:confused:

Hi Everyone.... this is my first time posting, although I've been lurking for the past week or so. I really want to thank those who have posted their successful fusion outcomes, because after reading the first few posts I chose, I was seriously thinking of cancelling my surgery and just living with this the rest of my life! LOL (j/k)

Anyhow, my discectomy / fusion surgery is scheduled for June 25th. L3/L4 and L4/L5. I had a microdiscectomy 2 1/2 years ago on L4/L5, and it has re-reruptured. My right foot is numb, I'm sure I have some permanent damage.

First of all, this has been a big decision for me because I've had a few things working against me. SMOKING was #1, but I'm proud to report I am entering my 2nd day with no cigarette. (God, how I want one!)

I guess what I'm wanting to know is, are any of you who have had fusions overweight at all? I know this is going to cause me a more difficult time in healing, etc. I have tried to lose weight since the first operation, but to be honest with you..... I've basically been in constant pain since then and have been unable to excercise. The majority of my disc ruptured out the first time, and I believe there has been way to much instability in that disc since the surgery causing me pain.

At least I quit smoking... I didn't want 2 things going against me. FYI... I am on a very strict diet now (even if I can just get 10-15 lbs off before surgery it will help). And.... I intend to continue on this diet after surgery to lose as much weight as possible.

I have about 50 to lose. I just wanted to know if all of you guys/gals were in perfect health (weight wise).... etc.

Thank you for your time, as I'm having a very very VERY difficult time in dealing with my fears. :(

Misty

Giving up cigarettes is the number 1 best thing you can do to ensure a good fusion outcome. Smoking inhibits bone growth, so you should be very proud of yourself! :D

I doubt that many people are in top health when they have surgery. Those with chronic pain have a really hard time with any kind of exercise and speaking for myself, I have gained 25 pounds since my last fusion in '97. To make it even harder, some meds cause increased appetite so the deck is stacked against us to begin with. You are doing all you can, and doing very well. As you said, every little bit helps. On the other side of the coin....I was walking 3 brisk miles everyday and had lost 22 pounds when my disc ruptured again! So, there I was, doing all the right things, and it had done me no good as far as my back was concerned. My OSS was stunned!

Keep up the good work...be proud of yourself....I am.

Carol

Overweight? Me? ... yes. I had a fusion too. It may be that the surgical approach is altered with different body sizes, etc. but it was never presented to me as a problem. It's kinda hard to lose weight when any motion causes pain, isn't it? :)

Keep up the no-smoking though! That is something that is ALWAYS mentioned as a deterrent to a successful fusion. Good luck with it!

My husband had a microdiscectomy at L4-L5 about 2 years ago and reherniated it within a year. He is facing fusion next. He is about 25 pounds overweight and mostly carries it in the stomach area (the typical stomach men get when they get married, ha ha) It did not interfere with his first surgery and the doctor didn't say anything about it interfering with the fusion. I am putting him on a diet (whether he knows it or not) and I hope he will drop some weight before the surgery, just to make it easier on him.

When my Dr. decided it was time for me to have a fusion, he made a remark to me like, you're in good health so you are a good candidate for surgery. I mentioned the obvious fact that I was over weight but he said that wasn't a problem. He mainly wanted to make sure I didn't smoke and that I didn't have any other major health issues. So, I think you're ok with the weight. I am proud that you are trying to get yourself in the best shape possible. Good luck and keep us posted.

Lorie :angel:

Carol, Lorie, Microwave and OnTheMend..... thank you for replying to my post. I feel much better now..... (except for geekin' for a cig! LOL) I made it through Day#2 with no cigarette. YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!! This is a major accomplishment for me considering I've been smoking since I was 15 years old. (almost 23 years! ACK!)

Again, I am so glad I found this board. It's so aggravating not having anyone who really KNOWS what I've been going through.... and for the first time in over 2 years, I don't feel quite so alone anymore. Mushy, I know... but true. :D

I feel this is going to be my biggest support system over the next week and 3 days as I prepare for surgery..... and afterwards!

Thanks again!

Misty

Congrats on day 2. I know it is not easy...but I believe that when there is truly a will...there's a way. I will keep you in my prayers.

Good luck on day 3,

Lorie :p

Misty:

First- WTG! Congracts on Day 2. Just remember... the nurses won't know you've just quit smoking.. so be nice to them HA HA.

I'm glad you posted. I share the same worry... whether or not those extra lbs will hinder success and recovery.

I feel like such a blob because I'm overweight and because of my back/nerve trouble my mobility is now limited - this sure doesn't help.

Thanks for asking such a good question. I appreciate the responses too.
They say attitude is key. I think I need to work on mine HA. 5 wks until my Fusion surgery.

Hunni :wave:

Misty, I just wanted to check in and see how you are doing. I've been thinking about you today. I know that not smoking can be horrible. Good luck,

Lorie :angel:

Misty,

I see you are from Atl. I am not quite sure how much info we can display here. I am also from Atl. I have my e-mail posted if you would like to exchange stories about Drs. I would like to know who is performing your surgery.

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Hi Lorie ... thank you for thinking of me today. Hi Pam! :wave:

Day 5 and no SMOKIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:bouncing:

I never thought I could have done this! Although..... I have been on the patch, and now I must start weening myself from those. But I do believe the most difficult part is over. My surgeon even told me, "even if you are still using the patches when you come in for surgery, that is till better than smoking because you won't have as much nicotine in your system and it's more evenly distributed and distributed differently". So if I can get down to the 7mg patch (I'm on the 21mg) that will be the next best thing to having none in my system at all. ALSO.... I know when I'm in the hospital I will indeed be taken off the patch completely. I won't even crave a cig.... I know this from my last back surgery. I was such an idiot for starting back.

My nerves are getting worse though as surgery is drawing nearer (to be expected).... so I've just made sure to get all junk food out of my house and have "good things" to munch on, as I am eating more. (but mostly tuna, apples, grapefruit, etc)

Pam... this is a little embarrassing, but being very new to the board.... I haven't found where to look for your email address yet. Well I tried and failed! HAHA! I can't even get my buddy list to come up. Perhaps the VIDODEN???????????????? Surely not! But I did respond to your original post looking for a doctor and put my doctors' information in there. They do have a website.... do a search for Peachtree Orthopaedic in Atlanta. Dr. Lee Kelley. (I hope this doesn't get pulled)

If anyone could share with me instructions on buddy list / email etc I would really appreciate it.

Misty [COLOR=DarkOrchid]