Elaine
01-10-2003, 03:43 PM
I won't tell you the horrible details of my surgery, instead I will tell you the "bright" somewhat comical side of it. I awoke from surgery with bright lights glaring in my face. Since it was so close to New Years, my first thought was that I had been out celebrating New Years. The lights came on and that means the bar is closing. Here I am telling my doctor how wonderful he is because he came to the bar to celebrate New Years with me, before surgery. I proceeded to ask him, how could I go to surgery, drunk?? OMG, was I embarrased when I realized what I was saying. The next day, he commented on what a wild time we had on "our" party.
Next day, office personal came in to tell me I didn't have insurance and there was a co-pay of $46,000. I told them to call and talk to the right people and they would find I did have insurance. Shortly after, someone else came in and said I couldn't go to rehab as I didn't have insurance. The next day, I could to to rehab as I did have insurance. I politely told them if I couldn't go to rehab without insurance, now that I do have it, I refuse to go. So after six days in the hospital, I came home. Yesterday, I lost it. Pain built up and I literally broke down and cried. I called my husband at work, crying like there was no tomorrow. He was shocked as I have never broke down before. Too much pain finally got the best of me, a body can only handle so much and I think I finally reached my limit. so much for the "tough ole me". Anyway, just want you to know I survived, although right now, that doesn't mean much. I am miserable...
Better days ahead.
Thanks to all of you for thinking of me....
Love Elaine
Next day, office personal came in to tell me I didn't have insurance and there was a co-pay of $46,000. I told them to call and talk to the right people and they would find I did have insurance. Shortly after, someone else came in and said I couldn't go to rehab as I didn't have insurance. The next day, I could to to rehab as I did have insurance. I politely told them if I couldn't go to rehab without insurance, now that I do have it, I refuse to go. So after six days in the hospital, I came home. Yesterday, I lost it. Pain built up and I literally broke down and cried. I called my husband at work, crying like there was no tomorrow. He was shocked as I have never broke down before. Too much pain finally got the best of me, a body can only handle so much and I think I finally reached my limit. so much for the "tough ole me". Anyway, just want you to know I survived, although right now, that doesn't mean much. I am miserable...
Better days ahead.
Thanks to all of you for thinking of me....
Love Elaine
Sponsor
Kortney
01-10-2003, 04:58 PM
Dear Elaine,
You are going to be allright. We've all been thinking about you.
It's OK to break down. Let yourself cry if you need to.
You are so, so strong and you have always been a voice of reason for me and for all of us here.
I admire your strength and wisdom of TMJD. It just kills my heart that so many of us have been forever changed by surgery, etc. You've been through so much and you've always handled it well.
You will make it through this.
I just wish I had some words of wisdom for you or knew what to say to make you feel better. I'd give anything to know what to say to make you feel better.
Just know that I'm thinking of you and holding you close in prayer for a speedy recovery.
Please, take care of yourself and get some rest. Post back when you feel up to it.
Take care,
Kortney
You are going to be allright. We've all been thinking about you.
It's OK to break down. Let yourself cry if you need to.
You are so, so strong and you have always been a voice of reason for me and for all of us here.
I admire your strength and wisdom of TMJD. It just kills my heart that so many of us have been forever changed by surgery, etc. You've been through so much and you've always handled it well.
You will make it through this.
I just wish I had some words of wisdom for you or knew what to say to make you feel better. I'd give anything to know what to say to make you feel better.
Just know that I'm thinking of you and holding you close in prayer for a speedy recovery.
Please, take care of yourself and get some rest. Post back when you feel up to it.
Take care,
Kortney
Cymy Sue
01-10-2003, 05:27 PM
Hey Elaine,
Hang in there. Glad you're back. We all know if you have a good Doctor, the Business Office will mess up and cause you grief. There has to be some incompetence somewhere.
No matter how much pain we've suffered, there's always a situation where there can be more than we can bear.
I'm glad you had your husband to call. We're a lot alike. If I cry, it scares my husband. He told my friend the other day that he had known me 27 years and he had seen me cry about 6 times. I do hope your pain is better today and that you will be able to post regularly again real soon.
I wish too, that I knew words that would help you. But from experience, Nobody has ever known the right thing to say to me. Don't feel alone, there are so many in this "board" family that are concerned. If we could help you get through this, we would.
Prayers for a quick recovery and relief from pain,
Cymy Sue
Hang in there. Glad you're back. We all know if you have a good Doctor, the Business Office will mess up and cause you grief. There has to be some incompetence somewhere.
No matter how much pain we've suffered, there's always a situation where there can be more than we can bear.
I'm glad you had your husband to call. We're a lot alike. If I cry, it scares my husband. He told my friend the other day that he had known me 27 years and he had seen me cry about 6 times. I do hope your pain is better today and that you will be able to post regularly again real soon.
I wish too, that I knew words that would help you. But from experience, Nobody has ever known the right thing to say to me. Don't feel alone, there are so many in this "board" family that are concerned. If we could help you get through this, we would.
Prayers for a quick recovery and relief from pain,
Cymy Sue
crystalll
01-10-2003, 08:40 PM
Welcome back Elaine.
We all need a good cry every once in awhile. There's no shame in that.
It seems like you made it through surgery with your sense of humour intact! Those people who had New Years day hangovers had nothing on you!
You take care of yourself.
Crystal
We all need a good cry every once in awhile. There's no shame in that.
It seems like you made it through surgery with your sense of humour intact! Those people who had New Years day hangovers had nothing on you!
You take care of yourself.
Crystal
Marlene
01-10-2003, 11:34 PM
Elaine,
Crying can be a great "stress reliever"!
WELCOME BACK!!!!!!!!!!
Marlene
Crying can be a great "stress reliever"!
WELCOME BACK!!!!!!!!!!
Marlene
thisstarr
01-11-2003, 05:06 PM
Welcome back :wave:
Well at least you had a little amusment (sp) while you were gone..lol...
I am so sorry you have to suffer with all this pain along with your tmj it must be very hard. Your a very strong person Elaine and have help me and others so much, but it is ok for you to have a moment where you need US to resure you it will be ok! I know your our "mommy" of our tmj family but it is ok for you to break down and cry, it is good for you to just let it all out sometimes, holding it all in can put stress on your body...
Were all here for you, I wish you a speedy recovery and take it easy ok! And dont eat anymore carrot sticks :nono:
get well soon.... :angel:
Starr
Well at least you had a little amusment (sp) while you were gone..lol...
I am so sorry you have to suffer with all this pain along with your tmj it must be very hard. Your a very strong person Elaine and have help me and others so much, but it is ok for you to have a moment where you need US to resure you it will be ok! I know your our "mommy" of our tmj family but it is ok for you to break down and cry, it is good for you to just let it all out sometimes, holding it all in can put stress on your body...
Were all here for you, I wish you a speedy recovery and take it easy ok! And dont eat anymore carrot sticks :nono:
get well soon.... :angel:
Starr
Elaine
01-12-2003, 01:42 AM
Thanks everybody!!!!
I feel better after reading your posts. I must have a soft spot after all, I actually sat here and cried while reading your posts. Must be post=op catching up with me. Today was a little better but what an ordeal this has been. The incision is close to a foot long and if you saw the screws they took out, you would never believe it. My husband says he can build a new truck with them, better yet the price of those screws, he could buy a brand new one. Doctor said there was lots of damage. Of course, as with any surgery, the dreaded scar tissue. He thinks I will have a good outcome and I feel like I will too once, I get past the surgical pain. At least I no longer have numbness in my leg and that is a excellent sign!!!
Well I better go or I will get in trouble from sitting here too long...
Take care,
Elaine
Crystal,
I still feel hungover, I may have been better off to go on a real party.LOL!!! You made me laugh :)
I feel better after reading your posts. I must have a soft spot after all, I actually sat here and cried while reading your posts. Must be post=op catching up with me. Today was a little better but what an ordeal this has been. The incision is close to a foot long and if you saw the screws they took out, you would never believe it. My husband says he can build a new truck with them, better yet the price of those screws, he could buy a brand new one. Doctor said there was lots of damage. Of course, as with any surgery, the dreaded scar tissue. He thinks I will have a good outcome and I feel like I will too once, I get past the surgical pain. At least I no longer have numbness in my leg and that is a excellent sign!!!
Well I better go or I will get in trouble from sitting here too long...
Take care,
Elaine
Crystal,
I still feel hungover, I may have been better off to go on a real party.LOL!!! You made me laugh :)
Merrida
01-13-2003, 01:48 PM
Okay here comes the newbie speaking prematurely,... but here goes. Elaine, what surgery did you have that would give you a 12 inch incision? Was it a laminectomy for your low back?
((by the by, I'll keep on reading further down the board to see the posts that will no doubt answer my questions))
Do you post on the "back" board?
(I'm assuming this is not TMJD related?)
Thanks again everyone, I know my questions are quitely likely repetitive...so thank you all for the patience!
((by the by, I'll keep on reading further down the board to see the posts that will no doubt answer my questions))
Do you post on the "back" board?
(I'm assuming this is not TMJD related?)
Thanks again everyone, I know my questions are quitely likely repetitive...so thank you all for the patience!
Elaine
01-13-2003, 02:05 PM
Merrida,
I wish I had "only" required a laminectomy. I had L5/S1 fusion two years ago, with two rods and four screws. That fusion did take and I did ok with that one. Then the L4 decided to do its dirty deed and rupture also. The inner junk that is in the nucleus was leaking on my nerve roots and I had electric shock pain that would drop me to my knees. Plus my right leg was numb to the bottom of my foot. They took out the hardware from my first fusion, along with scar tissue, osteophytes, a laminectomy, a discectomy, fusion,(new rods and screws) with a "hip graft from ME"!!! And that hurts worse than the whole surgery. Anyway, once the initial surgery pain goes away, I think I will be fine unless of course another disc goes which could very well happen. For the time being, I am doing ok.
Yes, I have posted on the back boards a few times but I feel more at home here as I have been posting here for more than two years. My lumbar is not TMJ related but the cervical problems are since a whiplash was what caused this whole nightmare...
Take care,
Elaine
I wish I had "only" required a laminectomy. I had L5/S1 fusion two years ago, with two rods and four screws. That fusion did take and I did ok with that one. Then the L4 decided to do its dirty deed and rupture also. The inner junk that is in the nucleus was leaking on my nerve roots and I had electric shock pain that would drop me to my knees. Plus my right leg was numb to the bottom of my foot. They took out the hardware from my first fusion, along with scar tissue, osteophytes, a laminectomy, a discectomy, fusion,(new rods and screws) with a "hip graft from ME"!!! And that hurts worse than the whole surgery. Anyway, once the initial surgery pain goes away, I think I will be fine unless of course another disc goes which could very well happen. For the time being, I am doing ok.
Yes, I have posted on the back boards a few times but I feel more at home here as I have been posting here for more than two years. My lumbar is not TMJ related but the cervical problems are since a whiplash was what caused this whole nightmare...
Take care,
Elaine
Merrida
01-13-2003, 05:15 PM
OMG,....well good luck and God bless! You have given me a rude awakening and reality check. I wish you the best of all healing, and thank you for sharing!
cfreund
01-14-2003, 01:23 PM
Elaine--
Know that your cyber friends all care about what you are going through and that you can post away with whatever you are feeling. Noone here cares if you are crying or screaming, or WHATEVER. Let it all out here and it may just help in the healing process!
Carole
Know that your cyber friends all care about what you are going through and that you can post away with whatever you are feeling. Noone here cares if you are crying or screaming, or WHATEVER. Let it all out here and it may just help in the healing process!
Carole
Elaine
01-14-2003, 03:57 PM
Carole,
There has been a little bit of screaming lately, thank god, so far I haven't directed it at anybody...LOL.
This is one horrible surgery to endure but except for a few weak moments, I am pretty tough. I know I will come through this with flying colors. I feel better already, other than the surgical pain. I have lucked out and not had to many headaches to deal with so far. I actually think God is finally giving me a break on that end. I have about reached my pain limit and somebody "up" there must know that.
Thanks for the kind thoughts...
Elaine
There has been a little bit of screaming lately, thank god, so far I haven't directed it at anybody...LOL.
This is one horrible surgery to endure but except for a few weak moments, I am pretty tough. I know I will come through this with flying colors. I feel better already, other than the surgical pain. I have lucked out and not had to many headaches to deal with so far. I actually think God is finally giving me a break on that end. I have about reached my pain limit and somebody "up" there must know that.
Thanks for the kind thoughts...
Elaine
Cymy Sue
01-15-2003, 06:08 PM
Hey Elaine,
I'm so glad you're feeling a little better. We'll keep you in our prayers.
Cymy Sue
I'm so glad you're feeling a little better. We'll keep you in our prayers.
Cymy Sue
thisstarr
01-22-2003, 03:00 AM
Hi Elaine & everyone,
This question is for you, you seem to be the expert on back pain. (no offence) I hope your feelinh better :)
I have been having bad pain in my back so bad I want to die! My pain is shooting down my spine going to my lower back and into my hips and down my legs. It is so bad, I have never had pain like this in my life! I can barly walk. (it hurts in the surrounding areas too) I went to the doctor today and he didnt know what the heck it was, he thought it was muscle pain...lol..I have has muscle pain and this is nothing like that. It almost feels like it is shooting down my spine and someone beat the crap out of me, it does not feel like muscle pain at all, I have had that before. Can this be from TMJ? I know you cant be my doctor, but I am just really scared, any input I would appreciate it. I have so many problems from TMJ, I dont think I can handle back pain like this! I am proud you are strong and can handle both!
Thanks again,
Starr
This question is for you, you seem to be the expert on back pain. (no offence) I hope your feelinh better :)
I have been having bad pain in my back so bad I want to die! My pain is shooting down my spine going to my lower back and into my hips and down my legs. It is so bad, I have never had pain like this in my life! I can barly walk. (it hurts in the surrounding areas too) I went to the doctor today and he didnt know what the heck it was, he thought it was muscle pain...lol..I have has muscle pain and this is nothing like that. It almost feels like it is shooting down my spine and someone beat the crap out of me, it does not feel like muscle pain at all, I have had that before. Can this be from TMJ? I know you cant be my doctor, but I am just really scared, any input I would appreciate it. I have so many problems from TMJ, I dont think I can handle back pain like this! I am proud you are strong and can handle both!
Thanks again,
Starr
Luigi12
01-22-2003, 11:38 AM
Dear Elaine,
I've been waiting to find out how your surgery went. Thank God you seem to be optimistic about it. I am so very sorry about the pain level, though. It must be so frustrating to fight a war on two fronts - your back and the TMJ problems. Some days I don't know how you keep going. But am so glad that you've finally found a good surgeon. Lord knows, you've been waiting long enough!
I know from the years we've been writing that you'll get through this like a star, as always. Somehow you always have a laugh about something. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/jester.gif So happy new year and may you finally have a good year with minimal pain.
Love always,
Donna Y.
I've been waiting to find out how your surgery went. Thank God you seem to be optimistic about it. I am so very sorry about the pain level, though. It must be so frustrating to fight a war on two fronts - your back and the TMJ problems. Some days I don't know how you keep going. But am so glad that you've finally found a good surgeon. Lord knows, you've been waiting long enough!
I know from the years we've been writing that you'll get through this like a star, as always. Somehow you always have a laugh about something. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/jester.gif So happy new year and may you finally have a good year with minimal pain.
Love always,
Donna Y.
Elaine
01-22-2003, 06:44 PM
Star,
The only was you can really find out if there are problems in your back is with a MRI. A regular doctor won't usually order one, you would need to see an orthopedic. They cost around $1200. Don't know what else to tell you except back pain is the pits. I know TMJD and neck pain are connected but if you are having lower back pain and leg pain it is something else....An MRI would tell you.. Try laying on ice, sometimes this will calm it down.
Take care,
Elaine
The only was you can really find out if there are problems in your back is with a MRI. A regular doctor won't usually order one, you would need to see an orthopedic. They cost around $1200. Don't know what else to tell you except back pain is the pits. I know TMJD and neck pain are connected but if you are having lower back pain and leg pain it is something else....An MRI would tell you.. Try laying on ice, sometimes this will calm it down.
Take care,
Elaine
Elaine
01-22-2003, 06:54 PM
Hi Donna,
Thanks for the uplifting post. I will get through this but what a test..Back surgery is definitely not for the weak, wow!! There was a lady across the hall from me in the hospital,that had back surgery too. If I had heard her before having surgery, I would have ran. I am finally getting past the killer pain but once I
"start" to feel a little better, I do too much and end up back in the horrible pain cycle. I hate being so useless and my house looks like I have 10 kids, LOL!!
Anyway enough of that...The good news is I can finally sit on my tailbone...After $200,000, things are finally looking up. The price we pay for the things most people take for granted. Why me lord?
Good to see you on the board.
Take care,
Elaine
Thanks for the uplifting post. I will get through this but what a test..Back surgery is definitely not for the weak, wow!! There was a lady across the hall from me in the hospital,that had back surgery too. If I had heard her before having surgery, I would have ran. I am finally getting past the killer pain but once I
"start" to feel a little better, I do too much and end up back in the horrible pain cycle. I hate being so useless and my house looks like I have 10 kids, LOL!!
Anyway enough of that...The good news is I can finally sit on my tailbone...After $200,000, things are finally looking up. The price we pay for the things most people take for granted. Why me lord?
Good to see you on the board.
Take care,
Elaine