Upcoming spine surgery | Arthritis Information
Hi my friends,
I just wanted to write a quick note and let you know I am finally having surgery on my spine (second time). The surgery is next Wed., 12/17. I will be in the hospital at least a week, so the earliest I'll be home is Christmas Eve. But it could be longer.
This surgery will be very complex, according to my surgeon. My spine is scoliotic, and I've shrunk 5" in the past 3 years. We were hoping to have minimally invasive surgery, but unfortunately, that is not possible. The doctor has told me I have a much better chance of a successful surgery with posterior lumbar fusion. It will be a 9-level fusion, from T10 to S1. I previously had fusion surgery from L4 to S1, but my new doc thinks that one of the existing pedicle screws may be impinging a nerve, causing extreme pain down my left leg. This particular pain isn't touched by my pain meds. So he will take out any of the instrumentation that is causing problems.
Since my spine is curved and twisted, and 3 of the lumbar vertebrea have fallen to the side, he will also remove some bone to allow him to straighten up my spine. Currently, because of the collapse of my lumbar spine, my rib cage is rubbing against the top of my pelvis. I can actually feel it, at times. I am very bent over and the pain has prevented me from walking for almost a year.
The doctor is sure he can help my pain, and he is going to straighten my spine and, I think, put in some spacers to take the place of the disks that are almost completely gone.
Sorry for the length of this, but just wanted those who I know care about me, to know why I'm going to be gone for a while. I'll let you know how I am as soon as I can, but it could be a while. Please know I'll be thinking of you and hope you all feel good for the holidays and beyond.
I would appreciate any prayers and/or good thoughts anyone feels like sending.
Much love to you all,
Nini
(((((((((((((((((((((((((Nini)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))Nini- best of luck to you- I know that is not an easy surgery. My daughter had the posterior lumbar fusion in 1999 for scoliosis. She did beautifully! She was young and they say they heal quickly.
Prayers going up that everything will go smoothly and everything they have promised will come true.
Please keep us posted.
Good luck to you Nini, I pray this will take care of your enduring pain. God Bless.Good bless you, Nini, as you go through this surgery. What a wonderful Christmas gift; to be able to walk again.
Keep us updated when you can.
take care
"We can rebuild her. . . stronger, faster --And Straighter!" Geez, you get to be Bionic!
I know it will be a difficult time, but hopefully you will soon be doing so much better, and your quality of life will greatly improve. My best wishes and prayers for you Nini. Please ask you family to let us know how you are doing as soon as it is convenient.
Oh ouch Nini. I'll be thinking of you and hope you have a speedy recovery and are home by Christmas.
God Bless Nini, fingers and toes crossed that all will be well. Hugs Janie.
Oh, Nini, I hope the surgery is a huge success. No one deserves to live in pain. Good luck!Nini,
I sorta watched a back surgery on tv (I closed my eyes for part of it). The individual didn't have insurance so his curvature of spine had progressed untreated. Amazingly, the surgery not only helped relieve pain, straightened his spine somewhat, but added a few inches in height. It was truly amazing to see the results.
I will be thinking of you and hoping everything goes smoothly, and that you are able to be back home if not for Christmas, for New Years. Sending prayers for a successful surgery and speedy recovery. All the best Nini, take care.
You are braver than i am. Get well soon.Linda...this is a real journey for you obviously, it will be a turning point and I am sure, a new beginning . I remember reading and commenting on a post of yours a couple of months ago when I discovered you could not walk. I was was at that place for 10 days of my life and never want to be there again.
You are one strong amazon of a woman and I wish you well with this intervention, and I have no doubt that all is going to so very much better for you after it.
I send you lots of
Love to you....Lyn
bumpI am going to keep thoughts and prayers coming for you Nini as you take this on...
I wish much healing, great relief, and minimal pain in recovery
I will keep you (and your medical team!) in my thoughts. Heal quickly and without too much pain!
Sending prayers and positive thoughts your way, Nini! Good luck!Thank you all, so very much for your kind words and support. You can't imagine how much it means to me to have your thoughts and prayers. It is so comforting to know I have friends who care.
My precious husband is going to take care of me, as he has for so long. When the doctor told us what outcome we could expect from the surgery, my Sweetie looked at me with tears in his eyes. He has done so much research, etc, looking for help for me, and we finally found the doctor, we feel can help me.
We will try to let you know as soon as we can. Keep positive thoughts for me, please.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays,
Much love to you all,
Nini
Nini, You'll be in my thoughts and I hope for the best possible results for you. LindyNini - we all care so much about you, your sweet soul is a refuge on this board. You will be in my thoughts and prayers, and we know you will be keeping us informed of your recovery. I suspect you will be out of touch for awhile, so Merry Christmas and I am certain you will have a great New Year ~~ huggles ~~ CathyNini, love & hugs for you
and Hubby. You both will be in my thoughts and prayers.
My love and thanks to you all! When I'm upright and walking again and able to travel, probably next summer, we are going to Maui again. I plan on long walks on the beach as part of my therapy. Total recovery is expected to take a year, but hopefully I can sneak away for a little quiet trip.
Thanks again for the support,
Love, Nini
Nini, God bless you and your surgeons as you undertake this miraculous surgery. To walk again... what a joyous thing to look forward to! you and hubby deserve many trips to anywhere you want. I will be praying for all of you. Please take care and don't go running out of the hospital before allowed or they will tie you down.
Merry Christmas sweetie and the bestest of wishes!
Deb
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