Im all Pre-Op'd and ready to rock!

[Suzy]

He says that a lot of people end up having some "buldging" over the scared area? He said after a year, if its still there, he would go in and "smooth it out" for me. How nice of him! So, now Im lookin at 3 scars....back, front & right hip for the bone graph!

Hi Lynn, I think should tell your Dr. you would prefer he do it right the first time, smoothing and keeping the bulging from happening. This seems to be a very common side effect for anterior surgeries. You don't want insurance telling you it won't be covered do to it being considered a cosmetic procedure! If he can't/won't do it now get something in writing from him. This bulge is pretty noticeable on those I have seen it on whether they are fit or not.
As for three incisions... NOT if he takes a minute...Your Dr. can get to your hip if he is going down to L4, mine did! I DID NOT have a separate incision for my bone graft harvesting. You are the patient and he should respect your wishes. I feel you needed to know of options to these situations as it can only help you in the short/long term. One more thing about bone grafting. Ask if he plans on filling in the graft area in your hip with bone chip as this helps to greatly reduce the pain from the graft removal.
Best wishes, Suzy

2/22/06 T-10 to L4

[titaniumed]

Hi Lynn

You will do just fine. Hang in there. Will think of you on Wed.

Ed

[LynnMarie74]

thanks ed!

I know I will be okay....in pain and highly medicated that is! Hope all is well.....have a great weekend!

[LynnMarie74]

Hi Lynn, I think should tell your Dr. you would prefer he do it right the first time, smoothing and keeping the bulging from happening. This seems to be a very common side effect for anterior surgeries. You don't want insurance telling you it won't be covered do to it being considered a cosmetic procedure! If he can't/won't do it now get something in writing from him. This bulge is pretty noticeable on those I have seen it on whether they are fit or not.
As for three incisions... NOT if he takes a minute...Your Dr. can get to your hip if he is going down to L4, mine did! I DID NOT have a separate incision for my bone graft harvesting. You are the patient and he should respect your wishes. I feel you needed to know of options to these situations as it can only help you in the short/long term. One more thing about bone grafting. Ask if he plans on filling in the graft area in your hip with bone chip as this helps to greatly reduce the pain from the graft removal.
Best wishes, Suzy

2/22/06 T-10 to L4

Thanks Suzy. Maybe I misunderstood about having a incision for the bone graph. I was slightly overwhelmed at the pre-op.....infomation overload. And I do agree w/the do it right the 1st time theory. I will mention it on Wednesday. Im really hoping it wont be an issue, but Im expecting the worse, or shall I say prepared for the worse, just incase. If its not there, yippie for me, if it is I curse Scoliosis!!! Grrrrrr!!!!

[JenniferG]

You get good info here, don't you?

A few more days and this will all be behind you, Lynne. Have you started on those Valiums yet?

[LisaMS]

Dear Lynn,

I agree with the others--this last stretch is the hardest part emotionally. Once you drive to the hospital and the pre-op preparations start, it all just rolls from there, and then you start the healing.

I wondered if you could talk to your surgeon about using cadaver bone or the artificial stuff instead of taking it from your hip? My surgeon said they don't do that anymore because it does weaken the hip and it's so painful. Plus he was going to need so much of it. So they ordered cadaver and artificial graft for me, and then when they trimmed off pieces of my own spine to get the hardware on there, they threw that into a grinder and used it too! I am healing very well--no complications since leaving the hospital.

I'm praying for you and thinking of you!!!!!
Love,
Lisa

[LynnMarie74]

You get good info here, don't you?

A few more days and this will all be behind you, Lynne. Have you started on those Valiums yet?

You do get excellent info...maybe to much, but eh, I asked for it! lol And yes, I took one last night and slept like a baby. I actually got about 11 hrs of sleep which was needed as I have not been getting much as of late. Im ok now as I have so much to do here...laundry, cleaning my house, playing w/my 2 kids, etc. If I feel crappy later, Im poppin' one!

[JenniferG]

Good to hear!

[LeeJo]

Keeping you in prayer this week Lynn.

[loves to skate]

LynnMarie,

You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Sally

[LynnMarie74]

Thanks LeeJo & Sally

LynnMarie,

You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Sally

Thanks again to all.......MY STOMACH IS IN KNOTS TODAY! Boy am I glad I took today off from work. Id be a blubbering fool!

[JenniferG]

Thinking of you Lynn. I'm told this is the hardest part, where you are today. Be really nice to yourself. Thinking of you tomorrow (Wednesday, Australia time.) Wishing for it to be all over quickly and for a nice, smooth recovery. *hugs*

[Nancy Joy]

Hi Lynn~~

You are almost there! I will be gone a few days starting the 15th but will sure be thinking of and praying for you. My last days mantra was "all I have to do is -go to sleep" (anesthesia)- everyone else has the hard part- Dr. working, family waiting. It helped calm me thinking I had the easy part- Ha! I am sure you will do fine. This really is the most nerve racking time- that last couple of days. You have a wonderful support group cheering you on (as you know).

[JenniferG]

That's an excellent mindset on that last day. I will remember that. Thanks Nancy Joy. I'm sure it will help Lynn too.

[Louisse]

Hi Lynn
just wanted to say good luck for your surgery and I hope it all goes smoothly tomorrow.
thinking of you lots and wishing you all the best
Louisse