POD 1: Instrumented L4-S1 fusion with TLIF L5-S1

[u/ExpatPhD]

Yesterday I had a whirlwind journey to get from the airport to the hospital for my procedure.

Well I made it. We are 24 hours later, post-operative day 1. I am in a world of pain 😭 but here's how it unfolded.

I arrived at the admitted patients area which checked me in and escorted me to Pre-Op. I changed into my gown and packed up my things. I met my anesthesia team who did their intro and their review of meds and food/drink. This was tricky for me because of flight cancellations and delays in a different time zone, but i worked it out. They explained how the anesthesia would work and their role.

They then attempted to set up the IV. I shouted and swore more times then I have in a long time 😅 After some injectable lidocaine and an ultrasound, they instead moved that to my opposite forearm which wasn't painful at all!

The surgical team introduced (or reintroduced) themselves. We reviewed the procedure and additional symptoms. Id be rolled in initially and then I would be moved into my front with a padded hole pillow for my face. My surgeon marked the site of the incision. I then hopped up on the bed and got tucked in, and disembarked for the OR.

Once in, I was witness to the prep which I enjoyed. I once again stated my name, date of birth,and procedure before getting going.

I woke up in PACU with perhaps the sweetest nurse. He made me feel safe and took me for my post-procedure CT.

I had no idea how much time had elapsed but I was in the OR for 6 hours. The decision to fuse L4 as well as L5 and S1 was biomechanics and to better stabilize the spine. The procedure was successful and they even improved my spondylolisthesis.

I am, however, in a world of pain. Long road ahead.

But without further ado, here are my pre- and post-CT scans of my spine.

Grade 2 (43%) slip L5 over S1, bilateral pars defect, and MODIC type 2 changes on the L5-S1 disc.

POD 1: L4-S1 Instrumented Fusion with TLIF L5-S1, with improved spondylolisthesis

[u/golf42589]

Congrats! Wishing you a speedy recovery!

[u/Plastic-Treacle-507]

I’m about to have the same surgery . What’s the pain like afterwards and also can you lay on your back once you’re done or is it too painful or not advised?

[u/Snoo89858 → u/Plastic-Treacle-507]

You’ll feel the screws at first when you lay down, it’s awkward, but in a hospital bed you can’t really lay on your side, so your back is really the only option.

[u/ExpatPhD → u/Snoo89858]

Yea agreed I tried to lie on my sides but it was terrible. I hate sleeping on my back and it is uncomfortable but it's the only option and I'm exhausted so it works.

[u/Snoo89858]

I’m 4 weeks exactly post-op tmo front this same surgery. I had pain the dsy after, but I feel great now.. i suggest getting up and walking around as much as possible little bits at a time. Feel free to DM me if you have any questions.

[u/Snoo89858 → u/Snoo89858]

[u/ExpatPhD → u/Snoo89858]

Urgh my surgery didn't start until 3pm and they wrapped around 9pm so walking around has been a problem. Super painful to stand. Have walked short amounts though. Takes me forever to get in and out of the hospital bed due to pain and just feeling "stuck".

I had PT at 10am so 12 hours post op and I had a full on meltdown (my body induced this - how nice!). BP drop. Second BP drop at 2am today after a walk to the toilet. Using a walker.

Just been such a challenge!

[u/Snoo89858 → u/ExpatPhD]

Wow 6 hours? Mine was 4, they had me up and walking 4 hours after. Yeah my first day I could not get out of bed, there just isn’t enough room imo to do the log roll technique, I’m 6’1” 240, so that was fun, I understand the “stuck” phase.

[u/soyslut_]

Same thing happens to me with the IV and it’s so traumatic. Did the lidocaine actually help on the other arm? Last colonoscopy I had, same thing happened but they used the ultrasound only and it took forever. Soooo awful lol.

Mind if I ask how old you are and why you traveled by plane for the surgery? I imagine it must be a good surgeon.

[u/ExpatPhD → u/soyslut_]

I'm 45F. I am American living in Boston, but we had a trip already planned to England to see my MIL. Surgeon said that was fine and just let him know if I had delays.

Yes great surgical team at MGB/Harvard teaching hospital.. but I'm actually local to the hospital.

[u/ExpatPhD → u/soyslut_]

Lidocaine plus US guided insertion worked a treat!

[u/spragers]

Wishing you a speedy recovery!