You're definately an inspiration, Quietcook! And a big help, too, I might add. You predicted surgery for my dh and were right on the money. He'll take it slow, however, starting out with a PLIF from levels S1 through L3 and screws at L2-L1, scheduled for May 10. Then on to TKR and after that, cervical fusion. The main goal for the lumbar fusion is pain relief and at this point, my husband says amputation(of what?) even sounds good. The neuro is finally admitting that dh is in rough shape and hopefully he'll get some kind of pain relief, even if not a return to a normal, non-disabled life.
With all you've been through, to know there is even a small chance of significant pain relief, well, it's encouraging! Kinda helps to look at the upcoming surgery with anticipation instead of dread...
Thanks for the insperation, I go in thursday for fusion and cant wait to work in my yard again. I love yard work that was me time but havnt been out there in 2 yrs and I now I wil be out there thanks to you.
Yesterday I too got outside! NOT in the truck like you, just out on the front porch in the sunshine enjoying the beautiful day - I am in FL, it was 70 degrees & not a cloud in the sky! Anyway, I thought of you! and something you'd said in a post about spring...I smiled and hoped your day was bringing you that "Spring Feeling" - so THIS is just an awesome thing to hear!
Now, I DO NOT want to dampen your mood, but MUST say this.
3mo after my fusion I had an identical spurt. Right down to "I didn't shovel dirt either....used my grandson's sand bucket - I even remember the neighbor coming over and scolding me to be careful! - That sadly was the last time I have worked in my flowers since then. YOU are fused! I am not, I just want you to be extra careful so you get as good as possible and so you'll be able to do this every single time you feel like it Spring after Spring!
What a great story, I am glad to come here a read such an up lifting post.
You have a wonderful ending to story that everyone should read, I hope one day mine might be so great. Take care. shelley
Ok I am so glad you are doing so well I will be the bad guy here lol Please don't be doing dirt and such. You are not even fully fused yet sweetie. Cringe I don't wan't anyone to think I am being mean by saying slow down a litle bit I was feeling so good and such thought wow I am fine. Don't forget I am a woman who was use to getting my high out of Skydiving no I was not doing that 3 months Post op lol but I so understand how we wan't to live we havent for so long.
Just please be carfeful there is no way that back is fully fused yet and I don't wan't you to have it not work out just because it does not hurt does not mean it is not doing damage in there ok I am done being the poopa here
May I ask why you had a 10 level fusion and in what area? I am looking for answers to my test results that came back yesterday. L1-S1 severe degenerative disc disease, herniations and major foot drop problems on left side. Can you be of any help in my quest to understand what may lay ahead of me. Your time is appreciated.
Thank you so much for taking time to reply to my post. I am glad you are better. I go to the Spine Surgeon on Thur am. I was afraid it would require surgery from what I have read. Do you think with the DDD being L1-S1 (with the execption of L4) that they would fuse it all or just L5-S1 being that is likely what is causing my foot drop? I am trying my best not to get worked up about it but can't help it. Thanks for all your advise. I will check into the ADR. I will also search to read some of your past posts. Thanks again.
Dianne
ok I am done being the poopa here
