My Surgery

[Guest guest]

great to hear you came through it all well Vera. I found prayer

helped too, especially to keep me calm in the last few hours pre op

when I was on my own in hospital after my family had left and I was

worried about the op.

You are in my prayers

Lesley

[Guest guest]

Hi Shevfar!

I'm sorry to hear that you had such a rough time. And it must be

hard knowing that you still have to face another surgery. It's such

a sobering experience to hear you describe the difficulties that

were run into during your surgery. We're always told of the risks

of blood loss and clots, but I think sometimes I just write them off

as " things that happen to other people. "

I have just started seeing Dr. Ondra myself and am considering

revision surgery this summer. What was your opinion of the post-

surgical care at Northwestern? Did you go to RIC afterwards? Did

you see his partner Dr. Koski at all?

I wish you luck with your next surgery. Is there any particular

reason you want to wait until the summer to have your it done, maybe

to give yourself more time to recover from the first one?

>

> I had revision surgery November 8th and 20th of 2006. My surgeron

was

> Dr. Ondra of Chicago. I live in Oklahoma so had to travel to

Chicago

> for my surgeries. I had 5 harrington rods placed in 1965. One of

> those rods had broken and migrated down into my pelvis. The plan

when

> I went for surgery was for Dr. Ondra to fix my upper back because

it

> was causing the most pain and I was tilting forward quiet a lot.

Then

> in 6 months I was going back and he would fix my lower back.

However

> when he got in he realized the rod that had broken and migrated

down

> into my pelvis was pointed directly at my rectum and if it

continued

> would rupture my rectum and be fatal. He took all the rods out of

my

> back and placed a rod in my lower back and screws in my hips and a

> cage in. I am to go back and he will fix my upper back by

extending

> the rod he has already placed and fuse me all the way up to my

neck.

> I had several complications. I bled out during the first surgery

and

> required 23 units of blood. I also bled a lot during the second

> surgery, but Dr. Ondra said he just got everything done as quick

as

> he could and got out. Then I had several clots form. One in each

leg.

> Thank goodness they had put filters in prior to surgery. I also

had a

> clot form around the IV they had put in my neck as well as a clot

> around the pic they had put in so it was very difficult to have an

> IV. After a couple of months of being nauseaed all the time my

> primary care doctor realized I was unable to take oral pain

> medication. He put me on a patch and I can now eat without being

> nauseaed. I am still experiencing pain. I have a lot of pain in my

> upper back and neck but don't think that will get better until I

have

> the next surgery. I am still very sore and have pain in my lower

back

> and my right leg. Dr. Ondra's nurse has told me I have priority

and

> they will schedule the next surgery whenever I am ready. I can not

> face another surgery right now and think I will wait until July. I

am

> just now able to drive and get out a little.

>

[Guest guest]

You poor dear!!!! You have had a rough time indeed and I completely

understand why you wouldn't be ready to go in for more surgery. It

must feel good to get out a little bit from time to time. Twenty

three units of blood, I just can't imagine how you must have felt

after such a sobering experience. Thank you for sharing your

experience with us. I will be praying for you!!!!!!

>

> I had revision surgery November 8th and 20th of 2006. My surgeron

was

> Dr. Ondra of Chicago. I live in Oklahoma so had to travel to

Chicago

> for my surgeries. I had 5 harrington rods placed in 1965. One of

> those rods had broken and migrated down into my pelvis. The plan

when

> I went for surgery was for Dr. Ondra to fix my upper back because

it

> was causing the most pain and I was tilting forward quiet a lot.

Then

> in 6 months I was going back and he would fix my lower back.

However

> when he got in he realized the rod that had broken and migrated

down

> into my pelvis was pointed directly at my rectum and if it

continued

> would rupture my rectum and be fatal. He took all the rods out of

my

> back and placed a rod in my lower back and screws in my hips and a

> cage in. I am to go back and he will fix my upper back by extending

> the rod he has already placed and fuse me all the way up to my

neck.

> I had several complications. I bled out during the first surgery

and

> required 23 units of blood. I also bled a lot during the second

> surgery, but Dr. Ondra said he just got everything done as quick as

> he could and got out. Then I had several clots form. One in each

leg.

> Thank goodness they had put filters in prior to surgery. I also had

a

> clot form around the IV they had put in my neck as well as a clot

> around the pic they had put in so it was very difficult to have an

> IV. After a couple of months of being nauseaed all the time my

> primary care doctor realized I was unable to take oral pain

> medication. He put me on a patch and I can now eat without being

> nauseaed. I am still experiencing pain. I have a lot of pain in my

> upper back and neck but don't think that will get better until I

have

> the next surgery. I am still very sore and have pain in my lower

back

> and my right leg. Dr. Ondra's nurse has told me I have priority and

> they will schedule the next surgery whenever I am ready. I can not

> face another surgery right now and think I will wait until July. I

am

> just now able to drive and get out a little.

>

[Guest guest]

:

I should have introduced myself last time and neglected to do so. My

name is Elaine. My reasons for waiting for summer is because I just

can't look at having another surgery right now as well as the

weather. We had a hard time flying in and out of Ohara in November

because of weather. I'm told Ohara is difficult any time so it may

not make a lot of difference.

I got great care at Northwestern! I could not have been more pleased

with my care. The staff appeared to really know how to care for me.

There was one or two nurses that I did not care for but over all the

care was great. I liked that they have all private rooms with a bed

in the room for a relative to use. My son stayed with me until I was

ready to go to RIC. Yes, I did go to RIC and liked them as well.

Overall my experience in Chicago was good. The only bad part was the

complications I had. I hope you have a simular experience if you go

there this summer.

- In , " rebeccamaas "

<rebeccamaas@...> wrote:

>

> Hi Shevfar!

> I'm sorry to hear that you had such a rough time. And it must be

> hard knowing that you still have to face another surgery. It's

such

> a sobering experience to hear you describe the difficulties that

> were run into during your surgery. We're always told of the risks

> of blood loss and clots, but I think sometimes I just write them

off

> as " things that happen to other people. "

> I have just started seeing Dr. Ondra myself and am considering

> revision surgery this summer. What was your opinion of the post-

> surgical care at Northwestern? Did you go to RIC afterwards? Did

> you see his partner Dr. Koski at all?

> I wish you luck with your next surgery. Is there any particular

> reason you want to wait until the summer to have your it done,

maybe

> to give yourself more time to recover from the first one?

>

>

>

>

> >

> > I had revision surgery November 8th and 20th of 2006. My surgeron

> was

> > Dr. Ondra of Chicago. I live in Oklahoma so had to travel to

> Chicago

> > for my surgeries. I had 5 harrington rods placed in 1965. One of

> > those rods had broken and migrated down into my pelvis. The plan

> when

> > I went for surgery was for Dr. Ondra to fix my upper back because

> it

> > was causing the most pain and I was tilting forward quiet a lot.

> Then

> > in 6 months I was going back and he would fix my lower back.

> However

> > when he got in he realized the rod that had broken and migrated

> down

> > into my pelvis was pointed directly at my rectum and if it

> continued

> > would rupture my rectum and be fatal. He took all the rods out of

> my

> > back and placed a rod in my lower back and screws in my hips and

a

> > cage in. I am to go back and he will fix my upper back by

> extending

> > the rod he has already placed and fuse me all the way up to my

> neck.

> > I had several complications. I bled out during the first surgery

> and

> > required 23 units of blood. I also bled a lot during the second

> > surgery, but Dr. Ondra said he just got everything done as quick

> as

> > he could and got out. Then I had several clots form. One in each

> leg.

> > Thank goodness they had put filters in prior to surgery. I also

> had a

> > clot form around the IV they had put in my neck as well as a clot

> > around the pic they had put in so it was very difficult to have

an

> > IV. After a couple of months of being nauseaed all the time my

> > primary care doctor realized I was unable to take oral pain

> > medication. He put me on a patch and I can now eat without being

> > nauseaed. I am still experiencing pain. I have a lot of pain in

my

> > upper back and neck but don't think that will get better until I

> have

> > the next surgery. I am still very sore and have pain in my lower

> back

> > and my right leg. Dr. Ondra's nurse has told me I have priority

> and

> > they will schedule the next surgery whenever I am ready. I can

not

> > face another surgery right now and think I will wait until July.

I

> am

> > just now able to drive and get out a little.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Shevfar,

You are on lucky girl....wholly cow...blood loss, blood clots and

intolerance to pain meds. Geez, how bad can it get...and they want you

to show up for more? You are a trooper in my book! But of course you

have to finish what you started...however I can sure see why you are

feeling reluctant to sign up for more, right at this moment.

I don't know why I am having trouble remembering...but do you have

family member that is a co-workers of Kam's down in OKC? for some

reason your story and those other facts seem entwined in my mind.

Good luck with yuor healing. You deserve for that to go well!

Take Care, Cam

[Guest guest]

Yes, I do have to finish what I started. It becomes more evident all

the time that I am not going to really feel better until I finish.

Yes, I am the one who has a relative that works with Kam. My name is

Elaine. It is nice to have this site to post some of my experiences

and thoughts on. Kam has been such a help to me and I hope I can be

of some help to others facing this surgery.

>

> Shevfar,

>

> You are on lucky girl....wholly cow...blood loss, blood clots and

> intolerance to pain meds. Geez, how bad can it get...and they want

you

> to show up for more? You are a trooper in my book! But of course

you

> have to finish what you started...however I can sure see why you

are

> feeling reluctant to sign up for more, right at this moment.

>

> I don't know why I am having trouble remembering...but do you have

> family member that is a co-workers of Kam's down in OKC? for some

> reason your story and those other facts seem entwined in my mind.

>

> Good luck with yuor healing. You deserve for that to go well!

>

> Take Care, Cam

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Elaine:

Just wanted to jump in and say hello to you. I came to visit with

you and your son when you were at Northwestern. I'd like to come

and see you again, when you return to Northwestern, if you'd like a

visit. When did you say that your next stage is scheduled? I hope

that you are noticing some good progress in your journey.

Martha (Kam's friend in Chicagoland)

> >

> > Shevfar,

> >

> > You are on lucky girl....wholly cow...blood loss, blood clots

and

> > intolerance to pain meds. Geez, how bad can it get...and they

want

> you

> > to show up for more? You are a trooper in my book! But of course

> you

> > have to finish what you started...however I can sure see why you

> are

> > feeling reluctant to sign up for more, right at this moment.

> >

> > I don't know why I am having trouble remembering...but do you

have

> > family member that is a co-workers of Kam's down in OKC? for

some

> > reason your story and those other facts seem entwined in my mind.

> >

> > Good luck with yuor healing. You deserve for that to go well!

> >

> > Take Care, Cam

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Melinda,

My goodness posting already! Bet you are glad to have the surgery behind you, and now to the healing. Sorry about the brace, but if you need it, it's best. Many like the support a brace gives and they feel protected in it, hopefully you'll feel that way too. Hope they keep you well medicated, and you find yourself feeling better with each day, boy they sure keep you busy while in the hospital. So glad you and Tami have each other while going through all this, great to have a surgery buddie. I'm holding good thoughts for you, and are so glad you could give us an update, you amaze me!

Colorado Springs

[ ] my surgery

My surgery lasted 7 hours; they had to do an osteotomy above also. Dr. LaGrone also changed his mind and I will have to wear a brace. WIll post later when not so drugged. My husband has spoken with Tami's husband. Melinda

[Guest guest]

(Melinda's response dictated to and typed by her husband): Thanks for the well wishes. I walked about 150 feet twice today, with a PT on each side.My bed mobility is improving daily. The morphine is still making me wacky. I am going to rehab tomorrow for approximately 7-8 days. The digital frame and music are very helpful, as well as attentive hubby (she really said that!). Kirkaldie <.Kirkaldie@...> wrote: Dear

Melinda, My goodness posting already! Bet you are glad to have the surgery behind you, and now to the healing. Sorry about the brace, but if you need it, it's best. Many like the support a brace gives and they feel protected in it, hopefully you'll feel that way too. Hope they keep you well medicated, and you find yourself feeling better with each day, boy they sure keep you busy while in the hospital. So glad you and Tami have each other while going through all this, great to have a surgery buddie. I'm holding good thoughts for you, and are so glad you could give us an update, you amaze me! Colorado Springs [ ] my surgery My surgery lasted 7 hours; they had to do an osteotomy above also. Dr. LaGrone also changed his mind and I will have to wear a brace. WIll post later when not so drugged. My husband has spoken with Tami's husband. Melinda

Take the Internet to Go: Go puts the Internet in your pocket: mail, news, photos more.

[Guest guest]

Dear Melinda and Attentive Hubby,

Glad to hear you are up walking, I know it's tough, but so good to be upright. Morphine makes even the best of us wacky, I have some great stories about stuff I said when under the influence of that stuff. Boy you are off to rehab quick, I was in hospital for a week before they sent me, you are Speed Racer! Know all this will be a blur once you get home, and I'm glad you are doing soooo well, keep up the good work and know I'm thinking about you!

Colorado Springs

[ ] my surgery

My surgery lasted 7 hours; they had to do an osteotomy above also. Dr. LaGrone also changed his mind and I will have to wear a brace. WIll post later when not so drugged. My husband has spoken with Tami's husband. Melinda

Take the Internet to Go: Go puts the Internet in your pocket: mail, news, photos more.

[Guest guest]

Melinda,

You are doing great....and so is your hubby! Keep up the great work and

before you know it you will be home and all this will be in the past.

Then the real work begins...patient, time consuming, healing!

Wishing you the best recovery,

Cam

[Guest guest]

Melinda,

Add me to the list of well wishers that has been sending good vibes your way

this week for

a speedy recovery! Sound like you are doing great...walking 150 feet is no mean

feat so

soon after surgery. Keep up the good work, and we'll look forward to hearing

more

wonderful news about your recovery! Remember, one step at a time, and you'll do

great.

All the best and lots of love,

Edie

>

> Melinda,

>

> You are doing great....and so is your hubby! Keep up the great work and

> before you know it you will be home and all this will be in the past.

> Then the real work begins...patient, time consuming, healing!

>

> Wishing you the best recovery,

> Cam

>

[Guest guest]

So glad to see that and hubby have not lost their sense of humor in this ordeal! Good for both of you. I'm very happy to see Melinda doing well.

Bonnie

[ ] my surgery

My surgery lasted 7 hours; they had to do an osteotomy above also. Dr. LaGrone also changed his mind and I will have to wear a brace. WIll post later when not so drugged. My husband has spoken with Tami's husband. Melinda

Take the Internet to Go: Go puts the Internet in your pocket: mail, news, photos more.

[Guest guest]

Well, hello Ms Sandy ~

Nice to see you up and about some.

Please dont overdo tho, and rest plenty !

For something that he wasnt sure of, 2 and

1/2 hours is a long time to be cutting and

sewing ! Bless your sweet heart !

So glad to hear the queesyness is gone !

Hugs and Prayers ~

Dede**************Psssst...Have you heard the news? There's a new fashion blog, plus the latest fall trends and hair styles at StyleList.com. (http://www.stylelist.com/trends?ncid=aolsty00050000000014)

[Guest guest]

Thank you for your responses.

I am using the drain bottle for measuring

I arrived for surgery at 10:00 am

They prepared me in minutes.

My surgeon than came in and said he was not sure

I was going to get the results I was looking for

but I knew differently.

Woman know thier bodies

much better than these men do.

Than I just layed there until 1:30 pm

Than they rolled me in, put a cap on my head

and inserted the needle in my wrist

They finally rolled me in for surgery at 2:00 pm.

I came out of surgery about 4:30 PM

I left the hospital at 7:00 pm

What a relief no more back pain

I am still a little whoosey though.

I never could take anastesia very well

I am doing better without that queeziness in my belly.

Bless All Of You,

Sandy~

[Guest guest]

Happy to hear your recovery is going so well! And especially nice to hear

that perhaps the pain won't be as bad as I fear.

-- my surgery

Hi all,

I had my left TKR 2 weeks ago on 5/22. Came home the following Monday and

have been progressing well. I became dehydrated after a few days at home and

was very weak and tired for a few days but recovered from that and things

are going well. The pain really hasn't been nearly as bad as I expected and

I haven't had to take anything for breakthrough pain at all after the first

few days. I'm icing and elevating the leg a lot and it seems to be helping.

Also doing the exercises a few times a day. This morning I'm getting the

staples out and hopefully the knee won't be quite as stiff after that.

I think for the most part I've had the same concerns as most of what I've

read, constipation, lack of appetite and trouble getting good sleep probably

the worst. Sleep has been improving lately.

Thanks to all for pre op info and if anyone has upcoming surgery and has

questions please feel free to contact me/

Jeff

New Hope, PA