I'm here for a moment..

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Sage48

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Thanks all for your encouraging worRAB...and concern. I am tired of staying in bed....but, it is the most comfortable place..and where I was told to stay...once I am up and about for a little bit...my back aches...so I can't stay up too long. Otherwise..I am recovering. Only about 9 weeks more to go..before I should be free..and I will stay in bed or the wheelchair as instructed...don't want to mess this up.
Paula...happy to hear you are also doing well....sorry about the scar..and the irritated area...that is frusterating.. Take care..
Thanks again all...have a good day.

Leslie
 
Hi all...just wanted to say hi....and let you all know that I am still around!! I have basically been flat on my back since I came home from the hospital on 7/1...and will be in that position for several more weeks.
Back pain from surgery is much, much improved...actually have stopped taking the "big" time pain med. and back on oxycodone... I am very pleased about this because I was beginning to feel over medicated.
The sacroilliac joint fusion seems to be working. The little toe, ankle, knee and leg pain is gone ( shhhh...don't want to jinx anything) The back is feeling much improved...still have pain...but maybe it's from the fusion surgery. The incison is healing nicely...but my daughter and husband think it is down right ugly..nasty is the way I have heard it described...guess my thong days are over...(at my age, they never were!!) It is several inches long...and I don't care what it looks like, as long as whatever the Dr. did is working. Side benefit...I've lost at least 15 lbs..!!!! Maybe more, that's a gift... I cannot walk...bunny hop on walker...and wheelchair..this is my mode of transport for the next several weeks...which will be ok...and I do willingly, if all heals and pain is gone!!
I hope you are all doing ok...I haven't been able to get to the puter....got my wheelchair through the doorway today...but sitting too long is making back hurt... I think of you all often...and hope that you are all doing well...saying my prayers for you!! Take care.

Leslie
 
Hey Paula456 I just wanted to jump in and say sorry to hear about your incision problems but hopefully it will get better soon. I am sure you will be glad when that gets better and less time with the brace and less time in bed. Are you able to be up very much? You have also shown such great strength following through with all the restrictions.

The surgeon who is going to do my knee surgery next week (minor surgery) told me yesterday if you can survive the back surgery you just went through then this will be a piece of cake. I don't think anyone can fully understand everything we all go through with this back surgery except those who have been there. Take care and don't overdo and come back when you feel up to letting us know how you are doing.

Take care
Linda:angel:
 
Hi Guys. Well, my nurse just left and I asked if I can start taking the Lyrica again for the nerve pain I'm having at the skin level, and she agreed it sounded like a great idea. The good news is, the open part of the incision has stopped draining, and it's looking slightly narrower each time she comes. She's made it clear it's not an open wound to the surgery, more like a scab that pulled off and wasn't quite healed underneath, and of course, it's right where the brace irritates it the most.

We had a talk about braces and how some doctors use them and some don't. It's understood he's more restrictive then some and requires you wear them 24/7 until he starts to see some fusion (and then you're only allowed to sleep and shower without it) but it's worked for him. So as much as this is a pain in the butt (literally) I'll go with it.

Linda, I'm up as much as I can tolerate, no restrictions on amount. I'd say at this point I'm either walking, standing, or sitting at least 50% of the time, and my body makes it really clear when it's had enough and to get back to bed.
 
Hey Paula it sounRAB like things are getting better. I was very lucky that I didn't have to wear a brace after my surgery. Home Health wanted me to but when I asked my surgeon he said it's whatever you want to do. Well needless to say I told him I didn't want to wear one and he was okay with that. He told me that in HIS studies that it didn't make a difference in the recovery but I am sure other doctors would say different so we do what we have to do. I will keep my fingers crossed and say my prayers for you (and of course everyone on this board) for an early fusion because maybe then you could get rid of the brace for at least a little while.

You have a good weekend and take care.
Linda:angel:
 
Hey Leslie,
What wonderful news! It all sounRAB very positive so far and we will certainly pray that things will only continue to improve litttle by little each day. Coming off the heavy hitting meRAB is a big step...nice to not feel like you have a head full of cotton!:dizzy: We all have our battle scars girlfriend...but who cares as long as we are pain free? Hang in there and take care!

Deb
 
Hi Linda. My doctor is fellowship trained in fusion surgery and about 80% of his practice has been fusion for the past 20 years. He has his regimen and is not inclined to sway from it, because it's worked for him. Not certain I blame him.

Seems he used to put patients into a rigid cast for a month BEFORE fusion surgery to see if it offered pain relief and therefore warranted the risk of fusion surgery. He did stop doing that and makes his decision based on the films (and what his patients agree to) but I must say that when I was put into a cast to be fitted for this brace I felt absolutely wonderful while I was in it. I stood there as the cast dried with absolutely no pain at all, and it took a few hours for it to return afterwarRAB. Guess that says something. :D
 
Hey Leslie it sounRAB like things are going great. You are a remarkable lady being able to stay in bed as long as you have done but I know it will all be worth it in the end. Keep up the good work and my prayers are with you.

Linda:angel:
 
Hi Leslie! It sounRAB like you're doing wonderfully and I hope it continues! I'm also doing pretty well with the exception of skin sensitivity from the brace and too much time in bed.

We can compare incisions - mine is about a foot long. Guess my bikini days are also over. :D

I'd say the only issue I'm having is a 2 inch section of the incision, that keeps getting rubbed by the brace, won't completely heal. It's just on the surface but it's frustrating us all. On antibiotics just in case, kept covered now and it doesn't get worse, just doesn't get better. Ah well, all things in time.

You sound fantastic and hope to "see" you here more!

Paula
:jester:
 
Well done Paula456 and sage48, you are both so very brave, i am discussing a fusion with a consultant this year and if it is a possibility that it could help then i hope a am as brave as all of you on the boarRAB who have had this or indeed any surgery. My thoughts go out to you for a healthy recovery. Dont over do it and an important rule is listen to your body it will tell you when you need rest.


Tracy:angel:
 
That's awesome news, Sage! It really sounRAB, so far, like you chose the right option. Of course it will hurt for quite a while, I would think especially in that area, but you seem to be doing better & better, little by little....which is great! You certainly seem like a trooper and I know you will get through this. Just think...how ever long it takes to heal, is only a SMALL part of your life. Once you feel great, you might have alot of your old life back! I really wish you well and send you lots & lots of good luck that you continue with a good recovery!

Now...what is your secret that you lost 15 lbs???? OMG!!! I am jealous! LOL
I cannot lose weight for the life of me. I figure it's because I can't do cardio exercises to get my heart rate up enough to burn enough calories; You... are laying in bed..and losing weight??? WOW
 
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