Guest guest Posted April 4, 2004 Report Share Posted April 4, 2004 So I had a spinal fusion 2 years ago May. It is amazing because now my back is just perfect and I bend and move with gusto like before...it was so wonderful to be on vacation, bending over to pick up shells... Hi, my son also has a serious curvature of the spine. could you explain more to me about the spinal fusion? I am not sure if he would want to go thru the procedure, as he is really terrified of surjury, but maybe if you would explain the procedure a little and the recoup time, etc. Thanks, Stevie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 4, 2004 Report Share Posted April 4, 2004 Hello Stevie, I will try to explain my spinal fusion. One thing, I showed no curvature. The primary problems were the slipped disc and spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) I sought opinions from spinal surgeons, both in neurology and orthopedics. It wasn't until I found Dr. H, an orthopedist specializing in backs and necks that my eyes were opened. It was a simple procedure of mechanics for me. Planty of X rays were done and 2 MRI's so he would know exactly what to do. Much like my CMT foot surgery as a kid. Although I was a bit scared, I asked him lots of questions, right on down to how I would be laying during surgery (worried my breasts would get flattened from 4 hours on my stomach!) This doctor was able to answer that question politely and professionally and settled my nerves. He drew diagrams of what he would do: Take out the gel/disc stuff from in between two vertebrae and replace with bone from my hip (this is the gold standard, to use one's own bone and promotes greater success in overall surgery). And he answered more questions. Like about the blood donation (my own), etc. We grew to have a rapport way before surgery and I got to the point where I could trust him implictly. Even when I rewrote my advance directive and asked to not be recessitated if I coded on his table - he replied " NO ONE has coded on my table in 20 years and you won't be the first! " I really grew to love this doctor. And because of his orthopedic training he knew about CMT - and he was even standing there with me while his anestheologist started the anesthetic in my arm. I was in the hospital a week, then to rehab for a week, then home, to start a new life. The first 3 months were up and down, but I had been prepared for this...by the 6th month mark, the electrical bone stimulator was taken out (3 months early) as Xrays showed the fusion was solid and the bone had grown back. It was then November of 2002 and I felt like dancing! I had PT and some OT at home until I could start regular PT at the Center here. All of it was in the pool and I learned so much and grew stronger each day it seemed. The surgery also helped to open up the spinal canal. This doctor was at my bedside both in the hospital and rehab morning and evening to check on me. He understood my incapacity for great pain due to my nerves and made sure I was getting the right medications on time and slowly started me on detox. The rest of detox I did at home in 3 months. Looking back on it, I feel the detox from the opiates was the hardest part of it all. Surgery, sure it is scary. It was just as scary when I was 10 than at 49. But I KNEW I had a good " Captain " (as he called himself!) and the fact I trusted him made a BIG difference. I have heard many stories about fusions that don't work or back surgery redo's and I told Dr. H. I was only doing this once! He said so was HE! lol Something I learned: Surgeons are fresh and at their best first thing on Mondays. My surgery was the first one he did on a Monday, I think it was May 6, 2002. So if your son has surgery, keep that in mind. While I was recuperating at home I had a very lightweight velcro type brace to use when walking outside and in the house. PT's first goal for me was set immediately. Loose the brace; and I did within 2 weeks. If I can tell you anymore, please email me at my private email and maybe I can think of other things. This doctor was like a coach for me the whole way - beginning to current, I go in May 3, this year for my 2 year anniversary - guess I should get him an anniversary card? LOL ~ Gretchen ~ Gretchen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 12, 2009 Report Share Posted February 12, 2009 Hi , I think you have come to the right place. I am sure that many of us could help you. So, Are you looking for visual aids? What can we do to help you? You can also feel free to email me at nanny04@.... The spine Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2009 07:18:28 -0800 (PST) I am doing my senior project on the spine and injuries of the spine I am kinda of stuck. I have to present a product that I have to make and don't know what to make to show what I am talking about. I wrote my paper about the differnet injuries surgries and what works the best Can anyone help? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 12, 2009 Report Share Posted February 12, 2009 Hi , I think you have come to the right place. I am sure that many of us could help you. So, Are you looking for visual aids? What can we do to help you? You can also feel free to email me at nanny04@.... The spine Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2009 07:18:28 -0800 (PST) I am doing my senior project on the spine and injuries of the spine I am kinda of stuck. I have to present a product that I have to make and don't know what to make to show what I am talking about. I wrote my paper about the differnet injuries surgries and what works the best Can anyone help? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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