The Count Down Begins.........Wed, Nov. 28th - Back Problems Message Board

ms_west · 11-24-2007, 07:30 AM

Is my surgery day. I have a mixed bag of emotions and it varies from moment to moment which is par for the course. You would think this being my 4th back surgery that I would be an old pro. I think the thing that scares me more is that my surgeon has added to the surgery. He discussed with me about fusing L4. We are suspicious about this level since I have a herninated disc and the nerve block took away the pain. Right now our plan of attack is:

*Possible Fusion L4
*L4 Laminectomy
*Revision of L5
*Insertion of Cage L5/S1
*Decompression of L4 and L5 Nerve
*Possible abdominal Plate
*Removal of Right Side of Hardware

I have given him permission to do what he thinks is the best once he is in and he has estimated surgery to be 6 to 8 hours in length. Surgery will begin at 6:30. He has also cancelled his afternoon surgery. He wants to make sure that he has sufficient time for my case.

I pray that this is the answer to my pain but it was very scary when my surgeon told me this is not a guarantee and that I may end up in more pain. I know he has to tell me the worst case scenario. I just have to put my FAITH in the hands of my surgeon and the LORD and what happens....happens. I have to take the risk of surgery for my children's sake.

If you could, please add me to your prayers this Wednesday!

CaityGirl · 11-24-2007, 08:10 AM

I'm sorry you're going through this. I certainly know a little bit of what you're going through right now. It is so hard to turn your body over to such an involved surgery. And you're right, it gets even scarier the more times you do it. You'll be in my prayers. Good luck!

Moldova · 11-24-2007, 08:43 AM

Diet, my heart is with you, I feel your concern. But you are right: just think positive and have faight. Nothing you can do but hope for the best.
My surgery was 9 hours. Usualy surgery like this Drs do only one a day. He never schedules other surgeries that day. I don't blame them, a lot of hard work and concentration, is in it?

Sweet heart, we all pray for the best and we can't predict what happens after. Hopefuly it will work for you this time. Think this way: at least you have hope with next surgery to be fixed right. I was also so scared of another major surgery i need (4 levels and revision) but now I would go without even thinking twice, but nobody wants to touch me due to ARC... and future doesn't look too good for me as much as I try to ignore thinking about it. When they have plans for us - than they have hope and this is so good.
You have your loving family to support you, you have all of us to be here for you, you have trust in your Dr - what can be better?? I will be praying for you, thinking of you and your family that day - when you will come home, would like to hear at least couple of words from you how are you doing. And lets hope that your recovery will be smooth and sucessful.

Love, Moldova.

ms_west · 11-24-2007, 11:44 AM

Thank you. I will post the minute I get home or have my hubby post a quick note when I get out of surgery.

carol632 · 11-24-2007, 12:08 PM

I sure can understand what you are feeling, diet. No matter how often we have surgery, there is always that nagging fear in the back of our minds. As I get older I worry about not waking up more than I worry about the surgery's success or failure. Since I have adult onset scoliosis and osteopenia, every surgery seems to cause another problem to raise it's ugly head. I guess we just do that which we think is best and leave the rest in His Heavenly Hands.

I pray that this revision and fusion will work out well for you.

Carol