6 days until first surgery

[coscottsx61]

I see my doctor on Thursday and was wondering if there are any specific questions I should ask? I think I've asked all the obvious like how long in surgery (4 hours), how long in the hospital (4 days), exactly what they are doing (entering from the front and fixing the bottom of my spine). I just feel I am forgetting something. Thanks for the help friends!

[JenniferG]

Hi Barb,

Have you been told what levels are to be fused?
Will you be having p/t during your recovery?


That's all I can think of at the moment. Perhaps others will come up with some good questions.

[CHRIS WBS]

Wishing you well on your upcoming surgeries, Barb. I’m sure you will do quite well. You’ve put yourself in good hands and your faith will sustain you.

[JenniferG]

Best wishes for a successful surgery and a smooth recovery Barb. I hope you'll let us know how you're going when you are able. We'll be thinking of you on the 13th.

[JulieBW]

My thoughts, prayers and best wishes are with you.

[Back-out]

I remember how much pain you have been in and that it appeared unlikely you would be approved for surgery.

I'm glad you found surgical help. I see it will be a staged procedure with two weeks in-between and I assume this will be easier on your body, especially since the first stage (anterior) will be "only" four hours - short for many revision operation. I hope this stage (Mon/Tues?) will be over soon and you can be healing in preparation for the second one.

I recall that you still have young sons at home, and I'm thinking about you and your whole family at this stressful time. So glad you have your strong faith to sustain you and them! If you are able to have someone keep us posted about your recovery, you will have many concerned readers.

[coscottsx61]

Levels to be fussed

The first surgery they will be taking out all the arthritis and degenerated discs between levels L4-L5 and L5-S1. Then they will put in plastic cages and fill them with cadaver bone marrow. They will attached a strip of metal and screws to hold the vertebra in place. Sounds easy!!!

After the first surgery, they will take more scoliosis x-rays to see how straight I am. Then they will have more of an idea what they need to do during the second.

As of now, the second surgery they want to remove my Harrington Rod (if possible) or the lose parts. Then they will fuse the rest of the spine above and below. They are not sure yet if they will need to do any osteotomies or how high they will need to go.

I do know I will have a walker and a brace from the legs up.

Tuesday.....here we come!!

[JenniferG]

You sound great! I suppose the prospect of getting rid of that pain would make anyone positive. I hope you have loads of support for plenty of TLC when you get home. Looking forward to hearing from you when you are able.