Red
Jan 10, 2009 - 3:02AM
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TLIF L4L5 & Dynamic Stabilization L3L4
Hi everyone
Going to have my TLIF L4L5 & Dynamic Stabilization L3L4 surgery on 16 Jan 09 after getting a second opinion today. Both docs agree on the same thing as they think that it is better to have fusion on L4L5 after i reherniated the disk again. The first partial disectomy that I did in 1999 was a success and I totally had no sciatic pain for almost 10 yrs ...except for the occasional back pain which started the last 5yr. As my MRI showed that L3L4 has annual tears and had a bit of protusion, both docs agreed that I should stabilise it with a dynamic implant which still allows the joint to move while supporting it, this way hopefully I have total relieve of the leg pain and hopefully solve my back pain as well.
Any one who has done this type of procedure before? Or any success stories? Hopefully this will be my last surgery ever.
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Tom
Jan 10, 2009 - 11:25AM
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Re: TLIF L4L5 & Dynamic Stabilization L3L4
You might want to check this forum - LTBP forum does everything to AVOID surgery by learning how to balance your muscles.
http://www.spine-health.com/forum/treatments/back-surgery-and-neck-surgery
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Red
Jan 10, 2009 - 6:56PM
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Re: TLIF L4L5 & Dynamic Stabilization L3L4
Thanks.....I have really thought abis long and hard to do without surgery...but looking at the MRI, my herniation is too big plus I cannot deal with the pain as it has been weeks. Whats the use of life if you cannot enjoy it :)
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dave hutchieson
Jan 11, 2009 - 2:52PM
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Re: TLIF L4L5 & Dynamic Stabilization L3L4
Red
I sent you a private e-mail but don't know if you received it or not.
I had a 14mm long herniation, and they don't get that much bigger.
Please remember that surgery will weaken your back, and put you in line for further surgery down the road.
Have you tried spinal decompression or LTBP ?
Dave Hutchieson
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Red
Jan 11, 2009 - 8:49PM
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Re: TLIF L4L5 & Dynamic Stabilization L3L4
Thanks Dave for the advice....Yes I got the e-mail. I understand that surgeries lead to more...but in my case I already had the first one in 1999...could not stand the pain back then after trying all sort of things...plus I was young that time and was really depressed...
Secondly, I think 2 herniation will futher deteriote the disk plus the disk is already receeding in height ..thats why I have been getting very bad back ache for the last 2 years....I am still young and cannot be lying on my back all the time...which I have for the past few weeks...I miss my time with my children and get depressed when I see them missing out in their live cos they have to limit their activities because of me......I think that this is the best option for me. Thanks
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dave hutchieson
Jan 12, 2009 - 2:13PM
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Re: TLIF L4L5 & Dynamic Stabilization L3L4
Red
I had a disk that had completely collapsed at one end, and was told that it was medically impossible for it to get better.
They were all wrong. That disk is up to 50% of the height it should be.
I used the Pettibon System for this.
Dave
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Red
Jan 12, 2009 - 7:40PM
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Re: TLIF L4L5 & Dynamic Stabilization L3L4
Dave
Using thi system, how long it took you to have total painless life? and is there any relapses? Thanks for your advice.
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dave hutchieson
Jan 13, 2009 - 5:47AM
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Re: TLIF L4L5 & Dynamic Stabilization L3L4
Hi Red it has taken me two years to get to 90% pain free.
I took so long because I've had very part of me worked on - neck, face, mouth, back, legs arms feet soles of feet, toes, arms, hands etc.
The only major problem I have now is pain when I sit for too long.
That has been identified as a twisted and bent tailbone. We're working on it each week. It's a slow process as it is a very delicate area and we have to be very careful.
I've never had any relapses.
Dave
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Red
Jan 18, 2009 - 6:57AM
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Re: TLIF L4L5 & Dynamic Stabilization L3L4
Hi
I am back home after my surgery....quite fast. I myself was suprised. The first day was horrible with lots of pain from the surgery...but the sciatica pain is almost gone ...now replaced with an occasional numming pain. Hopefully that would go away after the nerve & muscles heals. Any exercise advices for these early recovery stages?
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Paul
Jan 18, 2009 - 11:14AM
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Re: TLIF L4L5 & Dynamic Stabilization L3L4
Hi Red-
I would not embark on any excercise programs until you speak with your physician. I heard with fusions that walking is very good. At this point I have heard no Bending Lifting or Twisting until healed. I know that with an invasive procedure like this it takes a while to heal.
I do not think I would be taking advice from any of us at this point. THe procedure you went under is for a 2 level fusion so I imagine at some point you will need to have alot of core strength and flexibility because the levels above and below will now be under more stress.
I wish you a speedy recovery.
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Red
Jan 20, 2009 - 12:16AM
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Re: TLIF L4L5 & Dynamic Stabilization L3L4
thanks... was wondering if there is any one who had this surgery done. Just wanted to find out how is the leg pain after surgery? My sciaitic pain on my left leg & buttocks before my surgery was 10. There was no pain in my right. I could not sit and had pain all the time.
After the surgery the pain was a 3. But the pain is diffirent....more of a deep aching pain like you ran thousand of miles...no sure if you know what I am talking abt.....I am also doing Rehab and using a brace (doc orders) Just wanted to find out if this is normal to feel like this? I thought the pain would go away completely like it did in my first surgery.
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Paul
Jan 20, 2009 - 7:47AM
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Re: TLIF L4L5 & Dynamic Stabilization L3L4
i think everyone is different on healing. fusions are very serious surgeries and can take up to a year to heal. (*i've heard). i'm sure nerves and muscles had to be pushed out of the way and take time to heal.
good luck
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Red
Jan 25, 2009 - 7:29PM
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Re: TLIF L4L5 & Dynamic Stabilization L3L4
thanks for the well wishes/ Its now 10 days after the surgery. I feel great. Taking things very slow and walking as much as I can without overdoing it. The pain and numbness is almost gone except when I wake up in the morning or when i over exercised. Wearing the brace everywhere....seeing the doc in 3 days time (2 weeks after op) to see my progress and check on the implants.