Guest guest Posted January 8, 2006 Report Share Posted January 8, 2006 Hi Friends...I mad my hernia repair and panniculectomy last Wednesday...all went well. They removed 14+ pounds of redundant skin, and tissue. The doctors are very happy with the incisions...though my abdomen looks like it is covered in train tracks. I am home now, and my best friend will be here another day or so. The kids have been wonderful, as usual, and I know I am blessed. The pain has been off & on...it woke me up a little bit ago, but at times isn't as bad...more of a discomfort and sensation of pressure, and 'fullness " . My experience with the hospital was mixed...though all were kind, there were some big communication gaffs regarding when I could get up and start walking (was supposed to at 8am Thursday, but did not start til 7:30pm Thursday) and NO night time meds were ordered. I was pretty frustrated as I had done everything I was asked to do, but they dropped the ball. But, I believe it was truly just a goof up and when I assertively though tearfully expressed myself, they really worked on getting things straightened out. Thank you for your prayers and support. Love... Tess [ ] Tawny~ Happy New Year,.... (((((((((((((((((Tawny)))))))))))))))))))) ...a blessed, lovely & healthy New Year to you, sweetie. Much love & many hugs... Tess Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 8, 2006 Report Share Posted January 8, 2006 Glad you came through ok, Cassy > Hi Friends...I mad my hernia repair and panniculectomy last Wednesday...all went well. They removed 14+ pounds of redundant skin, and tissue. The doctors are very happy with the incisions...though my abdomen looks like it is covered in train tracks. > > I am home now, and my best friend will be here another day or so. The kids have been wonderful, as usual, and I know I am blessed. > > The pain has been off & on...it woke me up a little bit ago, but at times isn't as bad...more of a discomfort and sensation of pressure, and 'fullness " . My experience with the hospital was mixed...though all were kind, there were some big communication gaffs regarding when I could get up and start walking (was supposed to at 8am Thursday, but did not start til 7:30pm Thursday) and NO night time meds were ordered. I was pretty frustrated as I had done everything I was asked to do, but they dropped the ball. But, I believe it was truly just a goof up and when I assertively though tearfully expressed myself, they really worked on getting things straightened out. > > Thank you for your prayers and support. > > Love... > > Tess > [ ] Tawny~ Happy New Year,.... > > > (((((((((((((((((Tawny)))))))))))))))))))) ...a blessed, lovely & healthy New Year to you, sweetie. > > Much love & many hugs... > > Tess > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 8, 2006 Report Share Posted January 8, 2006 (((Tess))), I am glad your home, and all your loved ones are there to help you feel better. I'm sorry you had a rough time at the hospital. My prayers are with you always, Tawny --- In , " Grammi B " <grammi_love@m...> wrote: > > Hi Friends...I mad my hernia repair and panniculectomy last Wednesday...all went well. They removed 14+ pounds of redundant skin, and tissue. The doctors are very happy with the incisions...though my abdomen looks like it is covered in train tracks. > > I am home now, and my best friend will be here another day or so. The kids have been wonderful, as usual, and I know I am blessed. > > The pain has been off & on...it woke me up a little bit ago, but at times isn't as bad...more of a discomfort and sensation of pressure, and 'fullness " . My experience with the hospital was mixed...though all were kind, there were some big communication gaffs regarding when I could get up and start walking (was supposed to at 8am Thursday, but did not start til 7:30pm Thursday) and NO night time meds were ordered. I was pretty frustrated as I had done everything I was asked to do, but they dropped the ball. But, I believe it was truly just a goof up and when I assertively though tearfully expressed myself, they really worked on getting things straightened out. > > Thank you for your prayers and support. > > Love... > > Tess > [ ] Tawny~ Happy New Year,.... > > > (((((((((((((((((Tawny)))))))))))))))))))) ...a blessed, lovely & healthy New Year to you, sweetie. > > Much love & many hugs... > > Tess > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 8, 2006 Report Share Posted January 8, 2006 Tess, Glad to hear from you. I hope you have a smooth recover...WOW 14 lbs will really make a dent toward you weight loss goal!! Go Girl!! Toni --- In , " Grammi B " <grammi_love@m...> wrote: > > Hi Friends...I mad my hernia repair and panniculectomy last Wednesday...all went well. They removed 14+ pounds of redundant skin, and tissue. The doctors are very happy with the incisions...though my abdomen looks like it is covered in train tracks. > > I am home now, and my best friend will be here another day or so. The kids have been wonderful, as usual, and I know I am blessed. > > The pain has been off & on...it woke me up a little bit ago, but at times isn't as bad...more of a discomfort and sensation of pressure, and 'fullness " . My experience with the hospital was mixed...though all were kind, there were some big communication gaffs regarding when I could get up and start walking (was supposed to at 8am Thursday, but did not start til 7:30pm Thursday) and NO night time meds were ordered. I was pretty frustrated as I had done everything I was asked to do, but they dropped the ball. But, I believe it was truly just a goof up and when I assertively though tearfully expressed myself, they really worked on getting things straightened out. > > Thank you for your prayers and support. > > Love... > > Tess > [ ] Tawny~ Happy New Year,.... > > > (((((((((((((((((Tawny)))))))))))))))))))) ...a blessed, lovely & healthy New Year to you, sweetie. > > Much love & many hugs... > > Tess > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 9, 2006 Report Share Posted January 9, 2006 Tess, I'm so happy that everything went well and that the staff at the hospital at least were trying. That can be so frustrating. I pray for a quick and mostly pain free recovery for you. take care. Kerri sue Grammi B <grammi_love@...> wrote: Hi Friends...I mad my hernia repair and panniculectomy last Wednesday...all went well. They removed 14+ pounds of redundant skin, and tissue. The doctors are very happy with the incisions...though my abdomen looks like it is covered in train tracks. I am home now, and my best friend will be here another day or so. The kids have been wonderful, as usual, and I know I am blessed. The pain has been off & on...it woke me up a little bit ago, but at times isn't as bad...more of a discomfort and sensation of pressure, and 'fullness " . My experience with the hospital was mixed...though all were kind, there were some big communication gaffs regarding when I could get up and start walking (was supposed to at 8am Thursday, but did not start til 7:30pm Thursday) and NO night time meds were ordered. I was pretty frustrated as I had done everything I was asked to do, but they dropped the ball. But, I believe it was truly just a goof up and when I assertively though tearfully expressed myself, they really worked on getting things straightened out. Thank you for your prayers and support. Love... Tess [ ] Tawny~ Happy New Year,.... (((((((((((((((((Tawny)))))))))))))))))))) ...a blessed, lovely & healthy New Year to you, sweetie. Much love & many hugs... Tess Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 10, 2006 Report Share Posted January 10, 2006 I'm so glad you're home, Tess. It's sounds like the surgery was a success. I hope your recovery will go smoothly. Rest well, Not an MD I'll tell you where to go! Mayo Clinic in Rochester http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester s Hopkins Medicine http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org [ ] Surgery Update > Hi Friends...I mad my hernia repair and panniculectomy last > Wednesday...all went well. They removed 14+ pounds of redundant skin, and > tissue. The doctors are very happy with the incisions...though my abdomen > looks like it is covered in train tracks. > > I am home now, and my best friend will be here another day or so. The > kids have been wonderful, as usual, and I know I am blessed. > > The pain has been off & on...it woke me up a little bit ago, but at times > isn't as bad...more of a discomfort and sensation of pressure, and > 'fullness " . My experience with the hospital was mixed...though all were > kind, there were some big communication gaffs regarding when I could get > up and start walking (was supposed to at 8am Thursday, but did not start > til 7:30pm Thursday) and NO night time meds were ordered. I was pretty > frustrated as I had done everything I was asked to do, but they dropped > the ball. But, I believe it was truly just a goof up and when I > assertively though tearfully expressed myself, they really worked on > getting things straightened out. > > Thank you for your prayers and support. > > Love... > > Tess Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 31, 2006 Report Share Posted October 31, 2006 Dear Annette, Thankyou for the update on Judy, good to hear she's doing well! Give my best to her sister and her, at least this part is behind her, and I'm holding good thoughts for her second stage on Friday. Nice that the two of you can be surgery buddies, that you are there for each other! Do you have the E-Mail for her hospital or an address so we can send her a card, or an e-mail message? Thankyou for keeping us in the loop! Colorado Springs [ ] Surgery update I thought I would let the group know that Judy who postsoccasionally on this site had the first stage of her revision surgery(posterior)yesterday at s Hopkins University Hospital with Dr.Kebaish. Her sister called to say that she is doing as well as can beexpected on her first day after surgery. She is resting in her room.Her second stage will likely be this Friday.Judy is a gem of a friend. She recently came by for a visit to checkon me in my recovery. She and I have been discussing scoliosisrevision issues for about four years and now we've both ended uphaving the surgery within a month of each other. Please keep Judy inyour thoughts and prayers.Best,Annette in ArlingtonOne month post surgeryMy Scoli Motto: "Live Straight" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 31, 2006 Report Share Posted October 31, 2006 Hi Annette – I’m Lorrie Snyder and I had lunch with Judy about 2 months ago. We talked about her surgery, but at that time she was considering having it with a surgeon in the Midwest. I didn’t realize she set a date with different surgeon so soon. Please give her my best. I’ll be thinking about her. Lorrie Snyder From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of aebaker716 Sent: Tuesday, October 31, 2006 3:32 PM To: Subject: [ ] Surgery update I thought I would let the group know that Judy who posts occasionally on this site had the first stage of her revision surgery (posterior)yesterday at s Hopkins University Hospital with Dr. Kebaish. Her sister called to say that she is doing as well as can be expected on her first day after surgery. She is resting in her room. Her second stage will likely be this Friday. Judy is a gem of a friend. She recently came by for a visit to check on me in my recovery. She and I have been discussing scoliosis revision issues for about four years and now we've both ended up having the surgery within a month of each other. Please keep Judy in your thoughts and prayers. Best, Annette in Arlington One month post surgery My Scoli Motto: " Live Straight " Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 31, 2006 Report Share Posted October 31, 2006 Annette, How are you feeling be one month post op? Good I hope. > > I thought I would let the group know that Judy who posts > occasionally on this site had the first stage of her revision surgery > (posterior)yesterday at s Hopkins University Hospital with Dr. > Kebaish. Her sister called to say that she is doing as well as can be > expected on her first day after surgery. She is resting in her room. > Her second stage will likely be this Friday. > > Judy is a gem of a friend. She recently came by for a visit to check > on me in my recovery. She and I have been discussing scoliosis > revision issues for about four years and now we've both ended up > having the surgery within a month of each other. Please keep Judy in > your thoughts and prayers. > > Best, > > Annette in Arlington > One month post surgery > My Scoli Motto: " Live Straight " > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 31, 2006 Report Share Posted October 31, 2006 Her address is: Judy , #305 Marburg Pavilion, s Hopkins Hospital, 600 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287. > > Dear Annette, > > Thankyou for the update on Judy, good to hear she's doing well! Give my best to her sister and her, at least this part is behind her, and I'm holding good thoughts for her second stage on Friday. Nice that the two of you can be surgery buddies, that you are there for each other! Do you have the E-Mail for her hospital or an address so we can send her a card, or an e-mail message? Thankyou for keeping us in the loop! > > > > Colorado Springs > [ ] Surgery update > > > I thought I would let the group know that Judy who posts > occasionally on this site had the first stage of her revision surgery > (posterior)yesterday at s Hopkins University Hospital with Dr. > Kebaish. Her sister called to say that she is doing as well as can be > expected on her first day after surgery. She is resting in her room. > Her second stage will likely be this Friday. > > Judy is a gem of a friend. She recently came by for a visit to check > on me in my recovery. She and I have been discussing scoliosis > revision issues for about four years and now we've both ended up > having the surgery within a month of each other. Please keep Judy in > your thoughts and prayers. > > Best, > > Annette in Arlington > One month post surgery > My Scoli Motto: " Live Straight " > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 31, 2006 Report Share Posted October 31, 2006 Thanks for asking. I am doing well. Some of the inital euphoria about getting through the ordeal is starting to wear off. I'm starting to wonder if I will ever touch my feet, get on the floor, reach into a low drawer, if the numbness in my leg will fade, if the edema in my foot will finally clear, etc. The brace is now just a nusiance and can put it on by myself. I hope to start weaning off the drugs soon and wondering when I will drive again although not anxious to go there to soon. I am walking several blocks a day now although I then need a nap. My sleep is starting to be in longer blocks at nights. I can do much of what I need during the day, but I'm trying not to overdo. In two weeks I'll get an xray and I'm anxious to see the hardware and hopefully fusions are off to a strong start. I started to write out my experience. When I can get it done, I'll post it in case it might be useful to others. Best thoughts to those also recovering, Annette in Arlington > > > > I thought I would let the group know that Judy who posts > > occasionally on this site had the first stage of her revision > surgery > > (posterior)yesterday at s Hopkins University Hospital with Dr. > > Kebaish. Her sister called to say that she is doing as well as > can be > > expected on her first day after surgery. She is resting in her > room. > > Her second stage will likely be this Friday. > > > > Judy is a gem of a friend. She recently came by for a visit to > check > > on me in my recovery. She and I have been discussing scoliosis > > revision issues for about four years and now we've both ended up > > having the surgery within a month of each other. Please keep Judy > in > > your thoughts and prayers. > > > > Best, > > > > Annette in Arlington > > One month post surgery > > My Scoli Motto: " Live Straight " > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 31, 2006 Report Share Posted October 31, 2006 Dear Annette, Thanks so much for the address! [ ] Surgery update> > > I thought I would let the group know that Judy who posts> occasionally on this site had the first stage of her revision surgery> (posterior)yesterday at s Hopkins University Hospital with Dr.> Kebaish. Her sister called to say that she is doing as well as can be> expected on her first day after surgery. She is resting in her room.> Her second stage will likely be this Friday.> > Judy is a gem of a friend. She recently came by for a visit to check> on me in my recovery. She and I have been discussing scoliosis> revision issues for about four years and now we've both ended up> having the surgery within a month of each other. Please keep Judy in> your thoughts and prayers.> > Best,> > Annette in Arlington> One month post surgery> My Scoli Motto: "Live Straight"> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 31, 2006 Report Share Posted October 31, 2006 Annette, I saw Judy's date on the calender and was hoping we were going to get an update, so thank you for taking that on. I am glad to hear she has gotten through #1 and is doing alright. If you get to talk to her please let her know I am thinking of her and will be sending her my very best wishes on friday...(wow that is fast staging!) Take Care, Cam p.s congrats on your one month anniversay! how is is going? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 31, 2006 Report Share Posted October 31, 2006 One month post-op? That makes us approximate surgical twins, Annette. My last stage was 9/27. Sharon [ ] Re: Surgery update Annette,How are you feeling be one month post op? Good I hope. >> I thought I would let the group know that Judy who posts> occasionally on this site had the first stage of her revision surgery> (posterior)yesterday at s Hopkins University Hospital with Dr.> Kebaish. Her sister called to say that she is doing as well as can be> expected on her first day after surgery. She is resting in her room.> Her second stage will likely be this Friday.> > Judy is a gem of a friend. She recently came by for a visit to check> on me in my recovery. She and I have been discussing scoliosis> revision issues for about four years and now we've both ended up> having the surgery within a month of each other. Please keep Judy in> your thoughts and prayers.> > Best,> > Annette in Arlington> One month post surgery> My Scoli Motto: "Live Straight"> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2006 Report Share Posted November 1, 2006 Dear Annette, I know getting used to an altered body after surgery takes some real adjustments. For me some of the things you listed are just those I have had to adjust to. I have to sit and bring my feet up to my lap to perform clipping and such, and yes four years out I still use a sock aide. I can get on the floor, but the getting up isn't smooth, and since it's awkward I only do it when necessary. I put all stuff I need daily in drawers I can reach easily, and am looking for a dresser that is very tall where reachability will be better. I still have numbness, the majority of my back and my left thigh, the back has gotten some better, but the thigh is still very numb. So here is why I'm relating this to you, with this surgery comes a degree of compensations that you will have to do. For me, while frustrating, minor in the scope of things. I came out of the surgery painfree, so now I'm able to walk and stand as much as I like. A huge gift! So I don't sweat the other stuff, and yes there's a list of things that suck, and in a perfect world with a perfect body wouldn't be an issue, but that just isn't the case for me. I was with extended family this week, mostly my sister-in-law, and she got a taste of the " compromises" I must make getting through the day. Things that the " Unfused" take for granted, and are a challenge for me. She told me she never got it until she saw how much I was able to do, and yes I took my folding grabber with me, but she also got a taste of what I was limited in. Her dishwasher is extreamly low to the ground, and the silverware holder was in the door, and I couldn't get it. They use a large big drawer to put plastic glasses in, very low, and I had to use my grabber to get them out of the bottom. My kids weren't with me, and if they were they would have just handed stuff to me, they just know my limitations, but I was out of my element. They live on twenty acres, lots of animals, and not a lot I could or would do to help, couldn't and won't lift bales of hay, fifty pound bags of dog food, or help her put in forty pound bags of salt into the water softener. I know my body, and I'm not willing to do anything that will compromise my good outcome, I hopefully have forty years ahead of me and I want to have the best function possible. So I can't lift heavy weight, can't get stuff down low with out a grabber, oh well, I can walk and stand, and have the blessing of having that awful pain gone. Colorado Springs [ ] Re: Surgery update Thanks for asking. I am doing well. Some of the inital euphoriaabout getting through the ordeal is starting to wear off. I'mstarting to wonder if I will ever touch my feet, get on the floor,reach into a low drawer, if the numbness in my leg will fade, if theedema in my foot will finally clear, etc. The brace is now just anusiance and can put it on by myself. I hope to start weaning off thedrugs soon and wondering when I will drive again although not anxiousto go there to soon. I am walking several blocks a day now although Ithen need a nap. My sleep is starting to be in longer blocks atnights. I can do much of what I need during the day, but I'm tryingnot to overdo. In two weeks I'll get an xray and I'm anxious to seethe hardware and hopefully fusions are off to a strong start. Istarted to write out my experience. When I can get it done, I'll postit in case it might be useful to others. Best thoughts to those also recovering,Annette in Arlington> >> > I thought I would let the group know that Judy who posts> > occasionally on this site had the first stage of her revision > surgery> > (posterior)yesterday at s Hopkins University Hospital with Dr.> > Kebaish. Her sister called to say that she is doing as well as > can be> > expected on her first day after surgery. She is resting in her > room.> > Her second stage will likely be this Friday.> > > > Judy is a gem of a friend. She recently came by for a visit to > check> > on me in my recovery. She and I have been discussing scoliosis> > revision issues for about four years and now we've both ended up> > having the surgery within a month of each other. Please keep Judy > in> > your thoughts and prayers.> > > > Best,> > > > Annette in Arlington> > One month post surgery> > My Scoli Motto: "Live Straight"> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 1, 2008 Report Share Posted April 1, 2008 It is no big deal - TO HIM!!!! I had surgery on a Thursday and went home the following Monday. I had an anterior/posterior procedure with fusion from L1-S1 with iliac wing instrumentation. I think my actual surgery took about 8 hours. We drove to Raleigh the morning of surgery - it's about a 3 hour 15 minute drive from here. They took me back and prepped me putting in the IVs and giving me 4 Celebrex to take. Once I was ready they wrapped me up in warm blankets and had my hubby and pastor come in. Dr. Hey and Jaclyn joined us and we talked over last minute things, they told my hubby how they would update him throughout the procedure, and then he asked my pastor to pray for all of us. That was significant and important to me because I am a Christian and I found it a great comfort. I remember asking Dr. Hey if they woke me up during surgery to move my toes and he said it wasn't necessary. That was a relief after being at the retreat and hearing some of the stories! I also remembered everyone telling me I would wake up with an IV near my neck. When I was wheeled into the operating room I asked the anesthesiologist if I would have that and when he said, Yes, I asked him to please knock me out before he did it. I didn't want to be awake while someone tried to put a line in my neck. I had had enough of needles at that point even though they don't scare me, I'm a hard stick and didn't want to go through it. I just wanted to go to sleep! If there's anything else you want to know, please ask! Peggy [ ] Surgery update Well, I talked with Dr. Hey and we made the decision to go ahead and fuse down to the sacrum. He said the degeneration in the L5 and S1 vertebrae was so severe that they might not last very long, so he thought it might be best to go ahead and fuse it too while he was already in there. I agreed so that was that.Thanx Cam for the post/study you found. It further validates this change in plans. And thanx to too for warning me about this possibility. And , you can let go of the jealousy!! :)Here's what I don't get: Even with fusing to S1, he's still implying that this surgery is not a big deal......that I may only be in the hospital 2-3 nights, no outpatient PT necessary. And that since I'll be in much less pain, I may even be more flexible after the fusion. (He did say that since I live so far away, if there was any doubt about my stability, he would keep me an extra night. So, that made me feel better.)To give him the benefit of the doubt, maybe it seems like no big deal since he does this kinda surgery all the time and he knows what I've already been through. Yea, maybe that's it.Meanwhile, I'm gonna trust The Powers That Be, as well as you "revisionaries" here who have already experienced all this first hand.Right here, right now, I feel better.Oh, and my doc here who prescribed the Lyrica said I could up it to twice a day to maybe take the increased edge off. Strangely enough, my neck and between my shoulder blades is what's most pronounced now. Maybe I'll chalk it up to Tension.Thank you all.camille and Peggy, how was your pre-surgery experience with Dr. Hey?I like him and trust him, but am confused by his implications that this is no big deal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 1, 2008 Report Share Posted April 1, 2008 As I've said all along, you've amazed me with your progress...Dr. Hey should use you as his "poster patient"...seriously! [ ] Surgery update Well, I talked with Dr. Hey and we made the decision to go ahead and fuse down to the sacrum. He said the degeneration in the L5 and S1 vertebrae was so severe that they might not last very long, so he thought it might be best to go ahead and fuse it too while he was already in there. I agreed so that was that.Thanx Cam for the post/study you found. It further validates this change in plans. And thanx to too for warning me about this possibility. And , you can let go of the jealousy!! :)Here's what I don't get: Even with fusing to S1, he's still implying that this surgery is not a big deal......that I may only be in the hospital 2-3 nights, no outpatient PT necessary. And that since I'll be in much less pain, I may even be more flexible after the fusion. (He did say that since I live so far away, if there was any doubt about my stability, he would keep me an extra night. So, that made me feel better.)To give him the benefit of the doubt, maybe it seems like no big deal since he does this kinda surgery all the time and he knows what I've already been through. Yea, maybe that's it.Meanwhile, I'm gonna trust The Powers That Be, as well as you "revisionaries" here who have already experienced all this first hand.Right here, right now, I feel better.Oh, and my doc here who prescribed the Lyrica said I could up it to twice a day to maybe take the increased edge off. Strangely enough, my neck and between my shoulder blades is what's most pronounced now. Maybe I'll chalk it up to Tension.Thank you all.camille and Peggy, how was your pre-surgery experience with Dr. Hey?I like him and trust him, but am confused by his implications that this is no big deal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 1, 2008 Report Share Posted April 1, 2008 He put me on his blog a couple of times. He probably will again once I have my one year followup. I bet he puts you on his blog when it is all settled regarding what is going on and it gets fixed. Peggy [ ] Surgery update Well, I talked with Dr. Hey and we made the decision to go ahead and fuse down to the sacrum. He said the degeneration in the L5 and S1 vertebrae was so severe that they might not last very long, so he thought it might be best to go ahead and fuse it too while he was already in there. I agreed so that was that.Thanx Cam for the post/study you found. It further validates this change in plans. And thanx to too for warning me about this possibility. And , you can let go of the jealousy!! :)Here's what I don't get: Even with fusing to S1, he's still implying that this surgery is not a big deal......that I may only be in the hospital 2-3 nights, no outpatient PT necessary. And that since I'll be in much less pain, I may even be more flexible after the fusion. (He did say that since I live so far away, if there was any doubt about my stability, he would keep me an extra night. So, that made me feel better.)To give him the benefit of the doubt, maybe it seems like no big deal since he does this kinda surgery all the time and he knows what I've already been through. Yea, maybe that's it.Meanwhile, I'm gonna trust The Powers That Be, as well as you "revisionaries" here who have already experienced all this first hand.Right here, right now, I feel better.Oh, and my doc here who prescribed the Lyrica said I could up it to twice a day to maybe take the increased edge off. Strangely enough, my neck and between my shoulder blades is what's most pronounced now. Maybe I'll chalk it up to Tension.Thank you all.camille and Peggy, how was your pre-surgery experience with Dr. Hey?I like him and trust him, but am confused by his implications that this is no big deal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 2, 2008 Report Share Posted April 2, 2008 Camille, I think Peggy pretty much captured the difference between this surgery from a surgeons perspective (at least one that is well versed in it's complexities) and that of a patient. It's not a big deal to them, or at a minimum, the change of plans to include S1 is not that big of a change from his perspective. As a patient...I think this surgery IS a big deal. In fact, if I didn't think so, (and feel that the medical community pretty much has done a poor job of supporting us post-HR folks) I wouldn't devote so much of my time to this forum! Sometimes I wonder if I am wrong to think this way...but my own experience with surgery and recovery (which was really very straighforward by comparison to some) makes me feel confident that there is the physical aspect of the actual surgery, and the mental aspect of the surgery...and then of course an extremely long recovery period. Most surgeons see themselves as operators in the more acute phase of this disease...I don't think they fully can understand what it means to us. I know DrRand left his big group so that he could devote more individual attention to patients in a long term way, but no office has the kind of staff available 24 hours a day for moral support like we are. I digress. You didn't say if the change in plans indicates a change in approach. Will it still just be a posterior surgery? It does seem like DrHeys patients usually say their surgical times will be shorter and their discharge sooner than most report. Anecdotally....I am not sure if that ends up being true. I think patients think of surgery as being from the time they go in until the time they are fully conscious again. Doctors have a different method of determining the " surgical time " ...it is noted on my surgical reports and is a lot shorter than what I consider my surgical time...both days! Discharge times will still be uniquely yours...it seems like the sooner you hit the usual marks the sooner you will be sent home. You can pretty much count on staying in the hospital until your bowels show that they are working well, that you can get in and out of bed safely and you can maneuver stairs. After my first (posterior) surgery that was probably true in 3-4 days...and if you are having posterior only perhaps you will be out that soon too. Remembering that hospitals tend to be places where germs and pathogens hang around, and sleep is usually hard to come by, you probably will do better at home or a near by hotel, if you need to stay nearby for a few days. Lastly, I can well imagine that this feels like it is coming at you fast. My own experience was that once I had my second opinion I wanted to proceed as soon as possible...but I was reminded that it was not an emergency and I could take as much time as necessary to get all my ducks in a row. I know you want this done yesterday too...but perhaps you would be better served by slowing down? I don't recall you saying that you got a second opinion and in some regards that helps with some of the unease I hear you expresing. You don't want to feel like any stone has been left unturned in your case...and if you have that nagging doubt, my advice is to put it to rest on the front side of this big event. It is a life changing event...as was your scoliosis and all that came after. At a minimum I would email your concerns to DrHey and try to better understand his comments. Take Care, Cam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 2, 2009 Report Share Posted October 2, 2009 Kate, I know how frustrating it can be when you can be at the hospital with your dad. I am glad to hear so far everything is going well. I will suggest since you can be there you can call the hospital & ask to speak with the department's head nurse & she can give you a definate update onyour dad's recovery. Hope this helps. Mousie in Calif. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.