Medical update on my back..... Kinda long. ;-)

[Yvsa]

Well friends here’s the latest on my back. I wanted to wait until I knew something for certain and now the time is here and I need to make a final, final, decision although I’m 99% sure of what it’ll be.....
I just wanted to get y’alls thoughts beforehand.

Two weeks ago this coming Monday I had what’s left of my hardware injected in order to determine if that’s where my pain is originating from, it was. I had damned near instant relief with the injections which was a real blessing seeing as how bad it’s been hurting lately.
And I enjoyed several pretty much pain free days afterward and was able to do a few things I wouldn’t have began to think of doing beforehand.
I crawled around under my PC desk to unplug the wires to my printer which needed reinstalled and got my printer fixed, finally as it’d been on the blink for over a month.
Then last Sunday we went out to my sister’s place so I could kinda supervise the rebuilding of their Sweatlodge.
I walked the about 75 yards down the very rocky hillside to the Lodge site with my rollator, took my 17” Foxy Folly along for schnitzel and grins.
I sat there for a couple of hours and then had to make a trip to the house so it was another 75 yards up and 75 yards back where I sat for another hour. I even trimmed up one of the willows for the Lodge although I did have to put a glove on because I could feel a hot spot rising up which is that all too well known feeling just before a blister starts, damn I’ve gotten soft over the last few years!

Anyway here’s the deal, I have three options as to what to do and I want to run them by y’all before I make my final decision even though I know you can’t/won’t tell me what to do or what I need to do I would like your thoughts on this.....

1-Do nothing and try to control pain with drugs which isn’t working well as we’ve proven the pain is coming from my hardware.

2-Is to remove the hardware and see what else may be wrong as I’m also having pain on my left lower back even though the hardware I have is on the right side only.

3-Is to remove the existing hardware and go for the “Big Surgery” which will fix my “Flat Back Syndrome” which is also a source of my pain. My neurosurgeon says he’s done the surgery on other folks my age and absolutely everyone that has had this surgery is extremely happy they went ahead and had it done. And if I don’t get it fixed the “Flat Back Syndrome” will get worse over time until I’m really bent over when I walk and I imagine the pain will get worse as well.....

The reason it’s being called a “Big Surgery” means that it’s going to take 2 surgeons 6 – 8 hours and 6 – 8 Units of Blood to get it done with the usual dangers of any surgery..... It will be a 7 day stay in the hospital compared with the 3 days of getting the hardware removed. And of course with the increased amount of time there’s an increased danger of death and because of the extensiveness of the surgery an increased danger of paralysis and such although that’s not nearly as great as it used to be with the advancement of medical technology.

Gang I’m 69 and with my family genetics I maybe have 3 to 5 years left, but perchance I should live longer and again with today’s medical advancements I probably will, but hell even if I don’t I’d like to live them as pain free as possible so I’m leaning extremely hard in favor of the big surgery.....
And by the way, my Barbie’s alright with the big surgery because she sees what I go through on a daily basis the way things are.....

I asked my neurosurgeon if there was anyway possible he could have one of his patients that's had this surgery and he said he thought he might be able to arrange it but I'm reasonably sure he hasn't gotten it done since I saw him yesterday at 10:45 a.m.
And I'm not so sure I'm willing to wait until he calls or not as of right now my inclination is to call him Monday and say, "Let's get this show on the road!" Only half teasing here gang.
All I know is that the last several days up until Wednesday have been like a reprieve from the Afterlife and I want more of it ------ or nothing.

Helluvit is right now I'm right back where I started before I got the injections almost 2 weeks ago. Damned Okie weather anyway! I was hurting so bad yesterday because of a cold front that came through Wednesday I wasn't even able to drive us to my Drs' appointment and that's a first!



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[Fubarski]

So: The instrument from your previous fusion is impeding on a nerve in some fashion?

And you're saying the surgeon now wants to replace the instrument with bone grafts over a larger area?

Third, only you would know, but what is the current impact on your lifestyle, vs. what you could expect from 70% of what your surgeon thinks the improvement would be (I'm estmiating here, but nobody's perfect).

Fortunately, I'm only familiar with back issues vicariously. And you rpobably already know that there is an incredible amount of disagreement among surgeons regarding fusion surgeries.

It appears you've made a reasoned calculation of life expectancy. Will the risks of surgery help make your remaining years more satisfying? I can't tell you over the internet, but I CAN wish you the best, and remind you that the human mind and a positive mental attitude is the most important factor in medical treatment.

Wishing you the best.

 

[roughedges]

I asked my neurosurgeon if there was anyway possible he could have one of his patients that's had this surgery and he said he thought he might be able to arrange it but I'm reasonably sure he hasn't gotten it done since I saw him yesterday at 10:45 a.m.
And I'm not so sure I'm willing to wait until he calls or not as of right now my inclination is to call him Monday and say, "Let's get this show on the road!" Only half teasing here gang.
All I know is that the last several days up until Wednesday have been like a reprieve from the Afterlife and I want more of it ------ or nothing.

Hi Yvsa-

I can't offer much in the way of advice but I would suggest, if you haven't already, doing a google search for the type of surgery + support forum. That's what my girlfriend did when she found that she needed a pretty complex surgery and was able to fully educate herself regarding the procedure, various things to know, possible complications, etc. before even finding a doc to cut into her.

Good luck and no pain, whatever you decide.

 

[C.S. Graves]

Yvsa, sounds like you've already decided on the big surgery if I'm not mistaken. From your description and the neurosurgeon's testimony, that's probably what I'd pick. Judging from your second paragraph where you tell how you've been able to move around and, well, LIVE some more... sounds like you'll be happier taking the risks.

Well wishes from New Brunswick!

 

[Yvsa]

So: The instrument from your previous fusion is impeding on a nerve in some fashion?

And you're saying the surgeon now wants to replace the instrument with bone grafts over a larger area?

Third, only you would know, but what is the current impact on your lifestyle, vs. what you could expect from 70% of what your surgeon thinks the improvement would be (I'm estmiating here, but nobody's perfect).

Fortunately, I'm only familiar with back issues vicariously. And you rpobably already know that there is an incredible amount of disagreement among surgeons regarding fusion surgeries.

It appears you've made a reasoned calculation of life expectancy. Will the risks of surgery help make your remaining years more satisfying? I can't tell you over the internet, but I CAN wish you the best, and remind you that the human mind and a positive mental attitude is the most important factor in medical treatment.

Wishing you the best.

Thanks for your input Fubarski.:thumbup: Actually all we know now is that the existing hardware, two screws and a pedicle rod on my right L-5 to S-1 joints is what's causing the pain, won't know why until he gets in there.
I trust this surgeon implicitly as he has done my previous 6 spinal surgeries. The first two doctors I had, Workman's Compensation doctors, were the ones the fubared my back. They started my "Flat Back Syndrome" by straightening the deep curve I had in my low back.
Before my first surgery, where I did have nerves impinging on my nerves, I would, "roll" a brand new high quality 11-12 grade cowhide leather belt in 2 weeks so much I would have trouble getting it through my belt loops, afterward I don't, "roll" 'em at all.
Anyway when I could still get one to fit, now I need a saddle cinch. LMRRAO!!!!

The big surgery entails taking a wedge shaped piece of bone outta probably 2 vertebrate which would do away with the pedicle part of the bone, I think it's called. Then they will pull my spine together and yes, they'd have to attach more hardware but probably not anymore than I've had before. I'm fused from my L-1 to S-1 in my low back and from C-3 to C-7 in my neck. My neurosurgeon is a pure artist!!!!:thumbup:


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[Bill Sanders]

I think that you've tentatively decided on the “Big Surgery”, and just want to confirm your decision. Research the surgery. Research the surgical team that will do said surgery. Fully educate yourself regarding the procedure, various things to know, possible complications, etc., and then when you've satisfied your mind, chose which you want: Surgery or no surgery. Your decision. Consult with your Gods, with Barb, and the rest of your family. In the end, it is your decision.

Me, if I had to chose, I'd probably take the surgery. But that's me. I have a tendency to take the path with the greatest level of gain, with the least level of pain.

I know I probably don't need to say this, you've probably already taken care of it: If you decide on the surgery, make sure you have all the necessary paperwork done, just in case things go wrong, or the Gods deem that they need your expertise or company more than we do.

No matter which route you choose, I'll be sending smoke your way!


Bill

 

[Esav Benyamin]

Go get that Big Surgery, heal up fast, and get on with outliving your damn genes. (What do they know anyway?) It's no good sitting around in pain waiting for it to end itself.

 

[MacHete]

Dare great things, Yvsa! :thumbup:

To echo, paraphrase and/or second what Esav said:
Go big.
Go home.
Go on for another twenty or thirty years.

I want you to be well enough, long enough, that I can actually meet you at a Khuk Khon sometime in the future.

 

[OldPhysics]

Go get that Big Surgery, heal up fast, and get on with outliving your damn genes. (What do they know anyway?) It's no good sitting around in pain waiting for it to end itself.

Absolutely. Without a doubt.

You've already decided. Our job? To support that decision ... and send up a lot more smoke and prayers.

Which I'm already doing.

 

[Kismet]

Yuh nSuh?

Well, you know.



Kis
enjoy every sandwich

 

[b.c.molin]

Damned if you don't and maybe damned if you do ... positive thoughts and prayers for you whatever your decision.

 

[rroundy]

pray about it and we'll be praying for you.

ryan

 

[monk3yfist]

I hope I'm not too late to weigh in on this, but for what it's worth I've been through a few "big surgeries" myself.
I had an open rplnd and an aorta/femoral bypass, both pretty complicated long surgeries. Long, painful, but worth it. As a "civilian" I say go for it. If you get a chance to enjoy the rest of your life pain free, or at least able to do the things you love again with mild discomfort it's worth it.
The nurse side of me says to consider the risks too. If you're getting that much blood you run the risk of DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulopathy) wherein you basically bleed out everywhere because it doesn't clot. The other risk w/ the blood (depending on how many transfusions you've already had) is developing cold agglutinin antibodies (basically an auto immune disease that attacks red blood cells). These are rare conditions, but thought I'd put it out there.
I'm not trying to scare you, but these are things that I had to consider w/ my surgeries. I just want to make sure you ask your doctor all the right questions before singning the consent. All that being said I would still do it.

 

[Moff8]

eek - tough choice - quantity or quality. I think I would have to be in your position to make that decision.

I would like to think I would choose quality but I am not sure I would have the nerve (no pun intended)

 

[Voodoo]

Sounds like the calculated risk is worth the reward. Were I in that position, I think I'd make the same choice you're leaning toward.

Smoke up for you, my friend. Until your recovery is finished.

 

[ACStudios]

Yep... I support your idea of getting it done and living the rest of your life pain free! As OldPhysics said... we're here to support you and send up smoke/prayers.

 

[Yangdu]

Prayers and smoke from HI and Kamis, get well soon Yvsa

 

[Shann]

If you want to go BIG and if you have confidence in your surgeon then you should do it. Chronic pain is debilitating even at a very minor level like I have and I cannot imagine living with the pain you do. I hope that you're completely wrong about your "time left" but maybe its even more important to go for it now and have a chance to enjoy the rest of your life if you think that.

Good luck and we'll all be pulling for you.

 

[iBlade]

Dude, I have read your posts and own the Khukri you designed (and love it), I got to say go for the surgery, yes there is a risk, a real one, that you will not survive it, but seems to me that life the way it is isn't too much fun for you or your loved ones, and if you recover I imagine you will be a lot happier!
Get it done and all the best!

 

[Yvsa]

Thanks Gang!:thumbup:

I hope I'm not too late to weigh in on this, but for what it's worth I've been through a few "big surgeries" myself.
I had an open rplnd and an aorta/femoral bypass, both pretty complicated long surgeries. Long, painful, but worth it. As a "civilian" I say go for it. If you get a chance to enjoy the rest of your life pain free, or at least able to do the things you love again with mild discomfort it's worth it.
The nurse side of me says to consider the risks too. If you're getting that much blood you run the risk of DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulopathy) wherein you basically bleed out everywhere because it doesn't clot. The other risk w/ the blood (depending on how many transfusions you've already had) is developing cold agglutinin antibodies (basically an auto immune disease that attacks red blood cells). These are rare conditions, but thought I'd put it out there.
I'm not trying to scare you, but these are things that I had to consider w/ my surgeries. I just want to make sure you ask your doctor all the right questions before signing the consent. All that being said I would still do it.

And thank you Monk3yfist! Don't get me wrong as I'm Most Definitely going for the Big One!!!!

I thought about asking my next questions in this thread but then I'm concerned that there may be a bunch of folks miss them and I'd need to make another thread anyway so that's what I'll do to begin with.



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