Just wanted to say hi, and I'm home now...everything went well, I had alot of scare tissue, I guess my disk was like blown out and had adhised to my nerve in my spine, but all is well, I will talk more later...Huggggzzzzz to all
Michaela

Welcome back Michaela and glad to hear everything went well. Remember to get lots of rest!!

Hey girl glad to hear your doing great!!!!! I guess you heard about my deal....anyway great to hear your doing good and I look forward to chatting with you.....Towman

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

Welcome back http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

I'm so glad that things went well for you http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bouncing.gif

I hope this brings you tons of success http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif

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

------------------
Two level laminectomy fusion L5-S1 & L2-3 done on 12/6/02.
I regret the day that I agreed to have this surgery.
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.

Baxter your silly! hi towman, im so sorry to hear of your delay, everything went well, just hard to find comfortable position to lay on.
michaela

Try lying on your side, with a fat pillow under your head, a little pillow under your waist (to keep you in spine neutral), and a long thin pillow between your legs. You might try your thighs perpendicular to your torso and your calves perpendicular to your thighs. (Lying on your back is torture because of the incision pain, but that should decrease rapidly in the first week.)

Originally posted by HNPatL4L5:
Try lying on your side, with a fat pillow under your head, a little pillow under your waist (to keep you in spine neutral), and a long thin pillow between your legs. You might try your thighs perpendicular to your torso and your calves perpendicular to your thighs. (Lying on your back is torture because of the incision pain, but that should decrease rapidly in the first week.)

Thank you, I was wondering if laying my side would be ok, it felt ok, lol, but I have been on my back, and I go from side to side...and have been spending alot of time with the ice, I was sent home with this ice chest, and it has this hose, and it is attached to an ice pack kind of thing, and you fill ice chest with the ice, and 2 quarts of water, I don't do this, someone else does this, anyhow, the ice cold water flows thru this thing and stays cold for hours, so, I tend to spend alot of time with the ice chest thing...but I have the most comfort on my sides, and I have tonssss of pillows...I think I will be confortable when they remove the staples, I think they tend to cause some of my pain, but to be honest, I feel great! I hope this stays, now and then I get a little zing down my thigh, but nothing compared to what I was feeling, I couldn't hardly walk to the gurney (sp)at the hospital, I felt sooo bad...So I have to say I am Feeling aHell of alot better http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif Keepin
g fingers crossed...
Michaela

[This message has been edited by Michaela (edited 06-23-2003).]

Originally posted by BAXTER:
Hi Michaela, http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

Welcome back http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

I'm so glad that things went well for you http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bouncing.gif Th

I hope this brings you tons of success http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif

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




Thanks Baxter, I love your little smiley faces, they are cute, and add alot of expression http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif
Michaela


[This message has been edited by Michaela (edited 06-23-2003).]

One more thing, the hospital fitted me with a back brace befor surgery, so I have that to wear around the house, and where ever I go..michaela

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

I'm glad it worked, just trying to cheer you up a little http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Have a peaceful day http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/yawn.gif

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


------------------
Two level laminectomy fusion L5-S1 & L2-3 done on 12/6/02.
I regret the day that I agreed to have this surgery.
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.

Welcome home Michaela !!

We haven't met yet, I'm Lisa, a newbie here...
Glad to hear all went well. I go in next week, and am hoping I will be reporting the same http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Did they happen to say how long it took for the scar tissue to fuse? Just curious.

Lisa

Originally posted by Lisa7767:
Welcome home Michaela !!

We haven't met yet, I'm Lisa, a newbie here...
Glad to hear all went well. I go in next week, and am hoping I will be reporting the same http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Did they happen to say how long it took for the scar tissue to fuse? Just curious.


Lisa

Hi Lisa, what are you going to have done? I had a Laminectomy/Disectomy if I spelled it right..Today is my 6th day postop, everything has gone well, but my back is tender where they did the surgery, other then that I feel pretty good, knocking on wood...I'm getting bored too, been reading, and watching tv, but I'm still getting bored by the minute, lol, anyhow let me know wht type of surgery your having, hope to talk with ya soon...takecare

Michaela

[This message has been edited by Michaela (edited 06-24-2003).]

Oh and I will ask the doc on monday about the scar tissue...ttyl
Michaela

HI there .. glad to hear your feeling better! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

I am havinga Microdiscectomy, might have to havea fusion.. there is a few discs involved..

I feel a bit better now that I know more about it, but still nervous..I think my biggest fear at the moment is the fact I can't shake my smoking habit, andI am nerveous about the anesthesia....

I can imagine how bored you must be.. I was just thinking about that today.. nice weather and I will be stuck inside watching t.v. lol...

Anyhow thanks for your response, and talk soon !
Again welcome home!!!!

Lisa http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Hi Lisa, you need to go buy yourself some good books, and magazines. workmans comp sent me the grabers that i needed and some other stuff, back scruber, and a thing to help me with my socks and a shoe horn..I had bought the graber thing at home depot for 13 dollars which is a good price then when I came home from the hospital I found out that I was getting all these items, got them the day after I got home from hospital, surprise...hehehe, anyhow you will be fine, tell the guy thats going to knock you out that your concerned, I did, he called me the night before surgery, I was concerned about the darn tube they were putting down my throat, I did not want to have it done while awake, and I wanted it out before I woke up, I had to make my concerns totally clear, but he under stood and he was very nice and he was VERY gentle. I never felt the iv being placed, he was good! well if theres anything i can help you with let me know, good luck to you, huge hug....takecare
Michaela

Good morning Michaela http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Yup started to make a list of things a few people told me I will need.
I'm starting to get really anxious now.. almost like second thoughts, but I know I need to have this done, or it will get worse.. After 6 months I don't think it's going to repair itself anymore.

Gentle hugs
Lisa



------------------
Ruptured L 3-4
Ruptured L 4-5
Possible rupture S-1
Lumbar scoliosis
Microdiscectomy June 30,2003
Possible fusion??

Hi Lisa, I was nervous too, but you'll be fine, I know you will...before you know it, you'll be waking up and it'll all be over...I also just wanted to get it over with so I could start the recovery end of it, so now I'm doing just that...now, to start a new goal, lol, tty soon
Michaela

Good evening Michaela http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

I am to that point now as well, just want it over, and look forward to recovering and getting back to the things I used to do.
LOL I allready have a new goal set.. it's to lose the 15lbs I've gained sittng around and snacking a tad too much LOL!
Have a great evening hun http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/biggrin.gif
Lisa


------------------
Ruptured L 3-4
Ruptured L 4-5
Possible rupture S-1
Lumbar scoliosis
Microdiscectomy June 30,2003
Possible fusion??

[This message has been edited by Lisa7767 (edited 06-25-2003).]

Hi Lisa, I was wondering what day your surgery is, just curious, make sure ya get some extra pillows too.. Mervyns here had comforters and pillow shams (promotional thing) for 20 dollars, so I bought one of them thinking that if it got messed up it would be no big deal...cause I needed 2 pillow cases to go on my new pillows and they were 15 dollars for 2 pillow cases, so I got the promotional thing and got the big king size conforter too and the shams...anyhow I could ramble on and on, but I won't I hope to chat with you later, takecare and hope your having a wonderful evening, bye now
Michaela

Just wanted to add my congrats to the list it is always great to hear one of us is on the road to recovery please take care and keep us updated .BIG HUGS!!
Linda

goodmorning to everyone, I have a question for you being I never had staples except after c-sction, and they were taken out the day after surgery, I have had staples in my back since last wed. the 18th of june, and my mom was changing my bandage and said that it looks like the staples are working them selfs out of the skin, I think because my skin is healing and slowly pushing them out, I go to have them removed on monday the 30th, which is just a few dats away, everything looks good on the incision and the area around it, is it ok for this to happen? and not to worry about it?, thanks, Michaela

Michaela http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Glad to hear all is well! I found out today I'm having a Laminectomy/Discectomy as well. I thought he had said Microdisectomy but I was wrong.

As far as the staples go, I believe that is normal..Maybe give your surgeons office a call, and ask them about it....Wish I could be more of a help.

Lisa


------------------
Ruptured L 3-4
Ruptured L 4-5
Possible rupture S-1
Lumbar scoliosis
Laminectomy &
Discetomy-June 30,2003
Possible fusion??

well I think that your right, and it itches too, I think that its part of the healing process, also can't lay flat on my back anymore cause of the staples, its very uncomfortable, I have them rmoved on monday thank god, cause sleeping is apain moving from side to side all night long, I bet thats real good for my back, not.
Michaela

I know how that is... been tossing and turning for months.. can't stand it any more.. I am used to sleeping on my stomache,I can't wait till I can again!
Glad to hear you get the lil buggers removed monday...
You'll be getting yours out, and I will be having my surgery LOL

Hugs,
Lisa

------------------
Ruptured L 3-4
Ruptured L 4-5
Possible rupture S-1
Lumbar scoliosis
Laminectomy &
Discetomy-June 30,2003
Possible fusion??

Michaela http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

Hi- I had disolvable sutures- so not much experience w/staples. When I had a C-Sec yrs ago, I had sutures- but not staples. Sounds like the staples are just saying "I'm ahead of the game & don't wanna wait til Monday!" - & itching is a sign of healing. BUT- couldn't hurt to just give your Doc's answering service a call & have them ask the Doc if it's just fine to wait to Monday - or if there's something else you should do til then - butterfly bandage or something - probably not- but again- WHY NOT make sure the Doc's getting his $'s worth & yourself piece of mind!?

About laying on your back - does it help to lay on your side with a little pillow under your side to keep your spine neutral, & a big but fluffy pillow snuggled against your bottom & legs to keep you from turning in the direction of your back during the night? http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/tired.gif

Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Laura http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Originally posted by Lisa7767:
I know how that is... been tossing and turning for months.. can't stand it any more.. I am used to sleeping on my stomache,I can't wait till I can again!
Glad to hear you get the lil buggers removed monday...
You'll be getting yours out, and I will be having my surgery LOL

Hugs,
Lisa



Hi Lisa, good to see ya back, I will be thinking of you when your having your surgery and will say some prayers for you...but I know you'll do fine and I will watch for your posts when you come home, I didn't have fusion, I was lucky there, and I hope you don't have to have it either, I asked my doc and he said no, and I said GOOD...I will get thru the staple thing, only 2 more days, woo hoo, can't wait, hugz to you!
Michaela

Originally posted by TexMich:
Michaela http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

Hi- I had disolvable sutures- so not much experience w/staples. When I had a C-Sec yrs ago, I had sutures- but not staples. Sounds like the staples are just saying "I'm ahead of the game & don't wanna wait til Monday!" - & itching is a sign of healing. BUT- couldn't hurt to just give your Doc's answering service a call & have them ask the Doc if it's just fine to wait to Monday - or if there's something else you should do til then - butterfly bandage or something - probably not- but again- WHY NOT make sure the Doc's getting his $'s worth & yourself piece of mind!?

About laying on your back - does it help to lay on your side with a little pillow under your side to keep your spine neutral, & a big but fluffy pillow snuggled against your bottom & legs to keep you from turning in the direction of your back during the night? http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/tired.gif

Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Laura http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Hi Laura, thanks for posting, I have like 7 pillows soo I guess its just a matter of placing them in the right place, I have been using them between my legs too and that helps, I think when the staples come out I will feel less in that area (of the lump there) My doc is out of town, in fact hes out of state, but I sure hope I see him Monday...I use alittle bit of rubbing alcohol to easy the itching and that helps..I had staples with my c-section, and the doc took them out the day after, so not sure why I had to wait so long, but now if I have to have them ever again I know what to expect, and will try getting the doc to take them out sooner then almost 2 weeks after surgery...takecare
Michaela

HI Michaela http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

Thanks for the well wishes and the prayers, I'll take all the prayers I can get http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

So glad your getting those nasty things out soon.
I will post as soon as I can about my adventures..lol

Well heading to bed now, try and get some sleep tonight, cause I know I won't sleep too well tomorrow night... lol
So thankful it's going to be early in the morning, so I won't have to prolong the anxieties... LOL

Well good night to you talk soon,
Lisa

------------------
Ruptured L 3-4
Ruptured L 4-5
Possible rupture S-1
Lumbar scoliosis
Laminectomy &
Discetomy-June 30,2003
Possible fusion??

Hi Lisa hope you sleep well too, if you end up with staples, find out if you can have them removed earlier then me, it'll be 12 days long that I'll of had them in my back an I started feeling this way about 3 days or so ago, I'm almost surprised they (my staples) haven't come out on there own, because they protrude so much out of my back, dang wonder how long they are, just kidding, I bet there just a few milimeters long, anyhow I will talk with you tomorrow, sweet dreams..
Michaela

Good morning Michaela http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Didnt' sleep all that great but better than I have ina few nights.

Quit smoking cold turkey this morning, and I am having sucha craving!I havent had one since midnight last night.

Been sucking on candy lol, not helping one bit..
Well, I think I'm going to go and find something I can do, to help fight the urges..
Talk soon,
Lisa

------------------
Ruptured L 3-4
Ruptured L 4-5
Possible rupture S-1
Lumbar scoliosis
Laminectomy &
Discetomy-June 30,2003
Possible fusion??

Just thought I would stop in and say hello to all and I will post as soon as I can when I get home.

Have to be at the hospital tomorrow morning at 7 A.M.
so I am thinking surgery is around 9ish.

Thanks again for the well wishes and the prayers,

Hugs,
Lisa http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

------------------
Ruptured L 3-4
Ruptured L 4-5
Possible rupture S-1
Lumbar scoliosis
Laminectomy &
Discetomy-June 30,2003
Possible fusion??

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

Please know that I'll be praying very hard that your surgery will be a total success http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/angel.gif

Make sure to follow all of the doctors orders, and please don't overdue things.

You will be missed http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif when you are away.

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

------------------
Two level laminectomy fusion L5-S1 & L2-3 done on 12/6/02.
I regret the day that I agreed to have this surgery.
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 Lisa, I will be thinking of you tomorrow, and keeping fingers crossed that everything will go well.. but you'll be fine, and I know we all will be watching for your home coming, takecare...Lisa, see ya when you come home...Michaela


Lots of hugs and prayers.. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by Michaela (edited 06-29-2003).]

Hi everyone, I got my staples out today, didn't hurt to bad, but I'm gonna lay down for alittle while, hope everyone is having a good day...ttyl
Michaela

Glad to hear u got those horrible things out.. I just have sutures on the inside.. and steri strips on the out.
Just thought I would pop on and let you know all went well. all the pain i hda before surgery si gone except for a bit around my ankle, most of it is my incision.. lots of cramping.. welll need to go and lay back down.. tgake care all adn again ty for the thoughts, prayers, and well wishes..

Lisa

------------------
Ruptured L 3-4
Ruptured L 4-5
Possible rupture S-1
Lumbar scoliosis
Laminectomy &
Discetomy-June 30,2003
Possible fusion??

So glad to see you home lisa, my pain was gone too except for an occasional zing in my leg, just had to figure out how to move slower i guess cause I haven't had much more since, over all doing very well, keeping fingers crossed, I also will be starting pt in the next week or so, so I hope all goes well there, but anyhow glad your home, hope everything went as planned, hugzz
Michhaela

Hi everyone, I went to my post op Dr.appt today, and told him im doing fine except for the occasional zing down my leg, but he says thats normal, and he says he wants me to wait 3 more weeks before i start PT, i thought i would be starting this week or next depending on when my adjuster would issue an auth...its kinda of funny now, I wonder if the adjuster will try to rush me into closing my case, and the reason I thinnk of this is when I was checking out of the Dr.s office the girl (her name is barb) said that wc has been trying to find out if im recovered yet, so they can close the case, there in a hurry to get rid of me (wc). Anyhow I'm going to my next appt. august 8th, so thats how my day went, now i am soooo tired, I came home and passed out, tomorrow Iwill be 4 weeks post op for the laminectomy/Discectomy
with 8 mm bulge....takecare
Michaela

Hi Michaela, ( http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif)
I haven't met you either, I'm Gail.
I see everything is going well, I'm sure you will be one of those who benefit from having it done even though sometimes in the early days its hard to see.
Keep well http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif