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        New Message Board Archives >> 2005 General Board Posts >> Need Advice ~ non C/H related :  )
        
(Message started by: Wendy1 on Jan 5^th, 2005, 11:26pm)

Title: Need Advice ~ non C/H related : )
Post by Wendy1 on Jan 5^th, 2005, 11:26pm

Just looking for some friendly advice/knowledge from my friends...

I've been diagnosed with Spondylolisthesis (vertebrae slippage - very painful). I had a nerve block last week and I'm in worse pain. I cannot stand for more than a few minutes. My neuro suggested surgery to fuse the 2 vertebrae, pins, etc. I go back to see him tomorrow. I have researched this on the web, however, some sites that talk about this surgery scare me while others don't make it sound too bad. BTW I'm 40 yrs (feelin' like 80).

Anyone have this problem or have this surgery done? If so would you share your outcome or anyone have any input for this? THANKS (!) so much. You can email me if you wish.

Wendy

Title: Re: Need Advice ~ non C/H related : )
Post by Ree on Jan 6^th, 2005, 12:03am

Sheesh ((((WENDY)))))) giant hugs going your way. I'm sure you are really scared and don't know what to do. Have the doctor explain all of the pros and cons to the surgery... It seems to me if you are that much in pain you should go for it... Keep us posted and remember we are all here for you especially me... I need a life.......!!!jk
love to you Ree

Title: Re: Need Advice ~ non C/H related : )
Post by Wendy1 on Jan 6^th, 2005, 8:25am

Thanks Ree :) I knew I could count on you guys for support. I'm in so much pain from this thing that it's my feeling also ~ cut me open and get it taken care of. But still scary.

I also think I'm trying to start a cycle :P. Feelin' it sitting there and already has 2 mild ones. Taking Verapamil to ward off a full blown cycle. Not my time of yr, but the stress warrants a cycle. Last cycle I had Verapamil break my cycle which I have NEVER done before and this is the 1st time I'm trying Verapamil (240mg twice daily) as a preventative. I THINK it may be working. My only fear is now I'm not sure I will ever be able to stop taking the stuff... oh well, could be worse, it could NOT be working.

I'm also in the middle (after 3 yrs of 'discovery') of a wrongful death suit on my mother. 2 hospitals, 2 docs. Oh my gosh.... vent, vent, vent....

Anywho... still looking for input on my original question... Luv you guys. PFND to all!

Title: Re: Need Advice ~ non C/H related : )
Post by cray on Jan 6^th, 2005, 8:40am

Friend of mine had same as you. He replanted small trees on hills & valleys etc for a living after tree logging had been done. Could nt work 4 weeks on end. Had 2 vertebrae fused and was back at work about a month later. he was real happy with the outcome.said he had some numbness in one of his inner thighs 4 a while but it wasn,t a big deal compared 2 what he had put up with. Russ

Title: Re: Need Advice ~ non C/H related : )
Post by becky8 on Jan 6^th, 2005, 8:52am

Wendy1,
Don't know much about your kind of surgery, but I feel your pain and if it is going to help you go for it!!! We are here for you! [smiley=hug.gif] [smiley=hug.gif] and good luck,sis!

becky8

Title: Re: Need Advice ~ non C/H related : )
Post by Wendy1 on Jan 6^th, 2005, 7:28pm

Went to dr. today... Surgery scheduled for Feb1. My doctor basically said the same thing, that's it really isn't a big deal and that I should feel better than I do now... Actually looking forward to it :-/

Title: Re: Need Advice ~ non C/H related : )
Post by LeLimey on Jan 6^th, 2005, 7:38pm

By the sounds of things it is going to improve your quality of life no end. Any surgery is scary so I sympathise with you there. How long are you going to be in hospital? We can think of some ways to brighten the days up for you I'm sure!! ;)

Title: Re: Need Advice ~ non C/H related : )
Post by vig on Jan 6^th, 2005, 8:04pm

I once had a herniated disc in my neck.
yes, INCREDIBLY painful... can't hardly move, sleep, or drive. I had traction, massage (yes, that was good) .... 6 months later it was much better, 10 years later it's not even noticeable. No surgery, the Ortho said, it's dangerous and doesn't help much. Unless medicine got a lot better....

Title: Re: Need Advice ~ non C/H related : )
Post by Kris_in_SJ on Jan 6^th, 2005, 8:28pm

I read a really interesting article today in "Western Michigan Business Review" about a surgeon at Bronson Medical Center in Kalamazoo who is using a totally new procedure using artificial discs. In fact, he is currently training docs from all over the U.S. in how to use these discs (similar to artificial hips) which have been used in Europe for over 12 years.

According to the article, "No muscles are cut, there is no fusion, and patients recover much quicker than from other types of back surgeries."

I realize your surgery date is soon, but if you need a second opinion? .....

If you're interested, PM me with a fax number and I'll send the article your way. Or PM your phone # and I'll read it to you!

Many Hugs,

Kris

Title: Re: Need Advice ~ non C/H related : )
Post by Ree on Jan 7^th, 2005, 12:38pm

I will start the vigil on Feb 1 ! With the prayer squad here in your corner how could you do wrong? Everything will be ok Wendy... love ree

Title: Re: Need Advice ~ non C/H related : )
Post by writer on Jan 7^th, 2005, 12:49pm

Wendy, I got the same diagnosis not too long ago, aod I would be extremely interested in how your surgery, etc. goes. If you're able, any e-mails would be greatly appreciated.

I too am unable to stand very long, and walking is out of the question. I also have severe arthritis in both hips and some in the knees, but I must say the back is the most excruciating of the pains.

I force myself to swim in the indoor pool every other day, and that does give a modicum of relief to the back, and more than a modicum to the other joints. However, of course, it is not curative.

Best regards and every good thought for you,

Barbara

Title: Re: Need Advice ~ non C/H related : )
Post by RichardN on Jan 7^th, 2005, 1:13pm

Wendy

Have you used.......do you use 02 as abortive.

Verapamil is my preventative (240 per day - 120 morn and eve) I also take 6mg Melatonin daily.

Back to the 02.....a miracle for me and many others. I have had four surgeries (one major) in last two years and with all of them I let the doctors, pre-registration folks (who take all the info on pain levels, current meds, past surgeries, etc.) know that "I require oxygen available prn and will bring my own if not available" Was never a problem . . . and it gave me a chance to inform nurses and other staff about CH, when they noticed it was prescribed and available, but I usually didn't have it on.

Wishing you welll and pain-free in ALL areas soon.

Be safe,

Richard

Title: Re: Need Advice ~ non C/H related : )
Post by Wendy1 on Jan 7^th, 2005, 10:19pm

Evening Friends!

Barbara, I will keep you posted. For anyone who doesn't know what Spondylolisthesis is, it is a slippage of a vertebrae (forward). I had a spinal block last week and since then the pain has been so much WORSE! The surgery involves removing the disc and fusing the 2 vertebrae, i.e. getting the d*** thing off the nerve root!

Richard: Yes, when I am officially in a cycle I do the O2. Doesn't really work once they start hitting hard and do give me rebounds, but of course I pull out all the stops when in a cycle. BTW ~ I can tell my head is really fighting the beast. I feel it in my eye tonite especially. I think the Verapamil is keeping it at bay. At least I hope it is going to.

Thank you to all my friends. I need you're support so much right now.

Wendy

Title: Re: Need Advice ~ non C/H related : )
Post by Wendy1 on Jan 10^th, 2005, 8:48pm

Ok, friends, to keep you all posted, surgery has changed to 1/26. In much pain so I am actually looking forward to it. Still warding off the beast too... go Verapamil!!!!

Luv you guys PFDN to all!

Title: Re: Need Advice ~ non C/H related : )
Post by nani on Jan 10^th, 2005, 8:51pm

Quote:

surgery has changed to 1/26

It's on my calendar, I'll post for prayers that morning. [smiley=hug.gif]

Title: Re: Need Advice ~ non C/H related : )
Post by LeLimey on Jan 10^th, 2005, 8:52pm

Oh Wendy I'm sorry you have to wait. [smiley=hug.gif] come and chat and we'll do our best to help you take your mind off it!

Title: Re: Need Advice ~ non C/H related : )
Post by Jonny on Jan 10^th, 2005, 8:53pm

on 01/07/05 at 22:19:19, Wendy1 wrote:

Richard: Yes, when I am officially in a cycle I do the O2. Doesn't really work once they start hitting hard and do give me rebounds,

02 causing rebound HA's?....is that what you are saying?

Title: Re: Need Advice ~ non C/H related : )
Post by Wendy1 on Jan 10^th, 2005, 10:19pm

Jonny,

I'm not officially in a cycle, but yes, I have had to O2 cause rebounds. SOMETIMES it can ward one off, but many times to return an hour later HARDER... I have mixed feelings of O2 during a cycle, but of course during the beast you do anything and everything.

Luv you guys!! :-*

Title: Re: Need Advice ~ non C/H related : )
Post by Wendy1 on Jan 10^th, 2005, 10:22pm

LeLimey,

I didn't realize we still had chat... tell me how to get there.

Title: Re: Need Advice ~ non C/H related : )
Post by Charlie on Jan 10^th, 2005, 10:38pm

All I can tell you is that I'd get as many opinions as possible as long as you can stand it. With back surgery, you need every bit of information you can find.

We're here for you and I'm sending vibes and whatever else I can find.

Charlie

Title: Re: Need Advice ~ non C/H related : )
Post by Wendy1 on Jan 11^th, 2005, 10:35pm

Thanks for the input, Charlie. That's my prob. I CAN'T stand it any longer. 3 months with this. (15 yrs of back probs). Not much else they can do for me because the vertebrae is slipping forward. I absolutely hate the thought of surgery, but after days like today, I'm looking forward to it.

Need to find a laptop to take with me to the hospital :)

luv you guys! Wendy