Just some thoughts re: my experience with revision and for those who are contemplating a revision surgery. I had a revision surgery done about a year and a half ago (by someone considered the top in his field). Going into the surgery, I knew there were risks and I was in such pain that I was willing to take them. Here are MY results (I know others experience more successes) - but I want people to really think (as I did) before going through with their revision.
*loss of feeling from above my ribcage to below my thigh on one side
*pain sleeping on my left side (I toss and turn all night to find a position that works)
*difficulty sleeping
*diffidulty walking long distances (without prodding myself on and reminding myself how to put one foot in front of the other)
*inability to run (I was in track for 4 years so would continue to run now and again...not anymore)
*continued pain in my lumbar region (hot pads required frequently)
*new pain in my thoracic region between my shoulder blades
*dread/fear of being touched on my left side...while it's numb...it still doesn't feel "right" when anyone touches it (including myself)
*frequent visits to my primary physician (surgical physician has done what he can do)
*difficulty carrying laundry up and down the stairs (thank goodness for home support from my family)
*unable to sit on a simple foldable chair at football games (need more support)
*inability to sit on hard chairs/benches for any length of time (ncluding bleachers)
*inability to play basketball (I used to like to do this for fun with my kids)
*overall exhaustion
*newfound thyroid problem (which I understand is common with major surgeries?)
A clarification: I saw 3 DIFFERENT surgeons and got 3 different opinions before surgery. I knew what I was up against. Most of these symptoms are new - I did NOT experience them (except the lumbar pain) since my first surgery in the 80s.
Benefits: Mentally I always wondered if I could be more pain free and able to do more physical things in life...now I know the answer
I will not look back and regret my decision - that doesn't help one heal. I do work (which I love) and help to take care of my family - I am grateful. I am TOTALLY wore out by the end of the day (moreso than I have ever experienced).
Be sure YOU know the risks and how others surgery have gone before making your final decision. Be informed (as I tried to be with all my consultations and reading)! Be sure your family will be there for you no matter what (my hubby wishes to this day that I didn't have the revision but he knows what pain I lived in before - he is very caring! My kids are also very helpful and patient).
In the end, do what is best for YOU with no regrets.
Still Always Smilin'
*loss of feeling from above my ribcage to below my thigh on one side
*pain sleeping on my left side (I toss and turn all night to find a position that works)
*difficulty sleeping
*diffidulty walking long distances (without prodding myself on and reminding myself how to put one foot in front of the other)
*inability to run (I was in track for 4 years so would continue to run now and again...not anymore)
*continued pain in my lumbar region (hot pads required frequently)
*new pain in my thoracic region between my shoulder blades
*dread/fear of being touched on my left side...while it's numb...it still doesn't feel "right" when anyone touches it (including myself)
*frequent visits to my primary physician (surgical physician has done what he can do)
*difficulty carrying laundry up and down the stairs (thank goodness for home support from my family)
*unable to sit on a simple foldable chair at football games (need more support)
*inability to sit on hard chairs/benches for any length of time (ncluding bleachers)
*inability to play basketball (I used to like to do this for fun with my kids)
*overall exhaustion
*newfound thyroid problem (which I understand is common with major surgeries?)
A clarification: I saw 3 DIFFERENT surgeons and got 3 different opinions before surgery. I knew what I was up against. Most of these symptoms are new - I did NOT experience them (except the lumbar pain) since my first surgery in the 80s.
Benefits: Mentally I always wondered if I could be more pain free and able to do more physical things in life...now I know the answer
I will not look back and regret my decision - that doesn't help one heal. I do work (which I love) and help to take care of my family - I am grateful. I am TOTALLY wore out by the end of the day (moreso than I have ever experienced).
Be sure YOU know the risks and how others surgery have gone before making your final decision. Be informed (as I tried to be with all my consultations and reading)! Be sure your family will be there for you no matter what (my hubby wishes to this day that I didn't have the revision but he knows what pain I lived in before - he is very caring! My kids are also very helpful and patient).
In the end, do what is best for YOU with no regrets.
Still Always Smilin'
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