On August 4, 2026, I had a TLIF spinal fusion at L4-L5.
TLIF stands for Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion. In simple terms, the procedure was performed to stabilize the L4-L5 level of my lower spine. The surgery involves placing an interbody cage and bone graft between the vertebrae, along with screws and rods that provide stability while the bones have time to fuse.
Reading about spinal fusion is one thing. Going through it yourself is something entirely different. Surgery becomes a very real dividing line between what life looked like before the operation and what comes afterward.
I am still moving through that process one day at a time. Recovery from spinal fusion is not measured by one dramatic moment. It is made up of smaller things: getting up, moving safely, rebuilding strength, being patient with the body, and understanding that healing continues long after the surgery itself is over.
This photograph feels appropriate for this chapter of my life. There is nothing particularly complicated about it. It is simply me, looking straight ahead, carrying the experience with me.
August 4, 2026 is now one of those dates I will always remember. It marks the day I had my L4-L5 TLIF spinal fusion and began the next part of the journey.
From the field