hello, http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif well i had my surgery from hell, i had it feb 14th as planned i was suppose to have 2 level fusion done ended up having 3 level done he found another bad disk, my surgery was suppose to be 5 hours or so it was 7 1/2 hrs,i was so puffy..i was in bed for 4 days before i got up, they wantedto start pt, so i went to that could hardly stand with walker, my legs burned so bad and was painful, they sent me down for x-ray and cat scan, the next morning my surgeon came in and said i have bad news im like WHAT!!!he said he had to go back in and remove 2 of my 8 scrwes, they were pressing on my nerves in my legs, i couldnt believe it i was in so much pain then that i didnt want to start all over again with more pain, so i went that afternoon back to OR http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/eek.gif he said this would be shorter surgery about 1-2 hrs..the next day i was feeling weak, kept running temps, so they did there blood work, my count was down so i had to get 2 units of blood, i didnt donate cause they said i didnt need to..well, i got up for pt again did better, but the wholetime i was in so much pain,the morphine pump didnt help i could hit that every 6 mins, didnt fase me, so i asked for something more they coulnt..but i got morphine shot at nite and sleeping pills i hurt so bad, i dreded getting up to go to bathroom what a chore,of course i had to have bathroom help with the brace and all and not being able to bend,i knew some of the girls, (i worked at the same hospital) so i felt weird.but thats life..i ended up staying 11 days instead of 5 ..real bad experience for me. i have numbness in top of thighs but dr. sad it should go away in time, he said probably from being on table so long. which it is getting better, i went to get my 30 some staples out ouch!! that stung..i;ve been home 2 weeks now, i have hospital bed, wheelchair, potty lift the whole works (lol) i can say im feeling better can get out of bed by my self.i haveback brace to wear and bone stimulator back brace for 3 months, stimultor 4 hours a day..i havent been out of house in a week..we have cold weather and snow so i cant go out much..plus not ready to go anywhere yet..i can only sit for 30 mins. i start to get real tight in my back..i have to use a walker for support. i go back to dr in 4 weeks to see how im fusing it better be working..wont go thru this again. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif hope you all are well.. take care ...sandy p.s. been trying to post but couldnt get in..

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

I feel so bad for what you have went through, you must have been in so much pain http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif
I think that is terrible that you had to go back to the OR.

I will be praying that your recovery goes well for you now http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/angel.gif

Please take it easy, you will feel a little better each day http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/t_up.gif

I'm happy to see you posting, that will help keep your mind off of your pain, at least it helps me http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Please make sure you get alot of rest (easier said then done) it will help you recover faster.

I hope you feel better soon http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif

Take Care,
Baxter http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/love2.gif

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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.

My goodness! I am so sorry to hear of your horrible experience! I really hope that you are doing better now and out of some pain! How are you managing with your brace on? I have to wear mine for 3 months too. Are you allowed to ever take it off?? My surgery isn't until Tuesday, but i am sure getting nervous! I am glad you are back home now...it always feels better to be in your own house when you don't feel good.
I wish you all the best and i will remember you in my prayers!
Keep us all posted on how you are doing!!

God Bless!!!
Alison http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif

hello, thanks baxter and alison, i can take my brace off when i lay down alison, so tats one good thing, it sure would be hard to lay with it on, its hard plastic.. my boss called me and said hey had to terminate me cause im unable to work. she was trying to cover for me along as she could but the personal dept caught up with it, i get my insurance from work, now that will be gone also. dont know how im gonna be able to start pt when the time comes or pay for anymore dr. visits...my boss said shed rehire me when i can come back with no restrictions...i guess im gonna have to look for new line of work, im a nurses aide..have been since i was 16.. dont know how to do anything else always had job taking care of people... the thing is i really liked this job...was there going on 5 years...now thats all gone...oh well enough pity party on me.....talk about being nervous before surgery that was me, i had to get some valium from my dr, to take at nite and morning before surgery... they have me on percocet 5/350 every 4hrs, and flexeril 10mg and resteril 15mg so i can sleep at nite..cant sit yet for long periods my bak stiffens right up...well good luck with your surgery!!! sandy

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

I'm so sorry to hear about your job, that really sucks, and is not fair http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif

I'm worried myself, and I've only been out since 12/5/02.
Just today while I was on the phone with my local HR Rep. she said she received an e-mail asking if I had signed my FMLA paperwork, that is the one that says they only have to hold my job for 12 weeks.
She has my signed form, and was wondering herself why they were asking.........

I worry each and every day http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif

I think all employers should be instructed to hold our jobs until we can return, as long as the doctors keep us out from work.

Will you be able to collect unemployment ?

You may also have to look into applying for social security disability, but you can only collect that if the doctor says you will be unable to work for a year, and it takes forever to get through that procedure.

Maybe if you explain your situation to your doctor, he can waive his fee's for the follow up care with him, and can have the PT place give you a home exercise treatment.

I will be praying for you http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/angel.gif

Please keep us posted.

Please try to have a peaceful evening.

Be Well,
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..no i cant get unemploment..i applied for disability last year, was denied 1st time, i appealed 2cd time and had to get a lawyer, went in front of judge in dec02 they said it would take 4-5 months for a decision..its a waiting game i guess mean time you go without...im also having marriage problems from all this we used to have 2 incomes..i only worked part time but i as able to pay a few bills, i also was taking care of quadraplegic but had to give that up...the news just doesnt wanna get any better for me..i live 1/2 away from my friends and family so i get lonely, its worse now cause i cant drive anywhere.. my brother is sick so my mom is busy with him or she would be here more often, my oldest daughter comes over and calls but shes busy working also....just cant wait till i can get back on my feet its such a long way away...im glad i have this board to come to.....take care..sandy

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

I'm so sorry to hear about not being able to get unemployment, that doesn't sound right, as they are letting you go, you didn't quit.
I think your state laws are different than ours.

I hope you hear from SSD soon, I will let you know if I think of any other advice.

Please keep posting, it will help you get through this rough patch http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

We are hear to listen 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.

Whoah, wait a minute here!!! Isn't their terminating you a violation of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)????? That's ILLEGAL!!! They MUST offer to make reasonable accomodations for you. I know you can't go back to the EXACT job you had, but they could place you in a less physically demanding position. I'd look into that if I were you.