My First Fusion: Choosing the Right Path

Why I Needed Lumbar Fusion

I’ve dealt with lower back issues for a long time, but when the sciatica pain down my right leg became constant, I knew it was time to dig deeper. After an MRI and a deeper evaluation, I was diagnosed with:

• A herniated disc pressing on my right-side nerve at L4–L5

• Bilateral foraminal stenosis—basically, the spaces where my nerves exit the spine were getting pinched on both sides

• Degenerative disc disease

• And right lumbar radiculopathy, which explained the shooting pain, tingling, and weakness in my leg

That’s when my spinal fusion journey really began.

My first consult was with a surgeon who recommended a traditional back approach for the fusion. I scheduled the surgery... but something didn’t sit right. Deep down, I couldn’t get fully comfortable with the decision, even though everything looked fine on paper.

So, I did what I now consider the best decision of this whole journey—I got a second opinion.

That second surgeon recommended a completely different approach: an ALIF (Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion). He explained that this method would preserve my back muscles and potentially offer a smoother recovery. In that moment, something just clicked. I knew I’d found not just the right approach—but the right surgeon too.

Let me tell you, this was not an easy decision. It was terrifying. I was absolutely petrified, but I also knew I had to face it. This surgery was about giving myself a chance to live with less pain.

So, if you’re reading this and you're unsure—don’t hesitate to get a second opinion. A different perspective might be the exact clarity or alternative approach you need.