Guest guest Posted June 17, 2004 Report Share Posted June 17, 2004 Wishing you a speedy recovery, in Kentucky! Sincerely, Tara Re: Surgery tomorrow Good luck and have a speedy recovery ! - Dee -- In cholesteatoma , <travishoyt@y...> wrote: > Well the blood work was done earlier today. My surgery is bright and early > tomorrow morning at 7:30 a.m. Let's hope all goes well. I'm mostly hoping > that I don't have to have the mastoidectomy because that will really put a > damper on my water sports but if it needs to be done it needs to be done and > I'll just live with it. I'll let you all know how it works out...thanks for > the info thus far. > > > > This Cholesteatoma support group offers and provides information of a general nature about cholesteatoma as well as members personal experiences with this disease. The information provided is not intended to replace surgical or medical advice or recommendations. Any information in the messages, postings or articles on the web site should not be considered a substitute for consultation with a medical professional to address individual medical needs. Individuals' particular facts and circumstances will determine the treatment which is most appropriate. This Cholesteatoma support group offers and provides information of a general nature about cholesteatoma as well as members personal experiences with this disease. The information provided is not intended to replace surgical or medical advice or recommendations. Any information in the messages, postings or articles on the web site should not be considered a substitute for consultation with a medical professional to address individual medical needs. Individuals' particular facts and circumstances will determine the treatment which is most appropriate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 14, 2004 Report Share Posted December 14, 2004 From a fellow Alaskan - Good luck. Are you having the surgery in Soldotna or Anchorage? Are you having the CWU or CWD procedure? My son had a CWU mastoidectomy for chronic mastoiditis (no cholesteatoma) and he rebounded pretty quickly. His ear was sore to lay on for a few weeks and he got sick a few times (nauseated) but other than that he did really well. Stay positive. Barbara Misener - Anchorage, AKbryantsinalaska <bryantsinalaska@...> wrote: Good morning all, (morning in Alaska anyway),I have posted a few times and met with quick responses. Thank you all for your input. I am a little concerned about this surgery as I have not had surgery for 30+ years. What should I prepare myself for? Post-op surgery care? Is it painful the next day? A week later? Is swallowing a problem? My surgery is scheduled for 9am alaska time. So if anyone could write back I would sure appreciate it.Thanks all and have a wonderful holiday season.Terrance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 14, 2004 Report Share Posted December 14, 2004 Barbara, I am having the surgery in Soldotna. The Dr. said he wasnt sure until he got inside my head which one he would do. He is going to try the CWU first, but if things are not good in there then he will go to the CWD. I guess thats the thing that is disconcerning, not knowing what the outcome will be. And if my nervousness is any indication to the Dr then this will be a one surgery deal !!. I am doing my best to stay positive, and appreciate your response. I do really well, (like most men I would assume), comforting my wife or my children when these life issues arise, but being the one in the bed is not very easy. You all do a good job of easing a persons fears and trust me I appreciate everyone that has posted here. Thanks again Barbara and its about time we got enough snow to enjoy. I will post as soon as I can after the surgery and maybe help someone else. My wife passed along a good one to me. " The difference between minor surgery and major surgery " Minor surgery is when someone else is going in !! Terrance > > > > Good morning all, (morning in Alaska anyway), > > I have posted a few times and met with quick responses. Thank you > all for your input. I am a little concerned about this surgery as I > have not had surgery for 30+ years. What should I prepare myself > for? Post-op surgery care? Is it painful the next day? A week > later? Is swallowing a problem? > My surgery is scheduled for 9am alaska time. So if anyone could > write back I would sure appreciate it. > > Thanks all and have a wonderful holiday season. > > Terrance > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 14, 2004 Report Share Posted December 14, 2004 Hi Terrance! Good luck with your surgery tomorrow. I know how you're feeling, as mine is coming up on Thursday and I too am a little nervous. But like Barbara said, stay positive. I'll be anxious to hear how yours went. > > > > Good morning all, (morning in Alaska anyway), > > I have posted a few times and met with quick responses. Thank you > all for your input. I am a little concerned about this surgery as I > have not had surgery for 30+ years. What should I prepare myself > for? Post-op surgery care? Is it painful the next day? A week > later? Is swallowing a problem? > My surgery is scheduled for 9am alaska time. So if anyone could > write back I would sure appreciate it. > > Thanks all and have a wonderful holiday season. > > Terrance > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 14, 2004 Report Share Posted December 14, 2004 Hi, Terrance - I know how you feel. I had my first surgery in May and have the second next Monday. Knowing what I am in for is good, but I am getting a little anxious about going through it all again. WE can and will do it though! You doctor or someone will give you some directions for post op care. The big thing will be to not get water in your ear, so you will put a cotton ball in your ear and then cover it with vaseline when you wash your hair. The biggest thing I didn't expect was feeling so weird when I first went out of the house. Just the whole ambiant air and sound thing was weird. I felt all off - so plugged up on the c-toma side. That was so unexpected. I suppose people have different experiences, but that was how it was for me. Immediately after surgery I was just tired from the anesthesia, but did not experience much pain. About four days after surgery I had horrible chest pains, but it turned out they had bruised my chest wall in strapping me on the table. That was it. I still have plenty of pain and nausea pills to get me though this 'second look', so that should tell you it wasn't too bad. It took a while to figure out how to sleep on my c-toma side comfortably now and then, but that wasn't a big deal either. One more thing - someone suggested we have a pillow in the car for the ride home. That was a good idea. We will be thinking of you and hope it all goes very well. Let us know how you are doing. We've had someone get on line in the evening after their surgery, but I don't think that's true for most of us! le P.S. , I know your surgery is in a couple of days too. Hang in there and keep us posted. ---------- >From: bryantsinalaska <bryantsinalaska@...> >cholesteatoma >Subject: Surgery tomorrow >Date: Tue, Dec 14, 2004, 12:26 PM > > > > > Good morning all, (morning in Alaska anyway), > > I have posted a few times and met with quick responses. Thank you > all for your input. I am a little concerned about this surgery as I > have not had surgery for 30+ years. What should I prepare myself > for? Post-op surgery care? Is it painful the next day? A week > later? Is swallowing a problem? > My surgery is scheduled for 9am alaska time. So if anyone could > write back I would sure appreciate it. > > Thanks all and have a wonderful holiday season. > > Terrance > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 14, 2004 Report Share Posted December 14, 2004 le, Thanks for the advice on a car pillow! We'll be heading home during 5:00 traffic, so that's a good idea. > Hi, Terrance - > > I know how you feel. I had my first surgery in May and have the second next > Monday. Knowing what I am in for is good, but I am getting a little anxious > about going through it all again. WE can and will do it though! > > You doctor or someone will give you some directions for post op care. The > big thing will be to not get water in your ear, so you will put a cotton > ball in your ear and then cover it with vaseline when you wash your hair. > The biggest thing I didn't expect was feeling so weird when I first went out > of the house. Just the whole ambiant air and sound thing was weird. I felt > all off - so plugged up on the c-toma side. That was so unexpected. I > suppose people have different experiences, but that was how it was for me. > > Immediately after surgery I was just tired from the anesthesia, but did not > experience much pain. About four days after surgery I had horrible chest > pains, but it turned out they had bruised my chest wall in strapping me on > the table. That was it. I still have plenty of pain and nausea pills to get > me though this 'second look', so that should tell you it wasn't too bad. It > took a while to figure out how to sleep on my c-toma side comfortably now > and then, but that wasn't a big deal either. > > One more thing - someone suggested we have a pillow in the car for the ride > home. That was a good idea. We will be thinking of you and hope it all goes > very well. Let us know how you are doing. We've had someone get on line in > the evening after their surgery, but I don't think that's true for most of > us! > > le > > P.S. , I know your surgery is in a couple of days too. Hang in there and > keep us posted. > > > > ---------- > >From: bryantsinalaska <bryantsinalaska@y...> > >cholesteatoma > >Subject: Surgery tomorrow > >Date: Tue, Dec 14, 2004, 12:26 PM > > > > > > > > > > > Good morning all, (morning in Alaska anyway), > > > > I have posted a few times and met with quick responses. Thank you > > all for your input. I am a little concerned about this surgery as I > > have not had surgery for 30+ years. What should I prepare myself > > for? Post-op surgery care? Is it painful the next day? A week > > later? Is swallowing a problem? > > My surgery is scheduled for 9am alaska time. So if anyone could > > write back I would sure appreciate it. > > > > Thanks all and have a wonderful holiday season. > > > > Terrance > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 15, 2004 Report Share Posted December 15, 2004 HELLO ALASKA. I AM HAVING MY FIRST SURGERY IN JAN TO BE EXACT. PLEASE FILL ME IN ON ALL THE DETAILS AFTER YOUR SURGERY PLEASE . WHAT WAS IT LIKE THE PAIN THE RIDE HOME DID YOU HAVE THE CWU OR CWD? PLEASE GET BACK IN TOUCH THANKS THANKSbryantsinalaska <bryantsinalaska@...> wrote: Barbara, I am having the surgery in Soldotna. The Dr. said he wasnt sure until he got inside my head which one he would do. He is going to try the CWU first, but if things are not good in there then he will go to the CWD. I guess thats the thing that is disconcerning, not knowing what the outcome will be. And if my nervousness is any indication to the Dr then this will be a one surgery deal !!. I am doing my best to stay positive, and appreciate your response. I do really well, (like most men I would assume), comforting my wife or my children when these life issues arise, but being the one in the bed is not very easy. You all do a good job of easing a persons fears and trust me I appreciate everyone that has posted here. Thanks again Barbara and its about time we got enough snow to enjoy. I will post as soon as I can after the surgery and maybe help someone else. My wife passed along a good one to me. " The difference between minor surgery and major surgery" Minor surgery is when someone else is going in !!Terrance> > > > Good morning all, (morning in Alaska anyway),> > I have posted a few times and met with quick responses. Thank you > all for your input. I am a little concerned about this surgery as I > have not had surgery for 30+ years. What should I prepare myself > for? Post-op surgery care? Is it painful the next day? A week > later? Is swallowing a problem? > My surgery is scheduled for 9am alaska time. So if anyone could > write back I would sure appreciate it.> > Thanks all and have a wonderful holiday season.> > Terrance> > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 2, 2007 Report Share Posted May 2, 2007 Peggy, We will all be routing for you! Stay strong, and I know we'll be hearing great things from you soon. Love, Edie > > My big day is almost here. I'll be on my way to the hospital (Duke) in less than 12 hours. My hubby doesn't want to stay in the hotel overnight so we will leave here at 2 AM. That makes it a little harder on me but I'm not the one driving. I have to be there at 6 AM and they will take me back for surgery about 8 AM. > > Seeing the ladies at the retreat earlier this week gave me the courage to go through with the surgery. I see how I can be in one year and it looks good! The girls said I will be cussing them out on Friday for talking me into surgery but I guess I'll get over it as I heal! I probably won't even remember it! I hope I don't remember a lot of things that happen in the hospital! I am taking my laptop with me and I'll try to get my hubby to post a message after a day or 2 after surgery. Please keep me in your prayers. > > Peggy > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 2, 2007 Report Share Posted May 2, 2007 Peggy, If you are still up tonight and reading....good wishes for a safe and good revision tomorrow and I look forward to hearing a great report from your hubby! Peace, Cam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 2, 2007 Report Share Posted May 2, 2007 Best of luck Peggy! My thoughts and prayers are with you. Does Dr. Hey have a web site? Thanks, iewww.ieBush.comSee what's free at AOL.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 3, 2007 Report Share Posted May 3, 2007 www.heyclinic.com is his web site Re: [ ] surgery tomorrow Best of luck Peggy! My thoughts and prayers are with you. Does Dr. Hey have a web site? Thanks, iewww.ieBush.com See what's free at AOL.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 3, 2007 Report Share Posted May 3, 2007 , Thank you for sharing your story. It is really amazing to most of us that the ortho/neuro doctors continue to act as if " flatback " (or the new so called " transition syndrome " ) is not a readily identifiable constellation of symptoms that arise following Harrington Rod instrumentation and long fusion. I suspect that during most docs training HR was still a procedure being done and sine they have gone off to specialize in other areas they maybe are not as up to date as they could be....but it seems inexcusable that we are shuttled around the medical system with no clear direction, or are often exposed to procedures that may make a real fix difficult in the hands of a qualified expert...and even told we are hopeless and/or that our problems are all in our head. Really....it brings tears to my eyes. The experience of " coming home " when you find medical help that has a clue is a good feeling. I wish you the best. My only fear for you now is that all your previous procedures will create extra challenges for DrHey. I do hope that is not true...and I know that experienced surgeons in this field often wade in to spines that have had lots of " work " ....and still get good outcomes. Geez, you would think that the group of docs that deal with our malady would be standing on the " medical rooftops " screaming about what needs to happen to our population and help direct patients to appropriate care. We look forward to hearing more from you and of course more about how it all goes in just a few weeks.....yikes! It comes up fast but try to stay centered and at peace and visualize a good outcome. You will get there. Take Care, Cam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 3, 2007 Report Share Posted May 3, 2007 , That's quite a story. I can relate to it in so many ways, as my first primary care physician 3 years ago pulled the old " Your pain has nothing to do with your previous fusion, I assure you " routine, which led me to a series of epidural injections, pain killers, crappy PT, etc. But nothing to the extent of what you've experienced. Doesn't it feel great to get that story off your chest to people who know what you mean? I hated feeling like I was crazy because I was in so much pain, and it was so obviously related to my previous fusion, but no one wanted to hear about it. I feel the same way about my surgeon, Dr. Bendo, as you do about your consultation with Dr. Hey. Here is someone who is relatively young, but with lots of experience, never once questioned MY experience. All he had to do was look at my X-Rays, and he immediately identified my flatback, told me the cause of the pain, and was incredibly sympathethic. He urged me to get other opinions, but also told me that any ortho worth his salt would look at my X-Rays and understand that I needed revision surgery. (And of course, he was right) He is a confident doctor who takes tremendous pride in his work and does not hide that fact (But NOT pompous or arrogant). He has never once been condescending to me, and never made false promises. And so far as my correction goes according to my post op X- Rays, he had every reason in the world to be confident in his skills and instill that confidence in me as his patient. He visited me every day in the hospital, called me when he was going out of town to let me know if I had any questions or concerns, and responds within 24 hours to both my pre-op and post-op email queries. So, even though he is not known in this circle, he is one of the better known orthopedists in NYC, and I couldn't have gone into this surgery in better hands...and I knew that. What a relief it is going into surgery with someone you absolutely 100% believe you can trust with your life. Literally. Good luck with your upcoming visit. We'll all be anxious to hear how it goes. I hope that Dr. Hey can provide you with the relief you are seeking, and so deserve after all these years. Love, Edie > > Yes, Dr. Hey. My husband and I were so " blown away " when at my first appointment with him (April 4th, 2007). He offered to get us a softdrink, he took digital photos of my x-rays, films, etc. that were on the computer monitor. I've never met any professional who was so personable, compassionate, and confident in his skills (he's good and he knows that) - and I mean that in the most sincere, positive way. In about 3 minutes he had my situation summed up, and I could tell by what he was saying, the questions he was asking me, just everything in general, that he saw the reason for my pain and limitations I've been living with. Instead of asking " does it hurt for you to stand for a period of time " he asked " how long can you stand up " . I told him that on the average I could stand up long enough to fry an egg. Instead of asking " do you have any problems walking " he asked " how far can you walk " . I guess by using the term " blown away " entails a wide range of things. As he went into describing what he saw, both in my films and in how I walked, stood, etc., he directly connected it with scoliosis and the prior (1972) Harrington rod fusion. Every doctor I have seen, since 1999 when this set of issues with my back (lumbar), would barely acknowledge scoliosis, not even reference my prior spine fusion. The first MD I saw clearly stated that he was a sports doctor and knew nothing about scoliosis or back problems (my primary care physician's office set this visit up with a provider in my insurance network). The second MD was a little bit better than that but when he viewed the CT he had ordered (which was my first) and at this time there was just a bulging disk at L3-L4, he said " this can heal " . He ordered my first round of epidural injections, physical therapy and very freely prescribed Tylenol #3. At this point in my life I considered myself a veteran to back pain, having undergone T1 thru L1 fusion at age 17. My only concept of lower back pain was that of a pulled muscle (boy we surely learn by experience don't we!)...I gave up seeking help for about a year while hoping things would get better. Then someone recommended a neurosurgeon since the pain had long been radiating down my leg. My primary care doc. set up an appointment with a well known neuro at a well known neuro & spine clinic. He, as with the others, didn't see or indicate that they saw a connection with scolio & previous fusion and the lumbar problems. He did two surgeries, the second to re-do the first & to remove a cynovial cyst that was not previously detected, and after the removal of that, I did experience a broader range of motion but was only minimal. After my office visits I'd have to get the office notes for my employer and insurance co. and it continuously bewildered me what they said. According to the notes, I was progressing well and was released " full " to return to work. Nothing I had said was even noted in the files. After about two years I went back to him, in more distress than ever and I'll never forget that moment when he was holding my file in his hands, closed it like you close a book, and said " there's nothing else I can do " , " I'll send you to pain management " . That pain management turned out to be epidural injections AGAIN, and that doctor asked " what are you doing here? we usually send patients to them " . He really went on about my " crooked back " - not in a making fun way, but did see that my back was NOT normal. I had two of the three injections AGAIN, to no help, AGAIN. He then referred me to physical therapy. This particular program was to be in group form (about 12 people), to be 4 hours a day, 4 days a week, for 4 weeks - and was 1 1/2 hrs. commute time to get there. I went for the initial exam. The PT kept saying " Hmmm " . She also remarked about my crooked back. After the exam, she went through all of the exercises involved in the 4 week program, and in EVERY instance she noted how the exercises would be modified for me because of my fusion, scoliosis, weird mobility range, etc. I wound up canceling out of this program because I figured if it didn't kill me, I'd kill myself - and honestly couldn't afford to take a month off work without pay - and this was not the treatment I needed. > > All along, with each and every professional I saw, I made sure that I told them that when the lumbar pain started kicking in, that I also noticed that when I pulled my pants up that they were off center. Even my skirts would wind up out of center - it was like the scoliosis, or the rotation, had, after all of these years, kicked back in. People that I knew would even ask out of nowhere " is there something wrong with your back " - or something like that. The professionals never commented after I made this statement, which I felt HAD to have something to do with the newfound pain and never before experienced corresponding pain going down my right leg. > > I spent two years with a pain D.O. who didn't prescribe meds - but did the Medtronics stimulator trial implant - that was a disaster - the leads came out 3 days after, which is unusual, but I attributed it to the abnormal motion going on in my back and I think they came out during my sleep. > > So, then, I saw another doctor (neuro) at the same practice as the other. Now I felt like something good was going to come out of this doctor. NOT. He fused L3-L4, which left L2-L3 there in between the old and new fusion. That was in 12/2005 and since then, L2- L3 literally sit on top of each other. There was another synovial cyst which he removed during the surgery. > > In one of my post op visits I point blank asked him if he felt that scoliosis and the prior fusion had anything to do with the lumbar problems I now had. His reply was (after a moment of pause) " well, they're all connected " . Did I get a warm and fuzzy feeling about being in his care? NO - though he did seem to listen more - but that was about all. > > Since the Dec. 2005 surgery, and based on my calls to his office about different things going on, I've had 3 more MRIs, all of which he stated " of course they're not normal, because of your situation, but we just don't see anything that is causing the pain you say you're in " . So, forget the pain, why can I not sit, stand or walk, and why do I look/feel 90 instead of 51-52? He phoned in a $400.00 prescription which my insurance did not cover and told me to call him back in two weeks if that didn't help and he would order a CT, then changed it to a Myleogram (not a stranger to that either). When I asked about getting documentation for my LTD and employer (they have already hired someone for my position) - his reply was " it's fine by me if you go back to work " . > > It was that moment that I realized " he has no clue " -- he just has NO clue. > > It was within days of that phone conversation that I heard about Dr. Hey. At first I was thinking " yeah, another good doctor....until I visited his web site. I got so emotional - like I was being Saved - that same feeling came over me. In a few days I emailed through their website, the next day I got a response from both emails I had sent - scheduled the April 4th appointment - going tomorrow for pre-op and May 15th is my surgery. > > I have been experiencing a LOT of anxiety about what I won't be able to do after this surgery continues the fusion from the Harrington rod to my sacrum but it hit me that I was concerned about being able to do things that I haven't been able to do for years - so now I am ready, ready to reclaim my life, and so grateful for good doctors like Dr. Hey and the rest of this small group of gifted surgeons. > > Sorry to have gone on so long, and, believe it or not, this is a condensed version - and though this wonderful group of people here share so much in common, and I consider myself fortunate because my situation is not nearly as complex as many, but we all have had our own set of nightmare diagnosis', personal letdowns, personal sacrifices in our individual bodies and worlds. So though we're a lot alike, we're still unique. > > Again, sorry about the rambling on....best of health to everyone, > > [ ] surgery tomorrow > > > > My big day is almost here. I'll be on my way to the hospital (Duke) in less than 12 hours. My hubby doesn't want to stay in the hotel overnight so we will leave here at 2 AM. That makes it a little harder on me but I'm not the one driving. I have to be there at 6 AM and they will take me back for surgery about 8 AM. > > Seeing the ladies at the retreat earlier this week gave me the courage to go through with the surgery. I see how I can be in one year and it looks good! The girls said I will be cussing them out on Friday for talking me into surgery but I guess I'll get over it as I heal! I probably won't even remember it! I hope I don't remember a lot of things that happen in the hospital! I am taking my laptop with me and I'll try to get my hubby to post a message after a day or 2 after surgery. Please keep me in your prayers. > > Peggy > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 4, 2007 Report Share Posted May 4, 2007 Hi Cam, Do you know the story behind the creation of the words "Transition Syndrome" to describe what is otherwise referred to as "Flatback Syndrome"? And what does Transition Syndrome really mean? Transition from what to what? So far, until I know more about it, the words "Transition Syndrome" have so little meaning. Thanks, Bonnie [ ] Re: surgery tomorrow ,Thank you for sharing your story. It is really amazing to most of us that the ortho/neuro doctors continue to act as if "flatback" (or the new so called "transition syndrome") is not a readily identifiable constellation of symptoms that arise following Harrington Rod instrumentation and long fusion. I suspect that during most docs training HR was still a procedure being done and sine they have gone off to specialize in other areas they maybe are not as up to date as they could be....but it seems inexcusable that we are shuttled around the medical system with no clear direction, or are often exposed to procedures that may make a real fix difficult in the hands of a qualified expert...and even told we are hopeless and/or that our problems are all in our head. Really....it brings tears to my eyes.The experience of "coming home" when you find medical help that has a clue is a good feeling. I wish you the best. My only fear for you now is that all your previous procedures will create extra challenges for DrHey. I do hope that is not true...and I know that experienced surgeons in this field often wade in to spines that have had lots of "work"....and still get good outcomes. Geez, you would think that the group of docs that deal with our malady would be standing on the "medical rooftops" screaming about what needs to happen to our population and help direct patients to appropriate care.We look forward to hearing more from you and of course more about how it all goes in just a few weeks.....yikes! It comes up fast but try to stay centered and at peace and visualize a good outcome. You will get there.Take Care, Cam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 30, 2007 Report Share Posted October 30, 2007 Well, I can safely say I know how panicked you feel! My son had his first surgery about 4 days before Halloween when he was 5 years old, and it scared me and broke my heart. I turned to this Group and learned so much. It didn't make me any less nervous, but it did prepare me so I didn't feel so blind going into it. Did you check out the " Files " link on the left of the page? After my first ordeal I posted some tips I'd learned from other people. I hope you'll find it helpful. A word from one mom to another: For your son's sake, do your best to be calm and in control, and loving but matter-of-fact about the need for the surgery. When he goes into surgery, I would urge you to keep control of your emotions while he is " falling asleep. " You don't want your own emotions to scare him, but you WILL feel emotional so just take a deep breath and put on a good act. After he's asleep, you can fall apart. I did! Really, I can tell you it's been very helpful for my son (who has had 4 of these surgeries, soon to have his 5th) when I've just been normal, loving, helpful mom up to and including the falling asleep part. I know he gets anxious, but it helps him to believe that I'm in control and that this isn't scaring me, too. So for yourself, expect to be shaking and expect to cry your eyes out while he's in surgery. Expect to cry again (from relief!) once he's safely out of surgery, and then expect to feel exhausted from all that emotion! Don't forget to eat something while he's in surgery!!! Pack some food in your purse so you can sneak snacks in the bathroom while he's waiting to go into the OR. Sometimes the wait is VERY LONG, and you won't want to eat in front of him, so be sure you have a strategy for keeping your blood sugar up. At our hospital (Mass. Eye & Ear in Boston) the nurses will give you a pager so you can go to the cafeteria while you're waiting out the surgery. Maybe this will be the same at yours? We usually wait an hour or so (in case the surgeon needs to call us from the OR, which happened once), but then we know we have at least another hour before we'll get a call because the surgeries aren't usually less than 3 hours. We take that opportunity to eat as much as our appetites can handle because once he comes out of the OR, there really isn't an opportunity to go eat again. Buy chips, cookies or other things you can take back to the room with you for later, in case it gets to dinner time and you find yourself sagging from lack of food. Here's another tip: When you get called to the recovery room, go use the bathroom quickly before you hurry to his side. You won't want to leave him for something as silly as your bladder, but it WILL catch up to you eventually, so you might as well do what you can to stave off the inevitable. Again, I know this from experience. :-) Remember to pack an overnight bag for yourself so you can stay with your son overnight if he's sick from the anesthesia. Yes, we've had to do that several times, so take it from a pro! You'll want a magazine (People is good because it's fairly shallow fare, not hard to concentrate on), you'll want a full change of clothes, your toothbrush, your hairbrush. Don't bother with makeup -- you'll just cry it off. LOL For your son, bring extra undies and a shirt that buttons down the front if you can -- just much easier to get on him than a pull-over shirt after surgery. That's all I can think of. I'm writing it almost as much to remind myself as to inform you ... my son goes in on November 7th for his 5th surgery. I'm unhappy about it but no longer crazy with anxiety. I really feel for you and know what you're going through. At this time tomorrow, it will all be over with and you can breathe a sigh of relief. Let us know how it goes. I'll be thinking of you. Alice > > My 6 year old son is getting his surgery tomorrow. Me his mom is a > mess, so is Dad. This board has been helpful though, I think at times > we have learned to much though. So I am very hopeful that all will go > well . Just wanted to let people know that answered some questions for > me when we just found out about these damn c'tomas. Today I can't seem > to focus to much on anything and I had to take the week off just to > deal with all this and my little one is being such a champ about it all > he is just upset that he has to miss halloween. How I wish I could > have the innocense of not knowing like my child. Well thanks to all > here and I will let you all know how things went. > Sincerely > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 Good luck... hope you're feeling right as rain soon. Kazzy xx Surgery tomorrow Well I am heading into the final stretch - My 2nd Ctoma surgery is tomorrow at 8:30. This is operation 14 - over 30 years. They are not certain if they will be able to reconstruct -but I have no complaints as I have had a great run and decent hearing for many years. I will post when I am all done. This site has helped even after all the operations it helps to read all the positive postings.Wish me luck! No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.2/1388 - Release Date: 4/20/2008 3:01 PM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 Great attitude. After all those surgeries, you seem to have everything in perspective. Good luck! Surgery tomorrow Well I am heading into the final stretch - My 2nd Ctoma surgery is tomorrow at 8:30. This is operation 14 - over 30 years. They are not certain if they will be able to reconstruct -but I have no complaints as I have had a great run and decent hearing for many years. I will post when I am all done. This site has helped even after all the operations it helps to read all the positive postings.Wish me luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 I am sending all positive thoughts to you, as I am sure many others are. We'll be looking forward to hearing how it all has gone. Best of luck to you!leOn Apr 21, 2008, at 8:48 PM, nanctc wrote:Well I am heading into the final stretch - My 2nd Ctoma surgery is tomorrow at 8:30. This is operation 14 - over 30 years. They are not certain if they will be able to reconstruct -but I have no complaints as I have had a great run and decent hearing for many years. I will post when I am all done. This site has helped even after all the operations it helps to read all the positive postings.Wish me luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 > > > Well I am heading into the final stretch - My 2nd Ctoma surgery is > > tomorrow at 8:30. This is operation 14 - over 30 years. They are not > > certain if they will be able to reconstruct -but I have no complaints > > as I have had a great run and decent hearing for many years. I will > > post when I am all done. This site has helped even after all the > > operations it helps to read all the positive postings. > > Wish me luck! > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 5, 2008 Report Share Posted May 5, 2008 I am not sure but I am going to say it thank you, and god bless you too. > > > > > Well I am heading into the final stretch - My 2nd Ctoma surgery > is > > > tomorrow at 8:30. This is operation 14 - over 30 years. They are > not > > > certain if they will be able to reconstruct -but I have no > complaints > > > as I have had a great run and decent hearing for many years. I > will > > > post when I am all done. This site has helped even after all the > > > operations it helps to read all the positive postings. > > > Wish me luck! > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 26, 2008 Report Share Posted May 26, 2008 Hey Mark, Good luck tomorrow. We'll be thinking the good thoughts. Jere Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 27, 2008 Report Share Posted May 27, 2008 I hope all goes well for you . mark Hardin <gilachub@...> wrote: Hi all - my surgery for Posterior fusion of C5-6 C6-7 is scheduled for tomorrow (as well as decompression of the nerve root to my left arm) I will keep you all informed when I can. I suspect I won't be posting for at least a week. Thanks for all that have given me info and support to this point. mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 30, 2009 Report Share Posted March 30, 2009 All the best, . I am really interested in how you go - almost identical issues to mine. I also have had FM for more than a decade. Jen > From: Loest <boltzero@...> > Reply-<spinal problems > > Date: Mon, 30 Mar 2009 02:44:59 -0000 > <spinal problems > > Subject: Surgery Tomorrow > > I'm going to the hospital tomorrow morning at 7:30am to hopefully correct 10 > years of misery. > > L5 is scheduled to be fused by Dr. Karl Swan & Dr. . > Dr. Swan is the top neuro surgeon in my neck of the woods. > > He will be performing the clean out around L5, Dr will be installing > the hardware which will consist of a Titanium plate and screws, some > additional bone graft will also be performed. > > I'm curious how the pain amplification aspect of Fibromyalgia is going to play > into the recovery, I suppose there is only one way to find out first hand. > > After the procedure I of course will be able to set off metal detectors, and I > wonder if refrigerator magnets will stick to my lower back. > > Anywho I will be off the radar for awhile, hopefully everything will go as > planned and I will get some of my life back afterwards. > > > > ------------------------------------ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 30, 2009 Report Share Posted March 30, 2009 I will be praying for u. Dawn E. (540) 247-1692 I would rather be hated for who I am than to be like for who I am not ~Author Unknown From: Loest <boltzero@...> Subject: Surgery Tomorrow spinal problems Date: Monday, March 30, 2009, 2:44 AM I'm going to the hospital tomorrow morning at 7:30am to hopefully correct 10 years of misery. L5 is scheduled to be fused by Dr. Karl Swan & Dr. . Dr. Swan is the top neuro surgeon in my neck of the woods. He will be performing the clean out around L5, Dr will be installing the hardware which will consist of a Titanium plate and screws, some additional bone graft will also be performed. I'm curious how the pain amplification aspect of Fibromyalgia is going to play into the recovery, I suppose there is only one way to find out first hand. After the procedure I of course will be able to set off metal detectors, and I wonder if refrigerator magnets will stick to my lower back. Anywho I will be off the radar for awhile, hopefully everything will go as planned and I will get some of my life back afterwards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 30, 2009 Report Share Posted March 30, 2009 I will be praying for u. Dawn E. (540) 247-1692 I would rather be hated for who I am than to be like for who I am not ~Author Unknown From: Loest <boltzero@...> Subject: Surgery Tomorrow spinal problems Date: Monday, March 30, 2009, 2:44 AM I'm going to the hospital tomorrow morning at 7:30am to hopefully correct 10 years of misery. L5 is scheduled to be fused by Dr. Karl Swan & Dr. . Dr. Swan is the top neuro surgeon in my neck of the woods. He will be performing the clean out around L5, Dr will be installing the hardware which will consist of a Titanium plate and screws, some additional bone graft will also be performed. I'm curious how the pain amplification aspect of Fibromyalgia is going to play into the recovery, I suppose there is only one way to find out first hand. After the procedure I of course will be able to set off metal detectors, and I wonder if refrigerator magnets will stick to my lower back. Anywho I will be off the radar for awhile, hopefully everything will go as planned and I will get some of my life back afterwards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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