Got my surgery date..

  • Thread starter Thread starter Sage48
  • Start date Start date
S

Sage48

Guest
I got the date for my surgery..it is June 26... Then I received the approval for the surgery from my insurance company... Then I had the nuclear stress test last week...and today the cardio. Dr. says my heart is wonderful!!! (nice -that is good!!).. They are notifing the spinal Dr. that I am good to go for the surgery. I have appts. with the spinal Dr. 2 days before surgery..for physical..pt person to learn how to not put weight on right leg...and then the usual test prior to surgery on the same day.
All of the above is making me scared. I am getting more and more afraid...but know that I won't get better without this surgery...so I will just put the fear aside - hopefully!
back and leg are aching up a storm...the sacroiliac injection has worn off totally...every day the pain is coming back more and more... I actually had to do something I have never done before...I took 5 pills in one day..only supposed to take 4... It just happened because of the early early time I took the first one yesterday...like at 12:30 a.m....which threw the entire schedule off...oh well, I guess there are worse things in life.
Gonna go and lay in my recliner!! I am so tired...not sleeping very well...up several times a night...I am disguested with my reg. & PM drs...you would think they would let me have a few arabien...just so I can be rested. Nope...they don't like meRAB....can you believe it??? Almost ready to call the surgeon and explain to him that I need a little help in the sleep department...and let him take over the pain pills until after the surgery...oh well...
Hope you all have a good night...take care...

Leslie
 
oh Dee, thank you for the additional hints. Yup, I know those dinners...and some of them are actually very tasty!! Great idea...for when my hubby has to go away to work.. My Mom doesn't cook!!! She can do microwave so that is what we will be eating!!! The coffee situation is solved!! I am going to get one of those carafts...(spelled wrong!)...have the coffee made early - before bed...and then all I will have to do is pour it out when I need it..just one cup...but at 2 a.m....it's what I want! Adding the raised seat to my list of "things" to get.. My daughter wants me to get the walker with the little seat...just in case I tire out half way across the house... (I won't be walking that much..can't put any weight on the right side for several weeks...so it will be more of a crawl somehow!...The Drs. PT person is going to show me how..just before surgery.) I have a small bookcase...which I can move beside the bed I will be using..(putting the sucker in the den...)..that way I can stock it with basket for meRAB., books...coffee caraft...etc.. Should be more than large enough.. Thank you again for your "hints". I have read the post at the top of the board..getting lots of ideas...and what great ones they are...experience is a wonderful thing to receive.

Leslie
 
LESLIE , It's Billy a k a : (devipish).. I'm sure you made the correct choice on having this surgery done , If you came this far you are positive and strong woman.. Take a deep breath and X-Hale , knowing that you are making good strides to get your life back.. You have almost a month left to the big day , I had surgery back in Feb.08 :2 level fusion , with roRAB and 6 screws: So i remeraber whare your at mentally , you want to no "am I making the right choice" , how long recovery will be etc.... Every body is diff. Your doing thE right thing - just take each day as it comes and before you expect it JUNE 26th will be here..

I took my T.V out of my room - so i would fall asleep faster , BUY A PAIR OF SILK PAJAMAS !!! BEleave me I'm a 31 year old union carpenter , you think that i wanted to wear these (LOL).. But they work like a charm , They will help you get in & out of bed easier.. I WISH YOU LOTS OF LUCK , BUT I'M SURE WE WILL CHATTING BEFORE YOUR SURGERY , THERE ARE GREAT PEOPLE ON HERE SO JUST ASK ANYTHING THAT YOU WILL... GOD BLESS BILLY BOY
 
Hi Leslie,

Wow what wonderful news about your heart! Yaaaay. That is a huge relief. I'm glad to see you have a date set. The biggest fear will probably be the night before but you know that is normal. You are on your way to the road to recovery. I'd do a little dance for you if I could. ;) Call the doc, he will probably give you something to sleep. I don't have near the trouble I did now that I take flexeril 3 times a day. I still require alot of sleep to feel normal though. Too much sleep = much more back pain. Catch 22 if you ask me ha ha.

You have older grand children don't you? Around 12 or so? Perhaps they can spend a good portion of their summer break with you to help you out. Wild horses couldn't keep my daughter from helping their grandparents. My step father was recently hospitalized and my daughter had school when he had tests run. She said that if there was anything really wrong with him she didn't care if she had to walk from her school to the hospital because nothing was keeping her from him. So sweet. He's been in the family for a long long time so he is not just papa, he is PAPA. (pronounced pawpaw). From all I have heard on these boarRAB, I think your granddaughter is much like my daughter.

Anything I can do, you WILL let me know yes? My heart and prayers are with you my friend. I start work June 9th but I will at least be able to visit you in the hospital if you are up for it and of course I can help out on weekenRAB.

Love,
Lisa
 
Leslie, that is wonderful news about your heart! I will pray for you and your upcoming surgery. I will find out later this summer if I will have a spinal fusion or not. I pray that you will have plenty of pain relief before, during, and after the surgery. Please take care and keep us updated! Sincerely, Tam
 
Leslie, the surgery date will be here before you know it and it is such a relief to wake up and know it is done. Yes, it hurt but for me the worst part is waiting and the drive to the hospital. I fully understand now why my dogs dig their paws in to avoid going to the vet. I always have that surprised feeling when I wake up in recovery and realize it is over! yea! Good luck
 
I am accepting all HINTS!! thanks Baybreeze....I intend to have the plastic contractors bags in my car!!! Huge things... My question is...how on earth am I going to get into the Tahoe?????? I will need to get into the back seat...without putting any pressure on my right leg or foot...no standing on it... I am 5'6"...so not a tiny person...BUT...that vehicle is not short...so I will have to stretch...and that will not feel good. I will want to lay down...as the trip home will take over an hr....otherwise, I'd hop into the front! I remeraber from when I had my knee operated on last month...I had an awful time getting into my daughters smaller SUV...and out of it too...
My mind is racing, trying to get everything done...cleaning out stuff...and trying to set the house up...so that it will be organized at least for a little while..!! I have to get some of those grabbers..and basically everything else..but my Dr. will write prescriptions for all of the equipment I will need, and my ins. company will pay for it..thank goodness. But, I don't see him until 2 days before my surgery...so all of that will be delivered after I am home.
I go through perioRAB of total and sheer panic...and that is not necessary...I have had surgery before..ACDF...and the usual other types of surgeries!!! (geez....about 8 more surgeries...so I kind of know the routines...) BUT for some reason I am just panicked about this one. Keep telling myself, it will all be over and done in a flash...and then I just have to recover...and I am a very determined person...so I will do what I have to do to get better. Guess I am just rarabeling on and on today...nerves??? !!!! Sorry.
Thanks for the hints...appreciate all of them!!

Leslie
 
Leslie I just wanted to let you know that I am glad everything came out okay on your heart tests and you will soon be on the road to recovery for your back. I know it is hard to wait but time really does past quick. I will keep you in my prayers from here on out.

Take care and try and get some sleep tonight.

Linda
 
Hi, Leslie -

I'm new to this board but had to respond - I'm 5 days post op (had a two level decompression) and can really relate to your anxiety. I was anxious too and even mentioned it to the anesthesiologist - he gave me a "pre flight cocktail" which really took the edge off - Don't be afraid to let the drs know how you're feeling. I'm trying to follow my walking plan now but the nerves are pretty inflamed from all the movement so I can't walk far - dr's office tells me this is likely temporary - time will tell but as with you, I had to do something. Living with the stabbing pain shooting down both legs just wasn't an option. I'm struggling with how much I should be doing - what's too much and what's not enough? I know it's different for everyone. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers for a full recovery - take those pain meRAB!
 
Ohhhh, if only there was some kind of ramp that goes up to the back of the car, and you might be able to crawl up that!

If you don't have any already, you might want to get some shoes that just slip on easily so you don't have to worry about tying them. Or even replace shoe laces with elastic laces. The toilet seat raiser will help you alot!

Do you already have a walker? If so, does it have wheels on it? If it does, you might want to get another walker without wheels. Mine had wheels, but thankfully I still had my grandmother's older walker w/o wheels. Using the one w/o wheels helps more to get yourself up from seats, bed, or the toilet. THis way it won't roll away from you. I had both and they were of tremendous help.

As for the shower, do you have just a bathtub, or do you have a walk-in upright type? I just have a bathtub and trying to get into the shower was a huge project. I hung onto my non wheel walker and slowwwly tried to get in over the tub side; but I also had a quad cane (a cane with 4 things on the bottom) and I put that inside the tub to stabilize myself; then I also had a shower seat with a back. And that shower seat has come in handy for me again since my surgery. You might also want to get some sort of new gripping handles around the bathtub and/or walls so you can hold on.
 
My friend was hopping around on her good leg after about 1 1/2 months. She wasn't "allowed" to walk with any weight on her right leg for 3 months solid but I think she started doing so about 2 1/2 months. She used the walker around the house to get used to light weight on it once she was able to actually stand putting it on the floor. She also got one of those mini fridge's in put in her room for drinks, quick meals and such for when someone wasn't around. I honestly haven't read all of the hints from others but did see the one about a coffee pot which reminded me of the mini fridge.

SounRAB like you are really doing alot to prepare for this surgery. That is so great. She didn't have time to do all of that as hers was a work related injury and had the surgery pretty quick, plus her house is old and really wasn't very well designed for a wheelchair or anything but they made do. For a change of scenery her mom would come up and get her for a week at a time here and there. She only lives an hour away but different walls are different walls. You will likely be able to do more than you think after the first few weeks, once the surgical pain is over with, you will just have to do them differently until the doc allows you do be more flexible.

Stock up on books, puzzles, puzzle books, movies etc. to help you through the rough patches. Keep a phone near you along with your cell if you can, you will probably use them alot since you will have time on your hanRAB and frienRAB and family will call often to check on you. :D
 
Hi Sage, it's great news that all your testing came out well and you're good to go for surgery. I know it's sooo nerve-racking thinking about the surgery, but try to think positive thoughts. Before my surgery, my nervousness went away and I just could not wait to have it done & get it over with. I was in so much pain and just wanted it over with or at least have lessened pain. I just began thinking that surgery would be a blessing and, I don't know how, but the thoughts of the surgical risks just left my mind...and all I could think about was having some pain relief afterward. It just seems like things may be falling into place for you at this time. All that pain, and suddenly you find this doctor who specializes in SI and thinks he can help you; then you find out he IS in your insurance plan; and now you have the surgery all set up...try to think of all this together as a blessing come upon you. And of course I will also pray that this surgery WILL be your pain relief!!! It seems like it will be very tough right after the surgery, but you also are a strong person and you will get through it. And all of us will be here to help you in any way we can!
 
I keep coming to my posting and seeing all of your replies...I am just speechless...I want to print out your replies and answer each of your individually...but today I just don't have that much energy!! I can't believe the support you have all given me...amazing.. Thank you Thank you.
Yes, it is wonderful to finally have a Dr. who understanRAB what has happened and where the pain is coming from..truely a miracle..and to actually have a date in time where the surgery will take the back pain away (or most of it!!!) is again wonderful...It's just getting over my nerves and getting to that date!! My main worry is after, and because, of the strong med. I have been on..will they be able to control the pain after...that is my biggest worry. I know that immediately after the surgery, I will have an epidural anesethia...and that is good...BUT after the first 3 days..well, that is the part that scares me.
I take all of your suggestions and ideas for after the surgery to heart...told my husband I am going to get lg. plastic bag for car to I can get in and out easily!! Sliding sounRAB good!!!! And silky nightwear!! okkkkkkkk Reading all of the little tips...want the time after to be as easy as possible. Had an ACDF 4 1/4 yrs. ago, and know that the next surgery will be much different...just from reading what has been written on these boarRAB.
I thank you my frienRAB for all of yours support...I know that the next month will go by very quickly...and I am the one who asked for the surgery to be put off for an extra month so that we can go and see daugther and her family and up to MA to see mother in law...important because we won't be doing that any time soon after surgery...
I thank you again all of my frienRAB for your help...will try to get back later for individual replies..!! Didn't expect so many!!! Thanks again

Leslie
 
Leslie,

I can tell you from my frienRAB experience that he will not leave you in pain. I was shocked all of the things she was on at first but like most of us, she had been on pain meRAB for quite some time and he made sure he took care of her in that department. He will ween you off of some of them but not until you are ready and will keep you on several things until he is sure you don't need them so rest easy on that fear my dear friend. Just make sure to let him or the nurses know that you need something more if you need it.

Talk to you soon!

Lisa
 
Hi Leslie. I didnt know you decided on the surgery. Good for you! You should copy and keep your main post here and read it back to yourself about 4 months post op. You will be thrilled you had the surgery.

The amount of pain you are in right now.. the surgery pain/recovery is not as bad. There may be a few rough patches and you may not be quite as mobile when you get at the 2 week "surgery pain set-in". But Im tellin you.. you will be amazed at just how gone your current pain is and you are more dealing with surgery healing pains. I preferred the surgery healing pain to that agonizing pain I had for over 3.5 years before.

So, just relax and welcome it and don't overthink anything at this point. I think you are going to be shocked at how great you will feel post-op.

congrats!
 
Leslie,
I am glad that you tests have been okay.:) Before you know it June 26 will be here and you will be on the road to recovery. You will be sore for a little bit, but after it all said and done it will be well worth it.
Have you checked with your dr about taking OTC sleep pills? That might help you some, but when you are in pain nothing will help. :(That is how I am
mostly these days- nothing seems to help the back. I have already had a few sugeries on my back. I go in on July 2 for another back surgery. I am hoping and praying after this one - I won't have to ever do that again.
Take care of youself and try not to worry too much (easier said than done).
Will be praying for you.

FHL:angel:
 
HAHAHAH, horse's trailer!! Too funny! Well, at least you got a good chuckle out of these posts, a chuckle's always good for the soul! :D Ahhh, and how could I have forgotten about your poor knee??? I hope the knee is at least starting to feel somewhat better.
 
Baybreeze...
You just made me laugh out loud!!!! The visual of me trying to crawl up a ramp to the back of the Tahoe is just tooo much!!!!! Can't stop giggeling!!!
I'd pay good money to see me do that one...the knee just will not allow any weight on it...and the back would object to the bent over position!! Just too much...can't stop laughing...
We have a walk in shower..quite large...thank goodness...and it already has the grab bars in it...unfortunately, when I slipped one day...did I grab the grab bar??? Nooooooo...I grabbed the bar on the sliding door...so now there is no bar there anymore...WHY did I do something so durab??? Grab bars are for grabbing not that weinie little bar for the face cloth...gone now...don't have to worry about that one anymore!! I borrowed my Mom's shower chair..it has a back on it..but I wonder if it would be better just to have the slide bench for the shower????? As for the raised seat...well, that is on my list of things to get. I don't have to worry about shoe laces...my feet do not like shoes or any kind...so I have to wear my Nike flip flops all the time.. (even in the snow up north!!...I did get some strange looks on that one...but hey, can't feel the feet...so what did it matter...they weren't cold!!)..
I KNOW>>>JUST THOUGHT OF IT>>> What do you think???? I can maybe borrow a friend's horse trailer..to get home...it has a ramp!!!!! Naw...just can't stop laughing...oh thank you, this has been so good for me!!!!
Please take care...and thank you again..

Leslie
 
Sage, sitting on the garbage bags really does wonders!! OMG, it helps soo much. Just be careful if it's windy outside, you might want to keep more than one bag in your car. I've had mine blow away before. But to me, the bags help you to turn and slide right out of the car the best. Or even if you end up having to lay down in the back seat, lay on some bags.
 
Leslie, at least most of your testing is done except for those last minute tests they need to run and you can concentrate on preparing meals ahead and stocking the pantry. I have done this with each of my surgeries and it has helped alot.

Do you have someone coming to help out the first couple of weeks? I have been blessed because each time my Mom has come and stayed with us for 6 weeks. She takes over the entire house which is what I need or I would be trying to do the laundry, etc.

Anywho, we are here for you and I have already starting praying for you and your surgeon. Remeraber we are here for you 24/7.
 
Back
Top