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General health

Spinal Surgery Tomorrow!

75 replies

PavlovtheCat · 18/06/2013 11:59

Yes it's me! Of course it is, who else goes on about their back problems as much as me Wink

Just got a call from neurosurgeon's secretary - tomorrow! Pleased, as I didn't take the last offer. Nervous - as it's really really happening. Scared, as the children don't know and not much time to prepare them, and what if it goes wrong. Panicking as the bedroom is a mess, our new bed doesn't arrive til next week, no freshly cooked food in freezer as we planned! But, place isn't looking too horrendous, have offers of help with the children from lost of people, DH is not due to work til the weekend anyway, so possibly he can still do that if we can get someone around to look after them, if not, he is only going to miss a couple of days, then off monday, and kids in school/nursery all day til 5:30pm on tuesday and wednesday.

I feel all flustered.

What do I need to take with me? I am staying in overnight, but, as long as it all goes well, should be out thursday.

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PavlovtheCat · 18/06/2013 12:27

I have lost the ability to think about anything until the secretary calls me back!

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PavlovtheCat · 18/06/2013 14:17

ARGH. Can't get hold of secretary for details. She called me on mobile while I was away from home, and so she said to call her when I got back for her to discuss details of when/where etc. I said I would be 45 mins, she was fine with that, at 11am! I have left voicemail s like a neurotic panicking woman i am. I need to pop out to get some bits and bots (jimjams that are not seethrough Grin).

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Matildathecat · 18/06/2013 14:43

Hi, this is my first post so hope I get the etiquette right. I absolutely understand what you are going through. I had a similar problem and had a micro discectomy last may. I was desperate for relief from my back pain which felt like a gunshot wound. Injections didn't help. I have unfortunately not had a good outcome. If you would like me to explain why I am happy to tell you about it but maybe when you are so close to surgery you don't want to hear,

However, hear are some tips etc that may be of some use.

Pre op discuss your pain management with the anaesthetist so you get what works best for you. First time I had a morphine pump, second oral oromorph. Both good.

Expect drip and wound drain.

Take water bottle, It's hard to drink from a glass lying down and the drugs give you a raging thirst and dry mouth.

Hospitals are noisy and light so eyemask and earplugs are great.

If you need help call on the bell. If you don't ask you don't get!

iPod with talking book or soothing music is nice.

Expect to feel very fragile. You will need a lot of help around the house and with kids. I didn't drive for a few weeks.

Visitors are tiring, keep a few hours free each day for resting.

If you can get post op physio take it. At the very least make sure you see a physio before discharge for advice.

You can't change your own dressing so have someone to do this.

Take as much analgesia as you need. If you are worried there is somethin g wrong there probably is, persist if you don't get any answers.

Treat the first few weeks as a project and make sure everyone knows it. Some will have read some miracle cure story and expect you to be instantly fabulous. Explain you've had major surgery and say docs have ordered rest even if they haven't !

Very best wishes to you. We haven't met but I will be thinking of you. As I said happy to give more details if you like or just offer any support.

Good luck!xx

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PavlovtheCat · 18/06/2013 14:50

Thank you, that's very helpful! I do need some music actually, my ipod is lost Shock. Good tips about eye mask and earplugs, on my list to buy things!

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PavlovtheCat · 18/06/2013 14:50

and great first post Grin

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morethanmama · 18/06/2013 15:01

I have had 2 microdiscectomys. It took a while but I am great now! Best of luck.

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PavlovtheCat · 18/06/2013 15:48

Thank you morethanmamma ! I have just spoken to secretary, with details. I am first up! so, this time tomorrow I will be fixed! (well, I am aware that it's not that simple, but you know what I mean!). I wish it was micro discectomy, but alas it's the normal open surgery route Sad.

I am now shitting it. I have the shakes and I am worried about my babies! (6 and 3, not quite babies, but to me they are so tiny still, how will they cope?)

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denialandpanic · 18/06/2013 17:38

delighted to see this PavlovThanks

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Matildathecat · 18/06/2013 18:11

Hi, forgot to say that when you sign your consent form you can stipulate that you are only giving permission for the consultant to operate. Otherwise you could get a registrar who will not be as experienced with the consultant merely supervising.

Good luck.

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saythatagain · 18/06/2013 18:14

I had surgery on my spine 11 years ago; pre dh and dd, so there was on me to think about iyswim!
'twas the best thing ever!
Good luck.....and just think - pain free!

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cocolepew · 18/06/2013 18:18

I've lurked on your threads, good luck for tomorrow Flowers

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lightrain · 18/06/2013 18:26

Pavlov - can I be nosy and ask what your surgery is for, specifically? Slight hijack - after mild sciatica through third trimester of pg, I had DC and then the sciatica considerably worsened and I am in extreme pain, can't walk or stand for more than 1 minute without needing to lay down again. Can't sit, horrendous pain if buttock area is even touched gently. Have been back and forth to the GP to tackle pain meds and have just been prescribed amitriptyline on top if paracetamol, codeine and ibuprofen. Have only taken one dose of amitriptyline but hope this will help and allow me to get out of bed and move around a little more at least. I've been referred for an MRI to investigate (though GP keeps saying that most problems resolve by themselves and back surgery is a last resort. Of course I know this, but am in extreme pain and practically rattling with the amount if drugs I am taking, which are only moderately dulling the pain right now). At this time, all i can see is pain and immobility stretching out before me. I would be very interested in hearing your story, if you don't mind sharing? Very pleased for you that you have your operation tomorrow! Very good luck!

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PavlovtheCat · 18/06/2013 19:06

matilda oh thank you for that tip! I shall be sure I do that, as I do only consent for him to do it; no-one else.

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PavlovtheCat · 18/06/2013 19:23

Lightrain - I mail you, so I don't bore those who know my story as I complain a lot about it on here (they are good listeners and some amazing support, sources of info, some people have been through this process a few times, that's why!).

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Kurby · 18/06/2013 19:36

Hi Pavlov. All the best, just be positive and look on the bright side. No more pain! (after recovery). I am going for an MRI in three weeks time and I am quite anxious for the outcome. I am on all kinds of meds til then never had so many tabs in my life before and they make you feel kinda yuk! I have had terrible back and neck pain for over a year.Will keep an eye out for any feedback, might be just what I need. Good luck I know you'll be fine.

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PavlovtheCat · 18/06/2013 19:45

lightrain mailed you, but in short, I am having a discectomy to remove a prolapsed and torn disc that is trapping the sciatic nerve. I have misaligned vertebrae at L5/S1 region, which might have been caused by an injury to my spine. And in turn has most likely pushed out the disc through movement back and forth.

kurby thank you. I am looking forward to a few weeks time.

I am worried this evening, I expect nerves are normal. Talked to 6 almost 7 yr old DD, who is tearful and worried. DS aged 3.5 is like, I won't cry mummy, I won't jump on you. But, DD is upset. And I have promised her it will be fine. Now panicked that it might not be, what if it goes wrong? Am I doing the right thing? Pain is better than it going wrong, right? Just want it over and done with.

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PavlovtheCat · 18/06/2013 19:45

good luck with your MRI too.

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IwishIwasmoreorganised · 18/06/2013 19:51

Good luck for tomorrow Pavlov.

I know it's hard not to think the worst, but try to push those thoughts to the back of your mind and focus in the positives (and remember to pack those non see through pj's and decent underwear!). I'm a physio and have seen dozens of patients really benefit from surgery such as this.

Can't wait to see an update in a couple of days time

Xx

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SauvignonBlanche · 18/06/2013 19:58

All the best, good luck! Flowers

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denialandpanic · 18/06/2013 22:10

Good luck tomorrow, will have fingers crossed for you.Don't panic.It is the right thing.The kids will be fine.This time next year it will be a distant memory.Brew

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PavlovtheCat · 18/06/2013 22:46

Had a little cuddle and chat with DD. She was in tears 'what if you sleep too long mummy?' I said 'is that what is worrying you? I will be awake before you finish school tomorrow!' and gave her promises and reassurances. Poor lovely thing. I told her some wonderful things about her that I love, and she is now asleep. My DS is much younger so less upset, he doesn't get the tomorrow I wont be here thing, he says 'i wont cry mummy', but tomorrow evening he will be upset, as I won't be here, rather than understanding I am in hospital, much prefer it that way so I don't have him upset too!

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magso · 19/06/2013 09:14

Good luck Pavlov.

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AmazingBouncingFerret · 19/06/2013 09:19

good luck Pavlov. The pain is worth it.

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denialandpanic · 19/06/2013 18:26

thinking of you this evening Pavlov,I hope it's all gone to planWine

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CiderwithBuda · 19/06/2013 18:34

Missed this yesterday Pavlov. Hope all went well!

Light train - have you tried a chiropractor? I know some cases don't respond but I have had great success with a chiropractor for upper spine issues.

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