Still Waiting for Surgical Date & Scared! - Pain Management Message Board

BrittleBones · 01-24-2008, 11:39 AM

I posted last week about going to the hospital after experiencing additional back pain, numbness and tingling and loss of bladder control. After several tests and a Mylogram with CT it was discovered that I have broken vertabrae at T4-T-3 that have collapsed in toward my spinal canal, putting pressure on my cord. I was in the hospital for about 5 days and I asked to go home to wait what I thought would be perhaps a week before my surgeon could get me into his schedule to operate. Can you believe that he STILL hasn't been able to come up with a date when he can operate? He is booked solid until at least February 8th. In the meantime I'm worrying myself sick thinking that any minute I may turn the wrong way and damage my spinal column and become paralyzed! I spoke to his nurse this morning and she said that she's been trying to speak to him for 2 days (he's been in surgery every minute) to figure out if he wants to postpone somebody else's surgery in order to get me in as soon as possible. I get so frustrated!! On the one hand I'm told that this is a serious fracture and more urgent than any of my other fractures because of the cord compression issue, but on the other hand I don't seem to be that important if he can't get me into surgery in a timely manner. Guess I'm just venting here - I really don't think I have another option. I'm kicking myself now for insisting that I be allowed to go home last week and call back for a surgery date. If I had stayed in the hospital I know darn well that I would have been given somebody else's spot on the schedule and they would have to wait. I've had 3 or 4 of my past surgeries postponed because of "emergency cases" that trumped my issues, now I'm feeling like it's time for me to be the emergency and let another patient wait. I guess that's a totally selfish attitude on my part. Anyway - don't really know why I'm taking up space here today - thanks for listening though!! K'Mac

Fabrashamx · 01-24-2008, 01:35 PM

OMG Kathy, you are NOT 'taking up space' and you are one of the LEAST selfish people I know! It's understandable to be scared, hell, terrified, and youre suffering in pain as well!

This board, and me for one, are here for you to vent anytime you want to, and you have a darn good reason for wanting to! In your place I would feel exactly the same way.

I would suggest setting a day, say tuesday, If you still have no firm date set, go back to the hospital and let them admit you! Hell, Do it over the weekend if you still are this concerned. Your fear and tenseness must be putting your pain through the roof. you are not taking up space that anyone else needs more, either here, or in the hospital or on the planet! Loads of people love and care about you, so be nicer to yourself, you would never say these things to someone else in your position.

I bet if you cut yourself at someones house, you would apologize for bleeding on the rug! Step outside yourself and think what you would say to someone else on this board who just said they didnt deserve care and concern.

Please post and let us know how you are and what happens, we all care about you so much.

Hugs, Fabby

sammyo1 · 01-24-2008, 01:51 PM

I am so very sorry you have to worry so much. What a terrable thing to have to deal with, don't beat your self up for asking to come home, I will bet most of us would have done the same. Fab is right set a deadline & if it gets to be to much go back into emergency. you have every right to worry & to vent. That is what we are all here for. I am shocked that you have not heard anything. I hope you get a date soon, the stress alone can make everything worse god knows. Hang in there & share your worries with the us, Sammy

trowftd3 · 01-24-2008, 02:54 PM

Kathy, ditto what Fabby said!
I would be scared too! That's crazy to make you wait that long.
Maybe you should mention to the nurse that if you should turn the wrong way and (God forbid) something should happen that you might sue for negligence in making you wait. I'm totally against people suing at the drop of a hat in this country but I think just the mention of a lawsuit may get the wheels turning and get you in soon. I'm sure that every surgery he has scheduled is not that life threatening that he can't reschedule and get you in. AARRGH!!

DO NOT EVER feel bad for coming here to vent. You have supported us all when we were down and now it's time to return the favor!
Definitely take it easy and I agree...set a date and tell them you cannot wait any longer. Put me back in the hospital and take care of me!!

I hope you here soon and keep us posted as you can. Good luck with the surgery. I pray it will be successful and not add to your pain.~Mush

ms_west · 01-24-2008, 03:32 PM

Heck, I would truck right on into the surgeon's office with my pain pills in one bag, slippers on the feet, and wearing my pj's and plop myself down on his chairs and not move until you get an answer. I would also sit there and moan......make sure you are seen and heard.

I am lifting this up in prayer. This is ridiculous.....go gett'em.