I'm home - 7 days post op!

[jesscv]

Wow, it feels good to have this surgery DONE with!!! I was discharged from the hospital today (surgery was March 25) and am actually feeling pretty well despite some soreness/stiffness all over my back... which was to be expected. Anyway, surgery went as planned... my surgeon fused T2-L1 and I actually woke up in virtually no pain; just a little loopy, haha. Then I was rolled into ICU a few hours later and I was having a real hard time getting comfortable. The next day I was still feeling pretty good until my nurse ordered a CT scan first thing in the morning. I knew my dr. was pretty opposed to CT scans in the first place given the extremely high radiation exposure... so after insisting on speaking with him first it turned out my dr. was up tossing & turning all night because he thought a screw was sort of misplaced which COULD cause probs down the road (long story). After having and reviewing the CT scan and speaking w/ my fam, we decided to have another operation to fix the screw THAT DAY. It was awful. Nonetheless I was sitting the next day. and standing and climbing stairs the next. Also eating solid foods. Never really got sick, but did need a transfusion after the 2nd surgery (it just wore me out!) Anyway, logging off for now... still hurts to sit for a bit! I am in the process of updating a blog with pics and will share with all in the coming weeks!! Thanks for all the support!

[JenniferG]

OMG Jess, I'm gob-smacked!

So sorry you needed that second op, but how wonderfully you've handled it. I will be watching for your updates!

Please take care and let your body heal, it's been through the mill!

[always smilin']

WOW! You sound very cool about all that has happened - sounds like you are dealing with things well. Take good care of yourself - take it easy!

[Susie*Bee]

Jess-- it's great to have you posting again. YIKES! That's too bad about the screw, but good that your surgeon realized there was a problem and it's resolved now. Take good care of yourself and rest up, eat right, and listen to your body as you start doing more. Gentle hugs, Susie

[doodie]

It's great to be home isn't it? You must be feeling pretty well to be posting already. Good thing your surgeon was on top of things and took care of the screw placement problem right away. You just focus on doing what your body tells you to do right now...if you need a nap but you've only been up for an hour, go ahead and take a nap! Eat good food and take advantage of all the people around you who want to help in any way they can!

Keep us updated as you're able!

[LynnMarie74]

2 surgeries in that short of a time....yikes! You said the surgeon "thought" there may be a screw loose/out of place? Did they know for sure during the xray they did immediatly following the surgery,or was he just guessing? Maybe all surgeons dont do that, but I know that mine, moments after the rods/screws were in place, 2 were taken of mine onthe operating table, to ensure everything was right. Well, despite your being 7 days out, you sound GREAT! Thats excelllent...I hope it continues!!

Take care & make sure to get alot of rest these next few weeks....dont let the drugs fool you for being pain free!


Lynn

[debbei]

Well...thank goodness your surgeon has a conscience. I bet there are some out there that might just 'forget' about the little incident and then 'discover' it down the road when you're having problems. Was the 2nd surgery short?

Take care of yourself and get plenty of rest!

[jesscv]

the screw that needed adjusting did not show up on the regular xrays taken during surgery. it was just something that kept the surgeon up all night thinking about and ordered a cat scan at 5 in the a.m. that confirmed his suspicion. it was something about a screw "pointing in the wrong direction" that could affect me later in life, such as severe arthritis. he wanted to take care of it now while I was young (25). the second surgery put an extra strain on my body, but I'm proud to say I'm already walking around pretty well, even stairs. My back pain is actually minimal with the meds. Unfortunately, with extreme adjusting on my left shoulder I assume, I'm experiencing severe muscle pain in that area, usually just when trying to sleep and find a comfortable position. One other uncomfortable issue is my stomach bloating/lack of bowel movement. I've tried everything!!!! Any other ideas I may not have thought of?

To everyone that is contemplating this surgery or is getting the surgery soon, my advice is to just do it--it's not as bad I anticipated. That was actually the worst part I feel so much more aligned, straighter. and relieved about future problems. And, I grew two inches



preop: T curve 52, lumbar curve 36
postop: 18 and will straighten more over the coming months
Lumbar curve is now 0!!

[Singer]

Did you try Miralax? It worked great for me. Also try the Fiber One products (cereal and/or snack bars) and drink a ton of water.

[LynnMarie74]

Well, Im glad they found it and corrected it for you!!! 2 inches huh? Very cool!

My stomach issues which included swelling,bloating, puffiness & some uncomfortable feelings, didnt completely subside until a few weeks ago. Especially the bloating....ughh....that was not fun when NONE of your pants fit you! Im back into to most of them now....but they all fit differently now..meaning they actually now fit on my hips, where pre op, they sat about 1 1/2 inches from my belly button! The new figure is taking sometime to get used to! lol I still use Senokot for constipation. Its a natural stool softner & Im only taking one a day but up until about a month ago, I was taking 4 a day. Without it, Im not sure that I would have ever gone to the bathroom! Ugghh! Give that a try!

[loves to skate]

I'm sorry you had to have a second operation, but aren't you glad your Doctor had that nagging feeling that something wasn't quite right. It isn't easy for some Doctors to admit they made a mistake. You are fortunate to have one with integrity. Take care and heal quickly.

Sally