Hello Karen,
I am having ACDF surgery (c4/5 c5/6) on Feb 2nd. Hopfully! lol! My surgery is scheduled but now my primary Dr. wont sign off until she sees me Tuesday. I have been waiting for this surgery for 4 months, so I hope she doesnt put a kink in the plans.
I havent had any surgeries before, so I am a little worried but trying not to think about it too much.
Good luck with yours!
Winnah

Ouch I am sending you a buddy request. My drs want me to have same surgery as you are having. Is it Ok if I tag along with you on here?

I wish you and winn the best!!!!

Welcome to SH and our Feb. group. Wow, I'm sorry that you have to wait until Tuesday to see your primary care phsycian to sign you off. I am sure its just standard in his practice to see you beforehand.
Wish you all the best on Tuesday, let us know how it goes.

I went for a pre op a little over a week ago, and my WBC was high, I thought that they were going to postpone my surgery. Luckily, after a trip to the dentist, and some antibiotics, I had a new test done the other day and everything is okay again.Phew!

Beth, Of course I will accept your buddy request. What level(s) are they wanting to do your replacement?

Karen

Best wishes with your PCP appointment and your surgery, Winnah! As for the PCP visit, that's routine before surgery, so everyone involved can be sure "all systems are go" including cardiovascular, liver and so on.

Karen, I'm glad you were able to get the high white count sorted out so you can proceed with your ADR.
>:D< , Ess

Karen gave me the OK to join with you even though my surgery was 1/26. With the 1 level laminectomy/discectomy (C4-C5) I was in the hospital overnight. Most of the pain is when getting up or sitting down, and more widespread muscular pain.

I really don't like having to use a walker. It seems like sometimes it can be more a danger than a help, but it does slow me down, which is probably a good thing.

I hope all your surgeries are uneventful, hospital stay boring, and you get home to a successful recovery.

Take care,

KarenD

Hey I'm having surgery feb 7th. Having a full lumbar fusion.

Welcome to SH!You are having your fusion one day after my adr. What level will your fusion be? How long have you been suffering with back pain?Are you having an ALIF or TLIF or PLIF?

I am going to go through the surgery must haves thread to see what things I will be needing and start getting organized this week, and pack my bag.

Look forward to hearing more from you Timae!

Karen

Had mine already but just wanted to send my support to the people who are having surgery in February!

I also had my ACDF c6c7 done on1/11/12. Good luck to anyone who will be having surgery soon. We are all here to help each other. Take care, Karen

I don't know the right terms even after all these years. It is kind of like white noise to me

I heard all your L and both S need fused BUT since then I fell and did damage to a thoracic disc, so now I really don't know what would be involved....

But I want to start learning as much about all this as I can.

Thanks for budding up with me

Hey I'm having a ALIF and they are doing L2-S1. I have been having back pain for 11 years. I got hit by a car when I was 13. When I got hit I cracked the L4, L5 and got scoliosis. They told me I should have surgery then but my dad thought he knew what was best for me. He said no. So I lived my life and it got worse.. I have been fighting for the surgery around 5 years. I had my pre-op today. I also need to get my stuff ready for surgery.

Hi everyone,
I've been a long time lurker, finally joined the forum a few weeks ago (but keep forgetting to log in each time I come on, which is multiple times daily), and this is my first post.
I am having a posterior cervical fusion on 2/9/12. This is my fifth spinal surgery, my first through the back (the first four were anterior), and we are looking at fusing C3-T2.
Fifth times the charm? (I hope so!)
Heather

Welcome to you both

I expect you both thought today that we are now in February, so not long to go.

I wish you both a successful surgery and a smooth and not too long recovery.

We will all be just a few days apart from each other.
I really hope that the fifth time is the charm for you Heather.Glad that you joined us after lurking.

Nancy,it is hard when you plan to have surgery only to have it cancelled, glad that you don't have to wait too much longer.Hope you feel better. How long will you be in the hosital for your fusion? They are saying about 5 days for my adr.
Karen

My primary Dr approved my surgery, so I am good to go tomorrow morning at 8:30 am! I would probably be terrified if I didnt have a horrible headache..lol! I got some last minute shopping done yesterday after my Dr appointment and my hair cut really short. I did forget a couple of things so I need to make one more trip to the store. (I forgot the zantac the Dr wants me to take tonight and tomorrow morning) I have soo many things I should be doing today but I have a feeling after I make lunch for my son I will be taking a nap with an ice pack for my head. I think it was the drive that stiffened up my neck and is causing the headahce. My primary Dr is about 40 miles away and then with everything else we did, it was too much driving and sitting in the car.
I am very lucky to have a friend staying with me until atleast Feb 24th, she has been here since Jan 9th waiting for the insurance to finish up approving everything. I feel bad for her, she not only will be taking care of me, but also taking care of my son and elderly mother, neither who drive..so she will be doing alot! Thank goodness for wonderful friends!
I wish everyone an uneventful surgery and easy recovery! I will check in when I can.
Take care
Winn

for your surgery tomorrow.

Try to take some time to do something nice just for you this evening. Maybe eat your favourite meal.

Tomorrow is the day to take the first step towards an improved life and get on the road to recovery. There are bound to be some bumps on the way but just keep moving forward and you will get there.

We'll be here waiting for news of how you are doing.

Hi to the new members!!!

My prayers & thoughts will be with each of you!!

I will keep checking back here for updates.

Please post here as/when you can.

You are not going into your operation alone. Remember many members here at SH have traveled this same path and our hearts are with each of you!!!

Wow that is cool that we all have are surgery are so close.... I'm so ready to go into surgery. Then I can move on with life. I won't be in so much pain. I got a job offer today but I had to turn it down cuz he wanted me to start next week. But I will be having the surgery that week and I need to recovery or I would get up and move. So I'm going to go back and talk to him and see what he says.

Are you guys ready to have surgery and have the journey of recovery? In the end it will be good for all of us. I was talking to a freind I knew and meet that had spinal fusion. They said they have never regretted it.

Keep in touch y'all..

Its 11:35 pm and I am eating bbq chips and drinking a soda..loL! I cant eat after midnight I have to be up at 4am, leave for the hospital at 5:30 and be there by 7am. I do not know how I am going to walk through the hospital doors and willingly have surgery, when I dont even hurt right now. I really do not want to leave my kiddo, his dad passed away 2 yrs ago and I am the only family he has. But I know I have to do it and hopefully down the road it will mean a better life for us.
I think I am just having last minute jitters. I will talk to you all when I get home on Friday.

Hey karen I won't... I'm freaking out right now. Im having panic attacks. Im doing diff things to clear my mind. Nothing is working for me. Does any one have any good ideas? The only thing I want to do is work out. I can't do that 24/7... Do you think I doc can get me something To calm me down.

winnah - my thoughts are with you

timae - I agree - call your Dr. Many people feel like this before surgery and need some help

ouch - happy to hear your pretty much chilling about this

I am having ADR surgery (L4/L5) on 15Feb12. Good luck to everyone. I am VERY nervous and I have had three knee surgeries. There is something about my back being operated on that gives me the willies. My nerves and anxiety are so bad that at my pre-surgery brief I am going to ask my surgeon for something to tone me down. If something other than drugs worked for the above issues please let me know. Good luck to everybody and I hope to chat w/ you all post surgery.

I had to stay a little longer than we thought, my blood pressure went up to 250/200, but they think it was from pain. Its still a bit high but better now. I was supposed to go home the same day or next morning, but talked them into keeping me till almost dinner time the next day. I havent been out of the recliner much, kind of in a pain pill haze most of the day. The swallowing is pretty bad, worse than I thought it woule be. They didnt not have me in any kind of collor the whole time I was in the hospital. They were supposed to come and fit me with one before I left (I had to ride in the car for 90 mins home) But the insurance company wouldnt cover it and no one told me for hours after I was released! They did find me an aspen collar and gave me that for the ride home. I am very glad to be home! I will update more later
Winnah

Im happy your doing good. It always good to stay long in the hospital cuz then you know that every thing is good when you leave. Keep the updates coming. We would love to hear from you

You are having adr surgery 9 days after I am. I am having an adr at L5/S1 tomorrow. I am getting nervous now. Would love to keep in touch with you during our recoveries.

Winnah, welcome home! Sorry to hear that you had such high blood pressure. Glad that it has gone down.Hope that you are able to stay ahead of your pain, and have a great recovery.Hope that you have soft foods for your swallowing.Thanks for the update, and look forward to hearing more from you!

Karen

winnah - I am sorry you had a rough go of it with blood pressure & pain. But I am happy you are on the side of it now and hopefully on the way to a new journey

NOTE*** When I had my knees replaced I "made" (they don't like to spend the extra time to tell us) my Drs PA tell me EVERYTHING I may need after my surgery and the whole ways through my recovery. Then I checked myself (don't trust the Drs or hospital to do this for you) with my insurance Co what they would pay for or if what they would not pay for what was needed so they would.

Example: Insurance co would pay for my hospital bed at home. But would not pay for the table stand that comes with it automatically. I called supplier and found out if I pay cash ahead of time table was 20.00 a month, which I paid.

winnah I am NOT saying it is your fault that you did not know insurance would not pay for needed collar. Most of us assume that the Drs and/or hospitals take care of this.

Ouch - thinking of you!!!

Timae - when i your surgery again? sorry I forgot.

lbone - welcome to SP. I wish you the BEST!!! Please keep us updated

Hey its all good. The big day is on the 7th so I have 2 days left

We're both scheduled for tomorrow, right? What time is your surgery? I'm scheduled for 8:30 (eastern time), so in 24 hours I should be just about finished up.

Winnah, hope you're getting plenty of rest and healing well.

Nancy

I think mine starts at 7 and I will need to be there at 530 (mount. Time). They will call me after 2 today for the time and tell me what to do tonight. . I am ready to get this over with lol. Well I'm not packed yet but I only live 5 min. Away from the hospital. I'm going to get my MRI in a hour. My surgery will take 8 hours. That's what the doc said... Are you ready?

I had an auto accident June 2011. I've just undergone a C4-C5 fusion, which now I'm recovering from. But I also have throacic herniation at T10-11. My doctor says I need another surgery for relief, but I am putting it off. I don't have enough information on this surgery and would love it if anyone has any info for me. I'm doing PT - water therapy, take muscle relaxers, Ibuprofin 800, but so far not much helps me. I continue to spasm unless I am totally resting. I have not worked in 8 mos. since my accident. I'm just frustrated, and don't know what my next move should be. HELP?

Hello!
I am not doing as bad as I thought I would be, although I have had a couple of little set backs. I was feeling pretty good for awhile yesterday and think I over did it a little. I was able to swallow soup and part of a frappachino from Starbucks (best thing I have eated so far!..I have my friend get a big one and divide it up in 4, 1/2 cup containers and freeze for later) So I decided I should cook dinner for my son because my care giver keeps forgetting to feed him! (her kids are grown) I think it was a little too much standing time. I also think I have some kind of infection going on, either thrush from the antibiotics or maybe even strep throat. I tried going to the urgent care after my primary doctor couldnt get me in, but urgent care wouldnt see me (here there isnt a price difference between urgent care and primary care and the urgent care is never full durring the day). They told me to go to the Er, which I just wasnt up to doing and didnt think it was severe enough to sit there for 4-5 hrs. I finally got an appointment for 11am tomorrow and am just trying to make it through till then. Its a 90 min drive round trip and I am not looking forward to it, I wont be driving but my car is a stick and every little bounce hurts. Hopefully it isnt a bad infection and my throat is just still very sore. I have a bit of a fever, but its sill under 100, my temp runs about 96 usually, with my hashimotos, so it is a little high for me. I guess I am rambling a little..pain pills do that to me!
So far, since I have been home I am able to do most things I need to do, shower, wash my hair, get dressed..etc..it just takes a little more time and caution. I make cup of tea in the mornings.But cant bend enough to get things out of the fridge. I am sleeping in the recliner but am about ready to try my bed! I am sure I will end up back in the recliner, but even a couple hours in bed sounds good.
Anyway, I hope everyone is doing as well as possible and that recovery for those already through surgery is going smooth.
I Will update what I find out tomorrow at the Dr's.
Winn

Hey I had to get my surgery changed cuz of his surgeon tech was sick. He had two back up but they were busy and he had a back up back up. That one was not ready for a surgery like mine. I was already to get the sleepy juice and go to the OR room. I had the iv and all on... So he going to book me in sometime he will call me soon and tell me when it is. To every one that is or had or having surgery your in my prays. Have a good journey of recovery and healing.

I hope all those having surgery recently are healing well. I am recovering pretty well from my L4-5 laminectomy and discectomy.

Winnah, I hope your throat is ok. I had a lot of trouble swallowing with my ACDF.

Good thoughts going out to you 2/7 surgeries. I hope you are all home soon.

It is hard to know what to say to those of you who are really nervous going into surgery. No surgery is easy, but for me, I tried to get enough information so I understood what would happen before, during and after the surgery (in detail). I also used this site for support and getting information about what to do to get ready for the surgery and what was needed after. Do talk to your doctor if you are getting overwhelmed and may need something to help you calm down and get needed rest before the surgery.

Take care, and be well.

KarenD

Surgery of any kind is scary, and it seems as though back surgeries can have mixed results so you really need to evaluate what they would be doing, why, and what are potential consequences of not doing it or how can they address your symptoms.

I'm 53 and had 2 spinal surgeries in a year (cervical and lumbar). It is not a panacea but I trust my surgeon and as he promised, the pain has not gotten worse (after recovery) and I have had some pain mitigation.

Geri - you didn't say what kind of surgery they would do. I had a laminectomy and discectomy at L4-L5, which I think as far as back surgeries go is less invasive. I am 2 weeks out of surgery today and I am up and around and able to take 20+ minute walks outside. I get tired easily. Some of the pain is better.

Sorry to ramble. Good luck to all the February surgeries and recoveries, and I hope you are doing well Karen (Ouch2)!

KarenD

I just wanted to come back and give some hope for those waiting for surgery. Its been just about a week now since my acdf and I feel soo much better! When I went to my primary care Dr on tuesday I DID have thrush and within just 2 or 3 rinses with the mouthwash, eating and swallowing was SO much easier. I have been very lucky so far. (I am VERY thankful for that, but know there could still be some rough spots!) Since the second day I got home I have felt better than the last 2 1/2 years its taken to diagnosis what was wrong with me. I have no numbness and tingling, no headaches yet (some I dont think were related to my spinal problems) and for the first time I dont have this horrible feeling of dread or hoplessness! When I first starting having problems my primary Dr at the time just told me "Your in your 40's, divorced, depressed and having panic attacks" He sent me on my way with anxiety meds and a prescription for antidepressants I never filled. At that time I was complaining of chest pain, severe neck/back pain and problems with my blood pressure and heart rate. I didnt believe him and when to Dr after Dr and had test after test, most with no insurance. Every one of them told me versions of the same thing, one even told me there was such a thing as "secret depression" where I could be depressed and not know it..lol and another told me he though I had MS! I did a lot of google research, and couldnt come up with anything either. Finally when My arm started going numb for months (my dr just kept giving me muscle relaxants and pain pills) a Dr who was visiting my clinic while they were shorthanded mentioned I might have slipped disks in my neck. I went home and googled it and the first website described my symptoms EXACTLY! I made my own appointment with my spine surgeon and he ordered an MRI and BINGO! there it was. I lost 2 1/2 years, so did my son. All because no one would listen and look beyond the normal "40 yr old woman syndrome" Even though I thought my surgeon was nuts when he told me I would be able to resume most of my activities soon after surgery and that I could drive as soon as I was off pain meds (going to hold off on that for awhile by my choice) So far he has been pretty spot on and closer to the truth than any other Dr I have seen these past 2 1/2 years! I do plan on writing a letter and including a copy of my MRI to a few of my previous Drs. Not as an I told you so, but more as a reminder to not stop listening and not stop looking for answers.
I know this is a little long and rambly, but hang in there, dont worry too much and hopefully you will all be as thankful with the outcome of your surgery as I have been so far!

Hey everyone I called my surgeon... I wont know when my surgery date tell monday. I'm hoping it will be around the 2/21. I been fight for surgery over. 5 years I don't want to wait any more. I'm sick of this pain. I know I might have diff pain but its not as bad as this. You all are in my prays on your recovery journey, your surgery, and the people that are trying to not have it.

Winnah, you sound like you are doing so well now, I am so happy for you!Glad that swallowing is easier and you caught the thrush early.

Timae, sorry to hear that your surgery was postponed at the last possible minute. Glad to hear that they will be rescheduling soon.

Nancy, you sound like you are doing fantastic!Wow you were out of the hospital early for having a fusion.Glad to see you doing so well.

Karen D. you give me hope for those of us who are having more than one
surgery in a year...keep up the progress!
Heather, Hope you are doing well two days out. Look forward to hearing from you.

Geri and Bill, wishing you all the best with your upcoming surgeries.Look forward to hearing more from you.

Okay... nap time lol

Karen

Ouch - what the heck GF - I am home too and nothing more about you? Come on dish it up to us, how are YOU doing?

Winnah- You sound WONDERFUL!!

Timae- I understand this stuff happens but I would had been very upset. I hope you can get this done soon!

Nancy - wow that is my kind of surgeon! When I had my knees done my surgeon told me that he likes to get people out of the hospital ASAP as of the germs and such - makes sense to me.

Karen - oh my! 2 in 1 yr. You are braver then me!

Heather- Hope each day finds you doping better and better!

Geri & Bill - Hopefully both of you will be on the other side of this path soon!

Everyone - Please keep us updated as you can. Posts like these are so helpful to members

Ditto to what Beth said - how are YOU? Of course we're all hoping your recovery is going smoothly and your hospital stay was uneventful. Love 'n , Ess

How is everyone doing? I know several just had surgery a few days ago. Looking forward to updates
I havent been feeling up to par for the last couple days. Nothing serious, I just have to remind myself that I had pretty serious surgery a little over a week ago.
I think I may have waited too long to try sleeping in my bed. at first I was afraid to, then I decided to try after I found a soft collar..I live kind of rural/small town. I tried 4 stores, the only 4 stores in our 2 town, not to far to drive (ride) radius and finally found one at the last store. The soft collar didnt help and wasnt comfortable but I did end up sleeping in my bed last night from about 3 am till 6 am and woke up with a horrible headache and neck and muscle pain in the back of my neck/upper back.
I wonder if sleeping in the recliner for the past week was a bad idea? Today I tried just small amounts of time laying down in bed when I felt like resting but fell asleep tonight for about 2 hrs and have the same pains and headache. Before last night I hadnt really had any muscle pain, just a little soreness like slight bruising. Anyone have that happen when they switched from the recliner back to the bed? I am hoping its just going to take some time to get used to, but sure plan on sleeping in the recliner for a few hours when I go back to bed
I have been sleepier and a little out of it the last 2 days too. Nothing worrisome, just noticable to myself and my family. I am going to take Sunday off completly and enjoy the help while I still have it. My friend is leaving on the 24th and I sure wish she as staying longer. Not just for the help and to have a driver in the house but its been nice having company and catching up.
Anyay, its after 1am and I am going to try to go back to bed. Take care and have a wonderful Sunday!

Hi everyone,
Surgery was at 1:30 on 2/9, so only 30 minutes late.
Not sure exactly how long it took, but it wasn't a race.
Having a lot of trouble keeping pain levels in check.
Severe neck and shoulder spasms, arm pain, headaches & have developed tail bone pain & pain down the left leg.
Was assigned a pain management doctor, & that is almost keeping pain to an 8.
Worst experience so far-when they took me for X-rays & left me in staging area over 90 minutes with nothing to support my arms & a call button that didn't work. Took almost 2 hours to get me back down.
Slept only 42 minutes the first night, 3.5 hours the second night & 4 hours last night.
On the positive side, my anterior fusions I previously had at c4 & c5 are in good shape, so I only had 3 levels fused with the posterior approach, c6, c7, & t1. Everyone warned me this would be my toughest fusion (it was my fifth), and that was putting it lightly. It is definitely the toughest surgery I have ever undergone. Thank you everyone for all of your positive thoughts & support.
Heather