Back Surgery

[1963comet]

Going in for level 4 and 5 decompression and fusion this thursday. I backed out once already but decided to go and get it done. I do not want to take pain meds forever.

[Latte]

DH is a normie and going through something similar, only they want him to work (military). It looks like some serious disk issues for him and he's already had one surgery. He can't even get out of bed without the strong pain meds...

I hope the surgery helps and brings you some pain relief.

[serenityqueen]

I'll keep you in my thoughts and Prayers. I had on surgery L5/ S1 (same area I do believe) about 10 years ago. I actually hurt my back in '83 but wouldn't have the surgery for the sick and simple reason that I knew once I had it, it would more than likely close the door to prescriptions from my Neurosurgeon. How sick is that? But once I had the surgery, I noticed an immediate relief. Sure, the incision itself was pretty sore as was the area where the work itself was done, but the leg pain was gone! I don't know if you are having any leg pain or not but for me, it was much worse than the back pain.

I hope you aren't letting anyone who had back surgery or have a co worker who's neighbor's cousin's babysitter's uncle's next door neighbor had back surgery and said it was horrible and they would never do it again. Why is it that so many people seem to want to scare the hell out of someone before surgery? Does it make them feel like a superhuman because they "lived through it?" lol

Thanks for sharing what you're going through and again, you'll be in my Prayers. Hope you're back here very soon to let us know that everything went well.

God Bless,
Judy

[ImStayingSober]

it's the best decision i ever made. i took about half of what they prescribed for pain post surgery. no refills. everybody has a different level of pain tolerance. you will discover for yourself. i had the exact same surgery. L-4/L-5 fusion. the pain ceased after about one week, really. very slow going recovery and PT, it's expected to take months and did, but well worth it. good luck.

Originally Posted by 1963comet

Going in for level 4 and 5 decompression and fusion this thursday. I backed out once already but decided to go and get it done. I do not want to take pain meds forever.

[1963comet]

Thank's everyone

Was glad to hear about surgery that worked. I have heard horror stories. My primary Doctor is the reason I cancelled the Jan 5th surgery. Told me about infections that kept people in bed on IV for months and nerve damage.

Well I already have nerve damage. I know I just cannot stay the way I am right now. I quit drinking in 2000 but have been taking pain meds for 3 years. I do not want to keep taking them and this is my only option right now.

I have an appointment with my primary dr. in a hour. Hope he does not go through the stories again.

[MyHeidi]

Best of luck with your surgery!

[MyHeidi]

Hello Comet,

I know it hasn't been too long since your surgery, but I have been wondering how it went and how you are feeling? It is my hope that you are doing better and recovering from the surgery as well as can be expected.

Please let us know how you are as soon as you are able!

MH

[1963comet]

Hi MyHeidi

Thanks for asking how surgery turned out. Just was able to sit in a chair yesterday. Thought I was wonder woman the first day. I was walking and getting up and down quite a bit.

The second day was pretty bad. I asked why this was happening now. They said during surgery I had a spine block and it takes a while to wear off. Wish they would have told me this. I was on three different pain meds but the doctor put me on a pain pump. Was there for 3 days. I was scared to go because IV pain meds was the only thing working. But they sent me home with norco, oxycontin and valium.

My legs were better right away but my back hurts pretty bad still. But it has only been a week, so I cannot say how it will be for another couple weeks or so. But I will update on progress. Hoping for the best.

[Latte]

I am so glad you posted. The husband had surgery nine years ago and only occasaional twinges since about a month ago when we found out about the disks going. He's been on a perscription strength of Naproxen for about three years (as needed) and a few times he has needed some Toradol. His relief from the first surgery was immediate. They wanted him to keep pushing the button on his pain pump and he didn't need it and then wanted to send him home on some heavy pain meds and didn't need those either.

We're still waiting on approval from Air-Vac (military approval process for Neurosurgery) but are so very hopeful that we get an answer this coming week. My girls are off school for the week so I may leave him home with clean sheets, clean underwear and pain relief and trek across the frozen tundra to have some fun. I have a cell phone but honestly they have to send him to WA, TX, or CA for surgery and he will be given an escort but it can't be me because I have to stay home with my girls.

I am so greatful that my husband has insurance, is employed and is a normie. I am so greatful that you are at least feeling a little better.