Having surgery on the 20th

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kdk819

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Hi everyone. Hope everyone is doing fairly well. I haven't posted on the board in quite a while, but I have had alot of things going on, not only with myself, but my Mom hasn't been well. Anyway, I had a test done for the bladder issues. It was called a urodynamic test. It showed that even my bladder spasms, which is causing urgency, and a leaky bladder. All related to the back issues. Workers comp okayed both surgeries, so I will have the first surgery on Monday, Oct. 20th (take out old hardware, clean things up in there, and harvest bone from the iliac crest). Then on Oct. 23rd. I'll be back in the OR. They'll first go through the front, do what they have to do, then flip me over, reopen my back, and finish the surgery. So, its an L4-S1 360 fusion. Because of the bladder issues, the urologist is going to place stents in the bladder to help prevent further damage. Also, my Neurosurgeon is being assisted by an Orthopedic spine surgeon. For the second surgery, my Vascular Surgeon will make the incision in the front, and move everything out of the way. Because I have had 4 c-sections over 24 years ago, I have the up and down incision, so the Vascular Surgeon told me that the incision will be in between my Belly button and my hip. Has anyone had their incision there? I was told they use a Vascular Surgeon instead of a General Surgeon because when they go in through the front they can hit some bleeders, and he would be able to control it better. I also found out that L4 disc is completely blown out, and the hardware is grinding down the bone. The rotten part about the whole thing is that both the Neuro and Ortho told me that I have to be realistic about the surgeries. Its not going to get feeling back in my left leg, and I will always have pain. Its being done to prevent further paralysis. I am a nervous wreck. Prayers and good thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I'll be in the hospital about two weeks, and then will go to rehab for a few more. I'll be in touch as soon as I can. Thanks for caring. Only those who have suffered from this horrible pain can understand.
Much love. Kathy
 
Wow, Kathy, that sounRAB so extensive! I wish for you that they could do it all in one fell swoop, but it does sound like you're in good hanRAB and have really investigated all of this thoroughly. I'm so glad worker's comp approved it for you!

I was in the same boat as far as being realistic. Pain free was never even on my radar, or my doctor's. The goal was to keep from getting worse. We achieved that, and I have also had a great reduction in the severe pain I was having that pain meRAB couldn't touch. I have new pain, but I'm managing it pretty well with pain meRAB and common sense. I'm so thankful I was able to find a doctor who didn't give up on me like others did!

I wish you the best, Kathy! You know what to expect, so I won't bore you with suggestions. (Look at the sticky at the top called "post surgery tips" if you want a refresher. :)) Please check in when you're up to it and let us know how you're doing.

You take care!!!
(((((((hugs)))))))
Emily
 
Kathy,

We'll be praying for you next week and during your recovery! It sounRAB like you will be in very good hanRAB.

Best regarRAB,

Brenda
 
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