7th lumbar surgery....and a warning

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maltluver

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On Oct. 21st I underwent my 7th lurabar surgery and it was a mess. I had at least 3 levels worked on, including a fusion due to herniated disc pressing on spinal cord, 2 huge bone spurs severely compressing nerves, spondy and retrolithesis. I am now experiencing severe leg weakness (weak right leg is what led me to my surgeon again). C-scan and myelogram showed the problems but did NOT show the severity of the bone spurs.

The warning is this: I waited too long! After my 6th surgery, I swore it would be my last, so when I started having left leg pain and weakness, right flank pain, and severe lower back pain, I sought the help of my pm doctor. After 2 caudals, a nerve block, and a nerve ablation, I realized that my leg was weaker than ever. Pain management has it's place for sure, but had I not relied solely on pain relief instead of looking for the reason, I would not be in the shape I am in. I am just praying that the right leg gets stronger so that I will be able to drive again.

The first 3 weeks following surgery, I was so depressed I just wanted to give up. I learned my lesson well. As much as I don't ever want to see another operating room, if I ever start having pain that isn't easily relieved, I will most certainly be finding out WHY!

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving with lots to be greatful for. Sometimes we walk a long, hard, road with lots of ruts and no shoulder but we perservere.

Blessings.

Carol
 
Carol,

You have been such an inspiration and wealth of information on this board for so long and for so many people. Please hang in there and don’t give up hope. I pray that you feel better soon.


Dlib
 
Thank you so much for the kind worRAB. I am doing my best to stay "up" and do see a bit of improvement week by week.

I do know that my age is really showing in how slowly I am progressing. Heck, I used to be out of bed and walking the hallways the very next day. Hahahaha. We may get wiser as we get older, but boy, our bodies sure betray us.

Wishing you well.

Carol
 
Carol, I wish you nothing but the best in your recovery. Your positive posts on this board means so much to so many.
I understand what you mean by this surgery will be my last. I've said that 5 times. My double fusion was scheduled for 11/17/10 and then it was moved to 12/6/10. Needless to say, I'm very worried and anxious at the same time. I know the pain your going through. But I also know, that each day gets alittle better.
Hang in there. Better days are ahead for you. Keep the faith.
Keith:)
 
Patti, I have a pump but mine has dilaudid in it. I've had it for several years now and can't imagine being without it. At one point, it was disconnected for several months (long story) and it was then that I realized how much it helped me. I've had little to no trouble with mine and no side effects at all. My pm has tried to talk me into a spinal cord stimulator but I don't like them for various reasons.

My advise to you would be to research the pump and learn all you can about it. I fought getting my for 2 years and boy, I could kick myself! Lol. Write down questions as they occur to you so that you can present them to your doctor for answers.

Good luck with your decision. Please keep me informed, will you?? And, thanks for all the kind worRAB.

Carol
 
Carol,

I have been a lurker on this board for a long time and have always been blown away by how much you have reached out and helped people with you past experiences. I can’t imagine what you have been through with all the surgeries. I do know, as do you that you are very early in recovery from a very major surgery. I hope you continue to improve and that this is your last surgery.


Dlib
 
Carol, wishing you the best.. I just went to another dr for 2nd opinion again on my back after having 5 surgeries on my lower back and ending up fused. and I do have a spinal cord stim in and only get 30% use. Anyway they are talking now of going back in and re-doing the stim and putting it along the spine alone with a morpine pump and I'm scared to death over this, don't know what to do...so confused does anyone have anything they can tell me about these morpine pumps?
Thanks Patti
 
Keith, I can sure identify with your anxiety. Time seems to stand still when you are waiting for your surgery date, and then it is here all too soon! Having more than one level worked on means a longer recovery, but determination will see you through it all.

I hope that this will be the last one you have to endure, Keith. May you have a quick and uneventful recovery. Stay in touch.

Blessings.

Carol
 
Carol,

I just wanted to check in and see how you are recovering from your surgery. Hope all is well.


Dlib
 
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