September 9th surgery

[CHRIS WBS]

Thanks for posting that, Sally. I will ask my surgeon again next year when I see him why he insists on taking them for the rest of my life.

[Susie*Bee]

My surgeon had said two years... but my dentist insisted I have it in writing from him once that time was up. I guess he didn't want to be legally responsible if there were any problems down the road... And it was 4 Amoxicillin, 1 hour ahead of time. And yes, it was mostly because of the bacteria that is released when they clean your teeth. Sounds wonderful, doesn't it?!

[mabeckoff]

Well, I had the myleogram and my pre-op today. The myleogram was actually not too bad

One more week

[JenniferG]

That's good to hear Melissa. How are you feeling today?

[mabeckoff]

That's good to hear Melissa. How are you feeling today?

I am actually doing ok. The myleogram here in CA was done much better than the one I had in NC.

Thanks for asking

[mabeckoff]

myleogram results

Looks like that area around left L5-S1 is the worst. Some mild narrowing on the right but nothing severe and a little bit on the left at the upper level L4-5. I
think for the lumbar spine, we will clean up all those areas in one go.
As for the neck, there is some narrowing on the right at C4-5, C5-6, and C6-7 which may account for the arm/shoulder pain.
I think that the main problem was the irritation of the left L5 nerve from the ALIF causing left leg pain and then further deconditioning because you couldn't
participate in rehab. Since you had an injured spinal cord, your nerves were also extremely sensitive making the right leg and right arm pain develop subsequently.

[JenniferG]

I gather that's Dr. Bederman's words Melissa? So Is he only doing the lumbar work this time? Is he planning on doing anything in the cervical area?

I'm glad Dr. Bederman can understand why your nerves were so sensitive. I hope that after this surgery, things settle down quickly for you. I'm hoping you wake up feeling the improvement!

[mabeckoff]

I gather that's Dr. Bederman's words Melissa? So Is he only doing the lumbar work this time? Is he planning on doing anything in the cervical area?

I'm glad Dr. Bederman can understand why your nerves were so sensitive. I hope that after this surgery, things settle down quickly for you. I'm hoping you wake up feeling the improvement!

He and I are going back and forth on that issue

His words are:

Negatives:
- more surgery/recovery/postop neck pain
- more risk than if we leave it alone (spinal cord, nerve, dural leak, infection, etc)
- we will have to resect some bone which may be part of the strength of the fusion
- may not help if its just nerve sensitivity or its being irritated from the front of the neck

Positives:
- may eliminate the right arm pain
- all done under one anesthetic in the same position


So we have until Friday to make the decision. I am leaning towards doing my neck now as well as I do not want any more surgery

[JenniferG]

I don't blame you! Another anaesthetic, apart from anything else. I hope it can all be done at the one time.

You are overdue some good luck Melissa, and plenty of it!

[babyboomer16]

Oh My Gosh!

Malissa,
All I can say is "I am soo sorry you have to face surgery again". And it's a bit more than you expected, isn't it? Or did I miss something? I just hope, with all my heart this goes well, and you can say you are ready to conquer the world. I'll be praying for the right discision, and this will be it for you, as far as surgeries go! Warmest wishes, boomer "Stay with us and stay strong"~~~

[mabeckoff]

Malissa,
All I can say is "I am soo sorry you have to face surgery again". And it's a bit more than you expected, isn't it? Or did I miss something? I just hope, with all my heart this goes well, and you can say you are ready to conquer the world. I'll be praying for the right discision, and this will be it for you, as far as surgeries go! Warmest wishes, boomer "Stay with us and stay strong"~~~

You are correct that this is more than I originally throught. I want to get all the surgery done at one time. I want to get better and have a life again

Thanks for the good wishes

[mabeckoff]

Yea!! Dr Bederman agreed to do my neck as well. This is looking like it might be my last surgery after all.

[JenniferG]

That's great news! Roll on surgery, let's get this show on the road!

Have fingers and toes crossed for you Melissa.

[mabeckoff]

That's great news! Roll on surgery, let's get this show on the road!

Have fingers and toes crossed for you Melissa.

Thanks Jennifer.

Just a few more days. I cannot wait

[golfnut]

I will be thinking about you on the 7th. Best of luck with your surgery and recovery.