Just a few more days to go. On Thursday I had my pre-op testing and bending x-rays, and I met with the internist who will be following me in the hospital and with Dr. Boachie. (I saw the HSS pulmonologist earlier in the month.) The fusion will be T2 to T12. Dr. Boachie said that the choice was either the selective thoracic fusion or a fusion down to L4. Because my lumbar curve is very flexible, he wants to preserve the lumbar vertebrae with the hopes that the curve will correct itself (however the rotation in the lumbar region will remain, even if the curve self-corrects). He will know within 6 to 12 months if the fusion needs to be extended. Somehow I had thought that if I needed an extension of the fusion it wouldn't be necessary for years. Although the idea of going through all this again is daunting, if an extension needs to be done I guess I would rather have it done sooner rather than later when I am older and less fit. (I say this now, but ask me again post-surgery and I may not feel the same way, haha.)
Another thing that is a little up in the air: if the instrumentation and de-rotation of the spine don't provide enough correction of my rib hump during surgery, Dr. Boachie will also perform a thoracoplasty. Even if he doesn't need to do the thoracoplasty he will obtain bone from the ribs for the bone graft so that he doesn't need to take bone from the hip, which he said can lead to long-term pain. I hope I am explaining this correctly and using the right terminology. Does using rib bone for the bone graft constitute a thoracoplasty? Or is that term just used for rib removal when it's done for cosmetic purposes?
Dr. Boachie said the surgery will be 3 to 4 hours. Wow! I think I'm getting off easy, it that's the case. I'll be in the hospital for 5 to 7 days if all goes well.
I've arranged for a private-duty nurse's aide for the duration of my stay, but if I don't need the aide for the whole stay I can cancel. One thing I just learned is that if you have the same nurse for over a certain number of shifts (I can't remember what the limit is) you need to pay overtime. That makes sense--I don't know why I hadn't thought of that before. So, I'll just get a different aide, if it comes to that, because I don't want to pay time and a half.
I'm wondering how much the thoracoplasty increases pain and recovery time, and how it affects pulmonary function. I'm guessing that the incentive spirometer exercise is going to be painful. At least I'll avoid the bone graft from the hip.
Well, the big adventure starts Tuesday afternoon (Monday evening if you count the enema as part of the adventure). Many, many thanks to everyone on this forum for sharing your experiences, being supportive, and making me laugh with your great senses of humor.
boomergal
54 years old
T57, L43
surgery sch. with Dr. Boachie 7/05/11
T2 - T12, posterior
Another thing that is a little up in the air: if the instrumentation and de-rotation of the spine don't provide enough correction of my rib hump during surgery, Dr. Boachie will also perform a thoracoplasty. Even if he doesn't need to do the thoracoplasty he will obtain bone from the ribs for the bone graft so that he doesn't need to take bone from the hip, which he said can lead to long-term pain. I hope I am explaining this correctly and using the right terminology. Does using rib bone for the bone graft constitute a thoracoplasty? Or is that term just used for rib removal when it's done for cosmetic purposes?
Dr. Boachie said the surgery will be 3 to 4 hours. Wow! I think I'm getting off easy, it that's the case. I'll be in the hospital for 5 to 7 days if all goes well.
I've arranged for a private-duty nurse's aide for the duration of my stay, but if I don't need the aide for the whole stay I can cancel. One thing I just learned is that if you have the same nurse for over a certain number of shifts (I can't remember what the limit is) you need to pay overtime. That makes sense--I don't know why I hadn't thought of that before. So, I'll just get a different aide, if it comes to that, because I don't want to pay time and a half.
I'm wondering how much the thoracoplasty increases pain and recovery time, and how it affects pulmonary function. I'm guessing that the incentive spirometer exercise is going to be painful. At least I'll avoid the bone graft from the hip.
Well, the big adventure starts Tuesday afternoon (Monday evening if you count the enema as part of the adventure). Many, many thanks to everyone on this forum for sharing your experiences, being supportive, and making me laugh with your great senses of humor.
boomergal
54 years old
T57, L43
surgery sch. with Dr. Boachie 7/05/11
T2 - T12, posterior
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