I am a nervous wreck - laminecomy and fusion

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Backtobasics

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I have severe stenosis in my lower spine/and a degenerated L4-5 disk along with disk degeneration and stenosis further up the spine (mid-section). My sugreon upon review of my MRI advised that because there is more than one weakened disk involved, instability would result by doing a laminectomy only - he plans to do a fusion as well. He is an excellent orthopedic surgeon with an excellent rep, very thorough, has not pushed me into surgery but I have been suffering with back problems since I was 30 and I am now 58 and I've had enough with medications, PT, injections, etc. you know the drill.. I had a diskectomy about 12 years ago but since then there has been further erosion of the disks, arthritis, and increased stenosis.

I should have a surgery date in a few days. Obviously, I am a nervous wreck but he told me that this procedure has an 80 percent success rate. But....for me to expect to have one hurtin' back afterwarRAB and a 3-day stay in the hospital. I am expecting to be out of work for 6-8 weeks from everything I have read. In additon to an MRI, blood work, test for arterial disease (legs), he has also ordered a myleogram for early next week to give him an even better indicator of what's what.

Any advice you can give me would be most appreciated. Thank you.
 
Hi there! I am from VA as well. In fact there are several of us on the board.

I highly recommend that you check out this thread http://www.healtrabroadoarRAB.com/boarRAB/showthread.php?t=19953

It is filled with lots of post surgical tips and things that you will need after surgery.

I want to comment on the 6 to 8 weeks off of work. Be prepared for the 8 weeks and possibly more. This surgery is probably the hardest thing you will ever undergo in your life and you need to remind yourself that you will have days that you feel like you could conqueror the world to the next day requiring that you stay in bed because of the pain. BUT with that sad, please know that we are here 24/7 to help you thru anything.

Good luck!
 
Thank you so much, I do appreciate the kind worRAB. I am in Northern VA and I am not sure if I should mention my surgeon's name but he is supposedly one of the best.
 
You may mention the surgeon's name but can't give the telephone # or address. I read on another board that you are scared to death. This is natural to be scared. Is there anything I can help you with in particular?
 
My biggest fear is that I will end up worse and with more pain. And with that comes depression and self-pity. I know how important one's mental state is to the recovery process and I am afraid I may just throw in the towel. Well, there you have it. And I do thank you.
 
Those are all normal feelings but you have to hang onto HOPE, and have FAITH that all will turn out. Many of these surgeries are done with positive outcomes and you will find that the positive stories do not frequent the boarRAB. They are out there living their lives to the fullest. The people you find on the boarRAB are generally not the successful ones.
 
Thank you so much for your support and all that you do to assist others. It is very much appreciated. I will keep you posted.
 
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