- L2 with L3
- L3 with L4
- L4 with L5
- L5 with S1
I would say that the photo on the right is a close approximation of what will be happening to my lower back...
There will be 2 screws on either side that will be connected to two rods to keep the vertebrae separated even though they will be fused together.
PLIF surgery is being performed because my age has caused my vertebrae to expand and the opening for the nerve to pass through is being pinched causing me not to be able to walk but more importantly is putting me in pain as well as preventing me from having the strength to walk up a flight of steps to either go down to our basement or down to our outside deck.
Standing in one place for more than a minute or two is also a problem. I have to sit down several times when cooking meals at the stove.
The surgery will take 4-6 hours, with recovery being 4-6 weeks (6 months for 100% recovery), and the first couple of days, I will be given meds for the pain that I am expected to have. I will remain in the hospital for 1-2 nights depending on my immediate recovery process.
If I don't have this surgery now I could possibly end up in a wheelchair in a few years... so, it is a no-brainer choice for me.
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