19 Year Old Male. Scoliosis Progressing.

[LindaRacine]

You can make jewelry out of them.

1127

[mabeckoff]

You can make jewelry out of them.

1127

interesting looking items

[debbei]

John, is your surgeon OK with a treadmill for you?
i've heard surgeons say they wanted their patients on the street and not using a treadmill for a while...
i know Dr Lonner in NYC is one of them....

the thought of getting back to the gym for any reason must be making you really happy!

jess

I wasn't allowed on the treadmill until after my 6 week checkup. I think they're trying to make sure you don't fall.

[Elisa]

You can make jewelry out of them.

1127
Definitely interesting. Not sure if those earrings would look good on John though, lol. The rods are a lot thinner than I thought. I've been picturing them about double that width for some reason, to hold the spine and all.

[JDM555]

What am I going to do with them? Are you seriously asking that? Lol, that's so cool to have spinal hardware that was in your spine just hanging out. I'll definitely keep it to share with friends/family and to remind me of my past. I think it's very special to be able to have them, I don't look at them as just some pieces of metal that are useless.

And lol at earnings, I'll pass on that and on Christmas ornament as well.

Elisa, that's what I first thought when I saw my hardware. I was like wow, those are pretty thin, but they are definitely strong.

[LindaRacine]

The rods are from the titanium pediatric Cotrel-Dubouset system. (I think they're the thinnest rods made.) They didn't come out of my back. The pieces were leftover from a surgery I observed. Somewhere, I have a picture of myself with Dr. Dubouset, who thought the earrings were fabulous. I was in a small crowd with him at an SRS meeting probably about 10 years ago, when I could see his eyes go to my ears.

[tonibunny]

Coolest. Earrings. EVER! I'd love some of those! *big smile*

[JDM555]

Neat! I have pictures of my scar with staples, but think it's a little too graphic for some viewers lolol. If anyone wants me to share, shoot me a PM.


http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/LilJohn148/0020-2.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/LilJohn148/0021-2.jpg

[Elisa]

Neat! I have pictures of my scar with staples, but think it's a little too graphic for some viewers lolol. If anyone wants me to share, shoot me a PM.


I'm in like Flint. pm'g now. ;-)

[JDM555]

Knew you'd be the first one to ask lol.

[LindaRacine]

Coolest. Earrings. EVER! I'd love some of those! *big smile*

Thanks. If you ever come to the U.S., I'll let you borrow them. :)

[titaniumed]

(after all, some of us New Yorkers never had fresh air to begin with...hah!)


I know. It blows in from Newark. lol
Ed

[titaniumed]

It is only 2 levels, and I think he's an amazing surgeon, so that is why I had the meh attitude about the stimulator.

John
Understood now, and didnt realize it was 2 levels. Even still, after all you have been through with all of this, its hard to see younger patients having a hard time. You should be out crusin....you know! LOL
Ed

[titaniumed]

Linda

Love the earrings! They sure are “knurly”....

Good thing this isn’t a hip transplant forum. he he
Ed

[rohrer01]

John, the "hardware" looks intimidating! It would be cool if you could put it all back together the way it was in your spine. I'm sure that would get some gasps!

[Elisa]

Knew you'd be the first one to ask lol.
Maybe I just have a scar fetish eh, heh. You look great! :-D

[rohrer01]

John
Understood now, and didnt realize it was 2 levels. Even still, after all you have been through with all of this, its hard to see younger patients having a hard time. You should be out crusin....you know! LOL
Ed

With his positive attitude and spunk, I'm sure he'll be out crusin soon enough...LOL

[titaniumed]

John

How are you today? Have you recovered from Thanksgiving?

I agree on reconstructing your hardware. Mount in a glass frame assembled together.....

I have heard that they are landing largemouth bass on 6mm pedicle screws today! lol

Ed

[JDM555]

John

How are you today? Have you recovered from Thanksgiving?

I agree on reconstructing your hardware. Mount in a glass frame assembled together.....

I have heard that they are landing largemouth bass on 6mm pedicle screws today! lol

Ed


Hey Ed. I'm a little sore, but doing OK I guess. I have absolutely no appetite today and found it extremely hard to eat anything. I'm on very little pain medication. In the day, I usually take 1 20mg oxycontin, 1 or 2 percocets and 1 valium before sleeping. Considering I'm a little over 1 week post-op, I find that very interesting. I'm not in much pain, just discomfort and soreness, mostly from my damned staples. Can't wait to get those sons of bitches out. I'm noticing shortness of breath though, which gets pretty severe when I go up/down stairs. I started taking calcium/vitamin D/C daily and hopefully in a few weeks, I'll be able to return to the gym to swim daily.

I still gotta share those new X-Rays with everyone. I'm waiting on digital x-rays instead of trying to get cell phone pictures of the films. Thanks for asking Ed!
John

[JDM555]

Actually, just thought I'd try taking cell phone pics of the films anyways. I think you should compare them to the picture of my older hardware. It improved, but I honestly thought the correction would be slightly better. I guess it's still good, and the main problem of loose hardware is fixed as well as lack of fusion. I just hope the hardware doesn't move until the bone fuses.

Let me know what you guys think.

Before: (Few Days Post-Op/1 year Post-Op/1.5 years Post-Op)

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/LilJohn148/1andHalf-1.jpg

After:

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/LilJohn148/newspine4.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/LilJohn148/newspine5.jpg

[jrnyc]

you did those with a cell phone?
i think they came out really well for cell phone pix!

it looks pretty straight to me....to the untrained eye....
of course, it is your body and you would want the straightest correction...stick straight i would guess....
assuming it will heal well, you look like you will be in good shape...literally!

i looked at the hardware they removed and cannot believe all of that was in such a tall and thin person!!
how....how...HOW did it not feel heavy when you walked...?
never having had the surgery, it just stuns me how much metal patients get used to having inside of them......
i know it is not supposed to weigh very much, but it just LOOKS like it would be heavy....and FEEL heavy!

do you think thin patients feel it more...??
i read about those who have the metal poking thru the skin when they are really skinny....
a surgeon i met with mentioned discussing pediatric screws for me if/when i have the surgery,
as i am small boned and very thin now....

congratulations on your new, straight spine, John! you so deserve to have a pain free, active life...looks like you will!

jess

[rohrer01]

Actually, just thought I'd try taking cell phone pics of the films anyways. I think you should compare them to the picture of my older hardware. It improved, but I honestly thought the correction would be slightly better. I guess it's still good, and the main problem of loose hardware is fixed as well as lack of fusion. I just hope the hardware doesn't move until the bone fuses.

Let me know what you guys think.

Before: (Few Days Post-Op/1 year Post-Op/1.5 years Post-Op)

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/LilJohn148/1andHalf-1.jpg

After:

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/LilJohn148/newspine4.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/LilJohn148/newspine5.jpg

I think the correction looks pretty good, considering they were trying to spare you some movement in the lower lumbar. It definitely looks more stable as they used another crossbar (don't know what they are called) and the rod isn't sticking out away from your vertebrae anymore. It's my understanding that most peopld don't get "perfect" correction, even though that is what we all want. Your curve starts at the bottom and unless that were fused I don't think there's anything they could do about it. I would be happy as long as your pain is gone, your bones fuse and you still have some mobility. I'm certainly not an expert, but your body will tell you if it was a success or not. The curve that remains looks very minimal. If someone had that magnitude of a curve I'm pretty sure that they would not be a surgical candidate. You sound like you are doing remarkably well for only about a week post-op. Don't sell yourself short on the pain meds as you have them for a reason. Obviously if you aren't in pain that is GREAT! You are a brave young man. I'm hoping that you can heal quickly and get on with your life. I know you are hoping that those bones fuse quickly. I would take it easy for a long while just to make sure you don't do anything that would compromise the fusion. Take care and thanks for sharing!

[JDM555]

you did those with a cell phone?
i think they came out really well for cell phone pix!

it looks pretty straight to me....to the untrained eye....
of course, it is your body and you would want the straightest correction...stick straight i would guess....
assuming it will heal well, you look like you will be in good shape...literally!

i looked at the hardware they removed and cannot believe all of that was in such a tall and thin person!!
how....how...HOW did it not feel heavy when you walked...?
never having had the surgery, it just stuns me how much metal patients get used to having inside of them......
i know it is not supposed to weigh very much, but it just LOOKS like it would be heavy....and FEEL heavy!

do you think thin patients feel it more...??
i read about those who have the metal poking thru the skin when they are really skinny....
a surgeon i met with mentioned discussing pediatric screws for me if/when i have the surgery,
as i am small boned and very thin now....

congratulations on your new, straight spine, John! you so deserve to have a pain free, active life...looks like you will!

jess


I think the correction looks pretty good, considering they were trying to spare you some movement in the lower lumbar. It definitely looks more stable as they used another crossbar (don't know what they are called) and the rod isn't sticking out away from your vertebrae anymore. It's my understanding that most peopld don't get "perfect" correction, even though that is what we all want. Your curve starts at the bottom and unless that were fused I don't think there's anything they could do about it. I would be happy as long as your pain is gone, your bones fuse and you still have some mobility. I'm certainly not an expert, but your body will tell you if it was a success or not. The curve that remains looks very minimal. If someone had that magnitude of a curve I'm pretty sure that they would not be a surgical candidate. You sound like you are doing remarkably well for only about a week post-op. Don't sell yourself short on the pain meds as you have them for a reason. Obviously if you aren't in pain that is GREAT! You are a brave young man. I'm hoping that you can heal quickly and get on with your life. I know you are hoping that those bones fuse quickly. I would take it easy for a long while just to make sure you don't do anything that would compromise the fusion. Take care and thanks for sharing!


The last 2 were taken with me holding the films up toward the ceiling light. They came out ok, but I wish I had the digital version of the x-rays to provide. It does look good, but under further viewing, the L3/4 disc isn't horizontal. When I did bending X-Rays, with the hardware in me, I was able to get L4 perfectly horizontal, so I know I was flexible enough. He removed the hardware, removed the facet joints and lamina's, so that should make it even more flexible. Plus, I'm wearing a shoe on my right foot because my right leg appears to be shorter, causing the hips to be uneven, thus creating a bigger curve. So with this in mind, and still seeing it's not completely horizontal, I'm thinking maybe there was a chance it could of been corrected a bit further.

He told me that the bottom of L3 was completely parallel with my hips, so it's a great correction to him. Comparing to my old X-Rays, I'm one happy son of a bitch, but I'm just worried because sometimes the spine curves a bit while the bone is fusing. I don't want to give it a chance to become even more slanted.

And Rohrer, you're absolutely right, if I'm pain free and can gym and have many solid years ahead of me, I'll be one happy cookie, but I don't want to worry down the road about it curving again and falling into the same situation of worrying that my L4 disk will go out. I did notice the shortness of the rods and 2 crossbars, which looks pretty solid like you say. I'm not looking for perfect correction, but I was just hoping for that horizontal L4 that I saw in my bending X-Rays.

As far as pain meds, trust me, I'm not in a race or trying to get off of them soon. I take them as I see fit. Surprisingly, I'm doing great with only 5 days out of the hospital. I just need to do more walking. But pain wise, I have no "pain". It's discomfort at the worst. When it gets really bad, I just feel tightness to my left side and back incisions, but other than that, I'm solid. The next few days looks decent in terms of weather, I'll try to go out and walk and get fresh air.

[BendyBill]

Glad to hear how well you're doing, mate. Hoping that your recovery will continue to be as smooth as it seems to have been so far!

B

[mabeckoff]

Hey Ed. I'm a little sore, but doing OK I guess. I have absolutely no appetite today and found it extremely hard to eat anything. I'm on very little pain medication. In the day, I usually take 1 20mg oxycontin, 1 or 2 percocets and 1 valium before sleeping. Considering I'm a little over 1 week post-op, I find that very interesting. I'm not in much pain, just discomfort and soreness, mostly from my damned staples. Can't wait to get those sons of bitches out. I'm noticing shortness of breath though, which gets pretty severe when I go up/down stairs. I started taking calcium/vitamin D/C daily and hopefully in a few weeks, I'll be able to return to the gym to swim daily.

I still gotta share those new X-Rays with everyone. I'm waiting on digital x-rays instead of trying to get cell phone pictures of the films. Thanks for asking Ed!
John

John, those staples are the worst. I was so glad when they were removed. I felt so much better right away. It is funny about my appetite.The first two surgeries I had no problems eating. This third one I have no appetite at all. Glad to hear that you are coming along nicely

[JDM555]

Glad to hear how well you're doing, mate. Hoping that your recovery will continue to be as smooth as it seems to have been so far!

B

Thanks brother. Appreciate the kind words.


John, those staples are the worst. I was so glad when they were removed. I felt so much better right away. It is funny about my appetite.The first two surgeries I had no problems eating. This third one I have no appetite at all. Glad to hear that you are coming along nicely

Yeh, it's making it hard to sit or lay down anywhere. I still got to keep them till the 5th. Speaking of appetite, I woke up this morning with the WORST feeling in my stomach and my mom kept trying to tell me to eat. So I ate a small piece of turkey, 2 pieces of salami, some lettuce, and slice of orange and within minutes, my body was like NOPE, when I say I'm not hungry, I'm not hungry and I threw it all up. I guess it's going to be a slow day in the eating department. No appetite at all the past few days.

I'm glad I didn't take my pain med or that would of went with it. Now I'm worried and slowly drinking water, but still don't feel good.

[rohrer01]

John, if the doctor said that your vertebrae looked level with your hips, then that must be more imortant than a straight disc. Discs, as you know are our little shock abosrbers, maybe it will straighten out over time, or it might be wedged because the vertebra below the fusion isn't straight. Unfortunately, whether we have scoli or not, as we age our backs wear out and being fused down low makes them wear out quicker. I am only 42 and have a perfectly healthy lumbar spine, my problems are all up top. BUT, with that said, I have developed DDD (degenerative disc disease) in my L5-S1 disc. I have to get steroid injections in it once in a while, otherwise I can barely walk and have to lean up against a wall to get dressed.

Here's some advice (I should take it myself). Don't live your life worrying about if or when you will have to be fused lower. Take that one when it comes. I say take my own advice because I live afraid of the day "when" I will need surgery. That's kind of why I want it now, just so I can put it behind me! I've had one really horrific surgery in the past, so I know how horrifying it can be, but it was "soft tissue" surgery, so I probably can't even imagine what I'm up against. My experience was with a c-section where they gave me the paralytic drug, but not enough of the knock-out drug, so I was conscious and could feel the whole surgery, but couldn't move or scream or anything. It's really the stuff nightmares are made of. I imagine scoli surgery as worse than that.

As far as the appetite goes, I always have problems with that as I am on regular pain meds for back pain now. After any surgery, I JUST DO NOT WANT TO EAT, so I can understand. If you can keep it down, you might want to try some of the high calorie "Ensure". Some people like them and some people hate them. I think they are actually pretty good if they are good an COLD. Make sure to get the high calorie ones, though. They sell store brands that are cheaper, but I don't know if they sell the high calorie in the store brand. It gets pricey, but during one of my pregnancies I wasn't gaining enough weight (14 lb total) my doc prescribed it and got the insurance company to actually pay for it. He threatened them if they didn't pay for it he would admit me to the hospital for the rest of my pregnancy so my weight could be monitored. So I got lucky there.

Best wishes. I hope your tummy starts feeling better soon!

[jrnyc]

so sorry you are having stomach problems...
i know you need to gain some weight and certainly not lose any...
when your stomach starts to feel better, do you think you could handle
some protein smoothies??....
they are digested more easily than solid food...
and TiEd has sworn by them on forum...
i would stay away from meat until you feel better...it can be hard to digest...
citrus can also be hard on the stomach
can you handle dairy...like yogurt?
i know the pain meds wont help you have an appetite either....

you remain in my thoughts and prayers until you are completely healed

jess

[JDM555]

Thanks for the tips. I'll keep them in mind. And you're right, just got to stop worrying. I think after I know I'm fused this time, I'll finally be able to return to my regular life and finally be worry free. I drank some tea and that's about it all day. I'm still not feeling all that, but I'll try a small portion of clam chowder soup, hopefully that stays down now that I had a BM. Maybe that was the reason why I couldn't eat? Not feeling very healthy today lol.

[Mojo's Mom]

Just have to say, Ensure is nutritional garbage. The first 4 ingredients are water and 3 different forms of high glycemic index sugars. Remember that ingredients are listed in order of proportional quantity. That's the beginning of how you make a soft drink. Other than that, ensure has some milk and soy protein, some vegetable oil and a few synthetic vitamins and minerals.

The idea of a drink of some kind is a great one. Make your own protein smoothies in the blender with fresh fruits and veggies and quality protein powder...you need a lot of high quality protein after a major surgery like this. I expect to put my Vitamix to a lot of extra use after my surgery. The smoothies are easily digested, especially if you have a Vitamix or Blentec machine that will break down the cell walls of the foods you put in.

But Ensure is mostly sugar and water, folks. Not too healthy.

[Doreen1]

Hi John,

When my hubby was into body building, he discovered an awesome protein powder made by Beverly International: Muscle Provider. We brought a tub with us so he can make me some shakes in a shaker cup post-op. Not only is it the best tasting chocolate shake, but it is very high quality. You can use milk or water. We usually mix in water and then add a splash of heavy whipping cream (cuz I need a few extra calories).

http://store.beverlyinternational.com/cgi-bin/commerce.exe?preadd=action&key=29

Ingredients: Protein blend (whey protein isolate, hydrolyzed whey protein, whey protein concentrate, calcium caseinate, hydrolyzed lactalbumin, egg white), cocoa powder, guar gum, natural and artificial flavor, sodium chloride, soy lecithin, acacia gum, acesulfame potassium, sucralose. Contains milk, soybean and egg.

We also brought items to make smoothies with all-natural yogurt, OJ, bags of frozen berries and bananas.

Warmly,
Doreen

[JDM555]

Just have to say, Ensure is nutritional garbage. The first 4 ingredients are water and 3 different forms of high glycemic index sugars. Remember that ingredients are listed in order of proportional quantity. That's the beginning of how you make a soft drink. Other than that, ensure has some milk and soy protein, some vegetable oil and a few synthetic vitamins and minerals.

The idea of a drink of some kind is a great one. Make your own protein smoothies in the blender with fresh fruits and veggies and quality protein powder...you need a lot of high quality protein after a major surgery like this. I expect to put my Vitamix to a lot of extra use after my surgery. The smoothies are easily digested, especially if you have a Vitamix or Blentec machine that will break down the cell walls of the foods you put in.

But Ensure is mostly sugar and water, folks. Not too healthy.

Yeah, I think I tried some after my first surgeries and I hated it. It doesn't seem too healthy like you say as well, I don't think I'll be buying them because I just can't stand the taste. Thanks for the heads up.



Hi John,

When my hubby was into body building, he discovered an awesome protein powder made by Beverly International: Muscle Provider. We brought a tub with us so he can make me some shakes in a shaker cup post-op. Not only is it the best tasting chocolate shake, but it is very high quality. You can use milk or water. We usually mix in water and then add a splash of heavy whipping cream (cuz I need a few extra calories).

http://store.beverlyinternational.com/cgi-bin/commerce.exe?preadd=action&key=29

Ingredients: Protein blend (whey protein isolate, hydrolyzed whey protein, whey protein concentrate, calcium caseinate, hydrolyzed lactalbumin, egg white), cocoa powder, guar gum, natural and artificial flavor, sodium chloride, soy lecithin, acacia gum, acesulfame potassium, sucralose. Contains milk, soybean and egg.

We also brought items to make smoothies with all-natural yogurt, OJ, bags of frozen berries and bananas.

Warmly,
Doreen

Thanks for the tip, I use to be into all these weight gainers and protein powders, but honestly, if my stomach can't handle small amounts of food, there is no way in hell I'm going to down a whole shake. I have a hard time with the tastes and I don't think I'll be able to keep them down if I'm struggling with tiny portions of solid foods. There are some tasteless powders that are very very high quality protein, I might try that. But that is if my appetite stays crappy for the next few days. I was fine right after surgery, I don't know why it's dying all of a sudden. Thanks for the link as well.



I was able to keep the clam chowder and some bread down, but idk, still feel meh. Mom's making an amazing dinner tonight, so I think the smell will help me eat a little more in a bit.

[Mojo's Mom]

John, the thing about the smoothies is you don't have to drink it all at once...you can just drink a bit at a time, and you're constantly feeding your body high quality nutrition in a very digestible form that your body can use immediately. It also helps with bowel regularity. I will make one in the morning, drink a bit before my hour of exercise so my body has an instant supply of energy that won't bog down my digestive system, then I drink it gradually after my workout time is finished. Sometimes I knock back the whole thing at once, but mostly I work at it over a period of a couple of hours and it really keeps an even energy level.

Protein powders are not all the same, you want to look for non-GMO powders if it's a vegetable source, stay clear of soy if you're a man, make sure a whey protein didn't come from cows that are fed antibiotics and growth hormones. I don't use protein powders at this point, but probably will after my surgery. I use nuts for protein and healthy fat in my smoothies, but without the capabilities of the Vitamix that would make the smoothie grainy rather than smooth. If you are using organic eggs, you can use raw egg, too.

[JDM555]

Thanks for all the tips. Great info. I just ate a nice small portion of my moms dinner though. I wanted more, but I had to cut it off because I didn't want to throw it up later. I think I barely made the cut off mark lol. It was great though, I might eat a little more in a few hours, but absolutely horrible diet today. Hopefully tomorrow is better and starts getting back to normal.

Surprise surprise, I've been on 1 oxycodone/apap 10mg/325mg tablet all day. Pain is meh, I might take 1 more before sleeping, or a valium. Valium does help just a tiny bit in the relaxation department when it comes to sleeping, but not too much with pain. So Idk what to take. I read online if my doctor prescribes both percocets and valium, then it's fine to take both at the same time. But I don't feel too comfortable mixing meds. I guess I can take 1 percocet now for the pain till I sleep (lasts a few hours) and 1 valium 30 minutes before sleeping to help me relax. I had a bad, BAD sleep last night. Maybe that's why my appetite sucked today?

[rohrer01]

Sorry, John, didn't mean to give you the bad info about "Ensure". It just has high calories, vitamins and liquid. When I drink them I get really bad diarrhea, so that's why I don't drink them now for my low body weight. But, if you're having problems going.... Anyway, I suggested it because that is what my doctor had me do to get weight up. But if you don't like them anyway, you aren't going to keep it down. Sugar isn't always a bad thing. Your brain lives on glucose and water. It can't tell the difference between table sugar and fruit sugar once it is broken down and metabolized by the body. I don't buy into all that hype, but that's just me. Everything in moderation.

The most important thing is to keep yourself hydrated, especially if you are throwing up. All sorts of bad things happen when you get dehydrated. So plain old water is better than nothing. Sometimes if I'm feeling really yucky from dehydration I will drink pedialyte (but I think it tastes bad no matter what flavor - they have plain flavorless if you're worried about sugar). It restores your body's electrolytes. But it sounds like you are doing fine eating small amounts of food. I'm sure your appetite will return. You are still fresh out of surgery. I think the gist of everyone's advice is to eat things that are a power punch of nutrition in small amounts. Avoid foods that are constipating if you are having that problem. Hang in there, you'll be through this before you know it and you will be the one giving advice to those of us who have not yet had our fusions.

[JDM555]

Sorry, John, didn't mean to give you the bad info about "Ensure". It just has high calories, vitamins and liquid. When I drink them I get really bad diarrhea, so that's why I don't drink them now for my low body weight. But, if you're having problems going.... Anyway, I suggested it because that is what my doctor had me do to get weight up. But if you don't like them anyway, you aren't going to keep it down. Sugar isn't always a bad thing. Your brain lives on glucose and water. It can't tell the difference between table sugar and fruit sugar once it is broken down and metabolized by the body. I don't buy into all that hype, but that's just me. Everything in moderation.

The most important thing is to keep yourself hydrated, especially if you are throwing up. All sorts of bad things happen when you get dehydrated. So plain old water is better than nothing. Sometimes if I'm feeling really yucky from dehydration I will drink pedialyte (but I think it tastes bad no matter what flavor - they have plain flavorless if you're worried about sugar). It restores your body's electrolytes. But it sounds like you are doing fine eating small amounts of food. I'm sure your appetite will return. You are still fresh out of surgery. I think the gist of everyone's advice is to eat things that are a power punch of nutrition in small amounts. Avoid foods that are constipating if you are having that problem. Hang in there, you'll be through this before you know it and you will be the one giving advice to those of us who have not yet had our fusions.

Don't apologize at all. I appreciate all the tips you guys offer. I do need a lot of calories because I'm not eating a lot. Being 6'5 when I tried to gain weight while weight lifting, I needed 3500 calories to "maintain" my weight of 195lbs and 4000 calories or more to gain. So basically, being such a tall guy, I need a lot of calories, and with the horrible appetite lately, I'm no where NEAR 3000 calories, so anything is helpful.

I do need to drink a lot of water. But the bloating feeling doesn't help lol. I think right after dinner, I need to slow it down a bit. It's been over an hour and I'm still a little on the full side, if I drink a lot of water I don't think I'll like the feeling of bloating in my stomach. I was fine in the hospital and up to Thanksgiving, I have no idea why yesterday, and today have been so slow in terms of appetite. Maybe I'm starting a flu or something and don't know it? Weird. And yes, I'm definitely having the constipation problem. Sorry to say, but my BM today was pretty damn painful. I'm taking a stool softner, but I guess I need to up the dosage and hope I get closer BM's because so far, it takes 3-4-5 days for a BM which is too long.

I hope the next week flies by and I get the staples out, and can start showering and feeling better. Then before I know it, can start swimming and I think that will help me dramatically.

Here is the X-Ray between surgeries. Check out the difference in the holes in my L2 and L3. Don't you guys just love loose hardware!?


http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/LilJohn148/newspine3.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/LilJohn148/newspine2.jpg

[rohrer01]

Oh my goodness that bottom hole is HUGE! I really hope the bone graft he put in there starts fusing right away. I'm sure it will with the concoction that he used.

Bananas are loaded with calories if you choose to make smoothies plus they are a natural sweetener. Be careful with raw eggs, organic or not, as one in three eggs carry Salmonella. That's the last thing you need is to get sick with that on top of everything else. Egg whites are a very pure source of protein and egg yolks, believe it or not are a good source of vitamin D, as I was told by my doctor. But I recommend cooking them however you like them if you are going to eat them.

[JDM555]

Oh my goodness that bottom hole is HUGE! I really hope the bone graft he put in there starts fusing right away. I'm sure it will with the concoction that he used.

Bananas are loaded with calories if you choose to make smoothies plus they are a natural sweetener. Be careful with raw eggs, organic or not, as one in three eggs carry Salmonella. That's the last thing you need is to get sick with that on top of everything else. Egg whites are a very pure source of protein and egg yolks, believe it or not are a good source of vitamin D, as I was told by my doctor. But I recommend cooking them however you like them if you are going to eat them.


Yeh, I was shocked to see how big that damn hole was lol. No wonder I was cracking and clunking all over the place. I don't like eggs and I'm allergic to bananas so I think I'm safe there. Had some fruit so that should help with sugar/calorie department. Hopefully tomorrow is a better day, but I'm tired and about to call it a night. Thanks for all the tips again.

[titaniumed]

So I ate a small piece of turkey, 2 pieces of salami, some lettuce, and slice of orange and within minutes, my body was like NOPE, when I say I'm not hungry, I'm not hungry and I threw it all up.

Salami is cured sausage which is meat scraps, blood, and fat, salted and stuffed into animal intestine. This was fine hundreds of years ago in Europe, and would last 10 years at room temperature. No wonder you threw up. I know, I used to slam everything that came across my plate in my time......I’m lucky I’m still alive! Boy, we drug our bodies to the hilt, cut it open, drill, grind and screw it together, sew it back up, and then we add salami. It truly is the most disgusting food man has ever devised. Bologna is pretty bad, but this is worse.

I think right now just grab a can of chicken broth or chicken soup from the kitchen and eat some of that very slowly. Tomorrow is another day. Eat yogurt if you have any, good for the intestines.

Oh, and pick up a bottle or two of Magnesium Citrate just in case.

If only your surgeon knew. If he ran blood work, salami would show up. (that’s bad) lol
Ed

[rohrer01]

Salami is cured sausage which is meat scraps, blood, and fat, salted and stuffed into animal intestine. This was fine hundreds of years ago in Europe, and would last 10 years at room temperature. No wonder you threw up. I know, I used to slam everything that came across my plate in my time......I’m lucky I’m still alive! Boy, we drug our bodies to the hilt, cut it open, drill, grind and screw it together, sew it back up, and then we add salami. It truly is the most disgusting food man has ever devised. Bologna is pretty bad, but this is worse.

I think right now just grab a can of chicken broth or chicken soup from the kitchen and eat some of that very slowly. Tomorrow is another day. Eat yogurt if you have any, good for the intestines.

Oh, and pick up a bottle or two of Magnesium Citrate just in case.

If only your surgeon knew. If he ran blood work, salami would show up. (that’s bad) lol
Ed

Does salami really have blood in it? GROSS! I don't like salami. I hope summer sausage doesn't fall into that category 'cuz I love the stuff. Bologna and hot dogs are really bad. I had a friend that was a butcher and he told me how they make it. For real, it's all the byproducts and no one here would really want to know what they are. I thought summer sausage was just really seasoned and smoked hamburger. Please tell me that's true!

And for John: If you are allergic to bananas and don't like eggs, I don't know what to say except take TiEds advice. He's totally been there done that. Rice is also good and easily digestible. I think I'm gonna quit making food recommendations. You know what you like and what works, you've been through this before. ;-) Take care and I hope you are sleeping better than I am tonight!

[jrnyc]

i guess you know by now what works for you...
if i have been throwing up, i am lucky to be able to handle tea and toast or crackers...
i know that doesn't put weight on anybody, but it will usually go easy on the stomach...
i kinda figured something like salami would be too hard to digest...
i would be careful with clam chowder too....
was there a food your mother used to make for you when you were younger,
whenever you got sick?
sometimes there is a food your mother knows you used to be able to digest after
being sick as a child...
if all else fails, sometimes adding vanilla ice cream to a smoothie helps...

hope you feel better soon...
remember how recent your surgery was....
you could try calling the doctor's office if things get bad...

jess

[mabeckoff]

Hope things get better soon You are in my prayers

[JDM555]

Thanks for the tip about salami Ed, I guess I'll no longer eat salami again....ever lol. This morning was a little better, had more of an appetite and was woken up at 9:30AM by a call from my aunt lol. Thanks for that aunt. I ended up going Church, it was rough to go on an empty stomach and just meds. I had a hard time breathing and my heart was hurting? Idk, just had a weird pain located near my heart when I would inhale and didn't feel good walking a lot, so I think it most likely was from lack of food. I had some cake after and now I'm working on a 6" turkey sandwich from subway, I think that should be pretty light for me. So far so good. I'll probably nap after as I'm a little tired. Thanks for all the help guys and I'll be more careful of what I eat from now on.

[Pooka1]

I had a hard time breathing and my heart was hurting?

Don't let that progress. Make sure you can breath deeply with no pain.

[JDM555]

Don't let that progress. Make sure you can breath deeply with no pain.

It's not related to deep breathing. Idk, it was really random. I can breath deeply just fine and what not, but I guess I get out of breath pretty quickly when it comes to stairs or long walks. I think it might be from blood loss, I'm anemic, so maybe that has something to do with it. But also lack of food/water this morning didn't help, so that could of been the reason for the pain. If it happens a lot, I'll definitely contact my doctor.

[jrnyc]

John, i don't want to sound like a worrier...
but are you going just a little bit too fast?
did you need to sit on a cushion or extra pillow at church??...those pews can be pretty hard if not padded....
i am just wondering if the breatheing thing was a little heads up from your body...to remind you
that it is so soon after the operation....maybe you could slow down just a little bit...
and see if you do get that pain again....
i would call the doc if it happens again...

hope you are feeling better soon...

jess

[JDM555]

I did sit on a pillow, don't worry. And I'm not sure how going to sit down at Church is any different than sitting down at home? Nothing different. The only difference is that I didn't get a solid breakfast. That's the only difference between this morning and any other morning at my home.

[titaniumed]

Thanks for the tip about salami Ed, I guess I'll no longer eat salami again....ever lol. I'll be more careful of what I eat from now on.

Great!

Many years ago, I was skiing with my dad in Utah, and at lunch I broke out a bologna sandwich. He then proceeded with the “rodente” jokes, and that was the last bologna sandwich I ate. Sausage jokes, salami jokes, were all in his rolodex......Read about these meats, and ground meats....between the fat and the cholesterol, you will have a different view.

If our car starts making a strange noise, we go running to a mechanic, slam something nasty for lunch, and pay him big bucks to fix the wrong problem! We are better off driving the car into the ground, (drive it till it stops) and paying more attention to what WE eat. While you are young, you should adopt healthy eating habits. Cholesterol is a never ending problem that starts from birth.

Start cruising the web and read about foods and diets. I took a look today at the “worst things” you can eat, you will be surprised how veggie subs and tuna can be made or prepared into unhealthy choices. Here is a site that is worth some time. The link starts with water of course! Sip it all day long.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/water/NU00283
Ed

[titaniumed]

[QUOTE=JDM555;129719] it was rough to go on an empty stomach and just meds. I had a hard time breathing and my heart was hurting?QUOTE]

Opoids do contribute to respiratory depression....I remember feeling the same thing.

You shouldnt be on an empty stomach....Try just eating a strawberry or 3 blueberries.

You have a million dollar spine and your surporting that with cake? Bad kitty!

Ed

[jrnyc]

i am glad you were comfortable at church in the seats.....
i thought, the difference is, IF pain gets unbearable, or discomfort becomes too much,
at home you can just get into bed if that helps,lay down, put warm moist heating pad on, etc..
whatever helps the pain...cannot do that when you are out and about in church or anywhere
else...
what i was trying to say was, just maybe, it is too much out and around time so soon after surgery..

jess

[JDM555]

Opoids do contribute to respiratory depression....I remember feeling the same thing.

You shouldnt be on an empty stomach....Try just eating a strawberry or 3 blueberries.

You have a million dollar spine and your surporting that with cake? Bad kitty!

Ed

Lol, it wasn't up to me. That's what was available to eat, and I said I can use the extra calories, but they are all bad calories. Fruit is good, I felt bad because I wanted to eat an apple before we left and didn't have time. Thanks for the tips.

And I guess not eating was the reason for the heart thing, I remember it with my first surgeries too, so I guess it's not out of the norm.


i am glad you were comfortable at church in the seats.....
i thought, the difference is, IF pain gets unbearable, or discomfort becomes too much,
at home you can just get into bed if that helps,lay down, put warm moist heating pad on, etc..
whatever helps the pain...cannot do that when you are out and about in church or anywhere
else...
what i was trying to say was, just maybe, it is too much out and around time so soon after surgery..

jess

Yeah I know what you mean, I won't lie, I did lay down in bed as soon as I got home. It was rough this morning because it was my first time leaving the house since I was discharged. It was nice to get fresh air and see familiar faces though. I did forget to bring my oxycodone fast acting medication though, damn! I got oxycontin 10mg lol. Oops.

[jrnyc]

perhaps you could make a list of things for someone to pick up at the
grocery store for you...??
there are ready made protein drinks, and ready made pre cut frozen fruit that
you can buy if you do want to make your own smoothies from scratch....
the drinks are usually near the fresh fruit and vegetable section, and the pre cut
fruit is in the frozen food section....ready made protein drinks are easier if you don't have
the time or energy to make them in the blender....
even full fat ice cream sounds like a better choice right now than cold cuts....
also,Greek yogurt is the easiest yogurt on the stomach....easier than the
other kinds...i switched to it last summer....

i suggest these changes to you just for a short while, til your stomach is better
and for when the pain pills have taken your appetite away....

and if you slow down and take it easier for a little while, you could just
consider it an investment in your future!

can you put a few pain pills in the car you will be using right now, just in case you forget
and leave them home???....
i put some in my glove compartment and in
my husband's glove compartment for when he is driving....
that way, i always have pain meds with me no matter what car we take...

hope you feel better soon...
jess

[JDM555]

I don't go anywhere, so it was just bad luck I guess lol. I don't think I'll be making any trips in the near future, so I'm good, but the pills in each car is a great idea.

I had some yogurt and some fruit and I'm eating lighter than before. Appetite isn't huge in the morning, but I'm forcing myself to eat something when I need to take medication. Been tired today, and woke up late (12:30PM), guessing it was from the valium I took at 12:30AM last night that put me out lol. I told my mom we need more yogurt and more soup and what not, since my stomach isn't 100% ready.

I'm taking more of the stool softners meds because the BM's lately have been seriously hard. More painful than the damn surgery lol. I'm having more BM's lately though, so that's good. I'm trying to get one every 1-2 days now.




And something I just figured out, I never went back to 11-11-11 posts and read through my recovery in the hospital. I can't believe I barely just got to it now. I appreciate all the prayers, wishes, and concerns you awesome members had for me, what an awesome family we are. I'm so grateful to have so many people help me through the recovery and care so much. I really really appreciate everything you guys have done for me, and for sure I wouldn't have the same recovery without you guys. Thanks again. And I did lol when I read some of my grammar mistakes, not bad considering on how much medication I was on.

So many friends that came told me they will need to meet up with me for a few hours to tell me what I was saying to them during recovery, they said I was saying a LOT of funny stuff that made no sense what so ever haha. Can't blame me, fentanyl on IV drip every 6 minutes will do that to you. :D

Thanks again guys.

[jrnyc]

so glad to hear that you are eating lighter and healthier right now...
i think your stomach may feel better that way...

what a nice thank you to everyone on forum....
so many people here were so concerned for you, John, and just
wanted to hear from you after surgery, to know you came thru OK....
i personally hope you recover completely, get on with your life,
and just return to forum now and then to pass along your knowledge and experience
to future surgery patients...

heal well, friend....
jess

[JenniferG]

That's the beauty of this wonderful forum.

[rohrer01]

I don't go anywhere, so it was just bad luck I guess lol. I don't think I'll be making any trips in the near future, so I'm good, but the pills in each car is a great idea.

I had some yogurt and some fruit and I'm eating lighter than before. Appetite isn't huge in the morning, but I'm forcing myself to eat something when I need to take medication. Been tired today, and woke up late (12:30PM), guessing it was from the valium I took at 12:30AM last night that put me out lol. I told my mom we need more yogurt and more soup and what not, since my stomach isn't 100% ready.

I'm taking more of the stool softners meds because the BM's lately have been seriously hard. More painful than the damn surgery lol. I'm having more BM's lately though, so that's good. I'm trying to get one every 1-2 days now.




And something I just figured out, I never went back to 11-11-11 posts and read through my recovery in the hospital. I can't believe I barely just got to it now. I appreciate all the prayers, wishes, and concerns you awesome members had for me, what an awesome family we are. I'm so grateful to have so many people help me through the recovery and care so much. I really really appreciate everything you guys have done for me, and for sure I wouldn't have the same recovery without you guys. Thanks again. And I did lol when I read some of my grammar mistakes, not bad considering on how much medication I was on.

So many friends that came told me they will need to meet up with me for a few hours to tell me what I was saying to them during recovery, they said I was saying a LOT of funny stuff that made no sense what so ever haha. Can't blame me, fentanyl on IV drip every 6 minutes will do that to you. :D

Thanks again guys.

That was very sweet of you, John! You are most welcome. I have kind of a funny thing to tell you, or maybe it's my middle of the night lame humor. I know I said I wasn't going to give you any more food advice, but couldn't resist: The doctors always tell you to go on the BRAT diet when your tummy isn't doing well. This diet consists of Bananas, Rice, Apple sauce, and Toast. Since you are allergic to bananas, I suppose you could go on the RAT diet. LOL But no eating of rodents, please. hee hee hee... I crack myself up tonight!

[hdugger]

I think the BRAT diet does the opposite of what John wants - it tends to slow down your digestive system.

But I do like the idea of a RAT diet :)

[Kayde]

I was also very sick and there's only so much jello u can eat. Cottage cheese is good if u like that. Very high in protien. And believe it or not I could keep down popcorn which is also high in protien. Ensures are good and they have formulas now just for muscles I tried the shakes they have but wouldn't stay down. Keeping pills in something u have with u is great including the car- please please be sure you have a copy of the script or a copy of the bottle- walgreens can divide the pills and put them in labeled bottles if you tell them what you need them for. If police were to pull over your car and you don't have something that shows you have a prescription for those pills they can make your life pretty miserable. They rarely believe the unbolted pills belong to you legally.

[jrnyc]

i use a bottle of pills with a label on it for each car...it doesn't matter
to me that my pills at home are in an unlabeled bottle...i know what my
hydrocodone pills look like...they are the only yellow pills i have...
that way, if i am pulled over, it is easy to see the pills are doctor
prescribed...i don't want to drive when taking the pills, but i need
them just to sit in the car when someone else is driving..

jess

[JDM555]

so glad to hear that you are eating lighter and healthier right now...
i think your stomach may feel better that way...

what a nice thank you to everyone on forum....
so many people here were so concerned for you, John, and just
wanted to hear from you after surgery, to know you came thru OK....
i personally hope you recover completely, get on with your life,
and just return to forum now and then to pass along your knowledge and experience
to future surgery patients...

heal well, friend....
jess

Yeah. It's still tough, I wake up with that bleh feeling in my stomach that makes it very hard to pick the right food to eat, or else I'm screwed for the rest of the day. I'm glad to have this forum and support of many, it's very nice going through surgeries and having someone to talk to when a problem comes up. Thanks for the kind words Jess.


That's the beauty of this wonderful forum.

Yes it is!


That was very sweet of you, John! You are most welcome. I have kind of a funny thing to tell you, or maybe it's my middle of the night lame humor. I know I said I wasn't going to give you any more food advice, but couldn't resist: The doctors always tell you to go on the BRAT diet when your tummy isn't doing well. This diet consists of Bananas, Rice, Apple sauce, and Toast. Since you are allergic to bananas, I suppose you could go on the RAT diet. LOL But no eating of rodents, please. hee hee hee... I crack myself up tonight!

Lol @ RAT diet. I don't like rats sorry. But on a serious note, I guess apple sauce and toast and stuff like a grilled cheese are good. I've been eating plain yogurt, and it's easy on the stomach. We're running out, I'm going to go shopping soon for a lot of snacks, some pudding might be on that list too. Thanks for the tips.


I think the BRAT diet does the opposite of what John wants - it tends to slow down your digestive system.

But I do like the idea of a RAT diet :)

I'll eat the light stuff in the morning, which is when I have that meh feeling and would most likely throw up anything that is too heavy, and eat heavier items in the afternoon/dinner with the rest of my family. So it's not just light items to slow down my digestive system.


I was also very sick and there's only so much jello u can eat. Cottage cheese is good if u like that. Very high in protien. And believe it or not I could keep down popcorn which is also high in protien. Ensures are good and they have formulas now just for muscles I tried the shakes they have but wouldn't stay down. Keeping pills in something u have with u is great including the car- please please be sure you have a copy of the script or a copy of the bottle- walgreens can divide the pills and put them in labeled bottles if you tell them what you need them for. If police were to pull over your car and you don't have something that shows you have a prescription for those pills they can make your life pretty miserable. They rarely believe the unbolted pills belong to you legally.

I know, I loved the taste of the jello, seriously it was the best jello I've ever tasted in the world, and by the end of the week, I couldn't take another spoon lol. Cottage cheese is a good idea, but I don't really run into a lot of it. I'm worried it'll have a nasty taste and cause me to gag and that won't end well. It's amazing when it comes to snacking when trying to weight lift, very high in protein like you said. Popcorn is light as well and a good snack, but it's very low in calories. A full bag is like what, 150 calories lol. I'm going to stay away from ensure for now. Another great tip regarding the pills, appreciate that too.



Thanks for all these cool tips, can't believe even though this isn't my first surgery, I'm still learning things to do post-op lol. This morning I had 3 tablespoons of plain yogurt, 1 scoop of flavorless protein in water, and 1 orange. It seems nice and light, and I'll be able to eat lunch soon. I woke up late again (11:00AM), so I didn't want to push it in the food department. I might go food shopping today and have better snacks.

[jrnyc]

hey John
pudding is a good idea....any kind...plain, rice pudding, tapioca, etc..
also, they make cottage cheese with fruit, like pineapple, in it...might be tastier....
i eat strawberry and raspbery Greek yogurt...i kindsa make myself eat it even when the pain meds take
all appetite away....

i know you can get thru the rough part, and that it will get slowly better for you....
you deserve the pain free life that is waiting for you!

jess

[JDM555]

I'm glad to have an amazing mom, but she went out and got me a few things I needed. Got me some toast bread, plain and fruit yogurt, pudding, apple sauce, cream cheese, and some other small snacks. I wasn't feeling too great, and I wanted something a bit salty, so I had a grilled cheese sandwich and cup of apple juice. I'm probably going to nap a bit, and then eat something later. Also having vegetables such as celery, green peppers, carrots, etc. chopped up and ready to eat with ranch is something I really enjoy, and it will be light for me to eat, so that's also good.

It's weird, idk why my stomach is getting sensitive now, I was eating fine a few days post-op and up till thanksgiving, then for the past 4-5 days I've been just slow and no appetite. It's weird.

[mamandcrm]

Hi John, I have no idea what I am doing on your thread other than that I'm a Mom with a kid who used to throw up a lot... :) Veggies are not the sensitive stomachs friend so be careful there. Your Mom has the right idea. WHITE bread (no complex carbs, keep it simple), applesauce, full-fat yogurt, eggs (but you don't like them, ok), cheese in moderation (can be irritate a touchy stomach), milk (same), ice cream (same--find a simple one like FIVE), clear juices and broths, chicken simply cooked (boiled if you can deal with that or little oil), plain pasta or maybe with some parmesan and butter sprinkled (read something about wanting salt?), rice cooked in broth. If you are looking to put on weight, nothing says lbs like peanut butter, but that might be too much for your stomach right now, experiment with a little maybe. Salami? OMG. Good luck to you, it seems like you have been through quite a lot.

[jrnyc]

regarding the last post, i would be careful of cheese....it is binding....
that is not what anyone on pain meds needs right now..
not with the problems this surgery brings with it...

jess

[JDM555]

Damn, cheese is bad too. Lol, this is harder than I thought. I did notice a bad feeling in my stomach after eating the grilled cheese. I did take a 20mg oxycontin at 11:30AM and then a percocet during the grilled cheese, pain hasn't been too great, and I don't want to wean off if I'm in pain, so I took 10mg oxycontin before I slept last night and 20mg this morning, and it's better. I think it's cause I was sitting too much yesterday.

Vegetables are bad for a sensitive stomach too? How is that even possible lol. Darn. I woke up from a nap a little while ago, but I can eat, so that's good. I'll go see what I can snack on till dinner.

[jrnyc]

John, it may sound silly, but i looked up foods that can give a person diaherra....
including too much sugar, licorice, peas and beans...
i figured maybe it could help reverse the problem that pain meds can cause....
i am not encouraging you to live on sugary foods....
just trying to tell you that if you research it, you will see what to avoid...like cheese....
and what you might want to try....including full fat ice cream, if you are not lactose intolerant...
also well known are grapes, cherries, and the infamous prunes...plums can work, too...

jess

[loves to skate]

John. I am so glad you are on the healing side but sorry your stomach is touchy. I couldn't keep food down either so I called my Doctor and he had me come in for some tests. I think they kind of worry about the gall bladder, but all my tests were normal, so back home on bumpy streets I went. I won't give you any advice about what to eat. I just ate small meals of whatever sounded good to me at the time. My all time favorite when my stomach is touchy is homemade egg custard. It is very easy to make in the microwave. I hope you feel better soon.
Sally

[JDM555]

I had another insanely painful BM this morning. I guess the stool softner I'm taking isn't working, because it's literally impossible sometimes. I had a slow day in the food, yet again. Woke up with small appetite and ate some plain yogurt with some sugar. Then in the afternoon some homemade chinese food, didn't eat too much cause I was worried my stomach wouldn't handle, and it was meh. Should be eating something else soon, but need to watch out what to eat for. I'll tell him about my stomach problems, BM, and pain levels changing when I get my staples removed on the 5th.

I think I need some anti-nausea and some effervescent alka-seltzer meds for my morning nausea and after meals stomach aches lol. Not enjoying this part of the recovery unfortunately.

[mabeckoff]

John,

I hope that things improve for you soon

You are in my prayers

[JDM555]

John,

I hope that things improve for you soon

You are in my prayers

Thanks. Check your email btw. I appreciate the prayers, you've always remembered me throughout this whole process, I've kept you in mine too! I hope you're recovery well.

[JDM555]

I just noticed Alka Seltzer has aspirin in it....really? That's new, didn't know it had any aspirin in it and now my stomach is upset, and I really want to take some, but I'm not allowed any NSAID and since it's so close to after surgery, I don't know what to do. Do you think taking 1 tablet will do much? I guess the best thing is to just ask the doctors office tomorrow. But these recent stomach aches are really pissing me off.

[titaniumed]

John

I would call or e-mail your surgeon and tell him what’s up with the situation right away. See what he says. Ask for a diet. You might have to break out the prune juice. Orange juice and apple juice are other options.

I don’t think he will approve of Alka Seltzer. I know the docs don’t approve of x-lax. I was told never to use it.....to use Mag Citrate. It would be great if you could ask about Castor oil.....

Like Sally said, eating small amounts every hour or two is key. If you make a mistake its not too bad if you have to vomit. I always drank plenty of water to dilute acids after vomiting. Walking and also chewing gum will help.

If you do a bombing with the Magnesium Citrate, after you go, you will need to replenish elecrolytes, I would sip on pedialyte. I was totally wasted after I did this. I felt like a 12 volt car battery with 1 volt in it.

You can see why I quit cold turkey. I couldn’t take it anymore. Once I quit, all the problems stopped.

Hang in there.
Ed

[LindaRacine]

There are alternatives to AlkaSeltzer that do not have anti-inflammatory properties. You might want to simply ask your druggist. Pepto Bismal is what first comes to my mind.

[JDM555]

There are alternatives to AlkaSeltzer that do not have anti-inflammatory properties. You might want to simply ask your druggist. Pepto Bismal is what first comes to my mind.

Yes, thought there had to be other stomach relievers without aspirin, I was surprised, I didn't know AS had it, I'll call and see what the doctor recommends, but it sounds like PB is going to be my new best friend.

Hmm....it also relieves diarrhea, which isn't exactly something I need at the moment. And I read someone saying it acts as anti-inflammatory by one of it's acid ingredients, idk. I'll just call and see what's going on, there has to be something.

[jrnyc]

John, it sounds like Ed is right...prune juice might be a necessity...
also, sugar can change constipation, but it should be a last resort...
chocolate cookies have been known to keep people in the bathroom...
i suggest you stay away from pasta...maybe if you can eat a little rice
with lots of vegetables...?
have you had a chance to try smoothies of any kind yet....?

the doctor could prescribe a pill for stomach pain i would think, if he wanted
to go that way....i used to take a pill that melted and coated my stomach....
called Carafate...it became an over the counter...it worked
well for stomach pain, but i don't know about if it contributed to
constipation or not....it was very soothing...
have you searched the internet, or is time on the computer hard on your
spine right now?

hope the body discomfort gets easier every day....

jess

[JDM555]

John, it sounds like Ed is right...prune juice might be a necessity...
also, sugar can change constipation, but it should be a last resort...
chocolate cookies have been known to keep people in the bathroom...
i suggest you stay away from pasta...maybe if you can eat a little rice
with lots of vegetables...?
have you had a chance to try smoothies of any kind yet....?

the doctor could prescribe a pill for stomach pain i would think, if he wanted
to go that way....i used to take a pill that melted and coated my stomach....
called Carafate...it became an over the counter...it worked
well for stomach pain, but i don't know about if it contributed to
constipation or not....it was very soothing...
have you searched the internet, or is time on the computer hard on your
spine right now?

hope the body discomfort gets easier every day....

jess


Yes, I think prune juice is something I'm going to have to get. I'll call the office after their lunch break and ask all these questions. If your saying sugar contributes to bathroom, then does candy count? I've kept some candy for after meals, so I think I'm good in the sugar department. I have been passing gas fine, so I think my digestive system is working slightly better in that department, but it's just the upset stomachs and no appetite in the morning. I barely finished breakfast, and it wasn't much. Just something to allow me to take my medication.

I'm not suppose to be sitting too much because I guess my spacers in L1-L3 have no hardware holding them, just small pins, and he said something about it putting too much pressure by sitting down. I sit on a computer chair with a pillow behind me, and kind of have it lean back so it takes the pressure off the bottom of my spine, and acts as if I'm laying in bed, but it still causes some pain. So I switch off and lay in bed a bit every now and then.

I'll check out carafate, because it sounds good. Prune juice for the BM and something for the damn upset stomach because it seems after any normal sized meal, my stomach just hurts. I'm at like 10 tablets of 20mg oxycontin left and 1 10mg left, and have like 30-35 percocets. I don't know why, but pharmacies are saying they don't have "generic" versions of oxycontin, so it's like $200 for 60 20mg tablets lol. Anyone have any idea which pharmacy might have generic oxycontins?

[JDM555]

BTW, are you sure it's called Carafate? Doesn't look like a stomach ache reliever, or I don't think it is at least lol.

http://www.drugs.com/mtm/carafate.html

[jrnyc]

i just looked up Carafate, without going to a drug.com site, and it says it treats
ulcers and reduces stomach acid, etc.....so i do not know if it could help you,
but it might be worth a try...why not ask your doctor is it might help with
stomach aches...
it is also called SUCRALFATE and can cause constipation in 1 out of every 50 patients....
i do not know if that rules it out for you...BUT...one of the website that was not by the drug manufacturer called it a "unique" drug...it "binds" to the stomach lining to protect it...

hope the doctor has some helpful ideas for you....

jess

[leahdragonfly]

Hi John,

If Alka Seltzer helps your stomach there is a non-aspirin formula of it, made with acetaminophen (tylenol) instead of aspirin. Just make sure you don't exceed the daily maximum dose of acetaminophen (around 3000 mg).

I really doubt if one dose of aspirin will hurt your healing fusion.

It sounds like you need a new pharmacy...oxycontin should be very cheap and readily available generic. You can call and ask them to order it (it comes in within one day), or else call around to places like Walgreens, Rite Aid, Safeway pharmacy, Costco if you belong, etc, the large discount chain pharmacies and inquire if they have it or can get it. You should really be able to get it cheaply without difficulty.

Good luck,

[JDM555]

Hi John,

If Alka Seltzer helps your stomach there is a non-aspirin formula of it, made with acetaminophen (tylenol) instead of aspirin. Just make sure you don't exceed the daily maximum dose of acetaminophen (around 3000 mg).

I really doubt if one dose of aspirin will hurt your healing fusion.

It sounds like you need a new pharmacy...oxycontin should be very cheap and readily available generic. You can call and ask them to order it (it comes in within one day), or else call around to places like Walgreens, Rite Aid, Safeway pharmacy, Costco if you belong, etc, the large discount chain pharmacies and inquire if they have it or can get it. You should really be able to get it cheaply without difficulty.

Good luck,

I knew there had to be a non-aspirin formula of it, it does help. But even better than AS, my dad use to buy that effervescent medicine from Costco, it came in little small white bits in a white bottle with blue cap, no idea what the name is. But just having that carbonation drink really helps your stomach when it's upset. With my percocets, that have 325mg tylenol, I'm no where near 3000mg, I think max I take 3, MAYBE 4 if I'm in severe pain additional to the oxycontin a day.

That's what I was thinking about 1 dose of the aspirin AS last night, but whatever, I stuck it out. Tonight there's soup, and I'm doing great in the stomach department. I had a nice nap too, so I don't think I'll be having problems tonight with pain.

And that's exactly what I thought, but it was Walgreen's that told me they were out and it was like discontinued, and they stopped producing it and blah blah. Oxycontin is like the most famous and commonly used pain medication, so I have no idea where the pharmacist was getting that info. I'll call around and see where else to find it, because I'm running low. I think the prescription is 60 20mg, I think I can wean off and start using 10mg, even if it's spread out, 1 in morning and 1 at night is better than 1 20mg in the morning and nothing at night. I might have to wait till monday to get a new prescription for the 10mg from my doctor. Thanks for the help on that many pharmacies. I forgot about Costco. I'll make a few calls tomorrow.

Searched and found the name, it was Brioschi. Blue bottle with white cap, I was close. That stuff was amazing. I don't think it has aspirin, it's an all natural type of effervescent. I haven't seen this stuff at Costco in years though, definitely want this in my pantry asap lol.

[jrnyc]

oh gosh...i remember their ads on TV....they used to sing...
something like "when your stomach hurts"...blah blah...don't remember the words.....
"....take Brioschi, take Brioschi....." they sang and danced i think...a little like the
Alka Seltzer man in the AS ads....

i checked online...they sell Brioschi all over...the company website listed a whole
bunch of stores where you can buy the stuff, including Albertson's, Duane Reed,
and LOTS of other places!

jess

[JDM555]

oh gosh...i remember their ads on TV....they used to sing...
something like "when your stomach hurts"...blah blah...don't remember the words.....
"....take Brioschi, take Brioschi....." they sang and danced i think...a little like the
Alka Seltzer man in the AS ads....
maybe you can check online and see if you can still buy the stuff....

jess

Lol, I don't remember their ads, but that stuff was great. It worked wonders for me, and it doesn't have any aspirin or tylenol or whatever. Just antacids for your stomach. Works for heartburn and upset stomach and all that, and it comes in unique form, so you can take whatever dosage you want. It was effective, hopefully I can find some in a local drug store.

[jrnyc]

whoops...you read my post before i went back and edited to tell you
their website has a list of stores, including Albertson's, Duane Reed and a lot
of other stores

jess

[rohrer01]

I had another insanely painful BM this morning. I guess the stool softner I'm taking isn't working, because it's literally impossible sometimes. I had a slow day in the food, yet again. Woke up with small appetite and ate some plain yogurt with some sugar. Then in the afternoon some homemade chinese food, didn't eat too much cause I was worried my stomach wouldn't handle, and it was meh. Should be eating something else soon, but need to watch out what to eat for. I'll tell him about my stomach problems, BM, and pain levels changing when I get my staples removed on the 5th.

I think I need some anti-nausea and some effervescent alka-seltzer meds for my morning nausea and after meals stomach aches lol. Not enjoying this part of the recovery unfortunately.

Just a thought. They sell premelted (liquid) glycerin suppositories (Wal-Mart carries them for sure). They are designed to make you go. But my thought is that, since your stools are so hard and I'm assuming dry (that makes them all the more painful), the glycerin might lube things up a bit so it doesn't hurt so bad. With the liquid form there's no having to actually touch yourself down there. Hope this isn't TMI, but this problem comes up a LOT on this forum. I'm thinking one a day for a little while until you get yourself empty enough to be passing normal stools. I had to use this on my youngest son who has borderline Hirschprung's Disease (congenigal megacolon). But, as always, make sure it's okay with your doctor. I hope you feel better soon!

[Kayde]

Those are great- liquid doesn't taste so good but it is effective. Stool softeners dud nothing fir me. The medication makes even jello or soup broth set up like concrete and stool softeners just delay the hardening by a few minutes. My daughter when she was born had a nodule inside her rectum that made movements painful. By the time she was 9 months old she learned to not go. By the time she was 2 I realized there must be a problem even though the dr's said she was fine. I ended up taking her to the medical college who diagnosed her immediately and said glycerin would solve the problem until she could have the nodule removed. Sure enough no matter how hard she tried to hold it she went. I hadn't thought of that when I was taking handfuls of magnesium and laxatives to relieve my own quickcrete issues. It made my back hurt and stomach sick from needing to go. I finally just quit the pain meds. The painful bowels were worse than the pain and discomfort of the surgery. Good luck to you and try to remember this can't last forever.

[JDM555]

Thanks for the tip. I got a hold of the office and asked about stomach aches. I need prune juice now, cause I want to try that out first. And the only "liquid" glycerin I could find wasn't a type you take by mouth. So I'm not sure if I'm not looking at the right one, but is there a by mouth, because that would be much better. Not a huge appetite again this morning, so not sure. Had some strawberry yogurt, but it's not feeling too good. I feel like I want to go to the bathroom, but yet again, it's hard and can't do much about it.

[debbei]

Have a good serving of prune juice first thing when you wake up. That's a tip the private nurse that I used gave me in the hospital. She said it works better that way.

[Marina63]

Yes, and heat it up a bit. Another tip from my home care nurse.

[loves to skate]

I just noticed Alka Seltzer has aspirin in it....really? That's new, didn't know it had any aspirin in it and now my stomach is upset, and I really want to take some, but I'm not allowed any NSAID and since it's so close to after surgery, I don't know what to do. Do you think taking 1 tablet will do much? I guess the best thing is to just ask the doctors office tomorrow. But these recent stomach aches are really pissing me off.

Hi John, Alka Seltzer has always had aspirin in it. Have you tried Pepcid or any of the other OTC meds for stomach upset? I couldn't live without my Pepcid. I take it daily. Also try some fiber tablets or Metamucil along with the stool softeners. You are in the toughest part of your recovery right now. I sure hope you feel better soon.
Sally

[JDM555]

Have a good serving of prune juice first thing when you wake up. That's a tip the private nurse that I used gave me in the hospital. She said it works better that way.

I just noticed my mom bought me some prune juice yesterday, awesome mom lol. I'll do that right now! Thanks for the tip.


Yes, and heat it up a bit. Another tip from my home care nurse.

I'll warm it up a bit, I don't think I'll be able to drink a hot prune juice, I'll barf lol. Thanks for the tip, I'll do that now.


Hi John, Alka Seltzer has always had aspirin in it. Have you tried Pepcid or any of the other OTC meds for stomach upset? I couldn't live without my Pepcid. I take it daily. Also try some fiber tablets or Metamucil along with the stool softeners. You are in the toughest part of your recovery right now. I sure hope you feel better soon.
Sally

Yes, I guess I wasn't a huge fan of AS. I don't really use them, I use to use that Brioschi brand, and it was aspirin free and natural, so I think that's what I'm going for. Surprisingly, my stomach doesn't feel amazing, but it also doesn't feel bad, I think the stomach aches are getting better, or maybe I'm just eating better food.


Last night I had a craving, and I couldn't ignore it. I went and got 2 hamburgers from In N Out. Lol, I haven't had any food outside the house in weeks, I ate both and didn't have any problems with stomach aches or anything.

And I called 2 Costco's, Handful of Rite Aids, Walgreens, and they all said they don't have generic oxycontin, I have no idea why it's disappearing from so many stores. My best bet is to get a prescription for 10mg and have Costco order generic for me, and wait a few days. I think I'm ready to take 1 or 2 10mg's instead of 1 20mg a day and some percocets. I had only 2 percocets last night, and I walked a lot outside. Walking was very refreshing, and the weather wasn't too bad last night around 5. Got fresh air and what not, I can't stand not showering though.

[JDM555]

BTW, can you believe one more week and I'm 1 month post-op? I can't believe how fast these weeks are flying by. I still feel like I just got home and I'm waiting for Thanksgiving to come lol. Insane.

[mabeckoff]

Glad that you are doing so well

[JDM555]

Thanks Melissa!


Oh boy Oh boy, where was prune juice all these previous weeks when I had painful BM's lol. What a DIFFERENCE! I can't believe a warm cup filled 2/3rd's of the way can do. Thanks for the morning, empty stomach and warmed up tips ladies.

[debbei]

I"m so glad it worked for you. When I was on the narcotics, I had my morning shot (more like 6 oz) of prune juice every day! I swear I almost got to liking it. My mom was staying with me at the time, and she even made me stewed prunes (sounds disgusting doesn't it?) that I sometimes ate over plain yogurt. At the TIME I loved it. Not so sure I'd go near it now! LOL

[JDM555]

Yes, big big difference. Thanks a lot for the tip. It's all good, but I don't know what I did yesterday lol, my whole entire left side of my body is killing me. My ankle hurts, up to my quad, my left hip, the left incision, and my whole back incision is all on fire. I don't know why, but I had the worst sleep in the recovery so far last night, definitely need a nap this afternoon. I hope this is just a temporary thing, cause the pain isn't helping. I'll take an oxycodone after I grab a small breakfast and hopefully it will allow me to sleep a nice few hours in the afternoon. Horrible sleep, HORRIBLE!

[loves to skate]

And I called 2 Costco's, Handful of Rite Aids, Walgreens, and they all said they don't have generic oxycontin, I have no idea why it's disappearing from so many stores. My best bet is to get a prescription for 10mg and have Costco order generic for me, and wait a few days. I think I'm ready to take 1 or 2 10mg's instead of 1 20mg a day and some percocets. I had only 2 percocets last night, and I walked a lot outside. Walking was very refreshing, and the weather wasn't too bad last night around 5. Got fresh air and what not, I can't stand not showering though.

John, There have been reports on the news of shortages of many drugs. Oxycontin though, that would be horrible if that were the case. I thought it was mostly cancer drugs and drugs for rare diseases. I hope you can get the generic since it is so much cheaper.
Sally

[mabeckoff]

Glad to hear that you are starting to feel better except for today

[JDM555]

John, There have been reports on the news of shortages of many drugs. Oxycontin though, that would be horrible if that were the case. I thought it was mostly cancer drugs and drugs for rare diseases. I hope you can get the generic since it is so much cheaper.
Sally

Yes it is, I don't recall what my first oxycontin prices were, but most generic medications are like $10. I had 20mg, 10mg, and 5mg bottles, so I'm sure it was affordable. Now, they said $175 when my father went to get it from Walgreens for the name brand. Most stores aren't willing to "order" generic, but Costco is, I love Costco lol. I'll try looking for Brioschi, but honestly I've been doing better in food/stomach/BM department. I think I will get 5 or 10mg Oxycontin prescription and 5mg Oxycodone at the doctors office tomorrow. I don't think I need 20mg Oxycontin at this point, I have been off all medications for a few days, or 1-2 percocets a day if I absolutely need something.



Glad to hear that you are starting to feel better except for today

Yes, even though last night sucked, after eating some food and taking 10mg Oxycodone and a few hours later, taking 10mg Oxycontin, I'm feeling much better. I have a heat pad behind me, and I'm doing fine. Will nap for a little now, and hopefully get some rest.

[LindaRacine]

I just looked up what I paid for oxycontin 10mg tablets. 60 pills cost me $25. Retail price was $163.99 and insurance saved me $138.99 (though not sure what they paid Walgreens).

[jrnyc]

wow...that is a low retail price....in NYC, it is higher...
i have a drug rider, thank goodness, tied to my insurance....i pay higher
co-pays since i retired (early, due to pain), but it is still a good deal to have the
drug rider....
my pharmacist in NYC tells me what the retail price is whenever i ask him...
he is really good, and i stick with him even though i moved out of Manhattan
(boo hoo) 4+ years ago...


NOTE...there were BIG legal battles over generic oxycontin a few years ago...
were they settled...???

do you have a drug rider, John....??
are you paying full cash for your precriptions....?

jess

[JDM555]

I just looked up what I paid for oxycontin 10mg tablets. 60 pills cost me $25. Retail price was $163.99 and insurance saved me $138.99 (though not sure what they paid Walgreens).

Does price differ much from the strength of the tablet? It was 20mg at 60 tablets for $175. I guess not much. Idk why Walgreens would give me retail price for name brand. I'll see what's up with Costco, hopefully they can just order it and it'll be a done deal in a few days. I want to have weaker strength Oxycontin and Oxycodone. I still have a lot of 10mg oxycodone, and like 4-5 tablets of 20mg Oxycodone, but don't feel 20mg is something I need. If I can get generic, for $10-20 for 30 tablets or even 20 tablets in 5mg and 10mg, that would be awesome.



wow...that is a low retail price....in NYC, it is higher...
i have a drug rider, thank goodness, tied to my insurance....i pay higher
co-pays since i retired (early, due to pain), but it is still a good deal to have the
drug rider....
my pharmacist in NYC tells me what the retail price is whenever i ask him...
he is really good, and i stick with him even though i moved out of Manhattan
(boo hoo) 4+ years ago...

do you have a drug rider, John....??
are you paying full cash for your precriptions....?

jess

I don't know what a drug rider is, so I'm guessing no, I don't have one. Insurance does help with prescriptions, I don't know why insurance is giving me retail, maybe retail for the name brand is more than the $175? I'm not sure, but I know my insurance does help because I see the "Insurance saved you blah blah" when I get other medications.

[jrnyc]

drug rider is the part of insurance that covers prescriptions....
i have a co pay...used to be really low before i retired..
my co pays used to be 8-10 dollars, unless a medication was super expensive....
since i retired, i kept my insurance but pay a whole lot more for premiums every month....
and.... my co pays for medicaitons are higher for almost everything...
a few medications are not covered by my insurance....

jess

[rohrer01]

And I called 2 Costco's, Handful of Rite Aids, Walgreens, and they all said they don't have generic oxycontin, I have no idea why it's disappearing from so many stores. My best bet is to get a prescription for 10mg and have Costco order generic for me, and wait a few days. I think I'm ready to take 1 or 2 10mg's instead of 1 20mg a day and some percocets. I had only 2 percocets last night, and I walked a lot outside. Walking was very refreshing, and the weather wasn't too bad last night around 5. Got fresh air and what not, I can't stand not showering though.

I had a friend that was on oxycontin for years and they didn't have a generic for it. Her insurance made her switch to the generic and it didn't work. I talked to my doctor about that, as I have also been on oxycontin (not for about 8 or 9 years now). He said there have been numerous complaints about the generic. Maybe the pharmacies aren't carrying it anymore because it flat out doesn't work. It's supposed to be time released and it wears off very rapidly, then the patient is stuck, in pain, waiting until the next dose. If you can afford it or if your insurance pays for it, I would stick with the name brand on this one at least.

As far as weaning down, you will need to get an Rx from you doctor for the lower dose ones, like 10mg. If you still need 20mg you can always take two. But you should NEVER cut an oxycontin in half as it is time released and will dump all into your system at once.

When I was on them, my doctor prescribed hydrocodone/APAP for breakthrough pain until I developed an allergy to hydrocodone. Then he switched me to oxycodone/APAP (percocet) for breakthrough (I still use this as needed). The generics are usually okay with these meds although I wouldn't recommend getting them at Walgreen's. My last experience there with the company they get their generics through made the worst equivalent of percocet I've ever had. It didn't touch my pain. For generics, Teva Pharmaceuticals has always seemed a step above the rest.

[jrnyc]

as i mentioned, there was a BIG legal battle over the generic....
guess the company didn't want competition from the copies....
anyway, i don't know what the resolution of the legal battles was...
but maybe that has to do with the disappearance....

jess

[JDM555]

I had a friend that was on oxycontin for years and they didn't have a generic for it. Her insurance made her switch to the generic and it didn't work. I talked to my doctor about that, as I have also been on oxycontin (not for about 8 or 9 years now). He said there have been numerous complaints about the generic. Maybe the pharmacies aren't carrying it anymore because it flat out doesn't work. It's supposed to be time released and it wears off very rapidly, then the patient is stuck, in pain, waiting until the next dose. If you can afford it or if your insurance pays for it, I would stick with the name brand on this one at least.

As far as weaning down, you will need to get an Rx from you doctor for the lower dose ones, like 10mg. If you still need 20mg you can always take two. But you should NEVER cut an oxycontin in half as it is time released and will dump all into your system at once.

When I was on them, my doctor prescribed hydrocodone/APAP for breakthrough pain until I developed an allergy to hydrocodone. Then he switched me to oxycodone/APAP (percocet) for breakthrough (I still use this as needed). The generics are usually okay with these meds although I wouldn't recommend getting them at Walgreen's. My last experience there with the company they get their generics through made the worst equivalent of percocet I've ever had. It didn't touch my pain. For generics, Teva Pharmaceuticals has always seemed a step above the rest.

Weird. I don't know, but looking at my old bottles from my previous surgeries, it says the MFG is Purdue-Frederick, is that a real deal brand name oxycontin or generic? We did switch insurance since my last surgeries. My percocets are definitely generic, says on the bottle, but not my oxycontin from the past 2 years, maybe those were real and my different insurance did cover it? I don't know. Oxycodone's generic work fine for me, they might wear off quick, but it's not a big deal, my pain isn't causing a lot of problems right now, I'm doing just fine. And I don't want to spend close to $200 at 1 month post-op when I'm trying to wean off the medication.

I understand I need prescription from him for the other doses, I'll ask him for them tomorrow at my 3 week post-op appointment. Finally get to remove staples and get to shower, finally.


as i mentioned, there was a BIG legal battle over the generic....
guess the company didn't want competition from the copies....
anyway, i don't know what the resolution of the legal battles was...
but maybe that has to do with the disappearance....

jess

Yes, a quick google search did show that, I don't know what happened, but most likely I do have the real brand names from my previous surgeries, and for some reason now my insurance is making me pay retail or won't cover? No idea. But like I said, I don't want to spend close to $200 for some damn 5/10mg tablets lol.

[rohrer01]

I know you've been there done that before. But one month post-op isn't that far out. I know you are trying to wean down, but my suggestion isn't to go too fast. I would be concerned that your pain may get out of control. You need to have something on hand, just in case. But you are young and healthy. It seems that you young people recover very quickly, like in a matter of a few weeks, whereas older folks can take a couple of years before feeling human again and beeing totally off the meds. Some of the older folks never get totally off the meds, but then again aging spines can be painful in and of themselves.

On the other hand, when I was on oxycontin 10mg two or three times a day, I came to the realization that I would get "pain" and shakiness when my pill was due. I felt that this was definitely chemical dependency so I took myself off without telling my doctor. It was horrible in the sense of being shaky, having false pain and severe diarrhea. I couldn't swallow my own spit without running to the bathroom. So this may be a plus for you to go off the stuff, since you are having such constipation issues. Oxycontin is the ONLY opiod that has caused constipation problems in me.

Hope this helps.

[JDM555]

It does help. I understand 1 month post-op isn't very far out, but honestly, I think I'm doing really well. I was yelled at by some members during my last surgeries when I was weaning off my meds, I guess my body heals quick, I'm not racing or trying to finish first, I really don't need the meds. As you saw yesterday, when I felt pain, I didn't hesitate to take 10mg oxycodone and 10mg oxycontin and then another 10mg oxycodone and valium before I slept. I don't care who finishes first, but if I don't need the pain meds, I'm staying away from them.

I hate oxycontin, it makes me feel sluggish and lose my appetite, my mom made me a dinner I loved and just staying in the kitchen made my stomach feel bad from the smell. So I had to eat very light. Later that night, I guess when the oxycontin was wearing off, I ate more without that feeling. I was able to sleep OK, but it still wasn't a solid sleep. I was woken up a few times, and my left leg/hip/incision is killing me, I have no idea why. Don't like that feeling.

I'm going to have staples removed and possibly some X-Rays today, I'll try to stop by hospital and get CD of my X-Rays from Medical Records as well to share. Also pick up prescription lower strengths of oxycontin/oxycodone.

[LSKOCH5]

Glad you seem to be doing so well John, and that you are listening to your body. Pain meds can be so tough - you've got to have something in your stomach so you don't get nauseous, but then they zap your appetite.

[JDM555]

Thanks LSKOCH5. I hate how the meds kill my appetite, but it's usually just mornings, by afternoon I seem to eat OK.


I went to office today, first got some x-rays, looked good. Everything went well, went over the surgical procedures with the surgeon cause I remember a lot of things and everything was hazy, but it sounded about right. First surgery removed hardware, L1-3 had the pseudarthrosis, then last level L3 had super loose hardware, so loose that you can pull the screws out by hand. They were eating at the hole and causing the cracking sounds I would hear many times on a daily basis. When he went to do XLIF on L1-L3, I had a rib directly in the way, so he removed part of it, and also grounded it up and used it for bonegraft. Then he said there was the scare of having to extend to L4 because L3 holes were huge, but he managed to end up sticking to L3. He said he had to screw much deeper and use thicker screws, 7mm instead of the 6mm. I was surprised, but comparing old X-Rays to these, he did for sure go a LOT deeper lol. He said he used some bonegraft in the loose parts around the front of the hole. He said everything looks solid. I can do light cardio at the gym which includes stationary bike, elliptical without grabbing the arms (to prevent twisting), and treadmill to walk. He said I can swim and shower and being completely submerged under water wasn't an issue. He removed all my staples, which feels a million times better, especially sitting. He also removed all my band aids and dressings. He was very nice and helpful, and we both laughed about the 60mg oxycontin hahaha. He told me the reason was I was on fentanyl IV drip and I was pressing it every 6 minutes exactly and still complained about pain, so he's like "Damn, I must give him some strong medication if I want him to get off the IV, 60mg should do it" hahahah. Then it knocked me out the whole day.

I got 5mg/325mg percocet prescriptions and 5mg oxycontin. I'll head to costco tomorrow or something and have them order it. For now, any pain, the 10mg/325mg percocets should be enough. Turns out my hips are uneven, and he wants me to wear Dr. Schools insert or something cause my right leg is shorter, and especially during recovery, he wants my spine to be balanced to prevent any curvature. He told me to start wearing the bone stimulator, which will also go on. And I'm already taking the calcium supplement. So everything went well.

I stopped by the hospital to radiology to pick up the X-Rays on a CD so I can have a digital version of them, and he said it would take a few minutes, and in that time I went to visit the nurses in the Orthopedic wing, and they were very happy to see me. I had a great time saying hi and thanking them and it was just an awesome visit. I'm very glad I went to see them. Then I got the CD and headed home. So it was a good day. Pain isn't too bad, I haven't taken any pain meds today, don't see a need for them. But driving did cause my lower back some discomfort/soreness, lying down in bed for an hour or so definitely helped. I can finally take a shower, yay.

I got plenty of pictures, both digital and cell phone pictures of the new X-Rays I got at the office, will share in a bit.

[mabeckoff]

Glad that everything is going so well for you this time. I was so happy to get the staples out , also.They are very annoying

[JDM555]

Thanks Melissa, I'm very glad I got them out. Pain wise was good, had my first warm shower, amazing lol. Felt good, and my side incision is healing amazingly well for 3.5 weeks post-op, it already looks great. My back scar isn't bad, for some odd reason it looks shorter to me than my first scar? Idk, but in X-Rays, it actually looks like the incision went farther down.

Here are some digital versions of the X-Rays. Will start to wear bone stimulator tomorrow. Need to charge the batteries.

Compare depth of screws below:

Before:
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/LilJohn148/john123023.jpg

After:
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/LilJohn148/xray0052.jpg


Here are some digital X-Rays.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/LilJohn148/xrayfinal.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/LilJohn148/xrayfinal5.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/LilJohn148/xrayfinal4.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/LilJohn148/xrayfinal3.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/LilJohn148/xrayfinal2.jpg

Here are some cell phone pics of X-Rays I had at the Office today. (Had a 3/4" lift under my right leg to balance my hips)

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/LilJohn148/xray002.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/LilJohn148/xray004.jpg

Staples that I had removed. Counted 38 lol.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/LilJohn148/xray015.jpg

[rohrer01]

John, thanks for all the updates! I'm so glad you are doing well and able to get wet now. I'm sure that shower was like pure heaven. There are sooo many things we take for granted. It's good that you are able to cut down/eliminate pain meds on some days. You'll be back to a new and improved self in no time! Take care.

[jrnyc]

wow...the X rays look great! and the screws do look deeper....
your back looks straight...
i am so glad for you...al the X rays look terrific...

nice that you are cleared for light cardio and for going in the water.....

do you think you will head for the gym right away...??

congratulations to you...and your wonderful surgeon!
thank goodness there are some doctors who actually believe their patients!

jess

[LindaRacine]

But driving did cause my lower back some discomfort/soreness, lying down in bed for an hour or so definitely helped. I can finally take a shower, yay.

Please tell me that you didn't actually drive yourself. Even if you feel like your head is clear, if you get stopped, or are in an accident, and your blood is tested, you'll get a DUI.

--Linda

[JDM555]

John, thanks for all the updates! I'm so glad you are doing well and able to get wet now. I'm sure that shower was like pure heaven. There are sooo many things we take for granted. It's good that you are able to cut down/eliminate pain meds on some days. You'll be back to a new and improved self in no time! Take care.

It felt amazing. I just had to be careful still with my back incision. I was standing facing 10 o'clock the whole time so my incisions wouldn't get too much water. I can't wait for my hot shower tonight lol. Thanks Rohrer.


wow...the X rays look great! and the screws do look deeper....
your back looks straight...
i am so glad for you...al the X rays look terrific...

nice that you are cleared for light cardio and for going in the water.....

do you think you will head for the gym right away...??

congratulations to you...and your wonderful surgeon!
thank goodness there are some doctors who actually believe their patients!

jess

Yes, back looks straight, screws are really deep, and for the first time, my ribs and back is 100% aligned. Even after my first surgery, I still had a rib hump to the right side, and it progressed after 2 years. But for the first time, my waist/ribs are completely even from left to right. And my back is 100% flat. I just hope it fuses quick and stays like that. I'm not going to gym anytime soon lol. I'll walk and what not, but think it will be a few weeks before I feel ready to hit the cardio and swim daily. I remember swimming, the water was a little cold, so now with this weather and what not, I'm sure just taking off my clothes to get in the water will make me freeze to death, let alone getting in the cold water lol. There's always jacuzzi and steam room.


Please tell me that you didn't actually drive yourself. Even if you feel like your head is clear, if you get stopped, or are in an accident, and your blood is tested, you'll get a DUI.

--Linda

You have PM.

[titaniumed]

John

Looks like you have spacers....you can see the radiopaque markers. Those are the white dots.

Fig 10C, and Fig 10D

http://radiographics.rsna.org/content/27/6/1737.full

Synthes uses 3 markers
http://www.synthes.com/MediaBin/US%20DATA/Product%20Support%20Materials/Brochures/SPINE/SPBROVertSpc-ARJ4143G.pdf

Was that a termite hole I saw? he he

Ed

[JDM555]

John

Looks like you have spacers....you can see the radiopaque markers. Those are the white dots.

Fig 10C, and Fig 10D

http://radiographics.rsna.org/content/27/6/1737.full

Synthes uses 3 markers
http://www.synthes.com/MediaBin/US%20DATA/Product%20Support%20Materials/Brochures/SPINE/SPBROVertSpc-ARJ4143G.pdf

Was that a termite hole I saw? he he

Ed


Yes, that was a terrible hole. That is the wider screw that Cheng used, that ended up getting so loose that it grinding in the bone and caused "cracking and popping" pain and sounds in my back. It's 3 times as big as the L2 hole.


Yes, I have spacers, PEEK spacers in fact. Remember, I had XLIF performed at L1-L3. With XLIF, you remove discs to add spacers. Yes, those 4 dots on each level are markers, just like you said.

[titaniumed]

John

Why don’t you put your surgical dates in your sig? Original and revision dates. I have a pretty good memory, but brain cells are dying every second....

I don’t know if you mentioned, but do you have scars on your side? How large are they and how many? Both sides?

Thx
Ed

[JDM555]

John

Why don’t you put your surgical dates in your sig? Original and revision dates. I have a pretty good memory, but brain cells are dying every second....

I don’t know if you mentioned, but do you have scars on your side? How large are they and how many? Both sides?

Thx
Ed

I'm too lazy, and there's too many to list, makes my sig look cluttered. Not a fan of that lol.


Dec. 28, 2009.
Dec. 31, 2009.
Nov. 11, 2011.
Nov. 15, 2011.

I have an anterior scar on the left side. It's not the typical vertical 1-2" XLIF scar, it's the ordinary angled down horizontal scar you see on most anterior cases. It's roughly 4-5" long? Healing extremely well. He said something about laser incision or something, forgot, but the scar is already beautiful and I'm only 3.5 weeks post-op. So, I'm guessing in a year, it'll be hard to see. And same incision in the rear, little bumpy, but still looking good for 3 weeks post-op, my post-op scar from first surgery looked disgusting. This has staples though, and have all those little dots from the staples.

[JDM555]

Hey guys. Thought I'd update the thread a bit since it's roughly 1 month post-op. Time sure does fly.

I walked a lot last friday, and my back/muscles were all sore and I ended up having a couple of rough nights. Had to take valium and oxycodone for 2 of the worst nights. Then last night I tried not taking anything, and it wasn't the best sleep, but it was OK. Woke up a few times and ended up waking up late. I want to stay away from valium, it's super addicting and hard to wean off of. I'm starting to run up the stairs, at 2-3 steps at a time. It's crazy how fast I'm recovering. It's already been 1 month since my surgeries. Time flies. Beginning of January, I'm going to start doing light cardio and swimming/spa/steam room. Should be great in these cold months. I just want to gain my weight back by lifting. Have been wearing my bone stimulator religiously. Haven't taken it off since my doctors visit last monday. Found a way to wear it while sleeping without it annoying me, so that's a plus. But other than that, I have stayed away from all pain killers and just for the record, 5mg oxycodone/325mg apap doesn't do anything, like whatsoever haha. I took some pictures of my scar, and I have to say I'm impressed. It's healing very nicely.

And before taking showers, when I look at my back from the side angle, honestly it's 100% even, no rib hump. I've never seen that before. I hope the bone fuses quickly, and everything stays solid, and the pain stays away. I'll try uploading pictures of scars tomorrow.

[debbei]

Hey guys. Thought I'd update the thread a bit since it's roughly 1 month post-op. Time sure does fly.

I walked a lot last friday, and my back/muscles were all sore and I ended up having a couple of rough nights. Had to take valium and oxycodone for 2 of the worst nights. Then last night I tried not taking anything, and it wasn't the best sleep, but it was OK. Woke up a few times and ended up waking up late. I want to stay away from valium, it's super addicting and hard to wean off of. I'm starting to run up the stairs, at 2-3 steps at a time. It's crazy how fast I'm recovering. It's already been 1 month since my surgeries. Time flies. Beginning of January, I'm going to start doing light cardio and swimming/spa/steam room. Should be great in these cold months. I just want to gain my weight back by lifting. Have been wearing my bone stimulator religiously. Haven't taken it off since my doctors visit last monday. Found a way to wear it while sleeping without it annoying me, so that's a plus. But other than that, I have stayed away from all pain killers and just for the record, 5mg oxycodone/325mg apap doesn't do anything, like whatsoever haha. I took some pictures of my scar, and I have to say I'm impressed. It's healing very nicely.

And before taking showers, when I look at my back from the side angle, honestly it's 100% even, no rib hump. I've never seen that before. I hope the bone fuses quickly, and everything stays solid, and the pain stays away. I'll try uploading pictures of scars tomorrow.

I don't know John, maybe it's the 'mother' in me, but hearing that you are running stairs at this point makes me nervous. You wouldn't want to trip and fall.

I would just stick to regular walking, but just be careful, ok?

I'm glad you feel like you're recovering better this time.

[JDM555]

Hahaha I knew I was going to get that. I wouldn't say "running", more like slow leaps toward the ends of the stairs. I feel good, and didn't really plan on doing it, just naturally did it and was like wow, did I really just do that? Lol. I'm taking it easy, but just thought I'd share because I think it's impressive to be able to do that and walk/sit/etc. with lower pain levels. I can't wait to start swimming.

[LSKOCH5]

So thrilled for you John! What a turnaround. From one fitness buff to another - do.not.overdo. Baby steps as you start back into each phase of exercise. It feels good, but just monitor yourself as if you were advising someone else who was coming back from injuries. Or you'll find yourself where I am - joking that it's not called working out at this phase, it's just continual rehab haha. End of lecture. Truly so very happy for you :) Let us all know how you're doing please.

[leahdragonfly]

That is just wonderful news, John! I have not heard you sound so upbeat and happy in I don't know how long.

Congratulations on such a good recovery. I love reading your updates even if I don't comment often. I am very happy for you.

[Elisa]

You do sound great John! Ohhh, scar pics tomorrow eh? Will check back for those, haha.

[mabeckoff]

Glad to hear you so happy and doing so well

I wish that I felt as good as you do

You are in my prayers

[Doodles]

John, You sound great and must look great too. You were due for some very good days--may it continue! Janet

[JDM555]

So thrilled for you John! What a turnaround. From one fitness buff to another - do.not.overdo. Baby steps as you start back into each phase of exercise. It feels good, but just monitor yourself as if you were advising someone else who was coming back from injuries. Or you'll find yourself where I am - joking that it's not called working out at this phase, it's just continual rehab haha. End of lecture. Truly so very happy for you :) Let us all know how you're doing please.

Oh trust me, I won't overdo haha. I'll be very very cautious this time around and won't lift anything until I'm fused. Just very light cardio, like 10-15 minutes and then go swimming. Some walking, some stationary bike, elliptical without grabbing handles, etc. One thing I regret and wasn't sure if it helped cause my pain from my first surgery was returning to the gym at 3 months post-op, gradually working my way up of course. I was feeling great till 7 months, so I don't think it was "just" the gym, but it might of helped with the pain at 7 months? I don't know, just going to play it safe this time around. And thanks for the kind words!


That is just wonderful news, John! I have not heard you sound so upbeat and happy in I don't know how long.

Congratulations on such a good recovery. I love reading your updates even if I don't comment often. I am very happy for you.

Thank you so much Leah, I appreciate everything. I'm feeling better, and starting to have a lot more energy and I'm 1 month post-op. Hopefully by summer I'll be at 100% again and be able to lift weights and feel great. I'll try to update as I go down these next few months.


You do sound great John! Ohhh, scar pics tomorrow eh? Will check back for those, haha.

Haha. Sounds like a plan. The scar is not gross whatsoever, so I'm posting it in the thread. I think it's healing rapidly and beautifully. My side scar is tiny, but it has some bruising around it, but it's still looks good.

Glad to hear you so happy and doing so well

I wish that I felt as good as you do

You are in my prayers

Thanks. I'm sorry about your recovery, but you'll get better, trust me. I've been keeping you in my prayers every night as well. I hope you have a solid recovery.


John, You sound great and must look great too. You were due for some very good days--may it continue! Janet

Thanks Doodles! I hope it keeps getting better and better to the point where I get back to my old self and my back gets fused 100%. Between Thanksgiving and going to a family party last Friday, people were amazed at how much better I looked. I was walking around and not on pain meds and got my color back and had a smile and was just energetic, it was great. I get some pain here and there, but it's expected at 1 month post-op. I'm sure the weeks from now on will start to slowly get rid of the surgical pain.




Thanks all. I'll add the pictures of my scars in a bit. Stay tuned.

[jrnyc]

hey John
i am so glad to hear that you are taking things slow and careful this time...
i think you sound much more mature...i am sorry you got here with so much pain
and grief, but you sound like you are in such a good place! i do not think the gym
was to blame for your problems after your first surgery...i kinda think you would
not have fused no matter what....
i know you will get back to the gym in good time, but this time you will stay pain
free, and look forward to living a full life, without pain and suffering!

wishing you a wonderful holiday, and a happy, healthy, pain free New Year!

jess

[JDM555]

Thank you. I hope you and everyone else also has a wonderful time during these upcoming holidays and has a great new year as well.


Here are some pics.


http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/LilJohn148/scar1.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/LilJohn148/scar2.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/LilJohn148/scar3.jpg

[leahdragonfly]

Hey John, your scars look SO good already--those should heal up very nicely. Are you putting anything on them? I was appalled to find out I had staples down my back, but all those little Frankenstein holes fade away over time. Thanks for sharing.

[rohrer01]

Hey, your scars don't look bad at all! AND your back looks very symmetrical. I'm sure you are very happy about this. I know I would be, especially with all you've been through. I'm glad you're feeling better. Take care!

[JDM555]

Hey John, your scars look SO good already--those should heal up very nicely. Are you putting anything on them? I was appalled to find out I had staples down my back, but all those little Frankenstein holes fade away over time. Thanks for sharing.

Yeah. I have the pictures of my scar from my first surgeries, and seriously I don't even want to show anyone of how disgusting they are. Nasty scar I've ever seen lol. But this one isn't bad. What do you mean exactly by are you putting anything on them? Do you mean like dressings? If so, no, at my 2 week post op doctors appointment when I got the staples out, surgeon said I should let the area "breathe". So far, no pain when I sit back on things unless it's like a hard chair that is poorly designed lol. Yes, those holes are the only things, they definitely stick out this early in recovery, when they fade and the scars heal up, it'll be great.


Hey, your scars don't look bad at all! AND your back looks very symmetrical. I'm sure you are very happy about this. I know I would be, especially with all you've been through. I'm glad you're feeling better. Take care!

Thanks. I agree on my back. Perfectly symmetrical from all views. Both obliques and rib humps are completely even. I just hope it stays like that for the next few months so it can fuse and be solid. I'm happy for sure.


Today, I got out a little and walked around the mall to shop a bit, and noticed even though there was some discomfort here and there, that I would be smiling a lot or just happy. I haven't felt like that in a long time lol. When I had that daily chronic severe pain that just wouldn't quit, I was miserable. I feel like I have more energy too.

[mabeckoff]

Today, I got out a little and walked around the mall to shop a bit, and noticed even though there was some discomfort here and there, that I would be smiling a lot or just happy. I haven't felt like that in a long time lol. When I had that daily chronic severe pain that just wouldn't quit, I was miserable. I feel like I have more energy too.

Glad to hear that you are doing so well . Have a Merry Christmas

[JenniferG]

Your incisions look healthy and neat. You sound happy and optimistic. After all you've been through, this is such good news.

[leahdragonfly]

Hi John,

I was wondering if you were putting vitamin E or anything else like that on them. The scars really look so good for how young they are! They will be very thin and light over time I'm sure. Nice work. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed getting out to do some shopping.

[JDM555]

Glad to hear that you are doing so well . Have a Merry Christmas

Thanks. Happy Holidays to you as well!


Your incisions look healthy and neat. You sound happy and optimistic. After all you've been through, this is such good news.

Thank you. I like the way they look this early in my recovery, in a year or two they will be pretty much gone. That side incision is tiny, there is some coloring around it (that brown), but the incision itself is tiny and already healing crazy good, so that in a year will be gone.


Hi John,

I was wondering if you were putting vitamin E or anything else like that on them. The scars really look so good for how young they are! They will be very thin and light over time I'm sure. Nice work. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed getting out to do some shopping.

I don't put vitamin E on them. I remember some people putting E on them, but quick google search a lot of sites are saying it's ineffective or it doesn't improve the scar? I don't know. It's nice to get out of the house though, it's been a few boring weeks just sitting around.

[jrnyc]

hey John
the scars do look great...
i agree with your doctor....let them breathe...
i know that some people swear by vitamin E, but research says it is not efffective, as you mentioned....

i am so glad to hear that you walk around with a smile on your face....
i know what you mean about living with chronic pain, as i am sure many people here on
forum know and have expereinced....
i think sometimes, when in chronic pain, some of us may look angry or something. and we aren't....
it is just the pain putting a frown on our faces....
happy to hear that is no longer true for you......hope the healing continues, and your smile just gets bigger!

jess

[rohrer01]

I tried Mederma scar gel for one of my surgeries. It didn't make any difference. Just as long as the scars don't get pulled on, they should be just fine. I had one doctor take the suture string out at only three days after a pretty big surgery and the skin wasn't fully fused. It pulled apart a little and left a nasty keloid that looked like a big, red worm sitting on my belly. It took YEARS to finally flatten and now it's just a wide scar that is normal skin color. I had another surgery through that same incision and the surgeon used disolvable sutures under the skin and I can barely even see the scar line if I look really, really close. I think your scars are going to be like very thin lines when the discoloration fades. I would be happy with results like that.

[JDM555]

hey John
the scars do look great...
i agree with your doctor....let them breathe...
i know that some people swear by vitamin E, but research says it is not efffective, as you mentioned....

i am so glad to hear that you walk around with a smile on your face....
i know what you mean about living with chronic pain, as i am sure many people here on
forum know and have expereinced....
i think sometimes, when in chronic pain, some of us may look angry or something. and we aren't....
it is just the pain putting a frown on our faces....
happy to hear that is no longer true for you......hope the healing continues, and your smile just gets bigger!

jess

Thanks Jess. I hope everything improves this time around as well and I can finally get my life back. I'll just let them heal like my first scar.


I tried Mederma scar gel for one of my surgeries. It didn't make any difference. Just as long as the scars don't get pulled on, they should be just fine. I had one doctor take the suture string out at only three days after a pretty big surgery and the skin wasn't fully fused. It pulled apart a little and left a nasty keloid that looked like a big, red worm sitting on my belly. It took YEARS to finally flatten and now it's just a wide scar that is normal skin color. I had another surgery through that same incision and the surgeon used disolvable sutures under the skin and I can barely even see the scar line if I look really, really close. I think your scars are going to be like very thin lines when the discoloration fades. I would be happy with results like that.

Yeh, I didn't do anything for my first surgeries scars. My first scar looked like crap, but after 1 year, it looked good. Not very noticeable. Looked real nice and smooth. This side incision is going to heal much nicer though. He said he would of done the same laser incision in my back but since it was already scarred, it wasn't going to do much. I think if it was first time operating, the incision would be as thin as my side incision, which would be crazy. I don't care about scars though.

[titaniumed]

John

Its great news that you are all fixed up!

You know the ladies like a little scar on their men....gives us that rough look. I’ve been looking pretty rough here the last few years. lol

I can hardly see my scars anymore.

Ed

[rohrer01]

John

Its great news that you are all fixed up!

You know the ladies like a little scar on their men....gives us that rough look.

Ed

It really is true! Why that is I'll never figure out. Also, a few wrinkles and a little grey hair on a man just seem to make him more rugged. Men have it so good. They get injured and age, and it's all good. But turn that around for a woman and it doesn't seem the same. We go through a lot to cover our age and not expose our scars! I tell you, it's just downright NOT FAIR!

[jrnyc]

it's "the Cary Grant syndrome"....been going on since forever!

jess

[JDM555]

John

Its great news that you are all fixed up!

You know the ladies like a little scar on their men....gives us that rough look. I’ve been looking pretty rough here the last few years. lol

I can hardly see my scars anymore.

Ed

Lol @ the ladies comment. Most of the time, I'll have my shirt on, so if I met any ladies they wouldn't really see or know I had scars. A lot of people don't even know I had surgeries until I tell them. Thanks.


It really is true! Why that is I'll never figure out. Also, a few wrinkles and a little grey hair on a man just seem to make him more rugged. Men have it so good. They get injured and age, and it's all good. But turn that around for a woman and it doesn't seem the same. We go through a lot to cover our age and not expose our scars! I tell you, it's just downright NOT FAIR!

Not fair you say? What about all the cosmetic things women can get to improve the way they look? Extensions, fake nails, push up bras, make up, fake eyelashes, etc. blah blah blah, guys don't have that. Girls wear high heels as well. If you're short, no biggie, just wear 5" heels and you're good to go. If a guy's short, too bad. Plus, I know plenty of women as they start getting grey hair, just dye it their natural color and it's no big deal. I don't think I've ever seen a guy dye his hair lol. You know what guys do to look good? Shave and shower. Lol.


it's "the Cary Grant syndrome"....been going on since forever!

jess

I had to google that...too young for that generation lol.

[jrnyc]

"Cary Grant syndrome"...
i thought a generational thing
might happen...
substitute the name of any older handsome man with "crinkles"
(as opposed to "wrinkles" in women)...

men age and get "distinguished"
women age and get "old"

jess

[loves to skate]

John, Where have you been? Lots of older men color their hair and beard and what about the metrosexuals? More and more men are having cosmetic surgery than ever before. Men get facial, waxings, manicures and pedicures and lord knows what else. I prefer tall skinny natural men myself, possible with a scar or two. Haha!
Sally

[jrnyc]

they have to keep the gray hair to have the Cary Grant syndrome...
gray hair, crinkles, tall, handsome...

jess

[JDM555]

John, Where have you been? Lots of older men color their hair and beard and what about the metrosexuals? More and more men are having cosmetic surgery than ever before. Men get facial, waxings, manicures and pedicures and lord knows what else. I prefer tall skinny natural men myself, possible with a scar or two. Haha!
Sally

I've been here. In NorCal all my life. I know most men I know don't do that. Very, very few men color there hair or have cosmetic surgery, at least the people I know. Facial, waxings, and manicures? Definitely not where I'm from. Lol. Even though a man were to get all those things, it wouldn't be as a dramatic of a change as make up is to women. I've seen plenty of women with and without, and that's the craziest thing, because it's insane how big of a difference it is.


they have to keep the gray hair to have the Cary Grant syndrome...
gray hair, crinkles, tall, handsome...

jess

Lol. I guess. A lot of women like grey hair, that is true.

Interesting conversation that we're having here. Haha

[mabeckoff]

Remember that John is on the young side. He has not really experienced life yet

[JDM555]

Remember that John is on the young side. He has not really experienced life yet

....Uhh...wow?

[mabeckoff]

....Uhh...wow?
aren't you just 21 years old?

[JDM555]

Yes, but it seems like you're saying that just because I'm 21, it means my opinion isn't important. I don't know if it's a generation thing, but I've never met any men that do the stuff loves to skate said. Oh well. I don't know why we're talking about that anyways. How about we forget all this and talk about, hmm let's see...scoliosis? Lol

[rohrer01]

Not fair you say? What about all the cosmetic things women can get to improve the way they look? Extensions, fake nails, push up bras, make up, fake eyelashes, etc. blah blah blah, guys don't have that. Girls wear high heels as well. If you're short, no biggie, just wear 5" heels and you're good to go. If a guy's short, too bad. Plus, I know plenty of women as they start getting grey hair, just dye it their natural color and it's no big deal. I don't think I've ever seen a guy dye his hair lol. You know what guys do to look good? Shave and shower. Lol.



That's EXACTLY what I mean! You guys have it good. As a woman, I don't want to do all that work, and I usually don't. But there are things that women have to do to "look" young and beautiful. Why do we have to look young to be considered beautiful? Men get rugged and women get old, like Jess said. And as you said there is a HUGE difference in how we look with and without our makeup. This certainly is an interesting (odd) discussion. I think you have lived a lot more "life" than a lot of men your age. I don't think that was meant as an insult. You just don't want a bunch of old ladies flirting with you! JK...LOL You have a long way to go before you have to worry about the grey hair. AND since you are in NoCal the beach scene isn't really big there either unless you want to get eaten by a shark. LOL Even if it is, you have absolutely nothing to hide. By the time the weather is warm again you probably won't even be able to see those scars!

Speaking of NoCal, I must say that I do love the beaches around Eureka. My husband and I found a remote little beach near there that had entirely BLACK volcanic sand. It was awesome! My son tried to save a hermit crab there that had come out of his shell, and he dropped it into a tidal pool only to watch it get devoured by a spiny looking sea creature! Here I go again. Totally off topic. I just love the Northern California and Oregon coasts! I wish I could move to an Oregon coastal town...sigh...

[rohrer01]

I don't know why we're talking about that anyways. How about we forget all this and talk about, hmm let's see...scoliosis? Lol

Scoliosis? Well, that seems to be an appropriate topic for this forum. Bye, bye dreams of the beach! Sorry, John, for all the off topic stuff. I didn't mean to start a debate. Wait a minute, I didn't start the rugged discussion. I think we can blame that one on Ed...ED?

[JDM555]

That's EXACTLY what I mean! You guys have it good. As a woman, I don't want to do all that work, and I usually don't. But there are things that women have to do to "look" young and beautiful. Why do we have to look young to be considered beautiful? Men get rugged and women get old, like Jess said. And as you said there is a HUGE difference in how we look with and without our makeup. This certainly is an interesting (odd) discussion. I think you have lived a lot more "life" than a lot of men your age. I don't think that was meant as an insult. You just don't want a bunch of old ladies flirting with you! JK...LOL You have a long way to go before you have to worry about the grey hair. AND since you are in NoCal the beach scene isn't really big there either unless you want to get eaten by a shark. LOL Even if it is, you have absolutely nothing to hide. By the time the weather is warm again you probably won't even be able to see those scars!

Speaking of NoCal, I must say that I do love the beaches around Eureka. My husband and I found a remote little beach near there that had entirely BLACK volcanic sand. It was awesome! My son tried to save a hermit crab there that had come out of his shell, and he dropped it into a tidal pool only to watch it get devoured by a spiny looking sea creature! Here I go again. Totally off topic. I just love the Northern California and Oregon coasts! I wish I could move to an Oregon coastal town...sigh...

That's true. I guess women at young age have all those things to enhance the way they look, but as they get older, men get the upper hand. But not all men are good looking and handsome to pull off that Cary Grant syndrome thing Jess was talking about. More from my generation, I guess George Clooney would work in this case. Oh well. The weather has been really cold, but it's still sunny, so I guess it's good enough for December. I hate gloomy/rain weather in NorCal.

I seriously can't remember the last time I went to the beach here. The water is freezing and Santa Cruz is a good 40-45 minute drive from me, too lazy lol. I agree, when the weather gets warm again, my scars will be very hard to see and hopefully I will return to the gym. Can't wait, we are planning to go to Puerto Vallarta for a wedding in May, I can't WAIT for that lol.


Scoliosis? Well, that seems to be an appropriate topic for this forum. Bye, bye dreams of the beach! Sorry, John, for all the off topic stuff. I didn't mean to start a debate. Wait a minute, I didn't start the rugged discussion. I think we can blame that one on Ed...ED?

Yup, it's all Ed's fault, but then again, it always is. I vote he gets banned : ) lol.

[rohrer01]

I agree, when the weather gets warm again, my scars will be very hard to see and hopefully I will return to the gym. Can't wait, we are planning to go to Puerto Vallarta for a wedding in May, I can't WAIT for that lol.



Yup, it's all Ed's fault, but then again, it always is. I vote he gets banned : ) lol.

Now that trip sounds FUN, although I've never had a desire to visit Mexico. I don't know why.

Hmmmm....ban Ed.....Na, he's too funny. LOL Besides, we don't want to start any more ban threads! LOL You have a good sense of humor. I'm just glad you are feeling so well. Take care!

[JDM555]

Now that trip sounds FUN, although I've never had a desire to visit Mexico. I don't know why.

Hmmmm....ban Ed.....Na, he's too funny. LOL Besides, we don't want to start any more ban threads! LOL You have a good sense of humor. I'm just glad you are feeling so well. Take care!

I understand what you mean about Mexico. But when you go in groups and stay at a nice hospital that's all inclusive, it's awesome. Just got to stay away from the water there unless it's bottled haha.

I was kidding about Ed, he is a very good member on this forum. Thanks for the kind words. I'm doing good so far. Surgical pain is going down, but my left leg is still hurting.

[Mojo's Mom]

I seriously can't remember the last time I went to the beach here. The water is freezing and Santa Cruz is a good 40-45 minute drive from me, too lazy lol.

Oh, come on, John, now I'm going to have to call you a lightweight ;-) .........I grew up in Tiburon, and we went to Stinson Beach and went bodysurfing in the summer all the time...of course, you wouldn't even get me to stick my toe in that water now, I'm a wimp who won't go in the pool if it's under 88 degrees, but back in the day.....

[rohrer01]

I understand what you mean about Mexico. But when you go in groups and stay at a nice hospital that's all inclusive, it's awesome. Just got to stay away from the water there unless it's bottled haha.

I was kidding about Ed, he is a very good member on this forum. Thanks for the kind words. I'm doing good so far. Surgical pain is going down, but my left leg is still hurting.

Did you mean "hotel". LOL ...We can't tell you've had so many surgeries. ;-)

[JDM555]

Oh, come on, John, now I'm going to have to call you a lightweight ;-) .........I grew up in Tiburon, and we went to Stinson Beach and went bodysurfing in the summer all the time...of course, you wouldn't even get me to stick my toe in that water now, I'm a wimp who won't go in the pool if it's under 88 degrees, but back in the day.....

I'm thin, and I get cold really easily, I'm not going in SC water without a wetsuit. And it's freezing here. It doesn't need to be over 88, but as long as it's not shivering cold, then I'm fine. I wish I could of lived closer to the beach and was more into surfing.


Did you mean "hotel". LOL ...We can't tell you've had so many surgeries. ;-)

Lol. Yes. I've been to more hospitals in the last 3 years than hotels, that's for sure.

[titaniumed]

I have to agree with John. Leave the waxing to professionals like Stevo.
Ed

[jrnyc]

John, i wanted to ask you if you are driving...does it hurt to sit in a car?
are you able to walk every day without pain...?
and are you using the bone stimulator machine thing they gave you?

hope you continue to heal at a nice steady pace...

jess

[JDM555]

John, i wanted to ask you if you are driving...does it hurt to sit in a car?
are you able to walk every day without pain...?
and are you using the bone stimulator machine thing they gave you?

hope you continue to heal at a nice steady pace...

jess

I can drive, but I don't really drive around much now. If I go somewhere, usually it's with someone else and they drive. But when I did the 2 week post op check up (3 weeks after surgery), I did have some pain from sitting in the car. My car is stiff, so it wasn't too comfortable while driving around. I have some discomfort and aches here and there, but not full on throbbing or pain. If I sit for a few hours, I might get an ache in my lower back and if I walk or lay down, it's better.

I'm using the bone stimulator that I got 6 months ago at UCSF. Berven told me to wear it when I wasn't fused, and it was laying around, so I decided to put it to use. Have been wearing it everyday for the past 1.5-2 weeks. Will keep wearing it. Taking my calcium too.

[mabeckoff]

I'm using the bone stimulator that I got 6 months ago at UCSF. Berven told me to wear it when I wasn't fused, and it was laying around, so I decided to put it to use. Have been wearing it everyday for the past 1.5-2 weeks. Will keep wearing it. Taking my calcium too.

Good to hear that you are following the rules

[jrnyc]

i am so glad you are doing well and following doctor's orders....
keep healing, and i know you will be back to 100%...but straighter... really soon...

jess

[JDM555]

Good to hear that you are following the rules

I should be walking more, but the weather outside is horrible lately. And with my implants, my back turns into a popsicle lol. I will join the gym beginning of January, will start swimming, walking on treadmill, doing very light cardio such as stationary bike/elliptical, and using spa/steam room. That should help me by avoiding siting in a chair for multiple hours and not walking enough.


i am so glad you are doing well and following doctor's orders....
keep healing, and i know you will be back to 100%...but straighter... really soon...

jess

This surgeon didn't tell me it was necessary, but since I had a lack of fusion before, he agrees it's best to play it safe. So far, my back is looking great. Still even and little pain. Hopefully in a few more months, surgical pain will be gone and I'll be fused.



This is gonna be funny, I got a letter in the mail from my insurance. Basically saying how much the surgery and stuff cost. Believe it or not, it says everything was around $800,000. That's insane!

Said drugs were roughly $1000, supplies that were non-sterile/sterile totaled to like $27,000, implants for my back were $490,000 haha. That's crazy. OR services were $170,000. And PT, OT, and recovery room and what not, made that bill up to around $800,000. Have you guys ever heard of a surgery costing this much? Most surgeries, even my last ones were around $2-250,000. Interesting.

[mabeckoff]

QUOTE This is gonna be funny, I got a letter in the mail from my insurance. Basically saying how much the surgery and stuff cost. Believe it or not, it says everything was around $800,000. That's insane!

Said drugs were roughly $1000, supplies that were non-sterile/sterile totaled to like $27,000, implants for my back were $490,000 haha. That's crazy. OR services were $170,000. And PT, OT, and recovery room and what not, made that bill up to around $800,000. Have you guys ever heard of a surgery costing this much? Most surgeries, even my last ones were around $2-250,000. Interesting. QUOTE


John,

My July surgery was over 1 million dollars. The implants for my back were over $600,000. It is crazy , isn't it? Glad that I have insurance

[JDM555]

That's insane. How can implants cost over half a million dollars. Shoot, they should of just gave me the money these 4 surgeries cost and leave me with scoliosis! I've never heard of any surgery costing over $500,000, let alone $750,000-1,000,000.

[mabeckoff]

That's insane. How can implants cost over half a million dollars. Shoot, they should of just gave me the money these 4 surgeries cost and leave me with scoliosis! I've never heard of any surgery costing over $500,000, let alone $750,000-1,000,000.

I agree. Lots of money

[JenniferG]

:o My insurance company paid out $110,000 for mine and I thought that was a lot.

[jrnyc]

well, when hospitals can get away with charging hundreds for a single aspirin, it adds up fast!
mind you, insurance is allowed to pay just a percentage of the charges, while when an individual pays
directly, without insurance, that person is expected to pay the full charges!

jess

[Doreen1]

I should be walking more, but the weather outside is horrible lately.

I was able to walk for a few days after I got home from hospital as we've been having unusually warm weather for ATL this year. While I'm not allowed to walk my neighborhood for a while because it is very hilly, the cul-de-sac we live on is relatively flat. It was so refreshing to get in some sunshine and fresh air for a few days with my dad. Unfortunately, we've been having a lot of rain so now I'm doing laps around the house and going up and down the stairs a few times throughout the day is helping, just so boring doing the same path.

Did you or are you using a walker? Dr. Lenke's nurse told me to use my walker until I am 100% stable on my own before putting the walker away. I wonder how long folks use their walkers.

Your insurance bill is crazy! I'm very curious to see what mine adds up to.

Warmly,
Doreen

[JDM555]

I walked around the block a few times, but I think the few times I did, I had back pain from my body being sore. There is a small hill here too, so it was hard on my back.I get up and walk down/up the stairs many times a day though.

I never used a walker, in either surgeries. This recovery was much quicker. I was walking with very little support the following day of my 2nd surgery, and after that, I was walking around just fine on my own and climbing up and down stairs without holding the rail. Lol

[mabeckoff]

John,

I am so glad that you are doing this great with your recovery. Hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

[JDM555]

Ehhh. I went out yesterday, and I guess sitting in a car and walking around in freezing weather got my sick. I had a very rough night last night. I was shivering and couldn't sleep and had to take 2 warm showers to barely stay warm. Had a nasty headache and my whole body was aching. Then woke up with same headache, and didn't sleep well. Tried to sleep for another hour, and still woke up feeling like crap. Went out, and my back was killing me from the car ride and I had a stomach ache, headache, backache, left leg ache, etc lol. Just all bad, then when I got home, I figured I probably got a flu and it's going to start up, so I took some Vit. C and Zinc and so far I'm on an empty stomach at around 2pm. I lay down for a bit while my mom makes a chicken soup for me, and I don't feel good and end up throwing up. Bye bye Vit. C. So now I'm slowly eating chicken soup with lime in it to help me out. What great timing 2 days before Christmas, lovely.

[jrnyc]

so sorry to hear this, John

Vitamin C and zinc are two things that can cause a lot of stomach upset....
and, sorry to say, usually by the time symptoms have shown, it is too late to
benefit from the vitamins...the germs have already taken hold...

IF it is the flu, there is a med docs can give to shorten the duration, but it
has to be given early on....

i am sorry this has hit at Christmas time....
as far as family, contagious time is most often before symptoms appear,
so you probably can't transmit this to others....that is, if you even feel up
to going out to see family at all....
maybe if you stay in bed til Sunday, you will feel better for Christmas Day...?

hope the worst is over quickly!
jess

[LSKOCH5]

Ah, that bites. Sorry you're sick, & especially right before Christmas. Feel better soon, & I hope you end up having a Merry Christmas in a quieter way w your family.

[debbei]

John,
what a bummer to be sick at Christmas.

Are you still taking any pain meds? Have you cut back recently? Reading your description, it came to mind that at one point when I cut back drastically I had some of those same symptoms you refer to and I thought I was sick. Turned out I was having withdrawl symptoms.

Feel better soon.

[JDM555]

so sorry to hear this, John

Vitamin C and zinc are two things that can cause a lot of stomach upset....
and, sorry to say, usually by the time symptoms have shown, it is too late to
benefit from the vitamins...the germs have already taken hold...

IF it is the flu, there is a med docs can give to shorten the duration, but it
has to be given early on....

i am sorry this has hit at Christmas time....
as far as family, contagious time is most often before symptoms appear,
so you probably can't transmit this to others....that is, if you even feel up
to going out to see family at all....
maybe if you stay in bed til Sunday, you will feel better for Christmas Day...?

hope the worst is over quickly!
jess

Everything I seem to take causes a lot of upset stomach lol. I don't feel tired and like I have a flu, I'm not sneezing/coughing/etc. I'm guessing stomach flu. I feel a little better today, but I feel a very minor sore throat. I'll try some vitamin C and Zinc again, even if symptoms are barely showing, I want to try to stop it. Tomorrow night is my favorite time of the year. We go to a huge christmas party with friends and family, and I would hate to be sick and unable to play with the kids. I've kept warm all yesterday and wasn't getting chills, I'll do same today and hopefully I'll be ok for tomorrow.


Ah, that bites. Sorry you're sick, & especially right before Christmas. Feel better soon, & I hope you end up having a Merry Christmas in a quieter way w your family.

Lol, thanks. I hope it just waits, till after tomorrow night if I end up getting sick sick. As I said above, it's a huge christmas party with many people, and it's my favorite gathering of the year. It would suck if I started getting more flu/cold symptoms then.


John,
what a bummer to be sick at Christmas.

Are you still taking any pain meds? Have you cut back recently? Reading your description, it came to mind that at one point when I cut back drastically I had some of those same symptoms you refer to and I thought I was sick. Turned out I was having withdrawl symptoms.

Feel better soon.

Not really. If I do, I'll take a measly 5mg hydrocone/500mg tylenol, or 5mg oxycodone/325mg, which I have to say doesn't do much at all. I took 5mg of valium last night to help me sleep though. I haven't taken valium in a while. Other than that, I don't take any meds.

[rohrer01]

If you get to the doc right away and they confirm flu with a nasal swab, they can give you Tamiflu. It works GREAT. I've had it and within an hour you can feel your symptoms start to subside.

[JDM555]

If you get to the doc right away and they confirm flu with a nasal swab, they can give you Tamiflu. It works GREAT. I've had it and within an hour you can feel your symptoms start to subside.

Wouldn't it take time for the nasal swabs to show the results? And then to get the Tamiflu? It's Christmas Eve, I don't think I can run in and get that all done in an hour lol. I think I'll be fine, I don't feel horrible. I'll keep taking vitamins and drinking warm drinks and lots of water.

[rohrer01]

Wouldn't it take time for the nasal swabs to show the results? And then to get the Tamiflu? It's Christmas Eve, I don't think I can run in and get that all done in an hour lol. I think I'll be fine, I don't feel horrible. I'll keep taking vitamins and drinking warm drinks and lots of water.

No it doesn't take time. The nasal swab results come back right away. You would need to go to the ER. Tell them that you've just recently had spinal fusion surgery and have already thrown up. The sooner you get Tamiflu, the better it works. If you wait for full blown flu, it takes longer and is less effective. You could probably get Tamiflu at the hospital pharmacy or any of the big chain pharmacies. They may close early, so get scootin'!

[JDM555]

Feel much better than yesterday. No chills or upset stomach or whatever. I have no flu symptoms at all. Sore throat is gone. I didn't want to go to ER and do all that, lol. Was too lazy and didn't want to go out on Christmas Eve, decided to stay in a relax near the heater and stay warm and keep taking vitamins, chicken soup, zinc, etc. I think I'll be fine. Maybe just bad day yesterday? No idea where that came from.

Hopefully I'll feel even better tomorrow. Merry Christmas everyone.

[mabeckoff]

Glad to hear that you are feeling much better

Hope you enjoy your Christmas

[mabeckoff]

John, As we have not heard from you in a while, hoping you are doing ok

[JDM555]

John, As we have not heard from you in a while, hoping you are doing ok

Hey. Yes, I'm getting better and able to walk more and more everyday. Haven't taken any pain meds recently. Hopefully I'll return to swimming/cardio at the gym in about 1-2 weeks. School starts on the 30th, but I took a relatively easy schedule, with 1 online class so won't push it. Also, my bone stimulator doesn't seem to be working anymore. I wore it religiously every day for around 4 weeks, and then it just stopped working or would keep beeping that something isn't connected when it was. Idk, but hopefully I don't need to wear it anymore, we'll see what my surgeon says on the 16th for my 2nd visit.

Thanks for thinking of me Melissa.

[jrnyc]

glad you are doing well...hope you get a glowing report on Monday!

jess

[JDM555]

glad you are doing well...hope you get a glowing report on Monday!

jess

Thanks Jess. Appointment is already tomorrow morning. Will let you guys know how it goes. Hopefully we can see the spine is still straight and that there's bone forming at L1-L3.

[rohrer01]

John,
I hope you meant you are seeing your surgeon for a follow-up tomorrow as opposed to having surgery! Did I miss something? I hope all is well.

[JDM555]

John,
I hope you meant you are seeing your surgeon for a follow-up tomorrow as opposed to having surgery! Did I miss something? I hope all is well.

Hehe. Making a lot of mistakes lately.

[JDM555]

So far so good. X-Rays look good, and spine is still balanced. Lateral views showed bone forming between L1-L3 which is a good sign. Will contact Biomet representative and try to get my bone stimulator to work again or get a new one so help the fusion as much as possible. Pain is going down, haven't used any meds in past few weeks. Will walk more and also hopefully start going to the gym to swim and do very light cardio soon.

[LSKOCH5]

Glad you're doing so well & that you are well on the road to your normal life.

[mabeckoff]

Glad to hear that you are doing well

[rohrer01]

That's great news, John! Hopefully, you can put this behind you FOREVER!

[naptown78]

Hey. Yes, I'm getting better and able to walk more and more everyday. Haven't taken any pain meds recently. Hopefully I'll return to swimming/cardio at the gym in about 1-2 weeks. School starts on the 30th, but I took a relatively easy schedule, with 1 online class so won't push it. Also, my bone stimulator doesn't seem to be working anymore. I wore it religiously every day for around 4 weeks, and then it just stopped working or would keep beeping that something isn't connected when it was. Idk, but hopefully I don't need to wear it anymore, we'll see what my surgeon says on the 16th for my 2nd visit.

Thanks for thinking of me Melissa.

John,
Likely you just need some new lead wires. They need to be replaced every so often. If you call the number on
the information they gave you, and tell the representative the problem you are having, they will order anything
you need.

[jrnyc]

great to hear, John....
keep on the same path...
spring is just around the corner...
bet you are tip top by summer!

jess

[JDM555]

Glad you're doing so well & that you are well on the road to your normal life.


Glad to hear that you are doing well


That's great news, John! Hopefully, you can put this behind you FOREVER!

Thank you all. I hope I can put this behind me for good and return to the gym by summer as well. Definitely won't push it this time.


John,
Likely you just need some new lead wires. They need to be replaced every so often. If you call the number on
the information they gave you, and tell the representative the problem you are having, they will order anything
you need.

Yeh, I gave the representative a call yesterday and didn't hear back from him today, will call office tomorrow and figure something out. Thanks for the tip.


great to hear, John....
keep on the same path...
spring is just around the corner...
bet you are tip top by summer!

jess

Thanks Jess. I hope so! I want to be pain free already. More than anything I want to gym lol.

[JDM555]

Here are some quick pics. Healing OK. Pain is going away slowly, but not gone. Feel better some days than others. Weather can be cold, and that doesn't help.

Looking at pictures, back looks pretty even and straight, good sign.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/LilJohn148/0031-3.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/LilJohn148/0040-2.jpg

[jrnyc]

it looks great....
when the scar heals completely, and when it fades, it will be so straight that no one
will even think anything of it...
looks like the surgeon did a good job...

keep healing..
i know you'll get there...and back to the gym....

jess

[rohrer01]

John,
The scars look really good. It just takes time for them to fade, but when they do, as Jess mentioned, they won't even be noticeable unless you are specifically looking for them. My husband has a very large scar on his arm from a childhood accident. I couldn't even see it when he was telling me about it. I have to look very close even to see it at all. I've had some surgeries for other things and depending on where it is, it seems like it takes different amounts of time for the redness to go away. You look nice and straight. Have you gone back to light exercises at the gym, yet?

Take Care,
Rohrer01

[golfnut]

Your back looks great!

[JDM555]

Thanks you guys. I haven't returned to the gym yet. I've been sick the past week, barely getting over it and just started school. I might sign up in a week or two. The weather is kinda cold lately and it's not helping with my hardware. I need to do some small exercises and swimming though, I think it would help a lot.

BTW, I'm not worried about the scar fading, that's the least of my concerns, I just want my darn back to fuse lol.

[rohrer01]

Well, I hope you feel better soon! Yes, I agree with starting small. I was sick for just a few days and when I got back on the treadmill today, I couldn't even do half what I was doing. Take care of yourself. Beware that some pools are COLD. The "Y" took over our local pool one year and lowered the pool temp to save money. I couldn't swim in it because I was too miserable and I don't have hardware.

Rohrer01

[titaniumed]

John

Your symmetry looks great.....without the scars, you couldn’t tell you were a scoli from the pics.

Ed

[JDM555]

Well, I hope you feel better soon! Yes, I agree with starting small. I was sick for just a few days and when I got back on the treadmill today, I couldn't even do half what I was doing. Take care of yourself. Beware that some pools are COLD. The "Y" took over our local pool one year and lowered the pool temp to save money. I couldn't swim in it because I was too miserable and I don't have hardware.

Rohrer01

Yeah. I'm sure I won't be able to do 1/4 the weight I use to do in the weight. I remember 5-6 months after first surgery, I was struggling to curl 15lb dumbells which is pretty bad. So now, after an addition 1.5 years, I'm sure I'll have to start all over and get use to how lifting/exercising with my new back feels. I don't know if I'll ever be able to go 100%, I hope, only time will tell.

Also, about the cold water, that is what I'm worried about! Lol. I remember in the summer, it was OK, sometimes it was cold sometimes it was warm. I hope they turn up the heat in the winter time, I'll get a 7 day week pass to see how my back reacts to the gym, and if it's good, I'll do a membership.


John

Your symmetry looks great.....without the scars, you couldn’t tell you were a scoli from the pics.

Ed

Thanks Ed. I do look pretty even. My hips are a little off in X-Rays, but to the naked eye, my rib hump and back look damn good. I just hope it stays that way.
John

[jrnyc]

i bet you could ask the club what temp they keep their pool at....
i don't think the pools they use for aqua therapy are cold...

any time anyone leaves the gym for a while, it takes time to rebuild...yes?
it is probably just going to be slow

jess

[JDM555]

Yes. I could ask. But I won't really know in terms of degrees if I'll be able to swim in it or not. I'd have to actually go, and I want to test out swimming and light cardio, if it hurts and I'm not ready, I'll wait longer instead of have a membership go to waste. This pool isn't for aqua therapy, so I'm not sure if it will be hot, it's warmer than normal though.

It does take time rebuild when you take a break, but it's much tougher when you have spinal surgeries. All your muscles are still healing, and almost every exercise requires your back, so it's much more complex then just taking a break from the gym. I'll have to work my muscles lower than what I even started with before getting in the gym. It's not a problem, I just hope I can slowly build my way back. Gym was my favorite thing lol.

[jrnyc]

yes, it does make sense that it is harder after surgery to build muscles...
but if you look at all the athletes who are injured and come back, it must be
do-able...
of course, i don't know if any of them have major back surgery...
but then, you won't have any time pressure to do anything too fast...
only pressure would be if you put any on yourself....
you are young, so with patience, i bet it is a challenge you will be able to achieve...
small goals lead to bigger ones

jess

[rohrer01]

Yes. I could ask. But I won't really know in terms of degrees if I'll be able to swim in it or not. I'd have to actually go, and I want to test out swimming and light cardio, if it hurts and I'm not ready, I'll wait longer instead of have a membership go to waste. This pool isn't for aqua therapy, so I'm not sure if it will be hot, it's warmer than normal though.

It does take time rebuild when you take a break, but it's much tougher when you have spinal surgeries. All your muscles are still healing, and almost every exercise requires your back, so it's much more complex then just taking a break from the gym. I'll have to work my muscles lower than what I even started with before getting in the gym. It's not a problem, I just hope I can slowly build my way back. Gym was my favorite thing lol.

As far as swimming goes, I don't know if I would recommend all out swimming at first. I would just probably wade around in the water to start, then move to one of those boards you can float on, then floating on your back with gentle leg and arm movements. I think the swim styles where you are face down might put too much stress on your lumbar. Just my opinion. But I really think if you take it slow and do the easiest things first, you'll eventually get there. I just don't want to see you jump in the water and expect to swim like you did before, have it hurt, and then give up. Baby steps...

Take Care.
Rohrer01

[loves to skate]

Your back looks great!

I second that!
Sally

[JDM555]

yes, it does make sense that it is harder after surgery to build muscles...
but if you look at all the athletes who are injured and come back, it must be
do-able...
of course, i don't know if any of them have major back surgery...
but then, you won't have any time pressure to do anything too fast...
only pressure would be if you put any on yourself....
you are young, so with patience, i bet it is a challenge you will be able to achieve...
small goals lead to bigger ones

jess

Yeah. Spinal surgery isn't a leg injury or pulled muscle lol. It's tough. I'll try my best to work my way back though. I'm not rushing things, so hopefully down the road in a year, I can get back to lifting hard. We'll see how it goes.


As far as swimming goes, I don't know if I would recommend all out swimming at first. I would just probably wade around in the water to start, then move to one of those boards you can float on, then floating on your back with gentle leg and arm movements. I think the swim styles where you are face down might put too much stress on your lumbar. Just my opinion. But I really think if you take it slow and do the easiest things first, you'll eventually get there. I just don't want to see you jump in the water and expect to swim like you did before, have it hurt, and then give up. Baby steps...

Take Care.
Rohrer01

Of course. I don't plan on doing anything serious in the pool. Just very light strokes, and then taking a break each few minutes. This isn't my first surgery, I know how to take things slow. I'm not expecting to jump in and do 20 laps or to go lift weights, so no need to worry about me lol. I'll take it very slow.


I second that!
Sally

Thanks Sally!

[mabeckoff]

Glad to hear that you are doing OK

[Reneetina]

I most certainly hope you start feeling better. Rest and continue with the chips. Nothing heavy.
Take care. Reneetina ps going to see Bederman this Wed. since we spoke of him

[Reneetina]

HI John: I was typing, wanted you to know I was thinking of you in a good way. I guess I made a typo at the end of message. Sorry about that as sometimes I have dyslexia or can't think straight. Glad your looking good. I did warm pool & it made me feel terrific. Keep up the good work. Reneetina