I made it !!!

[crepehanger]

hello all- just wanted to tell you that i had my surgeries, been in rehab, and traveled almost 300 miles to get home. i have much to share, just need to get more energy.. hope everyone else is doing well !!! i even have xrays to show the results- will write more soon... God bless... Lisa

[Jacque's Mom]

Congrats!

Lisa, wonderful news. I'm so glad you're on the road to recovery. Stay well. LYNN

[geo]

Hi Lisa,

Congratulations!! What a relief it must be to be at this stage.

I'm curious to hear about your travels - was the 300 miles by car or airplane? I ask because I will have to fly from Seattle to Anchorage (3.5 hours), then drive another 2.5, so I am wondering about your experience.

Best to you!

[suzyjay]

Great news - I wish you a speedy recovery.

Sue

[Shari]

Congratulations Lisa,

Hope eveything continues to go as smooth as possible for you during your recovery.

Just don't forget we are here for you on a bad day, good day, a day you just need to vent, or just have a question!!!

Take care,
Shari

[Houston Curves]

Welcome back Lisa! CONGRATULATIONS on getting the surgery behind you!

Ann

[crepehanger]

hello Geo-

I traveled by car the whole way after stopping to see my doctor and take x rays first- it was noon before I even started the journey home. I would advise that you stop as frequently as possible for bathroom breaks, as I am still working out the laxative/ bowel thing. I did receive a letter and card from my doctors' office that states that i have the metal implants for the future when i fly., so... hope that helps...when are you going to have surgery? is the weather going to be a problem? God Bless Lisa

[crepehanger]

here is the rundown as best I recall...

My first surgery anterior fusion done may 30, on lumbar to sacrum only took one hour and 45 minutes!!! the second one, on june 1, took 11 hours and 45 minutes!!! I cannot begin to tell you how important it is to do your research before you have this, as the hospital and doctors kind of expect you to be informed these days. thank God i had this forum to read and learn about what to expect , otherwise, i would have been very, very lost and scared. It reminded me of childbirth, kind of knowing what to expect while it was happening. I have not read very much about what to expect in rehab, but my brother broke his back a few years back and told me to prepare for the tremendously hectic pace of rehab. after i got used to the fact that I had to take responsibility to be ready for the schedule they made for you everyday, i had a great-time at Baylor Rehab in Dallas. if there are any newbies out there waiting for surgery, read everything you can and ask lots of questions. i unfortunately am allergic to the zofranil, as it is a great anti-nausea medication, as several of you told me to ask about it. I understand allergies are rare with this, and even then, it was not life threatening. Sorry for the long post, but I am pretty jazzed about about being home and back in touch with my world again!!!

[geo]

Hi Lisa,

Thanks for the advice about stopping frequently. We may just stay in Anchorage after the flight, and try to drive home the next day. I'm sure a full day of travelling will be the last thing anyone wants!

My surgery is scheduled for mid-August. I do imagine weather may turn into an issue, as far as the cold and the rods, as other people have mentioned. There's just not a good time for it here - have a surgery close to warmer months, and you miss out on the few warm months we have here! Darn, I just may have to escape to Hawaii or Mexico to "help my back" in February

Good luck to you on your future recovery. It's amazing that you are on here so quickly, it gives me hope.

[crepehanger]

GEO, thanks for the encouragement

You should just come on to Texas we'll all get you fixed up !!!!
other than floods and tornados, not much is affected by the weather here.

it was almost 100 degrees today...

No joking, I wish your decision was easier and more clear cut....Lisa

and I know you will do just as well as I am, maybe even better !!

[Shari]

Hi Geo,

You make an important point when you mention how it helps to have as much info about this upcoming surgery. I found the knowledge that I got from this forum much more valuable than any research I did.

First hand experience, whether it was good or bad, it made me prepared. I can't say that at times it didn't scare the hell out of me, but because of this forum, I actually impressed my Doctor with my knowledge of what I would be going through, and in a small way it seemed to give me some peace of mind.

It didn't help my recovery pain in any way other than understanding that what I was going through was normal. We're all different, but I felt fortunate that I had found this forum for so many different reasons!!!

Shari