Pre-op over, two days left...

[rosie1108]

Well everyone, my pre-op visit was today, pretty uneventful, except the nurse using me as a pin cushion when trying to draw blood... Looks like my fusion will start at T3 and extend to L3 or L4, Dr. Lee is hoping to just do L3, but I consented for T3-L4. I will have to arrive at the surgery pavilion before 6am on Friday, where the fun will begin!

He is anticipating a 6 day stay, (meaning x-mas in the hospital) but I should do pretty well in recovery as I am currently very healthy.

Emotionally, I'm doing ok, I am just feeling a little bit like maybe I shouldn't be putting myself through all this when I'm not in TOO much pain on a regular basis. I know that it is the right decision, I've already put it off for more than 7 years, and it has progressed about 10 degrees in that time.

I will be taking the winter quarter off of school to recover, I'm staying with my parents here, and my newly wedded husband (today is our 2 month anniversary) is here to help take care of me.

[nzgirl]

Best wishes

Hey Rosie,
I'll be thinking of you. Its great when it's over with, I don't remember much of the first few days. Enjoy the time with your family and try to be active! I'm feeling a bit bored with the recovery process and am trying to be patient.
A few people here have talked about the calm that comes the day before, I had that too... until the tears the night before. Don't expect too much of yourself, go with the flow, and it will all be ok. I'll be sending my best wishes from NZ. Hopefully you'll be having an early christmas this year? Shame you don't qualify for having your surgery in a childrens hospital, you'd get cool toys and other gifts! Milk christmas in hospital for all it's worth I don't expect you'll be up for much though.

[Susie*Bee]

Dear Rosie-- I will sure be thinking of you and praying for a successful surgery and fast recovery. It sounds like you have your arrangements all figured out, and great that your stay won't be very long. I'm sure it will be nice to have your parents and your husband with you and helping you during your recovery. That was smart of you to take off winter quarter. Best wishes -- and I'll be praying for you. You'll do great!

[Linda W]

Rosie,

Best of luck to you for a successful surgery and an uneventful and rapid recovery period. Getting a new back for Christmas is probably the biggest present you will ever receive!

Linda

[txmarinemom]

Rosie,

Best to you, hon ... Don't know what else to say other than you've made this choice as the best one for you, and you'll be in my thoughts until I see you post here post-op.

I look forward to seeing you write from the "other side"!

Best regards (and big hugs),
Pam

[LorDon]

Good luck!

Hey Rosie,
I will be thinking of you and praying for a smooth surgery and rapid recovery! You made the right decision so don't second guess yourself. My son had NO pain prior to his surgery.

Big hugs to you. You can do it!!!!

P.S. Don't know if you already have some, but Chapstick is a must.

[CHRIS WBS]

All the best to you, Rosie. Good wishes and prayers sent your way. What a bummer to spend Christmas in the hospital though.

Chris

[geo]

Just think of it as your Christmas present to yourself - grow an inch or two, clothes will fit better, not to mention stopping progression and maybe future pain. And how lucky to have a new husband there who will take good care of his new bride!!

I have another post-op appt. with Dr. Wagner end of February/beginning of March, so maybe we will cross paths at some point.

Wishing you all the VERY best, a Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!!

[vndy]

Luck!

Rosie -

You know I'll be thinking of you, and you know you'll do great. I can't wait to hear how it goes for you, so we can compare notes. You're totally prepared. You know where to find me if you need any reassurance!