Hi all ... I know this is going to be rough, but it's more than I expected.
I was only supposed to have a TLIF (translaminar interbody fusion) of L5-S1, and had psyched myself up for that. At my pre-op visit, my upper right back was spasming badly, and the doctor was concerned that the thoracic curve was degnerating as well. He recommended fixing the whole thing, T2-pelvis, but left it up to me to decide.
When the spasms are bad, I can't stand upright and can barely walk. This whole situation only started in December with at twinge, and has deteriorated quickly since then, making it impossible to stand for more than a minute or two or do more strenuous housework (darn it!). Plus I get to miss out on all the fun activities like football games and road trips. And I can't run anymore at all.
I'm pretty anxious about all this, especially the limitations after surgery. I've always been pretty flexible, but that's all going to change, and trying to imagine what it will be like is impossible. I want to do the right thing, but what IS the right thing? How do I get past thinking about the instrumentation as an alien parasite (hooks! screws!) that will be implanted in my body permanently, when I should think of it as a framework that is going to make my back whole and strong again?
I need some experienced advice and opinions please! Help!
I was only supposed to have a TLIF (translaminar interbody fusion) of L5-S1, and had psyched myself up for that. At my pre-op visit, my upper right back was spasming badly, and the doctor was concerned that the thoracic curve was degnerating as well. He recommended fixing the whole thing, T2-pelvis, but left it up to me to decide.
When the spasms are bad, I can't stand upright and can barely walk. This whole situation only started in December with at twinge, and has deteriorated quickly since then, making it impossible to stand for more than a minute or two or do more strenuous housework (darn it!). Plus I get to miss out on all the fun activities like football games and road trips. And I can't run anymore at all.
I'm pretty anxious about all this, especially the limitations after surgery. I've always been pretty flexible, but that's all going to change, and trying to imagine what it will be like is impossible. I want to do the right thing, but what IS the right thing? How do I get past thinking about the instrumentation as an alien parasite (hooks! screws!) that will be implanted in my body permanently, when I should think of it as a framework that is going to make my back whole and strong again?
I need some experienced advice and opinions please! Help!
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