Upcoming surgery/new poster

  • Thread starter Thread starter mlou58
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mlou58

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Hi all. I just found this site about an hour ago and feel that this is exactly where I need to be. I have already found a lot of important info and gained wise insight from several people. I am scheduled for L2 thru S1 fusion on Dec 1. He may stop at L4/L5 but wont know until he is in there. I have been struggling for years and underwent a laminectomy in May 2008 that made things worse than ever. I now have a new surgeon that I trust implicitly. He actually listens and explains everything! I have arthritic spinal stenosis that has cause herniated discs at all levels. I also have mild scoliosis that has never caused any problems until the laminectomy, apparently because it destablized the spine. Anyway, as you all probably know back pain really sucks. My lower back and both legs are affected. I have started working only 5 or 6 hours a day, and barely make it through that. I am on duragesic patches (which really slow down my brain) and percocet. I cant wait to get off all these drugs. My presurgical appointment with my surgeon was on Thursday and after he explained everything I think I had a two day anxiety attack. I am scared to death. I have had both of my hips replaced (2004, 2005) also due to arthritis, but I dont think I have ever been this scared. This is my spine! I am sure that many of you can relate.
I am sorry to go on and on but I really needed a place like this to vent. My husband is very supportive but simply cant relate to what I am going through. I would love to hear from anyone, but if you have had multi level fusions I would especially appreciate your experience and thoughts.
Thanks so much, Mlou
 
Hello and welcome....your in a really good place but its a little slow on weekenRAB....you and I have the surgery date in common....Im having a two level 360 and I am extremely nervous....my problem is alot like yours....my wife isnt worried because I havent fully explained all of it to her....she knows what to expect and I have not worried in front of her or my son....I want them to not have the worry I have now...Im the "Rock" in this family...so this is where I go....I try to help and get help....you no doubt will get to meet a few of the pros in here ...people are nice and really understand. I wish you the best and try and not worry about things....it will get better.

Devon
 
Hi mlou58 ***
These are excellent boarRAB to read and learn from . I had 2 disks replaced Oct 17th and was scared as hell to have the surgery , but I had been in pain so long that I didn't really have a choice anymore , I am sooooo sick of depending on pills , and right now the pains still intense , even after a month . ( I am on fentanyl patch & pecocets )
I am trying to be patient , but at times I am in tears from all this crap .
When you see your surgeon , ask him if there are any patients of his that have had your surgery that you might be able to call for information .
{{{{{{ hugggzzzz }}}}}}

TC ***
 
BlueAtlas.....I think Ive read every post you ever put on here...lol I am following everything you have ever said with the exception of the $30 grabber....We had one already and it was a cheapie.....thank you so much for all your help....you are a sweetheart and if there was a dozen roses over in the smiley bin I sure would make the purchase....thank you and Im going to go worry now. lol

I will get back to you all ....as a matter a fack I may take my lap top to the hospital...... I may not even use it but just in case...I might get bored....my sister told me I would be entertained at trying to spend all day to get in and out of bed...lol

Thanks again to ALL of you who offer so much help for the stressed out injured backs around here.

Devon
 
Aw, thanks! That was sweet to say!

If your hospital has wifi, that would be awesome! We've had a few people here who did that and posted to us from their hospital bed after surgery! I didn't take mine to the hospital, but once I got home, I spent many hours a day with my laptop on top of a pillow on my stomach, mostly on this site! "Atwork" (Michelle) was my angel! She had many wise and comforting worRAB for me!

I took books and music to the hospital. Didn't touch any of it. I barely even watched TV. I had a reaction to the anesthesia and my already-low blood pressure dipped so much that I wasn't allowed to get up for the first 5 days. They kept me in ICU as I kept almost passing out. Now don't go worrying about that! I'm a skinny thing and have always had low blood pressure. I've never heard of that happening to anyone else here. I just like to keep my doctor on his toes! Even after I was stable, I just wanted to sleep. Gimmee some pain killers, shut my door, and I'll be fine! :D If you're a typical always-on-the-run American, take advantage of your forced break and enjoy the rest!

Emily :wave:
 
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