Scheduled day for surgery

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2Bbackontop

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Hi everyone. I am new to this board, however, I feel as if I have found long-lost family merabers. I am 43, I had a L5-S1 microdiskectomy in 10/04. This was the result of a bicycle accident. I had just spent the previous 4 years exercising and improving my health/eating/diet and went from 284 lbs to 184 lbs. I never could exercise like before the surgery but I kept trying and failing and getting more and more depressed until I finally quit all together. My job requires standing for long 12 hour shifts. Finally, last April, I had to go on stronger pain meRAB to survive. They helped, but either the underlying condition worsened and/or I built tolerance - I think a corabination of both. My wife and I had our 2nd baby in 19 months in August. My weight has gone up to 240 lbs, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression and anxiety. I felt I was going mad and nobody understood. My wife was sick and tired of what she interpreted as complaining. All these things corabined made me realize I have got to do something. I should mention that I have tried other conservative methoRAB, epidurals, RACZ, etc. So while I am scared, I am relieved that a decision has been made. It was hard to make this decision as my dad had back problems and finally decided to have surgery after being confined to a wheelchair. He developed a post-surgical infection and died in the hospital 2 weeks later.

My surgery is 2/19 and will be a fusion of L5S1 with a laminectomy.

I am out of work from now on until I recover and I will be frequenting this board often to learn/share what I can.

The above is the briefest synopsis of my story - like many here, I could write a book, but the story is far from finished.
 
Hi, and welcome to the board,
We do understand how it is. I'm sure your wife is an supportive as she's able, but unless they've had back pain themselves, our spouses can only imagine what this is like.

I'm so sorry about your dad. I hope you know, though, that those kinRAB of complications are rare. Chances are you'll come out of this with banners flying and get some real relief. Do be aware that many of us here on the board hang around because we've had further problems or have problems that can't really be "fixed." The majority of people who have this surgery are out living their lives again and don't come back to the board once they've recovered.

If you have questions, we've been there, done that, and will try to help from our own experiences.

You might want to read the sticky at the top of the page called, "Post surgery tips." It has a ton of wonderful tips that will make your recovery much easier.

Take care,
Emily
 
Hello and welcome !!

I just had a one level fusion at L4-5, using a cage, roRAB, screws and BMP after spending 3 years trying to avoid having surgery! My internist kept assuring me that if I lost some weight and strengthened my core muscles, my sciatic pain would go away. Obviously that never happened, and I wish I'd had surgery sooner.

SounRAB like your life is fairly stressful. I hope you're doing something to help deal with the stress even though your thoughts are all focused on your upcoming surgery.

There are many wonderful people on this board that will be more than happy to share their experiences and knowledge with you. Think of the next two weeks as getting in training for your surgery. The better prepared you are, the easier the experience will be for you.

Wishing you well,
Marlo
 
Hi 2B and welcome to the board:wave:
We're glad you found us but sorry that you have to endure back issues to become a "meraber". Everyone here is compassionate and knowledgeable. You can come here to ask questions:confused:, vent :mad:, offer support :angel:, and celebrate your good days and progress after your surgery :bouncing: You get the message, we are here for you. I agree that while our spouses love us and support us they really have no clue what we are going through. And they feel very helpless when they can't make our pain go away. So welcome aboard.....we sometimes affectionately call this our cruise ship.......the water gets a little rough at times......but we'll make it!

Deb
 
Hi and welcome welcome! You found a great place to join in! We understand you 100% and then some.

You will find that when you chat on here.. you dont need to vent much at all at home or anywhere else. It just helps to have someone that identifies with what you are experiencing and our loved ones.. cant and dont.

I am sorry about your dad. Surgery seems to be the right choice as you are a peace with your decision, which is usually the "right time".

Some come join in on our parties here and you will generally find at least one of us on here anytime of the day or night. We spineys dont sleep or at least with one eye always open! lol.
 
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