Revision Surgery scheduled for March 11, 2011

[bthumble]

Hello,

I have my revision surgery scheduled for March 11. My original scoliosis surgery was done by Dr. Erwin in 1985 and included a harrington rod. My doctor is going to do several things
-Remove the original rod. It was discovered broken over ten years ago, and causing pain at the location of the break
-Fuse the remainder of my back using titanium bands
-Replace some of my disc segments
-help with a sciatic problem by making the opening larger where the nerve that is being pinched is located.

My doctor told me that he will be making incisions both anterior (front) and posterior (back) and that the surgery will take around seven hours. I am currently having pain from my lower back (from spinal stenosis and disc degeneration) and my right hip (from sciatic). I have noticed that the longer I sit, the more difficult it is to stand up without pain. And according to the instructions I received when I pre-registered from the hospital they do not want me to take any NSAID's, so I have not been taking any meds except for my blood pressure and lipitor.

As the surgery date gets closer, I am getting more nervous. But the pain that I am having is also making me want this to be over with soon, so that I can be on the road to a better quality of life.

I keep telling myself that a week from now it will all be over with

Jerry

[bthumble]

Well it is three days and counting. I am getting more nervous each day and will be glad when the surgery is done.

[jeneemohler]

Good luck! Those last few days are pretty surreal. I'm 2 months post op, and doing very well. Soon you will be on your way, too!! Keep us posted.

[JenniferG]

Well it is three days and counting. I am getting more nervous each day and will be glad when the surgery is done.

The waiting is the worst. Just wanted to wish you well on 11th and hope your recovery goes smoothly. Let us know how you go, won't you?

[bthumble]

Thank you for the great posts. I am getting mor nervous by the day, but will be glad when I am on the other side.

Will keep everyone updated on my progress.

Jerry

[mgs]

The waiting is so hard. Soon, you'll be on the other side, getting closer and closer to a full recovery, and a happy and (hopefully) pain-free life. The next weeks will be hard, but I found this forum so helpful in getting me through these last several months and the 3 surgeries. . . it's a 24/7 support system of people who understand.

We all will be thinking of you on Fri, and wishing you well, and watching for your 1st post from the other side.

[bthumble]

Well, now I am finally on the other side . My surgery was last Friday (March 11th) and I returned home yesterday (March 16th). The surgery did not take quite as long as they first excepted and the doctor said everything looks great now. It is amazing how my hip and leg pain are gone, and the only pain I am having is the lower back where the new instrumentation was installed. They also saved the Harrington rod that was removed for me. Been looking at it and amazed how much surgical techniques have changed. Now I am working on taking my meds, eating well and walking but not over doing it. Hope everyone is doing well.

[Elisa]

Glad everything went well for you and you sound good!

[JenniferG]

5 days in hospital - wow! Glad to hear you're going so well. Take it easy and let the days go by eating, walking, sleeping and relaxing and you will do great! Congrats on being on *this* side!

[bthumble]

Its been three weeks since my surgery. I am still in some pain, and still walking slow, but walking when I can. The only problem I am having now is that I am sort of depressed. My progress has seemed to slow down, and it still takes me a while to go up/down stairs, walk and do other things. I sleep some during the day, but try to stay active walking, sitting up to watch tv or to read and have started to sit outside when the weather is nice. Has anyone else felt this way. I guess I was to crazy to think that I would be much further along than I am now. I go to the doctor next week for my first post surgery doctor visit.

Thanks for listening to me vent.

Jerry

[Jacque's Mom]

Jerry,
I had similar surgery on 12/7/10. The narcotics you are on can make you depressed and it's quite normal but will go away. Only three weeks out, I would expect you would still be in pain. It was hard for me to go up and down the steps as well. It's major surgery and it takes a while to heal. You are doing well. It will become easier in a few weeks but it takes time. Take care, LYNN