Surgery info, questions, & tips

Hey,
I just wanted to talk about the type of surgery I got and give some info that I found on other websites too. The type of surgery was called a PLIF, here is a description I found: 

PLIF
PLIF stands for Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion. In this fusion technique, the vertebrae are reached through an incision in the patient’s back (posterior). The PLIF procedure involves three basic steps:

• Pre-operative planning and templating. Before the surgery, the surgeon uses MRI and CAT scans to determine what size implant(s) the patient needs.
• Preparing the disc space. Depending on the number of levels to be fused, a 3-6 inch incision is made in the patient’s back and the spinal muscles are retracted (or separated) to allow access to the vertebral disc. The surgeon then carefully removes the lamina (laminectomy) to be able to see and access the nerve roots. The facet joints, which lie directly over the nerve roots, may be trimmed to allow more room for the nerve roots. The surgeon then removes the affected disc and surrounding tissue and prepares bone surfaces of adjacent vertebrae for fusion.
• Implants inserted. Once the disc space is prepared, bone graft, allograft or BMP with a cage, is inserted into the disc space to promote fusion between the vertebrae. Additional instrumentation (such as rods or screws) may also be used at this time to further stabilize the spine.

When I originally met with my surgeon, he said that he recommended a minimally invasive fusion, there they would go in on each side of the spine, so there would be two about 2 inch incisions; and it is done through tubes and is less damaging to the muscles and faster recovery. HOWEVER, when I met with him again, he said that there are new studies that the minimally invasive procedures are being linked to some sort of cancer somehow...the FDA did not put any warnings out yet on it, but he said that he will no longer preform that type of surgery due to its possible risks of cancer. So if you are getting this surgery, be sure to talk to your surgeon, I personally would not get the minimally invasive surgery knowing this information. 

So the type was changed, same idea but instead of 2 smaller incisions, its one bigger incision in the middle. (I was personally upset about this, because I have a tattoo there, but oh well I guess :-/ ) I also found out that they will also be taking some bone from my left hip bone in the back to use for my fusion. My first thought, ouch, but I have bigger things to worry about! A few questions I asked my surgeon at my visit prior to surgery were:

Q: How long is the hospital stay?

A: Usually 3-5 days, we try to get you out sooner than later. 

Q: Will I need a catheter? (I soooo didn't want one of these haha)

A: No (YAY!, but every surgeon is different)

Q:When can I drive again?

A: After your first post-op visit, usually 2 weeks post-op

Q: How long does the surgery itself take?

A: About 2-3 hours (mine was only a one level fusion, times may vary)

Q: How long do I wear the back brace?

A: About 6 weeks

Q: How big will the incision be?

A: About 4-5 inches

Q: Are there any sleep/diet restrictions post-op?

A: No

 

Those were just a few questions I had, and my surgeon gave me a sheet of 'frequently asked questions' which helped as well. Also, a few tips that I have for someone who will be having this surgery, stuff that I found through looking at other peoples blogs and from my experience:

- Get a body pillow! It helped me so much which I sleep, and makes it a little easier to get comfortable. 

- Make sure you have a shower mat, showers are difficult at first and you don't want to risk slipping. 

- Have a few ice packs at home and ready, you will need them! 

- Don't bring too much to the hospital, you just need toiletries basically, you'll be in a gown the whole time. 

- If your surgeon asks, and even if he doesn't, before you leave the hospital- request a walker and a toilet commode to be at your house. It will help you out A LOT. 

- Don't be afraid to ask any questions, its better to know than to not. 

I hope some of this helps. My next post will be about the day of my surgery, before and after.