sammyo1
11-20-2008, 08:30 AM
Hello everyone,
Surgery is set to go Dec,26.
I was running late & could not get my list from you all at home. I did remember alot of the questions though & my husband ask afew of his own.
My husband wanted him to show him again on the MRI what was what & why the surgery was needed. There is full compression at one level & part on the next. My husband said you dont even need to be a doctor to see it on the MRIs.
He sent my collar home with me, soap to use on the neck a week prior & a script for a shower collar.
He will not be taking from the hip, but forgot to ask him what he will be using.
It will consist of a cage,plate, & screws.
No students, as he does not like anyone involved in his surgerys.
His success rate is very good as he takes on canidates he knows he can help & has sent many away. He is strict on following the rules.
He said some surgeons today dont make their patients wear the collar, which he said he would never do. He feels you are at risk when not wearing one & the plate can compress & cut off breathing if anything were to happen. So he said he just dont take chances with that type of thing.
He also stated alot will depend on how well I take care after the surgery.
eight weeks of the collar & no driving for that time & work. I can attempt like some paper work type thing earlier if all is well but thats it.
The collar is not the old fashion real hard type. He put it on to fit it, its not to bad I guess (so I say now)
He also said something about having a team that puts probes on my forhead that measure or checks the nerves endings.
He also has another surgeon standing by in case anything were to happen like with the esophagus. He explained that the the drain tube(cant remember the exact name)would be pulled out the next day & that hurts like heck but only takes a second.
He also went over some other things such as my voice can be horse & why he using mega doses of steriods right before & after to prevent to much swelling or it could have an impact on breathing or swallowing. That scared me since I have had breathing issues & know what it is like to struggle to get a breathe in. I am fine with everything else.
He did say that the new pain issues may be coming from the problems in that area & that sooner or later pain meds could stop working.
My PM will contine to treat me, thank god since this surgeon does not prescribe anything but norco, & that does not work well with me.
I also told him my PM will continue to look into the lumbar. Which he said was great, as I am sure it will have to be dealt with.
I explained about the being hit by the cart & he said it could have aggravated it all & that my symptoms indicate it is progressing & thats why the surgery needs to be done soon.
Of course he went over the risks to. He said no surgeon could promise me I will be totally pain free but he feels this will definantly help with the pain. My symptoms match with injured area. I did not realize myself how bad it was till he went over it with my husband, who was shocked.
I still as my family cant believe noone caught this or bothered investigating it more. Since my PCP has to order the presurgical testing my husband said he hopes they realize how much I have had to suffer with this do to it being over looked. I am some what scared but honestly I dont think I have a choice. Thank you all for helping me. Now on to preparing the house.
God bless you all, I am blessed to have you. Sammy
Surgery is set to go Dec,26.
I was running late & could not get my list from you all at home. I did remember alot of the questions though & my husband ask afew of his own.
My husband wanted him to show him again on the MRI what was what & why the surgery was needed. There is full compression at one level & part on the next. My husband said you dont even need to be a doctor to see it on the MRIs.
He sent my collar home with me, soap to use on the neck a week prior & a script for a shower collar.
He will not be taking from the hip, but forgot to ask him what he will be using.
It will consist of a cage,plate, & screws.
No students, as he does not like anyone involved in his surgerys.
His success rate is very good as he takes on canidates he knows he can help & has sent many away. He is strict on following the rules.
He said some surgeons today dont make their patients wear the collar, which he said he would never do. He feels you are at risk when not wearing one & the plate can compress & cut off breathing if anything were to happen. So he said he just dont take chances with that type of thing.
He also stated alot will depend on how well I take care after the surgery.
eight weeks of the collar & no driving for that time & work. I can attempt like some paper work type thing earlier if all is well but thats it.
The collar is not the old fashion real hard type. He put it on to fit it, its not to bad I guess (so I say now)
He also said something about having a team that puts probes on my forhead that measure or checks the nerves endings.
He also has another surgeon standing by in case anything were to happen like with the esophagus. He explained that the the drain tube(cant remember the exact name)would be pulled out the next day & that hurts like heck but only takes a second.
He also went over some other things such as my voice can be horse & why he using mega doses of steriods right before & after to prevent to much swelling or it could have an impact on breathing or swallowing. That scared me since I have had breathing issues & know what it is like to struggle to get a breathe in. I am fine with everything else.
He did say that the new pain issues may be coming from the problems in that area & that sooner or later pain meds could stop working.
My PM will contine to treat me, thank god since this surgeon does not prescribe anything but norco, & that does not work well with me.
I also told him my PM will continue to look into the lumbar. Which he said was great, as I am sure it will have to be dealt with.
I explained about the being hit by the cart & he said it could have aggravated it all & that my symptoms indicate it is progressing & thats why the surgery needs to be done soon.
Of course he went over the risks to. He said no surgeon could promise me I will be totally pain free but he feels this will definantly help with the pain. My symptoms match with injured area. I did not realize myself how bad it was till he went over it with my husband, who was shocked.
I still as my family cant believe noone caught this or bothered investigating it more. Since my PCP has to order the presurgical testing my husband said he hopes they realize how much I have had to suffer with this do to it being over looked. I am some what scared but honestly I dont think I have a choice. Thank you all for helping me. Now on to preparing the house.
God bless you all, I am blessed to have you. Sammy
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chablis3
11-26-2008, 08:42 PM
Sammy, just read your post concerning your surgery in December. I really am glad you finally got yourself a doctor that listened to you, and is going to do something about all this pain and suffering you have been going through for such a long time. It is, indeed, a very scary thing, but, with all you just explained in your post, it seems like you don't have any other choice.....and this surgeon your going to sounds very good.
Just wanted to wish you luck, and let you know I will be checking in to see what is happening from now until your surgery. Take care of yourself for now, and god bless you. Have a good Thanksgiving and your in my prayers.
Judy
Just wanted to wish you luck, and let you know I will be checking in to see what is happening from now until your surgery. Take care of yourself for now, and god bless you. Have a good Thanksgiving and your in my prayers.
Judy
sammyo1
12-01-2008, 08:10 AM
Thank you Chab, It is so good to hear from you & hope all is well.
I am really busy with work & home & getting worse. My husband is upset I chose to wait until Dec 26. I am miserable but hanging in there. I definantly would be much more paniced not knowing what was going on at this point. I just wish I would have known along time ago & had it over with. I am trying to come to terms with all the doctors more or less blowing this off.
How are you & your family doing? Think of you often so please let me know.
Marcia if you see this how are you feeling? I am trying to remember if you had C or back surgery. You have been on my mind. I have been so busy or just in to much pain to post alot. I try to read a few daily but all kinds of things popping up lately to keep me busy. I am just hanging on & really came close to climbing in bed & covering up my head & saying forget it. Please let me know how your doing. Did you ever manage to get your raise with your meds? Been missing you all. God bless & hope to hear from you. Sammy
I am really busy with work & home & getting worse. My husband is upset I chose to wait until Dec 26. I am miserable but hanging in there. I definantly would be much more paniced not knowing what was going on at this point. I just wish I would have known along time ago & had it over with. I am trying to come to terms with all the doctors more or less blowing this off.
How are you & your family doing? Think of you often so please let me know.
Marcia if you see this how are you feeling? I am trying to remember if you had C or back surgery. You have been on my mind. I have been so busy or just in to much pain to post alot. I try to read a few daily but all kinds of things popping up lately to keep me busy. I am just hanging on & really came close to climbing in bed & covering up my head & saying forget it. Please let me know how your doing. Did you ever manage to get your raise with your meds? Been missing you all. God bless & hope to hear from you. Sammy
feelbad
12-02-2008, 10:15 AM
i am still here hon. i needed to ask you about that compression stuff? just exactly where do you have 'full compression? is this a nerve or spinal cord? i don;t think i have actually read your MRI summary,could you type that out for me so i can see it? and just what IS that drainage tube all about? i had my surgery at the c spine level with the anterior approach too and i never had a drainage tube for either of those c spine surgeries. just very curious there.
your surgeon sounds VERY good hon,the fact that he also insists on using that collar along with the hardware too is a good sign that he takes you seriosly,and his level of care. so you are also having intra operative monitoring too? he IS very thorugh. i only had this done with my spinal cord surgery since they were going into the actual cord. this is a very good thing for you to just have. it never hurts to have your motor and sensory monitored whenever they are messing with nerves. this is done by a neurophysiatrist. that is all this guy will be doing for you,just monitoring your nerves the whole time. this just lets the surgeon know that he isn't hitting nerves to the point that it is showing on the monitor,if they do,the surgery just stops and they watch that monitor til the nerve calms down and try it from a different angle. if you want to know more about the monitoring angle of this,just look up 'intraoperative monitoring" that should bring up info for you to read thru.
still no actual raise in my meds yet. god i just do not get that an actual pain clinic wopuld not just accomidate tolerance?? helloo? i am going to be chatting with my primary some time this month.i have to see him anyways for the referral for my annual MRA to check for any new little aneurysms. i stopped, after last years having to have the angios now since i have come up clear since 05 when i had that one coiled. that is a huge relief not having to go thru the angios anymore,unless something gets found upon the MRA. really don;t need another aneurysm again ya know?
well keep us posted hon,you too have been on my mind sammy,you always are. it really sounds like you have a really great surgeon,so thats good huh? that collar does get a bit old after a while,but it IS better than having to worry about a misalignment,even with hardware. that is your splint. chances are they will do with you what they did with me since i did not want my own bone used for my fusion after watching my hubby in more severe pain just from that hip graft than the actual surgery for his herniated disc. they more than likely will be using bone from a bone bank. believe me,it is sooo much less painful not using your own bone. well keep me up on all things sammy. take care hon,and know i WILL be here for ya anytime. marcia
your surgeon sounds VERY good hon,the fact that he also insists on using that collar along with the hardware too is a good sign that he takes you seriosly,and his level of care. so you are also having intra operative monitoring too? he IS very thorugh. i only had this done with my spinal cord surgery since they were going into the actual cord. this is a very good thing for you to just have. it never hurts to have your motor and sensory monitored whenever they are messing with nerves. this is done by a neurophysiatrist. that is all this guy will be doing for you,just monitoring your nerves the whole time. this just lets the surgeon know that he isn't hitting nerves to the point that it is showing on the monitor,if they do,the surgery just stops and they watch that monitor til the nerve calms down and try it from a different angle. if you want to know more about the monitoring angle of this,just look up 'intraoperative monitoring" that should bring up info for you to read thru.
still no actual raise in my meds yet. god i just do not get that an actual pain clinic wopuld not just accomidate tolerance?? helloo? i am going to be chatting with my primary some time this month.i have to see him anyways for the referral for my annual MRA to check for any new little aneurysms. i stopped, after last years having to have the angios now since i have come up clear since 05 when i had that one coiled. that is a huge relief not having to go thru the angios anymore,unless something gets found upon the MRA. really don;t need another aneurysm again ya know?
well keep us posted hon,you too have been on my mind sammy,you always are. it really sounds like you have a really great surgeon,so thats good huh? that collar does get a bit old after a while,but it IS better than having to worry about a misalignment,even with hardware. that is your splint. chances are they will do with you what they did with me since i did not want my own bone used for my fusion after watching my hubby in more severe pain just from that hip graft than the actual surgery for his herniated disc. they more than likely will be using bone from a bone bank. believe me,it is sooo much less painful not using your own bone. well keep me up on all things sammy. take care hon,and know i WILL be here for ya anytime. marcia
sammyo1
12-03-2008, 09:42 AM
Marcia, I have the MRI results under a post here some where. I thought the same, it did not sound that bad on the report but the surgeon showed the films to my husband & he was surprised at how it appeared & the statement made by the surgeon. I believe he was referring to the cord. My husband was saying that has to be why I am expericancing so much pain. I am not sure what level, as I was sitting on the table like a dummy, to worried about my sister at the time & not being able to see her. I guess you really have to watch those reports, they may not really say in words exactly what is happening in there. As I said my husband said you could see it right away on the MRI. Still struggling with how it was overlooked for so long.
As far as the drainage tube well he said that hurts the most when it comes out, so not looking forward to that. Interesting that you did not have one, anyone else have a drainage tube after surgery?
you are not going to believe this. Remember how I broke a tooth off before the shoulder surgery, well did the same thing again. I am so upset pain from that now & its adding to the existing pain. Have to see if I can activate my dental again.
I am so sorry you are still left to suffer. I worry about the same, getting used to the meds & building up a tolerance so it no longer works. My surgeon was talking about just that. I think about you all to in my PM family & how does everyone deal with that.
What is your pain level these days?
We really are a mess. You have been through how many surgerys?
Next will probably be the lumbar, have you had problems in that area?
We did not (you & I) choose well at all with our careers. both of us were destined for problems considering our size & what we chose to do. My wonder woman days are over for good,lol.
I am working on catching up at work & home (holidays) & its not easy.
with my work I run two households & running one is hard enough. I dont think I will get a break until this surgery & by then I will need it.
If you can read my other post, I am worried, really worried about the change in symptoms. Before it all made sense according to the dermatome chart & the talk with the surgeon about what can cause what in that C5 & 6 area. Now I am not so sure. Its the last three fingers (middle, ring & pinky) that are really acting up. Not sure how that meshes with the C5 & 6. Unless its kind of like a secondary pain coming from that area. The surgeon said it wont change anything surgery wise but heck I hope there are not other problems in that area & of course noone wants to repeat an MRI, wont even do one on the lumbar & that has been recommended from the radiologist.
I just dont want to go through all of this to find out I am left with more issues unresolved in that C area. I do think this surgeon is good, I just have a hard time trusting doctors after years of suffering.
God bless you, you are always there for me & I so appreciate it. Take care & I hope you get some where with your next appointment. Sammy
As far as the drainage tube well he said that hurts the most when it comes out, so not looking forward to that. Interesting that you did not have one, anyone else have a drainage tube after surgery?
you are not going to believe this. Remember how I broke a tooth off before the shoulder surgery, well did the same thing again. I am so upset pain from that now & its adding to the existing pain. Have to see if I can activate my dental again.
I am so sorry you are still left to suffer. I worry about the same, getting used to the meds & building up a tolerance so it no longer works. My surgeon was talking about just that. I think about you all to in my PM family & how does everyone deal with that.
What is your pain level these days?
We really are a mess. You have been through how many surgerys?
Next will probably be the lumbar, have you had problems in that area?
We did not (you & I) choose well at all with our careers. both of us were destined for problems considering our size & what we chose to do. My wonder woman days are over for good,lol.
I am working on catching up at work & home (holidays) & its not easy.
with my work I run two households & running one is hard enough. I dont think I will get a break until this surgery & by then I will need it.
If you can read my other post, I am worried, really worried about the change in symptoms. Before it all made sense according to the dermatome chart & the talk with the surgeon about what can cause what in that C5 & 6 area. Now I am not so sure. Its the last three fingers (middle, ring & pinky) that are really acting up. Not sure how that meshes with the C5 & 6. Unless its kind of like a secondary pain coming from that area. The surgeon said it wont change anything surgery wise but heck I hope there are not other problems in that area & of course noone wants to repeat an MRI, wont even do one on the lumbar & that has been recommended from the radiologist.
I just dont want to go through all of this to find out I am left with more issues unresolved in that C area. I do think this surgeon is good, I just have a hard time trusting doctors after years of suffering.
God bless you, you are always there for me & I so appreciate it. Take care & I hope you get some where with your next appointment. Sammy
feelbad
12-03-2008, 01:17 PM
considering you took that 'hit" i am assuming after that MRI was done,i personally would push whoever you can to just get another one done,espescially in light of the newer symptoms. that surgeon really should have ordered one more after you told him about the new symptoms. it could have impacted alot up there ya know?if you can find that other MRI,i REALLY woukld like to know how they described that compression hon,it IS important. if you did have actual cord compression going on,then that hit occured,it could be also impacting that level of compressioneven deeper right now. that surgeon should know that ya know? as a surgeon,i would think he would WANT to know just exactly what he is dealing with BEFORE the surgery occurs just becasue he may need to change some of his already set plans. it just would make good solid sense. i would REALLY push this with him and explain your concerns about why you just need it. if i were you,and considering what i have been thru and what can result when the cord is just 'involved" i would tell him i WANT it before i will consent to surgery. one thing people seem to forget is that that surgeon is actually working FOR YOU,not the other way around. and you DO have a right to know whats up or could have changed after that pretty significant hit. i would simply ask him to explain to you why he 'feels" checking for further damage is not a need right now,and counter that with what you know 'could have" occured with that hit. he should no better,ya know? i myself have requsted both from my primary and other surgeons to actually have an updated MRI when I thought,becasue of certain things happeing in my body,it was just 'needed',most don;t have a problem with doing this and your surgeon should WANT to know too before he goes into what is at this point simply an unknown type of situation. in the middle of a surgery is NOT when you want to find unexpected surprises.
unfortunetly i am outof time here and have to stop. iwill get back here againto answer your other questions hon. just wanted to give you a very helpful tip about your tooth pain crap right now? when i had that spontaneous firing crap right before my rotator surgery so i could avoid problems post op?(what a flipping joke on me) this was just casued by a simple drill and fill but having the SNS damage running in my mouth on that right side,it was a nightmare pain syndrome that did not go away til the endo gave me this wonderful advice? go get some sensodyne toothpaste(they don;t tellyou thispart on their label for some stupid reason, but brush as usual,then instead of spitting it out after,hold it and swish it around kind of like mouthwash for at least one minute,then spit it out and do not drink anything for at least a half an hour. do this inthe morning and at night. amazingly,this little bit of advice as to how to just use this stuff the best way is what eventually got rid of this hidious nightmare of pain. it just took like three weeks. this may help alot right nopw sammy. just make sure it is actually sensodyne,K? i had been using biotene and it does not even foam at all and of course was not holding it in my mouth and swishing so it could really get into the nooks and crannys in the very best way,so i was still suffering,until i saw that endo. what an amazing difference i finally felt. this is just a way to help with the pain til you can get this fixed. oragel is also a wonder too. gotta fly now but will be back hon, Marcia
unfortunetly i am outof time here and have to stop. iwill get back here againto answer your other questions hon. just wanted to give you a very helpful tip about your tooth pain crap right now? when i had that spontaneous firing crap right before my rotator surgery so i could avoid problems post op?(what a flipping joke on me) this was just casued by a simple drill and fill but having the SNS damage running in my mouth on that right side,it was a nightmare pain syndrome that did not go away til the endo gave me this wonderful advice? go get some sensodyne toothpaste(they don;t tellyou thispart on their label for some stupid reason, but brush as usual,then instead of spitting it out after,hold it and swish it around kind of like mouthwash for at least one minute,then spit it out and do not drink anything for at least a half an hour. do this inthe morning and at night. amazingly,this little bit of advice as to how to just use this stuff the best way is what eventually got rid of this hidious nightmare of pain. it just took like three weeks. this may help alot right nopw sammy. just make sure it is actually sensodyne,K? i had been using biotene and it does not even foam at all and of course was not holding it in my mouth and swishing so it could really get into the nooks and crannys in the very best way,so i was still suffering,until i saw that endo. what an amazing difference i finally felt. this is just a way to help with the pain til you can get this fixed. oragel is also a wonder too. gotta fly now but will be back hon, Marcia
sammyo1
12-06-2008, 12:35 PM
Thanks Marica, The surgeon stated he would still be doing the same level no matter what, more or less was saying the surgery would not change based on the MRIs even with a new MRI.
I am praying its all coming from those discs.
To be honest I think its the insurance at least partly, the doctors dont want to deal with it. I cant even get my lumbar done right now & that worrys me.
I cant tell anymore if the majority of the pain is coming from the tooth or neck it hurts so much, my neck can cause my head to hurt to & at the present my neck is bothering me. The dentist covered it & put me on an antibiotic.
Its even hurting my nose, honestly, this is crazy. I will have to try your suggestion. I am not sure I will get a root canal due to the cost & TMJ
( clenching & grinding).
To much lately, my sister is really sick & they are only giving her 2wks to a month now & that has me stressed on top of work, lack of work for my husband & surgery. I am not sure I have ever felt so stressed out. I climbed into bed yestruday & found a sub for work, I was just exhausted.
I am going to express my concerns to the surgeon again right before surgery & to my primary when I go for presurgical testing thursday.
I am scared of going through this surgery & coming out with all this pain still there. I remember the disappointment after the shoulder surgery.
Thank god for you, you helped me through that.
My pain levels are up & that alone is driving me crazy. Have to try to work & all I want to do is rest in bed for a couple days.
What level did your husband get done in the cervical?
Also can the surgeon discover additional problems during surgery? not sure how it works with this type of surgery. I know with the shoulder or other areas that can happen. Not sure about spinal though.
When is your next appointment? My fingers are hurting to much so better go for now.
Hope everyone is hanging in there, would be nice to hear some good news.
God bless, Sammy
I am praying its all coming from those discs.
To be honest I think its the insurance at least partly, the doctors dont want to deal with it. I cant even get my lumbar done right now & that worrys me.
I cant tell anymore if the majority of the pain is coming from the tooth or neck it hurts so much, my neck can cause my head to hurt to & at the present my neck is bothering me. The dentist covered it & put me on an antibiotic.
Its even hurting my nose, honestly, this is crazy. I will have to try your suggestion. I am not sure I will get a root canal due to the cost & TMJ
( clenching & grinding).
To much lately, my sister is really sick & they are only giving her 2wks to a month now & that has me stressed on top of work, lack of work for my husband & surgery. I am not sure I have ever felt so stressed out. I climbed into bed yestruday & found a sub for work, I was just exhausted.
I am going to express my concerns to the surgeon again right before surgery & to my primary when I go for presurgical testing thursday.
I am scared of going through this surgery & coming out with all this pain still there. I remember the disappointment after the shoulder surgery.
Thank god for you, you helped me through that.
My pain levels are up & that alone is driving me crazy. Have to try to work & all I want to do is rest in bed for a couple days.
What level did your husband get done in the cervical?
Also can the surgeon discover additional problems during surgery? not sure how it works with this type of surgery. I know with the shoulder or other areas that can happen. Not sure about spinal though.
When is your next appointment? My fingers are hurting to much so better go for now.
Hope everyone is hanging in there, would be nice to hear some good news.
God bless, Sammy
chablis3
12-07-2008, 01:29 AM
My dear Sammy...I feel so darn bad for you, with all you have going on. Between your tooth, your sister, your work, and the holidays....I really don't know how you handle it all. Sometimes I sit and think about how I got through this and that, and in the end, it surprises me at how strong a person can be. I hope you can keep up your faith and perserverence. There are so many wonderful people on these boards, and please know that everyone is thinking of you and sending prayers your way.....hope that helps a bit.
I am plodding through each day, and taking more and more pain meds, which is something I hate (as you do), but have to do it to get through the day. My neck and back keeps me tossing and turning all night! Between heating pad, ice packs, medications, etc., my bedside table is full! I am thinking of going back for more epidural shots after the holidays hoping to get some relief for awhile. Trying to put surgery off by trying the shots again. We'll see!!
But, will be thinking of you and looking for your posts from now till your surgery. You hang in there, and sending my blessings your way. Prayers for your sister, too.
Judy
I am plodding through each day, and taking more and more pain meds, which is something I hate (as you do), but have to do it to get through the day. My neck and back keeps me tossing and turning all night! Between heating pad, ice packs, medications, etc., my bedside table is full! I am thinking of going back for more epidural shots after the holidays hoping to get some relief for awhile. Trying to put surgery off by trying the shots again. We'll see!!
But, will be thinking of you and looking for your posts from now till your surgery. You hang in there, and sending my blessings your way. Prayers for your sister, too.
Judy
sammyo1
12-07-2008, 08:43 AM
Chab, Always makes me happy to hear from you.
I am worried about you. sounds like you are going through some of the same.
What did your last test show in that area & when were they done?
I worry about nerve damage & be careful you dont let things go on to long.
I believe once pain levels hit a certain point the pain does not respond well to meds, at least nerve pain. That is what I am finding. My hands hurt so much hard to use them in the morning at all. Please be careful dont let it get to bad. Let me know what was found in your last tests? When was your last MRI?
Are you still a non smoker? Have to quit for surgery, cut down but have to quit, any suggestions? Of all the times I am so stressed. Must of cried rivers of tears this past week. My sister ask when I was coming & I am in no shape. She is in florida. Then she thought she would be coming to me for this surgery. She should have been told be now that she does not have long. I have not called her in the past 2 days, will call today. I am afraid. I love her so, its breaking my heart & here comes the tears. Not sure what I will do with out her. She pulled me through alot & was kind of my safety blanket as I am the baby sister & she is the only sister I feel really close to. I feel selfish right now & am angry that she will be taken from me. Really angry with the doctors for not finding this sooner, cost me time with 2 people I love that I wont be able to see again. First my sister in law & now my sister. I am not sure I have ever felt the way I do now, I just force myself to keep going. I want to climb in bed but I know what will happen. Only for my girls do I keep going. My life is up side down right now & I am trying to come to terms this my life. I am the strong one in my marriage & my husband is not there for me right now & that is the toughest part. I honestly feel I am alone & that is not easy. I have let my faith slide & have to work on that.
God bless & you have made me morning, make sure you let me know whats going on with you. Sammy
I am worried about you. sounds like you are going through some of the same.
What did your last test show in that area & when were they done?
I worry about nerve damage & be careful you dont let things go on to long.
I believe once pain levels hit a certain point the pain does not respond well to meds, at least nerve pain. That is what I am finding. My hands hurt so much hard to use them in the morning at all. Please be careful dont let it get to bad. Let me know what was found in your last tests? When was your last MRI?
Are you still a non smoker? Have to quit for surgery, cut down but have to quit, any suggestions? Of all the times I am so stressed. Must of cried rivers of tears this past week. My sister ask when I was coming & I am in no shape. She is in florida. Then she thought she would be coming to me for this surgery. She should have been told be now that she does not have long. I have not called her in the past 2 days, will call today. I am afraid. I love her so, its breaking my heart & here comes the tears. Not sure what I will do with out her. She pulled me through alot & was kind of my safety blanket as I am the baby sister & she is the only sister I feel really close to. I feel selfish right now & am angry that she will be taken from me. Really angry with the doctors for not finding this sooner, cost me time with 2 people I love that I wont be able to see again. First my sister in law & now my sister. I am not sure I have ever felt the way I do now, I just force myself to keep going. I want to climb in bed but I know what will happen. Only for my girls do I keep going. My life is up side down right now & I am trying to come to terms this my life. I am the strong one in my marriage & my husband is not there for me right now & that is the toughest part. I honestly feel I am alone & that is not easy. I have let my faith slide & have to work on that.
God bless & you have made me morning, make sure you let me know whats going on with you. Sammy
feelbad
12-07-2008, 01:20 PM
oh sammy,when it rains it sure does pour down on us doesn't it. i am so sorry you cannot be there for your sister,really. i know that has to be heartbreaking for you. just concentrate on those wonderful kids god gave you sweetie. put your energies into them and yourself. take the time to simply write(or type) a nice long letter to your sister telling her all the things you want to tell her,just get it all out of you and onto paper,then send it to her,maybe with some pics of you and your kids? this WILL help some hon,really,or i wouldn;t be telling you to do it. unfortuentely this is the reality of your situations and you have to think with what you have and need to do right now that is in the best interest of you and her. is it an ideal situation? hell no,but you just do what you can,thats all anyone can ask. sometimes reality just simply sucks, but you can do some things to at least make things easier or better anyways. just think about what you still 'can" do for her,not what you cannot,K?
my hubby had his c 5-6 done about five years before my herniation was fused. his went picture perfect and he has not had any problems as far as from that c spine anymore since. the hip was a whole diffent story. other guys i have talked to,with one in particular who all had this same surgery( all firefighters,go figure)had more problems with that dang hip graft than the actual surgery,one ended up with a very severe pain syndrome within that hip that he has had since the late eighties? so doing the bone bank thingy is huge as far as having future issues stemming from it. this is a good thing for you hon,trust me.
as far as him finding possible new problems or worsening problems,that is probably a yes. you just cannot always really know the true depth of them without that MRI tho,espescially when it comes to cord indentation or compression. but anything new would probably be seen pretty easily up there espescially since you have not had a previous surgery that would have created scar tissue to have to deal with. this can also block certain areas from view during surgery. that was my case in only 9 months of time when i needed that hardware placement done within the same dang year? my surgeon told me he had to actually cut thru alot of very fiberous scar tissue just to try and reach the spinal area to place that plate and screws. so thats not an issue here at all. i would also assume that if anything came up that he was not certain of,he would do some level of scanning just to be sure. they do alot of different types of scans during surgeries just to check marker placements and alot of other stuff too. you also have the added bonus of just having your motor and sensory monitored thru out this thing too. i KNOW not many surgeons do that on a routine basis,so thats a biggie for you as far as "knowing' if something is being hit the wrong way? they can change the angle before this actually causes YOU permanent damage. this is just a really major way or making sure you are okay thru the procedure. not alot of people have this done during their surgeries. i am sure the only reason he is having this done is becasue of your cord compression.
i do wish things were very different for you hon than they currently are. enough is enough ya know? just remember to try and concentrate on the things you still can do for your sister and not to dwell on what you wished you could do or would like to do(its just alot of wasted energy that could be better spent).you have to be real here sammy. just ask yourself what YOU would want your sister to do for you if the situations were reversed and go with that(and just be realistic). you know your sister the best and what she may need right now from you. you DO have alot of people here who care about you sammy and we will be here for whatever you need from us hon. do not ever forget that,K? take care sammy,and just try and do whats the best things for you right now,and other ways you can actually "be there" for your sister too. sometimes life just slams us with wayyy too much crap,but we do get thru it somehow,usually with the support of the people who love us and simply care about us and how we are doing. i AM here for ya sammy,no matter what. take care hon, marcia
my hubby had his c 5-6 done about five years before my herniation was fused. his went picture perfect and he has not had any problems as far as from that c spine anymore since. the hip was a whole diffent story. other guys i have talked to,with one in particular who all had this same surgery( all firefighters,go figure)had more problems with that dang hip graft than the actual surgery,one ended up with a very severe pain syndrome within that hip that he has had since the late eighties? so doing the bone bank thingy is huge as far as having future issues stemming from it. this is a good thing for you hon,trust me.
as far as him finding possible new problems or worsening problems,that is probably a yes. you just cannot always really know the true depth of them without that MRI tho,espescially when it comes to cord indentation or compression. but anything new would probably be seen pretty easily up there espescially since you have not had a previous surgery that would have created scar tissue to have to deal with. this can also block certain areas from view during surgery. that was my case in only 9 months of time when i needed that hardware placement done within the same dang year? my surgeon told me he had to actually cut thru alot of very fiberous scar tissue just to try and reach the spinal area to place that plate and screws. so thats not an issue here at all. i would also assume that if anything came up that he was not certain of,he would do some level of scanning just to be sure. they do alot of different types of scans during surgeries just to check marker placements and alot of other stuff too. you also have the added bonus of just having your motor and sensory monitored thru out this thing too. i KNOW not many surgeons do that on a routine basis,so thats a biggie for you as far as "knowing' if something is being hit the wrong way? they can change the angle before this actually causes YOU permanent damage. this is just a really major way or making sure you are okay thru the procedure. not alot of people have this done during their surgeries. i am sure the only reason he is having this done is becasue of your cord compression.
i do wish things were very different for you hon than they currently are. enough is enough ya know? just remember to try and concentrate on the things you still can do for your sister and not to dwell on what you wished you could do or would like to do(its just alot of wasted energy that could be better spent).you have to be real here sammy. just ask yourself what YOU would want your sister to do for you if the situations were reversed and go with that(and just be realistic). you know your sister the best and what she may need right now from you. you DO have alot of people here who care about you sammy and we will be here for whatever you need from us hon. do not ever forget that,K? take care sammy,and just try and do whats the best things for you right now,and other ways you can actually "be there" for your sister too. sometimes life just slams us with wayyy too much crap,but we do get thru it somehow,usually with the support of the people who love us and simply care about us and how we are doing. i AM here for ya sammy,no matter what. take care hon, marcia
cmpgirl
12-08-2008, 10:56 AM
Sammy,
I know you're going to get through this. As tough as it is right now, it will get better, I'm sure of it. A little turtle friend of mine told me so!
I know I'm not here as often any more, but I am still thinking about you all the time and praying for you and your family.
Just take a deep breath now and then and wish on every star in the sky and you'll be OK. I'm here for you, even if it is only in spirit sometimes. You're such a great person and you're stronger than you know.
In case I'm not up to it to post in the coming weeks, please have a wonderful holiday and the very best of luck on the 26th. I'll be praying for you and your family every day. Many warm hugs, CMP/MM
I know you're going to get through this. As tough as it is right now, it will get better, I'm sure of it. A little turtle friend of mine told me so!
I know I'm not here as often any more, but I am still thinking about you all the time and praying for you and your family.
Just take a deep breath now and then and wish on every star in the sky and you'll be OK. I'm here for you, even if it is only in spirit sometimes. You're such a great person and you're stronger than you know.
In case I'm not up to it to post in the coming weeks, please have a wonderful holiday and the very best of luck on the 26th. I'll be praying for you and your family every day. Many warm hugs, CMP/MM
sammyo1
12-09-2008, 11:57 AM
Marcia, you have helped me (once again) to understand better. I was not aware that not all surgeons did the monitering of the nerves. Makes me feel more secure with this surgeon. I am so busy & tired dont have much time to think about the surgery & perhaps thats a good thing.
You have got to be kidding, you had to have the hardware replaced in less then a year? Geez! Why was that?
I have told myself I am going to be careful after this. My weight has dropped & I am alittle over 100 so I am not pushing my limits anymore. I have heard more stories about the hip, so I am glad he is not using the hip.
As for my sister I just sent her a package. I took sunday & just relaxed would not even talk on the phone. I felt & do feel to close to loosing it at times for now. No way could I be of help right now. I cant go there & be a burden. I am constantly tossing the ideal of going around in my head.
There has been a few mornings my husband has had to help me out of bed. This is crazy, yet I am still trying to work. Just no early mornings, I time work with my meds.
I am a mess, having headaches bad, cant tell if its from the tooth or neck. Any suggestions there? I swear my neck hurts & everything along with it.
I have been on the antibiotics but thats not making a difference. The pain comsuming the whole left side of my head. Something like a migraine, even my eye hurts. How the heck am I going to tell? All the teeth hurt on that side & the pain goes down the neck. I have the strangest pain deep, deep in the throat. Cant even describe it. I will have to try the sensodyne & see if if makes a difference.
Thanks so much for being here for me, god bless & talk to you soon, Sammy
You have got to be kidding, you had to have the hardware replaced in less then a year? Geez! Why was that?
I have told myself I am going to be careful after this. My weight has dropped & I am alittle over 100 so I am not pushing my limits anymore. I have heard more stories about the hip, so I am glad he is not using the hip.
As for my sister I just sent her a package. I took sunday & just relaxed would not even talk on the phone. I felt & do feel to close to loosing it at times for now. No way could I be of help right now. I cant go there & be a burden. I am constantly tossing the ideal of going around in my head.
There has been a few mornings my husband has had to help me out of bed. This is crazy, yet I am still trying to work. Just no early mornings, I time work with my meds.
I am a mess, having headaches bad, cant tell if its from the tooth or neck. Any suggestions there? I swear my neck hurts & everything along with it.
I have been on the antibiotics but thats not making a difference. The pain comsuming the whole left side of my head. Something like a migraine, even my eye hurts. How the heck am I going to tell? All the teeth hurt on that side & the pain goes down the neck. I have the strangest pain deep, deep in the throat. Cant even describe it. I will have to try the sensodyne & see if if makes a difference.
Thanks so much for being here for me, god bless & talk to you soon, Sammy
chablis3
12-14-2008, 08:03 PM
Dear Sammy, Just to answer your question on my last MRI, I had an MRI right before I had my heart attack, and due to that plus my daughters cancer surgery, I never did go back to the surgeon to have him read the results. I had pretty much made up my mind to go ahead and have the back surgery, but when all that happened, I just have put it all off because I am just so tired of doctors, hospitals, etc! Yes, I know what you mean about nerve damage, and I am praying it doesn't come to that. Thanks so much for your concern!
Feelbad had made the statement "when it rain, it pours", and how true that is. I just had news that my cousins boy passed away from the result of a severe head injury caused by being attacked/beat by 5 men on a fishing pier in California. It just seems like it is one thing after another, and I can't put my mind to my problems with all this other stuff happening. You do understand that, I know, as your life has also been the same with first your sister-in-law, and now your sister. However, I know your health problems are so much more severe than mine, so it is in your best interest to get your surgery over and done with.
Hate to say this, but I am back to smoking. Bad decision on my part, but have been so upset and out of sorts, I just figured the heck with it for now, and I will try again to quit when things settle down. It's such a bad habit to break. Good luck on your quitting.....you have to try like heck before that surgery date.
I know your fighting a very hard battle right now in your life, but your going to get through this....and then bounce back and have a better quality of life for sure!
My best to you,
Judy
Feelbad had made the statement "when it rain, it pours", and how true that is. I just had news that my cousins boy passed away from the result of a severe head injury caused by being attacked/beat by 5 men on a fishing pier in California. It just seems like it is one thing after another, and I can't put my mind to my problems with all this other stuff happening. You do understand that, I know, as your life has also been the same with first your sister-in-law, and now your sister. However, I know your health problems are so much more severe than mine, so it is in your best interest to get your surgery over and done with.
Hate to say this, but I am back to smoking. Bad decision on my part, but have been so upset and out of sorts, I just figured the heck with it for now, and I will try again to quit when things settle down. It's such a bad habit to break. Good luck on your quitting.....you have to try like heck before that surgery date.
I know your fighting a very hard battle right now in your life, but your going to get through this....and then bounce back and have a better quality of life for sure!
My best to you,
Judy
sammyo1
12-17-2008, 09:22 AM
Oh, I am so sorry about your family member,my gosh what an awful thing to happen to anyone. God be with the family.
I am going to get abit tough with you here, try to get those MRI results. As Marica reminded me you can get a copy of the report & if I were you I would do that. You need to know whats going on in there. Start with that & get that report.
I understand about doctors, god knows I have been to at least 7 just for this. but your to important & trust me it can get bad fast. Please think about it. I would like to know myself whats in that report. Yes I know thats abit nosey, but cant help myself,lol.
I went & got a copy of mine after Marcia patiently reminding me, bless her.
I was shocked at what was in that report, as I was late getting into my PM that ordered the MRI & I assumed if anything was really bad he would call me. Of course he did not call & when the surgeon got a hold of those films it was even worse then it sounded on the reports. You never know my friend & take it from one who knows it can get bad quick.
I am sorry your smoking again, hard, hard habit to break. I know some people dont understand but I do. I am working on cutting it way down then the patch & then quitting. I think I wont care as much after surgery, I hope. We dont smoke in the house, in the basement during winter but my husband said thats stopping to & its cold outside of course. This is the worst time for me, nothing but stress but I have to give it a shot.
Think about what I said & perhaps you could call the place where you had the MRI done & tell them you want a copy of the report. Ok I'll stop pushing. Let me know if you do get it. God bless, Sammy
I am going to get abit tough with you here, try to get those MRI results. As Marica reminded me you can get a copy of the report & if I were you I would do that. You need to know whats going on in there. Start with that & get that report.
I understand about doctors, god knows I have been to at least 7 just for this. but your to important & trust me it can get bad fast. Please think about it. I would like to know myself whats in that report. Yes I know thats abit nosey, but cant help myself,lol.
I went & got a copy of mine after Marcia patiently reminding me, bless her.
I was shocked at what was in that report, as I was late getting into my PM that ordered the MRI & I assumed if anything was really bad he would call me. Of course he did not call & when the surgeon got a hold of those films it was even worse then it sounded on the reports. You never know my friend & take it from one who knows it can get bad quick.
I am sorry your smoking again, hard, hard habit to break. I know some people dont understand but I do. I am working on cutting it way down then the patch & then quitting. I think I wont care as much after surgery, I hope. We dont smoke in the house, in the basement during winter but my husband said thats stopping to & its cold outside of course. This is the worst time for me, nothing but stress but I have to give it a shot.
Think about what I said & perhaps you could call the place where you had the MRI done & tell them you want a copy of the report. Ok I'll stop pushing. Let me know if you do get it. God bless, Sammy
chablis3
12-17-2008, 06:50 PM
You know Sammy, I never even thought about calling the MRI plcae where I had the test done to ask them to send me a written report! They gave me copies of the film itself, but it never entered my mind to ask for a written report, as well. I will definitely go that in the next day or so. This MRI was for my back problems...not my neck. The surgeon I went to (back in February) might be wondering what happened to me as I never called his office to tell them I had a heart attack and would not be persuing surgery just now. Of course, most surgeons are too busy to care, so he probably doesn't even remember me!!
Funny thing, I am also having teeth problems just now, as well! I have a loose tooth that is beginning to hurt, and went to see my dentist yesterday. He wanted to pull it right then, but I said NO! I am going to wait till after the holidays for that.
Thanks for your kind words on my cousin's son. Appreciate that! And...yep, it sure is hard to quit the smoking, and I try not to have too many, but there are days I over do it. I am just hoping you can stop before your surgery.....try, try, try!!!!
Thanks on the heads up on getting that written report. I definitely will work on that!
Hope you sleep well tonight for a change!
Judy
Funny thing, I am also having teeth problems just now, as well! I have a loose tooth that is beginning to hurt, and went to see my dentist yesterday. He wanted to pull it right then, but I said NO! I am going to wait till after the holidays for that.
Thanks for your kind words on my cousin's son. Appreciate that! And...yep, it sure is hard to quit the smoking, and I try not to have too many, but there are days I over do it. I am just hoping you can stop before your surgery.....try, try, try!!!!
Thanks on the heads up on getting that written report. I definitely will work on that!
Hope you sleep well tonight for a change!
Judy
sammyo1
12-24-2008, 09:49 AM
Chab, yes indeed get that report. Have you had anything looked at in the cervical?
Let me give you some advice. I have lost 3 teeth since this all started & 2 rootcanals & still have another cracked tooth. When we have pain & stress we tend to do things with our jaws & teeth we normally would not do. Much of the time alot of people dont realize they are even doing it until pain starts up in the jaw, ear or just in the form of headaches.
I just read an article on back & neck pain & how we end up clenching & grinding due to the pain or stress caused from the other pain & there starts another set of problems. Not only can it cause problems with teeth & the jaw but it can cause more pain in the cervical. I am so bad when I sleep that I can wake up with my jaw almost locked & god knows most of my teeth are chipped now. I had such nice teeth. The dentist said he would not even do cosmetic on me because I grind & clench so bad it would be a waste. I am hoping this stops some what after the surgery & for now I am wearing a mouth gaurd. So much can happen when pain or problems exist in other parts of our bodies. I would love to know how many do the same with back & neck problems. Perhaps I'll put a post up.
Please let me know whats in the report, I'll check the back board to just in case. You my friend take care & have a wonder Christmas, god bless, Sammy
Let me give you some advice. I have lost 3 teeth since this all started & 2 rootcanals & still have another cracked tooth. When we have pain & stress we tend to do things with our jaws & teeth we normally would not do. Much of the time alot of people dont realize they are even doing it until pain starts up in the jaw, ear or just in the form of headaches.
I just read an article on back & neck pain & how we end up clenching & grinding due to the pain or stress caused from the other pain & there starts another set of problems. Not only can it cause problems with teeth & the jaw but it can cause more pain in the cervical. I am so bad when I sleep that I can wake up with my jaw almost locked & god knows most of my teeth are chipped now. I had such nice teeth. The dentist said he would not even do cosmetic on me because I grind & clench so bad it would be a waste. I am hoping this stops some what after the surgery & for now I am wearing a mouth gaurd. So much can happen when pain or problems exist in other parts of our bodies. I would love to know how many do the same with back & neck problems. Perhaps I'll put a post up.
Please let me know whats in the report, I'll check the back board to just in case. You my friend take care & have a wonder Christmas, god bless, Sammy
123dietdrpepper
12-30-2008, 02:13 AM
Sammy, I know your surgery was set for the 26th and I wanted to let you know that I have been checking in daily looking for an update on you. You are in my thoughts and prayers and I pray that you are being well taken care of as well as your pain mgmt in the hospital.
Sammy, I want you to know that I appreciate all your love and support you have shown me over the last couple of years and that I pray this surgery is the answer to your chronic pain. You definitely deserve a break.
Hugs and best wishes for a smooth recovery.
Sammy, I want you to know that I appreciate all your love and support you have shown me over the last couple of years and that I pray this surgery is the answer to your chronic pain. You definitely deserve a break.
Hugs and best wishes for a smooth recovery.
tiggertoo2174
12-30-2008, 08:58 AM
Sammy,
I just wanted to check up on you. I know your surgery was scheduled for last week. I hope everything went well. I'll be keeping you in my prayers for a quick recovery.
Tigg.
I just wanted to check up on you. I know your surgery was scheduled for last week. I hope everything went well. I'll be keeping you in my prayers for a quick recovery.
Tigg.