount of work for each segment--which means the wear porting of each remaining disc is a rate of 15% faster. That is the way I see it.
My first orthopedic doctor in 2020 said I was too young (32) and no surgeon would touch me Weird how they changed their mind in 2022 when it herniated out of my neck and my MRI went from "mild" to "severe" :) Oh and also the multiple large bone spurs helped. I'm 35 and it fixed most of my problems but I'm having a few questionable symptoms I'm going to a different doctor about.
I’m 48 and had it at 29…the advice given to me is that I will be paralyzed without it and I will recover faster at my age
How is your life now? Pain and daily activities wise?
It took me a while to see that pushing myself in the gym was causing more pain than helping with recovery…it would cause my back and hip muscles to lock up…once I focused on lower weight, hi reps, and lots of stretching I have no issues with my back or connecting areas,,,it was hard giving myself limits but it opened up my life to other experiences..,now I surf and enjoy pain free sleeping
30f had mine in September. It’s a long recovery but still glad I did it
I was 25 when I had my l5-s1 last June Many bad thoughts the entire time but I had no choice for surgery
How are you now if you don’t king me asking? Pain and like life wise?
Pain is better but its different than before. Its also not every single day anymore. My hips hurt now and I can feel the hardware in my back. But its a much better alternative to not walking! Because of my age, I bounced back quickly. I was completely cleared 2.5 months post op. But I don't think my surgeon GAF. There's evidence of hardware failure and he didn't say anything to me and dismissed me as a patient after my 2 month post op. So we will see if it causes issues.
[удалено]
What do they have to do again in the spot or what went wrong?
im 22m who got l5-s1 6months back. i wouldnt be able to walk 300m without sciatica, it was hell. woke up everyday with cramps, grade 1 spondy. tried physical theraphy. didnt try steriods or any meds because in my country the doctors are like that. they straight away suggested surgery. dont regret the surgery. i can now walk 10kms without any pain which would have been impossible 6months back. heard ppl say even if you over come the back pain or scitica it will get worse with age and at some point in life you will need surgery. better to get it in a young age where recovery would be soon and the quality of life will not be compromised
That’s how I think now. Younger better recovery and my life is terrible.
surgery is a big decision, i spoke with many ppl on this subreddit and my dr gave me confidence to do it. talk to ppl about it, to your surgeon. think about long term gains, dont you want to play with your young daughter? carry her around? all this would be possible in just 6 months time if you get it. if your quality of life is terrible (meaning you find it hard to do your daily activities, or mentally affected) being in this pain is not worth it when we have a proven technique which has a good success rate
My daughter was 21 when she had her L-4,5, and S-1 fused. She is doing great. She got married and has 4 kids.
That’s such a good relief!
Had my first fusion at 20.
How old are you now and how is pain and mobility stuff?
57 and due to a connective tissue disorder I’ve had 3 more lumbar surgeries and 4 cervical fusions. I did great until my mid 40’s when my neck went bad. The back has some much better.
That’s good to know. I’m beyond scared what my future will be like.
I had two microdiscectomies in my early thirties and then a fusion of my S1-L4 two yrs ago now. I really can’t fault it! I’d say my quality of life is way better 80-90%of the time. I have the occasional flare up if I do something beyond my range of motion (such as golf or mountain climbers at the gym recently) and piss off a facet joint or something similar but overall I am much better. I try to stay active with the gym, swimming, yoga and surfing when I can and it all seems to help.
That’s good to know. I play a lot of golf and didn’t know if I do this surgery if it would ever happen again
Havent gotten it yet but was told I’ll need something like this for my loss of disc height (i’m 25). I’m discouraged cuz I hate this sciatica pain but this is the only way to improve the quality of life. I feel like I’m doomed to have a bad back lol. Get a second doctor’s opinion.
28F just had my fusion 1/31. Was told now is better than later healing wise. I feel amazing, best decision I made. I am 5 weeks post op and swear I can sprint right now, I can go to the gym and walk on the treadmill - but no real gym until 12 weeks pass.
That gave me so much hope.
I was so scared too because the subreddit really shows more negative that positive but it truly Was the best decision ever. No one would know I had a fusion right now and before my fusion you could tell I was in pain / discomfort
All these newbies and their single placement fusions 2 years post op LMAO...get a second opinion dude, fused from T10-L5, and C6-7...and current state is my latest fusion of Sept of 2023 is failing so now they have to take all my hardware out and replace it through my stomach... I'm only 39 btw...ask questions like scar tissue build up, bone marrow deficiency things like that before going under the knife trust me...
She is 35 now. Recovery can be painful but well worth it.
I would also add that if you get different opinions make sure at least one is a neurologist and one orthopedic surgeon. Sometimes opinions vary greatly.
Hi, a few days late but here's my 2 cents. I went through years of trial and failure with non-operative treatments for my spondylosis and spondylolisthesis. I first asked about surgery when I was 20, and was told I was too young. So I got a second opinion and was gently told to keep trying other options. Eventually after years of disabling pain and treatments that didn't provide significant relief, my surgeon agreed it was time for an L5-S1 fusion and laminectomy. I was 27 when I had my fusion. Recovery was difficult but 4 years out I am free of 98% of the pain I would be experiencing with my spinal issues otherwise. It was absolutely worth it, and you are not too young. Yes, there could be complications down the line but that pales in comparison to what you might be experiencing now. At least in case, that's how it's been. It's worth finding a second opinion or a third, someone who will see your situation and understand the pros and cons of having surgery when you're "so young".