26 year old male, former varsity athlete. 6’3” 210 lbs. Grade II anteriorlisthesis at L5-S1. Disc bulge at L4-L5. Scoliosis Cobb angle of 20 degrees.

I had a great visit with the best surgeon in Canada a few weeks ago. He is one of few in Canada doing MIS TLIFS. He is unsure at this point whether he needs to fuse one segment or two (I’m really hoping it’s just one. He wants an updated MRI between now and my follow-up in January before he makes the final decision). He is telling me I have an 80-90% chance of getting back to work, which for me is in professional sports.

My back pain is pretty manageable still. However, I started getting severe nerve pain that happens at random in my left leg and foot. Further, I have general weakness and tingling bilaterally that occurs constantly.

For a big man that’s played physical sports his whole life, I must say that I am terrified of having surgery. I’m mostly scared of post-operative pain. I’ve been told that MIS will significantly reduce post-op pain. What are some of your experiences with this operation? Any other young athletes out there that have had it done? I’d like to hear your experience.

One last thing I’d like to note. I find it difficult to explain how severe my back pain is. I say it is manageable, but because I’ve had it for so long, it is possible that I don’t even remember what it’s like to be pain free anymore. Part of me is excited for this surgery because there is a chance I may feel better than I’ve ever felt in my life after it. Unfortunately right now, I don’t know any better. Despite my pain being “manageable,” I have missed out on a lot of fun things in my young life so far because of my back pain. Parties, concerts, festivals, you name it. I tend to unconsciously decide not to attend these types of events because it involves standing for a long time. I am excited because maybe after surgery I will be able to stand forever and walk forever like normal people my age? Lol! I don’t know what that feels like, and I fantasize about it a lot. Thanks for reading!