I'm have an anterior/posterior lumbar fusion, lamenectomy & fusion w/ instrumatation & ICBG, L4, L5,S1. On Jan. 27th, anyone else out there getting ready for surgery this month? Maybe we could keep on posting here as we go through it.

Everyone else that has gone through this has been so helpful here. This week someone from W/C is coming over to se what I need for post surgery. So far I get a bed, a recliner (lift), shower chair, handles, rasied toliet seat, is there anything else I should ask for? I think my attorney finally got on there butts to do something for me. They even asked if I wanted 24 hour care when I get home, go figure! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dizzy.gif Maybe I should take advantage of that??

I've got your list Baxter and I'm getting ready. Hope your doing better, Sometimes I think maybe I should cancel my wedding till later on in the year, but I don't want to make his ex wife happy now do I? I guess it will just give me more incentive to get better quick! Maybe at least I'll lose some weigh through all this, I'll get a better back and a new husband! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bouncing.gif

Anyways the past few days have been horrid, I've been to the ER twice and they put me on so many new meds (to add to my collection) that I've been sick to my stomach ever since. Today I finally felt a little better so I finished up some wedding stuff.

So any advice or words of widsom would be so appriecated http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/round.gif

Hi Patsy,

I'm so happy to hear that you are finally feeling a little better. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

This will all be worth it in the long run. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/round.gif

If I recall, your wedding will be in April, I think you will be fine at that time. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif

I'm now five weeks post op, and I think today, I could handle a wedding. My husband may not like the idea of me getting married again though............. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bang.gif

I would be umcomfortable for sure, but, I could pull it off.

All of the help you are getting is wonderful.
Take advantage of everything they offer.
Is the bed, a hospital bed ?

I think you will really be happy with the chair lift, if only I had known from day one that the ins. co. would pay for my chair lift, I may not have had such a hard time for the first three weeks.
I had a terrible time getting comfortable, so this will help you greatly.
I had to charge it on my credit card, I just got my full reimbursement check the other day, so that made me very happy.
It is the best for reading http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/t_up.gif

Please keep thinking positive thoughts, and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/angel.gif

I would never want to make the ex happy. HA !

Have a great day,
Baxter http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/love2.gif

Hi Patsy,

I'm so happy to hear that you are finally feeling a little better. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

This will all be worth it in the long run. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/round.gif

If I recall, your wedding will be in April, I think you will be fine at that time. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif

I'm now five weeks post op, and I think today, I could handle a wedding. My husband may not like the idea of me getting married again though............. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bang.gif

I would be umcomfortable for sure, but, I could pull it off.

All of the help you are getting is wonderful.
Take advantage of everything they offer.
Is the bed, a hospital bed ?

I think you will really be happy with the chair lift, if only I had known from day one that the ins. co. would pay for my chair lift, I may not have had such a hard time for the first three weeks.
I had a terrible time getting comfortable, so this will help you greatly.
I had to charge it on my credit card, I just got my full reimbursement check the other day, so that made me very happy.
It is the best for reading http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/t_up.gif

Please keep thinking positive thoughts, and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/angel.gif

I would never want to make the ex happy. HA !

Have a great day,
Baxter http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/love2.gif

------------------
Two level laminectomy fusion L5-S1 & L2-3 done on 12/6/02.
Fifteen inch scar from the very top of butt crack (sorry), to the bra line.
BAK cages, rods & screws.(Titanium)
My pelvic bone was used for grafting.
Praying that the other two discs in between, won't have to be fused later, as I was told it was a possibility, due to the other two discs in between, not being in that great of shape.
Doc didn't want to fuse four levels, unless it is really necessary.
I would hate to repeat the surgery, as the recovery period, is so very painful.
I also have a free fragment in my T11-12 area, that I'm still refusing surgery for, at this point in time.
That surgery is way too dangerous for me to consider, until if affects my being able to walk.

Hi Patsy, http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

Sorry about the double posting, I had a heck of a time getting it through for some reason.

Have a great day,
Baxter http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif

------------------
Two level laminectomy fusion L5-S1 & L2-3 done on 12/6/02.
Fifteen inch scar from the very top of butt crack (sorry), to the bra line.
BAK cages, rods & screws.(Titanium)
My pelvic bone was used for grafting.
Praying that the other two discs in between, won't have to be fused later, as I was told it was a possibility, due to the other two discs in between, not being in that great of shape.
Doc didn't want to fuse four levels, unless it is really necessary.
I would hate to repeat the surgery, as the recovery period, is so very painful.
I also have a free fragment in my T11-12 area, that I'm still refusing surgery for, at this point in time.
That surgery is way too dangerous for me to consider, until if affects my being able to walk.

Hi Patsy

You can add me to the list...I'm scheduled on the 27th as well. I'm having a 4-level fusion T11-L3. I already had a 4-level fusion 9.5 years ago, so I know what to expect. Any more scheduled appts before the big day? I have to go to the hospital on the 20th for my blood work, EKG, chest x-rays, etc. I'll be so glad when this whole ordeal is finally over http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Sounds like you are pretty lucky to get so much stuff from W/C. Please ask for a long-handled grabber - you really can't get by without one. After my 1st fusion, I came home with a grabber, raised toilet seat, elastic shoelaces, and my hard brace. I really didn't need anything more than that. I'm quite sure that I'll come with the same things again. Are you going to have to wear a brace? I'll be wearing a hard TLSO.

I'm glad that Baxter posted the list of tips that I sent her to you. There are some good things on the list. When you are rearranging everything, make sure to put things at waist-level or higher. Nearly 10 years after my first surgery, my house is still arranged this way.

Remember to go into surgery with a positive attitude...it really helps with the recovery. I'm sure that you be feeling better by the time your wedding day arrives...not perfect, but better. Remember to walk, walk, and walk some more. It is the best way to recover. I got 100% relief of all of my pain, so it is possible to feel good again after fusion.

We'll have to compare recoveries...you need to get better for your wedding in April and I only took off 3 months, so I need to get better by the end of April so I can return to work. Best wishes for both of us!!

Talk to you later,

Lisa

Hi Lisa & Patsy,

Lisa,

I will catch you later or tomorrow http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif
We have company over now, yes, I'm being rude by posting a quick reply, but, they weren't invited !
You know the story !
You are the greatest http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/angel.gif

Patsy,

Lisa is correct on all accounts, she has never failed me one time, she is my angel. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/angel.gif
I also call her the Terminator, I will never understand how she accomplishes all that she does.
She has been here for me from day one, as well as many other people from these boards.
I am so very thankful http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Questions ? Ask away http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bang.gif

Be Well,
Baxter http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/love2.gif



------------------
Two level laminectomy fusion L5-S1 & L2-3 done on 12/6/02.
Fifteen inch scar from the very top of butt crack (sorry), to the bra line.
BAK cages, rods & screws.(Titanium)
My pelvic bone was used for grafting.
Praying that the other two discs in between, won't have to be fused later, as I was told it was a possibility, due to the other two discs in between, not being in that great of shape.
Doc didn't want to fuse four levels, unless it is really necessary.
I would hate to repeat the surgery, as the recovery period, is so very painful.
I also have a free fragment in my T11-12 area, that I'm still refusing surgery for, at this point in time.
That surgery is way too dangerous for me to consider, until if affects my being able to walk.

Thanks Lisa and Baxter!
Baxter, how are you doing? Are you getting around much? Did the doctor give you a recovery time?
Lisa, how long did it take for you to recover from your first fusion? I'm so scared, but I have no choice , I have to do it! Thanks ya all!

Hi Patsy, http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

I hope you are having a great day today http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

I'm half way through my recovery now, I'm feeling much better.
I still have the numbness and tingling in both of my legs and feet after sitting for more than 15 minutes or so, so I have my fingers crossed that it will go away soon http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/angel.gif

I also still have that muscle problem, where the muscle still hasn't relaxed, and it's a pain in the A$$
Not really the A$$, but hip level. He-He

It's hard to lean my back on anything, as the swelling still hasn't gone down all the way.
I guess I just have some pretty pissed off nerves, and muscles http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bang.gif

My spirits are up, so that is more important to me than dealing with the other stuff http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

I won't be able to return to work prior than 12 weeks, and then I can only work part time for the first few weeks.
That is assuming the other complications go away in 12 weeks.
Time will tell, but I knew the risks, and this is just part of what I have to deal with.

My only request prior to the fusion, was that they made sure that I woke up, and that I can walk after.
Well, I got my wish, so hopefully this other stuff will go away soon.

Please remember, my old pain is gone, and I just had a bad streak of luck.

You will be fine, I just know it http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/angel.gif

Take Care,
Baxter http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif



------------------
Two level laminectomy fusion L5-S1 & L2-3 done on 12/6/02.
Fifteen inch scar from the very top of butt crack (sorry), to the bra line.
BAK cages, rods & screws.(Titanium)
My pelvic bone was used for grafting.
Praying that the other two discs in between, won't have to be fused later, as I was told it was a possibility, due to the other two discs in between, not being in that great of shape.
Doc didn't want to fuse four levels, unless it is really necessary.
I would hate to repeat the surgery, as the recovery period, is so very painful.
I also have a free fragment in my T11-12 area, that I'm still refusing surgery for, at this point in time.
That surgery is way too dangerous for me to consider, until if affects my being able to walk.

Hi Baxter!
Thanks for you support, it helps a lot! You are right about just wanting to be able to wake up and walk. That worries me most, what if something goes wrong and I will never be able to walk. I have not had such good luck with surgeries, two years ago at the same hospital I went in for an hysterectomy, removal of the uterus only. Well 3 days later my doctor came into my room to tell me she made a mistake and removed everything! Needless to say. I have medical issues from that and lost almost all faith in doctors. My spine surgeon knows all this and has helped some but since I'll be going back to the same hospital for my back surgery, it really freaks me out!
I'm sure I'll be fine and it's good to hear that all you out there that have had surgeries are doing ok. So I'll keep you all posted! Patsy

Dear Patsy..
I would just like to wish you well and i will be looking out for up dates..

You will be fine, i no the worry's of waking up it is truly alful feeling so scared, but you will wake up and you will be ok think positive ..

I will be looking out for your post..

brandy x

Hi Patsy, http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

I'm so sorry to hear that your last surgery caused so much trouble for you, I sure hope you're making them pay for that one ! What a horrific thing they put you through.

You will be fine this time, I can just feel it http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Take care,
Baxter http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif

------------------
Two level laminectomy fusion L5-S1 & L2-3 done on 12/6/02.
Fifteen inch scar from the very top of butt crack (sorry), to the bra line.
BAK cages, rods & screws.(Titanium)
My pelvic bone was used for grafting.
Praying that the other two discs in between, won't have to be fused later, as I was told it was a possibility, due to the other two discs in between, not being in that great of shape.
Doc didn't want to fuse four levels, unless it is really necessary.
I would hate to repeat the surgery, as the recovery period, is so very painful.
I also have a free fragment in my T11-12 area, that I'm still refusing surgery for, at this point in time.
That surgery is way too dangerous for me to consider, until if affects my being able to walk.

Thanks Guys!
Just talking to you helps a lot! I'm such a wimp when it comes to pain. I have been feelig better the past few days, but my left leg is still killing me. It keeps me from driving and I'm going stir crazy! At least I'll get out this weekend, my fiance and I are going to get out of town for a few days. I better take my drugs with me, I hate having to depend on them so much,but what can we do! Have a great weekend and I'll post when I get back! Patsy