? on Surgery - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

lori1851 · 03-30-2003, 03:48 PM

Hello
Just wondering how long some of you had to wait before you got to have your surgery? Man, I am just so cranky from waiting!!!!! I go back Wed to Ortho surgeon!!!! HIs nurse scheduled me for April 22nd!!!! Do you think he might up it? Its been since the last Feb when he seen me!!!! I should have never whimped out!!!! And did PT. Im depressed!!!!!!
Lori Indiana

BWL · 03-30-2003, 06:35 PM

Hi Lori,

I can see how the 22nd may seem like a million years away, especially when you're in pain and when you've made the decision you just don't feeli like waiting.

My sugery was done within a few days after we made the final decision to cut so I didn't have the torment of waiting. All of my docs felt that I needed to go in sooner rather than later so they did me on a pseudo emergency basis. I also had the feeling that one of them was going to get in trouble if they gave me any more percocet.

I would definitly see if you could get in sooner, but if not, we'll keep you company.

Bruce

------------------
ACDF with plating and donor bone C6-7 (1/29/03)

[This message has been edited by BWL (edited 03-30-2003).]

winged phantom · 03-30-2003, 06:36 PM

Lori, I'm sure it must depend a lot on local dynamics; how many doctors in the area vs how many potential patients, how good the doctor is reported or perceived to be, etc. I know it is very hard to wait when you are feeling so miserable; the only thing you can do is talk with him or the scheduling person. I know I fell through the cracks on my other surgery all during the holidays, and then there were some conferences the doc was going to attend... you name it, there might be an excuse!

Hang in there, Hon. There really is no option. And be thankful you don't live in Canada where medical care is not as immediate! If you read messages from melanie dawn or joprud, you will see they have waited an eternity. And mel is coming to the US for her surgery. I know this doesn't help much, but hopefully you will find the energy to joke around here with us to help pass the time.

wr

bdb · 03-30-2003, 08:09 PM

I'm in Canada. The waits here are a joke. It took 15 months to figure out what my injuries were and to do something about it. We only found out what was wrong because my lawyer paid for an MRI scan at a private clinic. I went to my GP to say I was haveing problems again back in November. He referred me back to my NS. My appt is April 8 just to get back in to see him. If i have to have surgery again, lord knows when it will be done.
My mom went to her GP last march about pain going down her leg and a sore low back and hip. Her GP told her it was just arthritis. I went back to her GP with her to make sure something was done for her as she could not walk without a crutch last July. He referred her to an OS. She finally had her appt last week and found out it is not her back at all but she does need a hip replacement. He said after that she will be able to walk and garden again. The problem is that there is a year long wait for the surgery.
This is our medical system up here.
bdb

winged phantom · 03-30-2003, 08:40 PM

bdb, that is so sad. I especially feel sorry for our parents and the elderly when they have few options left and are in pain. I hope something can be done more quickly for your mom, bdb.
wr