Hi Everyone http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif
I had my surgery on Thursday October 9, and I got home on Monday October 13, so far I am doing ok. I am having some post op pain, but it isn't that bad. I wanted to thank everyone for your support, it has been very helpful. I am still getting very tired, and I have been resting a great deal. It's still to soon, to let you know how the surgery went, my doctor called during the week and asked how the back was doing, and I was truthful with them, and stating the same with them that it is much to soon yet. I have noticed that I am not hurting as much when I am going for walks around my neighborhood, and I like that. I have been having some rather intense pain with my legs only at night, and this is something I will be noting for the doctor. I did hire someone to help me with the daily stuff, like with the laundry, helping me keep my house clean, and doing grocery shopping, so far that has been a HUGE help. I know this post is a little lengthy but I just wanted to let you know that I am doing ok, and I wanted to thank all of you for your support http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/love1.gif it is greatly appreciated.

Hello http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif Isillyme,

Welcome Home. I am happy to hear that your surgery went well. Sounds as if you really got yourself a terrific doctor to call and check up on you. I think that it was a very good idea to hire someone to assist you. Please take things slow and get plenty of rest. I am wishing you the most successful recovery.
Good Luck to You.

------------------
Cervical MRI 10/02
Loss of cervical lordosis with reversal of the curvature.
C4-5 and C6-7 disc bulges resulting in flattening of the ventral margin of the cord.
C5-6 there is a left foraminal herniation which results in moderate foraminal stenosis In addition, there is flattening of the ventral margin of the cord due to bulging disc.
Cervical Epidural 5/19/03

Lumbar MRI 10/02
Lumbar Lordosis
L5-S1 disc herniation with moderate thecal sac deformity.
L4-5 disc desiccation with bulge which results in mild thecal sac deformity and mild bilateral foraminal stenosis.
L2-3 disc desiccation with Schmorl’s nodule of L3.
Lumbar Epidural 1/30/03
Lumbar Epidural 2/12/03
Lumbar Epidural 2/26/03
Lumbar Discogram 5/23/03
Lumbar CatScan 5/23/03
Posterior Fusion & Infuse with Laminectomy on L4,L5,S1 6/30/03
Instrumentation = 2 Rods 6 Screws & Disc Spacers
Lumbar X-Ray 7/24/03
Lumbar X-Ray 8/27/03
Still no pain relief....
Lumbar CT Scan 9/24/03

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

Great news http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/t_up.gif I knew Dr Yuan would whip you into shape http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/t_up.gif he was worth the wait. I'll keep praying very hard that this surgery gets you back to feeling 100% http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/angel.gif

I will keep popping in to follow your recovery, as I'm not around much these days, as my insurance company is still giving me a hard time regarding the long term disability, but I will never give up fighting them. I'm so glad you were finally able to get W/C to approve this surgery, they sure put you through the wringer, but you never gave up the fight, you did well my friend http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/t_up.gif

Take it easy & keep thinking positive, things will be much better for you soon http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/t_up.gif
Before you know it, you will be out shopping at Carousel, or maybe the new Towne Center, shopping in no pain sounds fun to me, if you know what I mean.


Have a fantastic weekend http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bouncing.gif

[This message has been edited by My Back Hurts (edited 10-18-2003).]

[This message has been edited by My Back Hurts (edited 10-18-2003).]

Thank you Tomorrow and my back hurts for your support, and encouragement. It helps a great deal.
My surgery lasted over 3 1/2 hours and I was in the recovery room for 3 hours more, so it was a very long day for the surgery. I am now having some severe cramping in the incinsion area, hopefully it isn't anything that can't be dealth with at home. The incinsion is below my belly button, so it just may be my time of the month. I never had bad cramping like this though. Must be my body is still adjusting. I would love it to go shopping without feeling pain, I went to the grocery store with my Mom and 5 minutes later I was like TAKE ME HOME NOW, the pain was unbareable. I am making a journal of this so that on monday I can address this when my staples are being removed. Tomorrow When is your surgery? Do you have a date set for that yet? I know now to send other people to the grocery store, but I so wanted to be out of the house.
Talk to you all soon http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/angel.gif

------------------
1/9/95 injured my back at work while lifting a 200 pound box.
10/02 found I have herniated disc at L4-5, as well as having tears at L3-4 and at L5-S1
Had the IDET in January 2000 at
L4-5 level. Have nerve blocks under sedation at C5-6 and C6-7 also have swelling in the nerve that supplies down both arms and hands. May have 3 buldging discs in the cervical region as well.
**tried everything under the sun to help my back including losing over 90 pounds, nothing helped.
Had the prodisc surgery at level L4-5 on October 9,2003. It's still to soon to know how the surgery went. Not sure how the L3-4 disc or the L5-S1 discs are doing as they had tears at those levels, will be finding that out in November.

Hello http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif Isillyme,

Sorry to hear that you are having the cramping. Have you tried ice on the incision area, as you may be having some inflammation. Oh, and keeping a journal is a wonderful idea. Everytime I would go for my follow up appointments I would always forget to tell them something. At least this way you can bring your journal with you. Please try and take things slow and don't push yourself to hard. I know how difficult it is to not be able to do things in a timely manner but a successful recovery requires us to listen to our bodies and take it one step at a time. Good Luck at your appointment tomorrow with your staple removal. Oh yea, how many staples did you get?

I already had my surgery as you can read in my sig. I wish you a successful recovery.

Take Care

------------------
Cervical MRI 10/02
Loss of cervical lordosis with reversal of the curvature.
C4-5 and C6-7 disc bulges resulting in flattening of the ventral margin of the cord.
C5-6 there is a left foraminal herniation which results in moderate foraminal stenosis In addition, there is flattening of the ventral margin of the cord due to bulging disc.
Cervical Epidural 5/19/03

Lumbar MRI 10/02
Lumbar Lordosis
L5-S1 disc herniation with moderate thecal sac deformity.
L4-5 disc desiccation with bulge which results in mild thecal sac deformity and mild bilateral foraminal stenosis.
L2-3 disc desiccation with Schmorl’s nodule of L3.
Lumbar Epidural 1/30/03
Lumbar Epidural 2/12/03
Lumbar Epidural 2/26/03
Lumbar Discogram 5/23/03
Lumbar CatScan 5/23/03
Posterior Fusion & Infuse with Laminectomy on L4,L5,S1 6/30/03
Instrumentation = 2 Rods 6 Screws & Disc Spacers
Lumbar X-Ray 7/24/03
Lumbar X-Ray 8/27/03
Still no pain relief....
Lumbar CT Scan 9/24/03

Hi Tomorrow http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif
I had my staples removed today, and already I am starting to feel better. I had 13 staples put in, and I was sooo ready to have them taken out. I asked about the cramping, and I was told it is normal for women to have them, especially after having surgery at the waist level, it's called physiopathic something along that line. In other words the body is stressed out and was reacting, made sense. I was told no driving until November 24, and most likely I won't be returning to work until January. The doctors are really making sure that I heal completely, and I am listening to them, and not rushing things. Already I am noticing some difference in my back, when I go for walks in my neighborhood, I am able to walk for 30 minutes without hurting http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif It feels great, however I am getting severe leg pain at night time, and I was told that is because they had to jack the spine to fit the prodisc in and the nerves were stretched. I can now take showers again, I got so tired of the sponge baths, but the doctors didn't want me to have the incinsion infected, so I am doing very well in that department.
I hope you have a great Tuesday http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bouncing.gif

------------------
1/9/95 injured my back at work while lifting a 200 pound box.
10/02 found I have herniated disc at L4-5, as well as having tears at L3-4 and at L5-S1
Had the IDET in January 2000 at
L4-5 level. Have nerve blocks under sedation at C5-6 and C6-7 also have swelling in the nerve that supplies down both arms and hands. May have 3 buldging discs in the cervical region as well.
**tried everything under the sun to help my back including losing over 90 pounds, nothing helped.
Had the prodisc surgery at level L4-5 on October 9,2003. It's still to soon to know how the surgery went. Not sure how the L3-4 disc or the L5-S1 discs are doing as they had tears at those levels, will be finding that out in November.

[This message has been edited by isillyme (edited 10-20-2003).]

Good Morning http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif Isillyme,

I am glad to hear that you are feeling better and that all went well with your staple removal. I was so worried when I went to have mine taking out and I barely felt the removal. I had 22 of them as I had a two level fusion. I am so happy that you recovery is going well and that you can take those walks without any pain. You must be so very happy. As for the leg pain it does make perfect sense of what your doctor explained to you. Wow, a doctor that takes the time to explain the causes of your pain, truly remarkable. My neuro just says it's all part of the recovery but lets do this and that etc. I was allowed to take a shower as soon as I came home from the hospital. But I was told to wrap the area with plastic to try and keep it as dry as possible. It was very comical as my husband would bring in a roll of plastic wrap and go in circles around me and then tape me up. It did work but Thank God I didn't get an infection. I also had my surgery in the summer months with 100 degree's temperatures. I really needed those showers just to cool off.

Are you taking any nerve medication for your legs such as neurontin or topamax? I had started with neurontin prior to my surgery for my sciatica and continued after surgery but it just did not help me. So last week I have started taking topamax. It will take at least three weeks before I notice and signs of relief. But since you are able to do the walking you may recuperate much faster. I wish you the very best.

Have a good day.

isillyme-
I was starting to get worried about you! So glad you're over the surgery and well on your way to a pain-free life.

I would think anytime they go through the abdomen to get to the spine, all those organs have to be moved out of the way and it would cause some cramping or pain getting back to normal. (Is that a sentence, or what?). I guess this will be something I will have to worry about, also.

Tomorrow and Isillyme-
Tell me what it felt like when you got your staples out? I've never had staples or stitches that had to be removed. Wonder if I'll have staples in the front and in the back???

O'Girl

------------------
20 years intermittent back pain - no treatment sought
Nov 2001 - herniated disk - Right leg radiculopathy
Jan 2002 - Chiropractic care
Mar 2002 - MRI, X-Rays, Oral steroids
Apr 2002 - L4/L5 Microdiskectomy
Sept 2002 - PT, Oral steroids
Oct 2002 - MRI, Xrays - Failed Back Syndrome
Apr 2003 - TFESI, EMG, MRI
Diagnosis - DDD - foraminal narrowing, disk bulges, osteophytes, ligamentum flavum hypertrophy, active marrow edema, levoscoliosis, retrolisthesis, scar tissue encompassing L5 nerve root, disk height diminished, abnormal EMG results for left leg
Sept 2003 - Discogram with Xrays, CT Scan.
Tentative date: Nov.18 - 2 level 360 degree fusion surgery

Hi Oakly and Tomorrow http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif
The staple removal wasn't bad at all, it hurt just a tiny bit, and I had some small bleeding nothing that I couldn't handle. I slept the whole day away, and I woke up so late this afternoon, I haven't done that in a very long time. I was on Topomax for a long while, but I was told to stop taking them once I had the surgery done. The doctor doesn't want to mask anything, and it does make sense. As far as the cramping wise, it was my time of the month, but I never felt cramping that bad in my life, and I only hope I won't be having that again in the near future. According to the nurse practioner women's cycle can be off just a bit, or made worse for just a month, so hopefully, that was my course of pain. I actually got a call from the WC insurance company today, they were nice as pie, couldn't belive that. They were so willing to approve physical therapy etc... although PT won't be starting for another month or so. Oakly having the staples out feels like a little pinch nothing more then that I hope that will help you when you go for your surgery. I am hoping our weather here gets a little clearer, we had rain all day, and I didn't go for my walk today, and I can actually tell the difference when I don't walk. It felt wonderful to get in the shower, I was in there for over 30 minutes and it was a huge relief. I hope you both have a great Wednesday http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bouncing.gif http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/angel.gif

------------------
1/9/95 injured my back at work while lifting a 200 pound box.
10/02 found I have herniated disc at L4-5, as well as having tears at L3-4 and at L5-S1
Had the IDET in January 2000 at
L4-5 level. Have nerve blocks under sedation at C5-6 and C6-7 also have swelling in the nerve that supplies down both arms and hands. May have 3 buldging discs in the cervical region as well.
**tried everything under the sun to help my back including losing over 90 pounds, nothing helped.
Had the prodisc surgery at level L4-5 on October 9,2003. It's still to soon to know how the surgery went. Not sure how the L3-4 disc or the L5-S1 discs are doing as they had tears at those levels, will be finding that out in November.

Good Morning http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif O'Girl,

When I went for my appointment to have my staples removed I was all worried for nothing. All that I felt was a tiny little pinch on some and others I did not even feel. The removal was very quick. I am not sure if you will have staples in both front and back. I would think it might be easier to have stitches in the stomach. Maybe you should ask your doctor in advance this way you will be prepared.

Have a great day.

Isillyme and Tomorrow-
I will ask ahead about stitches/staples, etc. I had that glue stuff after my micro-d and it just healed itself. That is some cool stuff!

I'm kinda worried about the 'time of the month' and surgery. I may be in trouble time-wise on this. However, I also think I'm beginning menopause. (Bring it on!)

Isillyme, did you notice pain from having all those organs shoved out of the way, or just the cramping associated with your period?

Sorry guys, if I've offended you. But, some things just have to be discussed...
O'Girl

------------------
20 years intermittent back pain - no treatment sought
Nov 2001 - herniated disk - Right leg radiculopathy
Jan 2002 - Chiropractic care
Mar 2002 - MRI, X-Rays, Oral steroids
Apr 2002 - L4/L5 Microdiskectomy
Sept 2002 - PT, Oral steroids
Oct 2002 - MRI, Xrays - Failed Back Syndrome
Apr 2003 - TFESI, EMG, MRI
Diagnosis - DDD - foraminal narrowing, disk bulges, osteophytes, ligamentum flavum hypertrophy, active marrow edema, levoscoliosis, retrolisthesis, scar tissue encompassing L5 nerve root, disk height diminished, abnormal EMG results for left leg
Sept 2003 - Discogram with Xrays, CT Scan.
Tentative date: Nov.18 - 2 level 360 degree fusion surgery

Hello http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif O'Girl,

Don't worry about offending me, at this point in my life its almost impossible...lol
I had just finished menstruating two day prior to my surgery. And then about 3 days after I got home from the hospital I started menstrating all over again. Between donating my blood and my cycle getting all screwed up I think that might be when my anemia began. But I did make it through the surgery without it. I have a very unpleasant exam coming up next month and I am also worried about the time of the month.
I just wish Men could go through half of what we do.....lol

Have a good night.

Hi Oakly and Tomorrow http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif
I didn't have any pain from the organs getting set aside, I thought I would have had horrible pain form that, but I didn't thankfully. The incinsion I have is in the front, below my waist, to where the ovaries would begin. The cramping was from that. It made alot of sense after I spoke with the doctor about that pain. I never have cramping that bad, a heating pad didn't help relief it either. It was very well explained to me by the nurse practioner. Basically the body is still adjusting to everything, and the body maybe under stress even though you may not feel stressed. I am just wondering why I am always tired though, somedays I have been feeling so wiped out after I had the surgery. How long does the wipe out feeling last, any idea? Have a great Thursday

------------------
1/9/95 injured my back at work while lifting a 200 pound box.
10/02 found I have herniated disc at L4-5, as well as having tears at L3-4 and at L5-S1
Had the IDET in January 2000 at
L4-5 level. Have nerve blocks under sedation at C5-6 and C6-7 also have swelling in the nerve that supplies down both arms and hands. May have 3 buldging discs in the cervical region as well.
**tried everything under the sun to help my back including losing over 90 pounds, nothing helped.
Had the prodisc surgery at level L4-5 on October 9,2003. It's still to soon to know how the surgery went. Not sure how the L3-4 disc or the L5-S1 discs are doing as they had tears at those levels, will be finding that out in November.

Just wanted to Thank Ya'll for posting ! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif I am scheduled to have a similiar surgery on L4-5 on November 11th . I was really concerned about them going through the abdomen but this post eased my concerns a little . I am still pretty scared though . But the leg pain is getting worse everyday so i know that something has to be done .

[This message has been edited by shaukc (edited 10-22-2003).]

Tomorrow-
I'm sure all that blood loss did cause anemia. I always make up an excuse (like an important meeting at work) and cancel my yearly if I'm on my period! (I'm chicken, I know). But, don't think I can do this with this surgery. What kind of excuse would I use?!? And, I surely don;t want to wait another 8 weeks to get it rescheduled!

Isillyme-
That really does make sense. Sorry you had to go through that extra cramping pain on top of everything else. I've found that even pain meds don't help cramps. Did you have any muscle relaxants you could have tried?

Shaukc-
What kind of surgery are you having? I wish you the best of luck. Just does kinda seem like you would have some repercussions from the effort to expose the spine...

------------------
20 years intermittent back pain - no treatment sought
Nov 2001 - herniated disk - Right leg radiculopathy
Jan 2002 - Chiropractic care
Mar 2002 - MRI, X-Rays, Oral steroids
Apr 2002 - L4/L5 Microdiskectomy
Sept 2002 - PT, Oral steroids
Oct 2002 - MRI, Xrays - Failed Back Syndrome
Apr 2003 - TFESI, EMG, MRI
Diagnosis - DDD - foraminal narrowing, disk bulges, osteophytes, ligamentum flavum hypertrophy, active marrow edema, levoscoliosis, retrolisthesis, scar tissue encompassing L5 nerve root, disk height diminished, abnormal EMG results for left leg
Sept 2003 - Discogram with Xrays, CT Scan.
Tentative date: Nov.18 - 2 level 360 degree fusion surgery

Hello http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif Isillyme,

I am sorry to hear that you are feeling so wiped out. I had the same feeling as for me it took a great deal of time to get my strength back. But your body has been through a trauma such as surgery. Plus you have also had the blood loss with surgery so your iron levels may be slightly low. Then you are most likely taken pain mediations. So the combinations of all these factors can cause you to feel very weak and tired. Try and be patient and give yourself some time. Most likely within a week or two you will probably notice an improvement in your strength. Just remember to follow your doctor’s order’s not matter how good you start to feel.

Have a good night.

Hello http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif O’Girl,

Well, maybe your cycle will change and you won’t have to worry anymore. I really don’t think they would cancel over this anyway and I am sure this means nothing to them. After all they are doctors and there are nurse’s that will help you after your surgery. Oh, and I know you definitely do not want to be rescheduled again.

Have a good night.

Hello http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif Shaukc,

I just wanted to wish you the best with your upcoming surgery next month. I can relate to the leg pain as I was really suffering and basically dragging my leg prior to my surgery. What type of surgery are you having on your L4-5? I can understand your fear as I think we are all scared before our surgery but we are more determined in finding pain relief.

Have a great night.

Hi Shaukc http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif
What kind of surgery will you be having? I am still getting severe leg pain at night, and I have the pain thru out the night, and I found that it is because the doctor had to stretch the nerves to get to the back, so for now I just have to deal with it. I am glad this post is making you less nervous for your surgery, and you must be getting nervous for the surgery as well. I actually went to a massage therapist the day before my surgery, and I was so relaxed when my surgery came up. The cramping stuff finally stopped, after my monthly stuff ended, thankfully.
I hope you have a great Friday http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bouncing.gif

------------------
1/9/95 injured my back at work while lifting a 200 pound box.
10/02 found I have herniated disc at L4-5, as well as having tears at L3-4 and at L5-S1
Had the IDET in January 2000 at
L4-5 level. Have nerve blocks under sedation at C5-6 and C6-7 also have swelling in the nerve that supplies down both arms and hands. May have 3 buldging discs in the cervical region as well.
**tried everything under the sun to help my back including losing over 90 pounds, nothing helped.
Had the prodisc surgery at level L4-5 on October 9,2003. It's still to soon to know how the surgery went. Not sure how the L3-4 disc or the L5-S1 discs are doing as they had tears at those levels, will be finding that out in November.

Hi Tomorrow http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif
Thank you for letting me know how long it took you to get that wiped out feeling out of your system. You are right that my body has been thru a trama, and I did have major surgery,but man do I feel lazy. I also had minor blood lost during my surgery, and I am on pain meds so now I can understand what is happening. I actually had a nerve block scheduled this week for my neck, and I decided to move it to November 3 to give my arms a break from having IV's. I am wondering though were you put on an aspirin regument (sp) I was told to take 2 once in the day, and once at night to prevent blood clots in my legs. I am wondering how long I am suppose to be taking these. I forgot to ask my doctor about this. I hope you have a great Friday http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bouncing.gif

------------------
1/9/95 injured my back at work while lifting a 200 pound box.
10/02 found I have herniated disc at L4-5, as well as having tears at L3-4 and at L5-S1
Had the IDET in January 2000 at
L4-5 level. Have nerve blocks under sedation at C5-6 and C6-7 also have swelling in the nerve that supplies down both arms and hands. May have 3 buldging discs in the cervical region as well.
**tried everything under the sun to help my back including losing over 90 pounds, nothing helped.
Had the prodisc surgery at level L4-5 on October 9,2003. It's still to soon to know how the surgery went. Not sure how the L3-4 disc or the L5-S1 discs are doing as they had tears at those levels, will be finding that out in November.

Hi Oakly http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif
When is your surgery? I may have seen it here in the postings but my memory is poor http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/biggrin.gif I was afraid that my monthly would have been early and I was lucky it didn't start. I was rescheduled 3 times before I had my surgery, and I too was frustrated until I actually had the surgery. I was actually glad the last time they rescheduled my surgery because if they hadn't I would have spent my birthday at the hospital. I took the time before my surgery and did my christmas shopping, and actually did extra grocery shopping as well, and I am now glad I did it, so now I don't have to worry about that part. I hope you too have a great Friday http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bouncing.gif

------------------
1/9/95 injured my back at work while lifting a 200 pound box.
10/02 found I have herniated disc at L4-5, as well as having tears at L3-4 and at L5-S1
Had the IDET in January 2000 at
L4-5 level. Have nerve blocks under sedation at C5-6 and C6-7 also have swelling in the nerve that supplies down both arms and hands. May have 3 buldging discs in the cervical region as well.
**tried everything under the sun to help my back including losing over 90 pounds, nothing helped.
Had the prodisc surgery at level L4-5 on October 9,2003. It's still to soon to know how the surgery went. Not sure how the L3-4 disc or the L5-S1 discs are doing as they had tears at those levels, will be finding that out in November.

Hello ! Isillyme and Tomorrow ! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif Sorry it took me so long to answer - but i stayed in bed all day yetserday - I am having a one level fusion - had a discetomy in June and i was in the percentage of it not working - just my luck - Mine was scheduled right on the date of my monthly and i am sure glad that it got changed - I was not as scared until i found out that they were going in from the front - then i got scared - but there are suppose to be three doctors in there so that makes me feel somewhat better and they said it would only take 2 hours - the right leg is having more symptoms now - so i know that it must be getting worse - Thank you all again for starting this topic . Shauna

Hello http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif Isillyme,

I was not put on any aspirin regiment. I think that it is a good thing that your doctor has put you on this. I have a thread called swollen legs and feet. At first they thought that I might have a blood clot and next week I am being checked again because of the swollen in my legs and they are also checking the vein. Another thing that my surgeon never told me about is compression stockings. A heart specialist has prescribed them to me and he told me that most surgeon's do sent patient's home from the hospital with them as a precaution of developing blood clots. But I did not start with this problem until the beginning of September.
Maybe you should just give your doctor's office a call and ask the nurse about how long to take the aspirin.
I can certainly understand delaying your cervical nerve block injection. After my lumbar fusion I didn't feel my cervical pain as much because of the frequency of pain meds for my back.

I do hope that you have a great weekend.

Hello http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif Shaukc,

I am sorry to hear that the discetomy did not work for you. I have been reading that it has not been working for many people. I hope that you are all right since you had to spend the whole day in bed yesterday. I have had a lot of those days myself. I also had three doctor's during my surgery. I had a neuro surgeon, orthopedic and nerve specialist. I am glad that you are starting to feel a little bit at ease with your upcoming surgery. It does not help matter to go in their a nervous wreck. My husband was a nervous wreck and I was so calm. He asked how I could be so relaxed and all I said was, I was going to sleep and wasn't going to feel a thing. Oh, and I knew in advance that they would have me hooked up to the morphing pump before I awoke. Since your surgery will only be two hours is your surgeon requiring you to donate blood? I had to and mine was 3 1/2 hours and he did need to use my donation. I do hope you feel better and have a great weekend.

Take Care

shaukc-
I am also a failed discectomy patient. I think there are lots of us on these boards. You and davidc are scheduled the same day for fusion. I will be praying for you both.

Isillyme-
My surgery is scheduled Nov. 18th. The bad news is my daughter will turn 21 on Nov. 21, and I so wanted to take her out and buy her her first legal drink! I am honestly hoping now they will keep me at least until the 22nd, so her dad can at least take her out.

Tomorrow-
I know the doctors and nurses probably wouldn't think a thing about operating on me if it was my time of the month. But, being somewhat modest when it comes to that, I would hate it!

Hoping everyone has a good weekend!

O'girl



------------------
20 years intermittent back pain - no treatment sought
Nov 2001 - herniated disk - Right leg radiculopathy
Jan 2002 - Chiropractic care
Mar 2002 - MRI, X-Rays, Oral steroids
Apr 2002 - L4/L5 Microdiskectomy
Sept 2002 - PT, Oral steroids
Oct 2002 - MRI, Xrays - Failed Back Syndrome
Apr 2003 - TFESI, EMG, MRI
Diagnosis - DDD - foraminal narrowing, disk bulges, osteophytes, ligamentum flavum hypertrophy, active marrow edema, levoscoliosis, retrolisthesis, scar tissue encompassing L5 nerve root, disk height diminished, abnormal EMG results for left leg
Sept 2003 - Discogram with Xrays, CT Scan.
Tentative date: Nov.18 - 2 level 360 degree fusion surgery

Hello http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif O'Girl,

I do know exactly what you are saying, but I was really trying to make you feel better. To be honest, I would also hate it, but my only concern was trying to make you feel more relaxed for your upcoming surgery. I don't want you to go their a nervous wreck or embarrassed. I want you to go prepared and relaxed, and yes I know that it is more easily said then done.

I hope that you have a great weekend.

Hi Shauna, Tomorrow, Oakly http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif
I did call the pain management specialist on the aspirin before having my nerve block, and they told me that would be fine to take. I will be contacting my doctor's office on monday to see if I have to keep taking them until I see them in November. The incinsion I have is healing nicely, however I can't believe how itchy it has been getting. I noticed that I won't be having a major scar like I thought I would. I think my doctor may have used something during surgery that prevents scarring. I heard about that, but I can't recall what that is. Oakly I know exactly what you mean about having your monthly during your surgery, but just remember doctors and nurses are use to that, also if there is anything I can do to help ease your nerves before you have your surgery just let me know.
Shauna anything we can do to help ease your nerves before your surgery let us know, I hope this surgery will help you.
I can't believe my surgery was 2 weeks ago, and I have been noticing some differences. I haven't had much pain when I am walking however, late at night is another story, and it is taking me hours to get to sleep after having the horrible leg pain. I know this too will heal in time.
Tomorrow: thank you so much for your posts, and relating your experiences with me, I can't tell you how much it means to me. I am also hoping the swelling in your legs and feet have some resolution in the near future.
I hope you all have a great weekend http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bouncing.gif http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/angel.gif

------------------
1/9/95 injured my back at work while lifting a 200 pound box.
10/02 found I have herniated disc at L4-5, as well as having tears at L3-4 and at L5-S1
Had the IDET in January 2000 at
L4-5 level. Have nerve blocks under sedation at C5-6 and C6-7 also have swelling in the nerve that supplies down both arms and hands. May have 3 buldging discs in the cervical region as well.
**tried everything under the sun to help my back including losing over 90 pounds, nothing helped.
Had the prodisc surgery at level L4-5 on October 9,2003. It's still to soon to know how the surgery went. Not sure how the L3-4 disc or the L5-S1 discs are doing as they had tears at those levels, will be finding that out in November.

Hi isillyme,
Just saw this thread now (haven't been following the boards that closely lately) and I wanted to congratulate you on how well you're doing after the prodisc surgery!!!! It is so great to hear your good news. I hope you continue to have an excellent recovery, and are on your way to being pain-free!

Best wishes,
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif Telzey

------------------
4 years of back pain, but was still able to work and maintain moderate activity (hiking, low-impact aerobic exercise)
Annular tear L5-S1 diagnosed 5/02 via MRI
IDET 12/2/02
1/26/03 Posterior disc prolapse occurs after sitting too long after walking. Causes new pain down left leg.
3/1/03 Leg pain reduced with exercises from the book "Treat Your Own Back" by Robin McKenzie.
3/9/03 Severe, new buttock and thigh pain and numbness starts.
3/25/03 Used McKenzie techniques to treat buttock and thigh pain -- pain reduced
4/4/03 Started physical therapy
5/8/03 Still worse than pre-IDET, but showing slow improvement with PT, McKenzie exercises, yoga, and Hanna Somatics exercises
5/30/03 PT suggests buttock and thigh pain may be from facet joint
7/6/03 Still worse than pre-IDET due to leg and thigh pain and numbness, and have become so inactive I can't tell whether back pain is better. Can't stand for any length of time, can't walk long, run at all, or do any aerobic activity. I regret agreeing to the IDET and wish I had had more patience with the natural healing process of my disc!