Re: Getting ready for surgery

[Guest guest]

i would be so nervous my blood pressure would go sky high, if i could hear the instruments -- ewwwwwwwwwwww -- the sawing of the bones, UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Me, too! I had a general (for LTKR) and did great with it.

[Guest guest]

At 07:04 PM 11/4/2006 -0600, you wrote:

oh,

okay ANN, i never thought to try it that way now, i will, tomorrow, let

you know how it goes. it may be TOO high though, i'm not

sure. that thing is HUGE. ;-)

Well, and us short people have a hassle with tall vehicles!

LOL Hope it works for you, though.

Ann

[Guest guest]

You're not awake with a spinal. They give you medication so that you sleep blissfully during the sawing and hammering, and wake up refreshed and not groggy at all. When I woke up, the surgery was done and they were folding up all the drapes they had used. I remember saying, "that was the most refreshing nap."

Gosh , that sounds good, especially as none of us sleep too well pre-surgery with the pain! I would certainly enjoy a refreshing nap

[Guest guest]

With just a spinal anesthesia, you are awake. What you had was a spinal anesthesia combined with a MAC (monitored anesthesia with conscious sedation). That will put you in a twilight sleep without having general anesthesia. They do do some surgeries with just a spinal and you are fully awake. Harnett <wjkh@...> wrote: You're not awake with a spinal. They give you

medication so that you sleep blissfully during the sawing and hammering, and wake up refreshed and not groggy at all. When I woke up, the surgery was done and they were folding up all the drapes they had used. I remember saying, "that was the most refreshing nap." Gosh , that sounds good, especially as none of us sleep too well pre-surgery with the pain! I would certainly enjoy a refreshing nap

Everyone is raving about the all-new .

[Guest guest]

well i still have not tried -- i'm 5'5" but for some reason i cannot visualize myself just sitting on the seat, i think it's too high to do that, but we'll see, once i try, i'm lazy today! lol

lindy

Well, and us short people have a hassle with tall vehicles! LOL Hope it works for you, though.Ann

[Guest guest]

linda,

well i could handle that -- as long as i can't hear anything . . . and, i sure could use a nice nap. lol

i swear, when i had my hysterectomy, i woke up during the surgery -- i can remember trying to get the doctors' attention to let them know i was awake -- and i even asked the doctor afterwards if i woke up and he just gave me a peculiar look. i wasn't aware for very long though. then years later i heard that this can actually happen and in some cases, the person is awake for the entire surgery and feeling the pain -- i felt it. but your body is basically paralyzed and you can't communicate with the doctors in any way. how horrendous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i had spinals for both my children's births.

lindy

You're not awake with a spinal. They give you medication so that you sleep blissfully during the sawing and hammering, and wake up refreshed and not groggy at all. When I woke up, the surgery was done and they were folding up all the drapes they had used. I remember saying, "that was the most refreshing nap." No nausea. Spinal is the way to go.

[Guest guest]

From what I've read from other posters, I gather I was was very lucky

in my experience. I had to have a spinal because of the danger of

general anesthesia to my heart. I have cardiomyopathy. Turned out

the spinal was a great experience, especially in combination with the

twilight sleep.

>

> linda,

> well i could handle that -- as long as i can't hear anything . . .

and, i sure could use a nice nap. lol

>

> i swear, when i had my hysterectomy, i woke up during the surgery --

i can remember trying to get the doctors' attention to let them know

i was awake -- and i even asked the doctor afterwards if i woke up

and he just gave me a peculiar look. i wasn't aware for very long

though. then years later i heard that this can actually happen and

in some cases, the person is awake for the entire surgery and feeling

the pain -- i felt it. but your body is basically paralyzed and you

can't communicate with the doctors in any way. how

horrendous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

>

> i had spinals for both my children's births.

>

> lindy

>

>

>

> You're not awake with a spinal. They give you medication so that

you sleep blissfully during the sawing and hammering, and wake up

refreshed and not groggy at all. When I woke up, the surgery was

done and they were folding up all the drapes they had used. I

remember saying, " that was the most refreshing nap. " No nausea.

Spinal is the way to go.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

When I had my partial meniscectomy, they gave me "light" anesthesia. I don't know what it was. I was out the whole time, but woke up instantly, and -- with the aid of some drug whose name I've very unfortunately forgotten -- very happy. Never felt sick. However, this was only a partial meniscectomy. I don't know whether it would work for the more extensive TJR surgeries.

I've also had plastic surgery using only a shot of morphine in the butt (which didn't put me out, just made me feel like i weighed 900 lbs, didn't even make me happy), and some benzodiazepine IV which they increased for the more painful parts of the procedure and decreased (to the point where I was joking with the doc & nurses while they were operating) for the less painful parts. That's the ideal anesthesia for me. Of course, sawing of bones ... I know I wouldn't want to be anywhere near awake for that.

Ann S.

RE: Re: getting ready for surgery

With just a spinal anesthesia, you are awake. What you had was a spinal anesthesia combined with a MAC (monitored anesthesia with conscious sedation). That will put you in a twilight sleep without having general anesthesia. They do do some surgeries with just a spinal and you are fully awake.

Harnett <wjkh@....nz> wrote:

You're not awake with a spinal. They give you medication so that you sleep blissfully during the sawing and hammering, and wake up refreshed and not groggy at all. When I woke up, the surgery was done and they were folding up all the drapes they had used. I remember saying, "that was the most refreshing nap."

Gosh , that sounds good, especially as none of us sleep too well pre-surgery with the pain! I would certainly enjoy a refreshing nap

Everyone is raving about the all-new .

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I think I got you all beat. I was supposed to get the spinal with

sedation, but according to my anesthesiologist, who is a friend of my

wifes', " I just couldn't get him to lay still long enough for the

surgeon to get started so I eventually had to knock him completely

out. " Oh well, so much for the best laid plans of surgeons.

Ha,

Alan B.

> >

> > linda,

> > well i could handle that -- as long as i can't hear anything . . .

> and, i sure could use a nice nap. lol

> >

> > i swear, when i had my hysterectomy, i woke up during the surgery --

> i can remember trying to get the doctors' attention to let them know

> i was awake -- and i even asked the doctor afterwards if i woke up

> and he just gave me a peculiar look. i wasn't aware for very long

> though. then years later i heard that this can actually happen and

> in some cases, the person is awake for the entire surgery and feeling

> the pain -- i felt it. but your body is basically paralyzed and you

> can't communicate with the doctors in any way. how

> horrendous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

> >

> > i had spinals for both my children's births.

> >

> > lindy

> >

> >

> >

> > You're not awake with a spinal. They give you medication so that

> you sleep blissfully during the sawing and hammering, and wake up

> refreshed and not groggy at all. When I woke up, the surgery was

> done and they were folding up all the drapes they had used. I

> remember saying, " that was the most refreshing nap. " No nausea.

> Spinal is the way to go.

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

If he?feels well enough to have company, it would be great to have friends come

by ocassionally and spend some time with him.? This would help with you being

his only outlet of support by giving you a break?plus it might keep some

depression at bay.? Just a thought..

getting ready for surgery

Hi all...

I haven't posted in a good long while but always read what is going

on.. To get everyone in the know my boyfriend (who is also lurking on

this page as JR) was injured in 2005 at work. He injured his ulner

nerve in his elbow and has at least one bulging disk in his back. His

biggest concern is his neck which he has several disks pushing on his

spinal cord. He was taken off work in July 2007 and has not been

getting workers comp or anything. He has finally been approved by

workers comp for the surgery his doctor said he needed 3 years ago. He

will be having a multi level cervical fusion (5 levels)in a week or

so.. as soon as I can get all the doctors appointments set up... my

question or rather questions to the group is how does your other half

cope with all the mood swings and or anger at life not being what you

think it should be and what were the things that most helped you when

you came home from the hospital. Were there things that you needed

that you didn't think of but wish you had? Any help would be

apprieciated. Thanks so much... Ann

[Guest guest]

If he?feels well enough to have company, it would be great to have friends come

by ocassionally and spend some time with him.? This would help with you being

his only outlet of support by giving you a break?plus it might keep some

depression at bay.? Just a thought..

getting ready for surgery

Hi all...

I haven't posted in a good long while but always read what is going

on.. To get everyone in the know my boyfriend (who is also lurking on

this page as JR) was injured in 2005 at work. He injured his ulner

nerve in his elbow and has at least one bulging disk in his back. His

biggest concern is his neck which he has several disks pushing on his

spinal cord. He was taken off work in July 2007 and has not been

getting workers comp or anything. He has finally been approved by

workers comp for the surgery his doctor said he needed 3 years ago. He

will be having a multi level cervical fusion (5 levels)in a week or

so.. as soon as I can get all the doctors appointments set up... my

question or rather questions to the group is how does your other half

cope with all the mood swings and or anger at life not being what you

think it should be and what were the things that most helped you when

you came home from the hospital. Were there things that you needed

that you didn't think of but wish you had? Any help would be

apprieciated. Thanks so much... Ann

[Guest guest]

Hi Liesel...

I'm so sory that you're being treated so poorly by your employer. While I think

it's not unreasonable to talk to an employee about delaying medical leave until

it's convenient for everyone, they should listen to you when you say you can't

wait, and be sympathetic for you. Calling your leave a vacation was very

disrespectful. My only advice would be to not worry about your job. Go ahead

with your scheduled surgery, and let the chips fall where they may.

While many are ready to go back to work at 3 months, there are no guarantees.

I'm just 3 months postop now, and don't have the sitting tolerance to go back to

work yet.

Regards,

>

> Hi everyone:

> I know my posting here has been inconsistent and nonreciprocal. I feel bad for

that. Now I really need your help. My condition has gotten significantly worse

over the past year and I need to have surgery.

>

> I have scheduled my surgeries for July 12th and 15th with Dr. Bobby Tay at

UCSF. I'm really scared.

>

> It has been almost 30 years since my original surgery. I was fused from T3 to

L4 at age 13 by Dr. Odom in Denver, CO and a Harrington rod was put in

place to hold the fusion.

>

> Now I have developed kyphosis and scoliosis and disc degeneration above the

fusion. I also have spinal stenosis, disc degeneration below the fusion, a facet

cyst, a fracture on either side of L5, and a few other things I can't remember.

>

> I had two steroid shots last month and I was able to walk around again, which

was great, but I overdid it and I think I wore out a disc.

>

> I feel like I can't hold up my head and shoulders. Sitting at a desk and

typing is excruciating. I can't function without taking heavy pain medication

and I feel crazy. I'm falling behind at work, which brings me to my next

problem.

>

> Work is giving me a difficult time about taking leave for surgery! I have been

a devoted employee for 9 years. They have asked me to postpone the surgery until

September because we will have a fresh batch of interns to cover the workload.

Additionally, the director of our program said yesterday at our work retreat

that I was taking a three month paid vacation. I was furious. Here I almost

didn't attend the retreat because I was in such awful pain. I was crying in the

morning and the only way I could attend was by taking a percocet.

> Dr. Tay also told me the recovery period would be 3 months. The director asked

me to take 6 months leave so we could hire a temp. The irony is that I work in

the health care industry.

>

> Thank you for listening. Any words of wisdom you can offer would be greatly

appreciated.

>

> There may be some confusion over my name.

> My first name is , but I go by my middle name which is Liesel.

>

> Thanks for listening,

>

> Liesel

>

[Guest guest]

Liesel,Might share your last name so members can send you e-mail messages through the hospital while you are there. I put your surgery dates on the groups calendar, with reminders days before.

Take the time you need, your work will be blessed to have you back feeling better! Let the crap people say run off your back, and dedicate yourself to getting well, it's to your benefit, and in the long run theirs too. I had people say some amazingly stupid stuff to me in the run up to surgery, just made them look bad. No one really gets it till you have lived that way, just the truth. I printed off Mina's description of the surgery and Flatback from the site, it tended to shut people up. Also say to people you are having spinal reconstruction, tends to show the scope of the surgery. Also when you are back to work, show the idiot your x-rays, that usually gets them, did my brother who made light of what I was having done.

Wouldn't it be nice if people treated others they came in contact with like they would their own mother, hunh!Colorado Springs

On Sat, Apr 16, 2011 at 11:41 AM, Liesel <mona_liesel@...> wrote:

 

Hi everyone:

I know my posting here has been inconsistent and nonreciprocal. I feel bad for that. Now I really need your help. My condition has gotten significantly worse over the past year and I need to have surgery.

I have scheduled my surgeries for July 12th and 15th with Dr. Bobby Tay at UCSF. I'm really scared.

It has been almost 30 years since my original surgery. I was fused from T3 to L4 at age 13 by Dr. Odom in Denver, CO and a Harrington rod was put in place to hold the fusion.

Now I have developed kyphosis and scoliosis and disc degeneration above the fusion. I also have spinal stenosis, disc degeneration below the fusion, a facet cyst, a fracture on either side of L5, and a few other things I can't remember.

I had two steroid shots last month and I was able to walk around again, which was great, but I overdid it and I think I wore out a disc.

I feel like I can't hold up my head and shoulders. Sitting at a desk and typing is excruciating. I can't function without taking heavy pain medication and I feel crazy. I'm falling behind at work, which brings me to my next problem.

Work is giving me a difficult time about taking leave for surgery! I have been a devoted employee for 9 years. They have asked me to postpone the surgery until September because we will have a fresh batch of interns to cover the workload. Additionally, the director of our program said yesterday at our work retreat that I was taking a three month paid vacation. I was furious. Here I almost didn't attend the retreat because I was in such awful pain. I was crying in the morning and the only way I could attend was by taking a percocet.

Dr. Tay also told me the recovery period would be 3 months. The director asked me to take 6 months leave so we could hire a temp. The irony is that I work in the health care industry.

Thank you for listening. Any words of wisdom you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

There may be some confusion over my name.

My first name is , but I go by my middle name which is Liesel.

Thanks for listening,

Liesel

[Guest guest]

That is horrible that your supervisor is treating you in such a manner. You should be able to speak with an HR or union representative in order to determine your rights. That does seem very cruel and headless of your supervisor to ask you to delay your surgery if you are in such rough shape right now. I wish you the best of luck, and let us know once you find out more info from your employer.

On Apr 16, 2011, at 1:54 PM, Liesel <mona_liesel@...> wrote:

 

Hi everyone:

I know my posting here has been inconsistent and nonreciprocal. I feel bad for that. Now I really need your help. My condition has gotten significantly worse over the past year and I need to have surgery.

I have scheduled my surgeries for July 12th and 15th with Dr. Bobby Tay at UCSF. I'm really scared.

It has been almost 30 years since my original surgery. I was fused from T3 to L4 at age 13 by Dr. Odom in Denver, CO and a Harrington rod was put in place to hold the fusion.

Now I have developed kyphosis and scoliosis and disc degeneration above the fusion. I also have spinal stenosis, disc degeneration below the fusion, a facet cyst, a fracture on either side of L5, and a few other things I can't remember.

I had two steroid shots last month and I was able to walk around again, which was great, but I overdid it and I think I wore out a disc.

I feel like I can't hold up my head and shoulders. Sitting at a desk and typing is excruciating. I can't function without taking heavy pain medication and I feel crazy. I'm falling behind at work, which brings me to my next problem.

Work is giving me a difficult time about taking leave for surgery! I have been a devoted employee for 9 years. They have asked me to postpone the surgery until September because we will have a fresh batch of interns to cover the workload. Additionally, the director of our program said yesterday at our work retreat that I was taking a three month paid vacation. I was furious. Here I almost didn't attend the retreat because I was in such awful pain. I was crying in the morning and the only way I could attend was by taking a percocet.

Dr. Tay also told me the recovery period would be 3 months. The director asked me to take 6 months leave so we could hire a temp. The irony is that I work in the health care industry.

Thank you for listening. Any words of wisdom you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

There may be some confusion over my name.

My first name is , but I go by my middle name which is Liesel.

Thanks for listening,

Liesel

[Guest guest]

Thank you all so much for your words of support. I am really struggling. ,

the irony is that I work at UCSF!

The thing that hurt the most and granted I am somewhat irrational right now due

to the Percocet, is that I feel I have been a dedicated employee for 9 years.

I spoke to my family and they are behind me. My sisters said don't put this off

any longer. I've also done a lot of reading of the files today, what a

tremendous resource you all have developed! And realized that the longer I wait,

the more chance I take of doing irreparable damage. I am beginning to have

bladder issues and Dr. Tay indicated that that is a tell-tale sign of needing

surgery. Also, I just feel so limited in what I am able to do and want my life

back.

I'm going to spend the next three months getting into the best shape I can. I'm

doing pilates and dieting. I love the Pilates for Fragile Backs, that will be

perfect for my home practice! I'm also going to do some research into rehab

facilities, PT in my area, disability, my rights, and turning my cats into

companion animals because to top it all off, I'm in a legal dispute with my

landlord.

Thanks again for your help. Oh, and my last name is .

Thank you,

Liesel

>

>

>

> Hi everyone:

> I know my posting here has been inconsistent and nonreciprocal. I feel bad

> for that. Now I really need your help. My condition has gotten significantly

> worse over the past year and I need to have surgery.

>

> I have scheduled my surgeries for July 12th and 15th with Dr. Bobby Tay at

> UCSF. I'm really scared.

>

> It has been almost 30 years since my original surgery. I was fused from T3

> to L4 at age 13 by Dr. Odom in Denver, CO and a Harrington rod was put

> in place to hold the fusion.

>

> Now I have developed kyphosis and scoliosis and disc degeneration above the

> fusion. I also have spinal stenosis, disc degeneration below the fusion, a

> facet cyst, a fracture on either side of L5, and a few other things I can't

> remember.

>

> I had two steroid shots last month and I was able to walk around again,

> which was great, but I overdid it and I think I wore out a disc.

>

> I feel like I can't hold up my head and shoulders. Sitting at a desk and

> typing is excruciating. I can't function without taking heavy pain

> medication and I feel crazy. I'm falling behind at work, which brings me to

> my next problem.

>

> Work is giving me a difficult time about taking leave for surgery! I have

> been a devoted employee for 9 years. They have asked me to postpone the

> surgery until September because we will have a fresh batch of interns to

> cover the workload. Additionally, the director of our program said yesterday

> at our work retreat that I was taking a three month paid vacation. I was

> furious. Here I almost didn't attend the retreat because I was in such awful

> pain. I was crying in the morning and the only way I could attend was by

> taking a percocet.

> Dr. Tay also told me the recovery period would be 3 months. The director

> asked me to take 6 months leave so we could hire a temp. The irony is that I

> work in the health care industry.

>

> Thank you for listening. Any words of wisdom you can offer would be greatly

> appreciated.

>

> There may be some confusion over my name.

> My first name is , but I go by my middle name which is Liesel.

>

> Thanks for listening,

>

> Liesel

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Liesel - I noticed in your post you mentioned bladder issues. I hope my short story gives you a little ray of sunshiine. I had my 2 revisions with Dr Hu at UCSF this past December & January. I had SERIOUS bladder incontinence leading up to my surgeries. I don't know if it was from an irritated nerve or the fact that I was bent forward at 40+ degrees. I had already been robbed of so much of my quality of life that I refused to give up my coffee too. Coffee is a terrible bladder irritant. Anyway...back to my story...prior to my surgeries I probably leaked or wet my pants 4 to 5 time a day...every day. I am sooooooooo happy to say, that I have not had a single leak or accident since my revisions. Even Dr Hu is suprised. Just another item on the list of how revision has changed my life for the

better. Good luck with your surgeries. You will be in good hands at UCSF..............................Kathy

From: Liesel <mona_liesel@...>Subject: [ ] Re: Getting ready for surgery Date: Saturday, April 16, 2011, 9:03 PM

Thank you all so much for your words of support. I am really struggling. , the irony is that I work at UCSF!The thing that hurt the most and granted I am somewhat irrational right now due to the Percocet, is that I feel I have been a dedicated employee for 9 years. I spoke to my family and they are behind me. My sisters said don't put this off any longer. I've also done a lot of reading of the files today, what a tremendous resource you all have developed! And realized that the longer I wait, the more chance I take of doing irreparable damage. I am beginning to have bladder issues and Dr. Tay indicated that that is a tell-tale sign of needing surgery. Also, I just feel so limited in what I am able to do and want my life back. I'm going to spend the next three months getting into the best shape I can. I'm doing pilates and dieting. I love the Pilates for Fragile Backs, that will be perfect for my home practice! I'm

also going to do some research into rehab facilities, PT in my area, disability, my rights, and turning my cats into companion animals because to top it all off, I'm in a legal dispute with my landlord.Thanks again for your help. Oh, and my last name is .Thank you,Liesel> > > > Hi everyone:> I know my posting here has been inconsistent and nonreciprocal. I feel bad> for that. Now I really need your help. My condition has gotten significantly> worse over the past year and I need to have surgery.> > I have scheduled my surgeries for July 12th and 15th with Dr. Bobby Tay at> UCSF. I'm really scared.> > It has been almost 30 years since my original surgery. I was fused from T3> to L4 at age 13 by Dr. Odom in Denver, CO and a Harrington rod was put> in place to hold the fusion.> > Now I have developed kyphosis and scoliosis and disc degeneration above the> fusion. I also have spinal stenosis, disc degeneration below the fusion,

a> facet cyst, a fracture on either side of L5, and a few other things I can't> remember.> > I had two steroid shots last month and I was able to walk around again,> which was great, but I overdid it and I think I wore out a disc.> > I feel like I can't hold up my head and shoulders. Sitting at a desk and> typing is excruciating. I can't function without taking heavy pain> medication and I feel crazy. I'm falling behind at work, which brings me to> my next problem.> > Work is giving me a difficult time about taking leave for surgery! I have> been a devoted employee for 9 years. They have asked me to postpone the> surgery until September because we will have a fresh batch of interns to> cover the workload. Additionally, the director of our program said yesterday> at our work retreat that I was taking a three month paid vacation. I was>

furious. Here I almost didn't attend the retreat because I was in such awful> pain. I was crying in the morning and the only way I could attend was by> taking a percocet.> Dr. Tay also told me the recovery period would be 3 months. The director> asked me to take 6 months leave so we could hire a temp. The irony is that I> work in the health care industry.> > Thank you for listening. Any words of wisdom you can offer would be greatly> appreciated.> > There may be some confusion over my name.> My first name is , but I go by my middle name which is Liesel.> > Thanks for listening,> > Liesel>

[Guest guest]

Kathy,

That is encouraging! I met with Dr. Hu for a second opinion. She is a very nice

lady and confirmed my confidence in Dr. Tay by telling me the exact same thing

he did and talking him up quite a bit.

As for my bladder, I am having the opposite problem, I have difficulty starting

my stream of urine.

So you are 4 1/2 months post op, how has your recovery been?

Liesel

> >

> >

> >

> > Hi everyone:

> > I know my posting here has been inconsistent and nonreciprocal. I feel bad

> > for that. Now I really need your help. My condition has gotten significantly

> > worse over the past year and I need to have surgery.

> >

> > I have scheduled my surgeries for July 12th and 15th with Dr. Bobby Tay at

> > UCSF. I'm really scared.

> >

> > It has been almost 30 years since my original surgery. I was fused from T3

> > to L4 at age 13 by Dr. Odom in Denver, CO and a Harrington rod was put

> > in place to hold the fusion.

> >

> > Now I have developed kyphosis and scoliosis and disc degeneration above the

> > fusion. I also have spinal stenosis, disc degeneration below the fusion, a

> > facet cyst, a fracture on either side of L5, and a few other things I can't

> > remember.

> >

> > I had two steroid shots last month and I was able to walk around again,

> > which was great, but I overdid it and I think I wore out a disc.

> >

> > I feel like I can't hold up my head and shoulders. Sitting at a desk and

> > typing is excruciating. I can't function without taking heavy pain

> > medication and I feel crazy. I'm falling behind at work, which brings me to

> > my next problem.

> >

> > Work is giving me a difficult time about taking leave for surgery! I have

> > been a devoted employee for 9 years. They have asked me to postpone the

> > surgery until September because we will have a fresh batch of interns to

> > cover the workload. Additionally, the director of our program said yesterday

> > at our work retreat that I was taking a three month paid vacation. I was

> > furious. Here I almost didn't attend the retreat because I was in such awful

> > pain. I was crying in the morning and the only way I could attend was by

> > taking a percocet.

> > Dr. Tay also told me the recovery period would be 3 months. The director

> > asked me to take 6 months leave so we could hire a temp. The irony is that I

> > work in the health care industry.

> >

> > Thank you for listening. Any words of wisdom you can offer would be greatly

> > appreciated.

> >

> > There may be some confusion over my name.

> > My first name is , but I go by my middle name which is Liesel.

> >

> > Thanks for listening,

> >

> > Liesel

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you ,

How has your recovery been going?

Take care,

Liesel

> >

> > Hi everyone:

> > I know my posting here has been inconsistent and nonreciprocal. I feel bad

for that. Now I really need your help. My condition has gotten significantly

worse over the past year and I need to have surgery.

> >

> > I have scheduled my surgeries for July 12th and 15th with Dr. Bobby Tay at

UCSF. I'm really scared.

> >

> > It has been almost 30 years since my original surgery. I was fused from T3

to L4 at age 13 by Dr. Odom in Denver, CO and a Harrington rod was put in

place to hold the fusion.

> >

> > Now I have developed kyphosis and scoliosis and disc degeneration above the

fusion. I also have spinal stenosis, disc degeneration below the fusion, a facet

cyst, a fracture on either side of L5, and a few other things I can't remember.

> >

> > I had two steroid shots last month and I was able to walk around again,

which was great, but I overdid it and I think I wore out a disc.

> >

> > I feel like I can't hold up my head and shoulders. Sitting at a desk and

typing is excruciating. I can't function without taking heavy pain medication

and I feel crazy. I'm falling behind at work, which brings me to my next

problem.

> >

> > Work is giving me a difficult time about taking leave for surgery! I have

been a devoted employee for 9 years. They have asked me to postpone the surgery

until September because we will have a fresh batch of interns to cover the

workload. Additionally, the director of our program said yesterday at our work

retreat that I was taking a three month paid vacation. I was furious. Here I

almost didn't attend the retreat because I was in such awful pain. I was crying

in the morning and the only way I could attend was by taking a percocet.

> > Dr. Tay also told me the recovery period would be 3 months. The director

asked me to take 6 months leave so we could hire a temp. The irony is that I

work in the health care industry.

> >

> > Thank you for listening. Any words of wisdom you can offer would be greatly

appreciated.

> >

> > There may be some confusion over my name.

> > My first name is , but I go by my middle name which is Liesel.

> >

> > Thanks for listening,

> >

> > Liesel

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Liesel...

I've heard very good things about St. s and CPMC Davies for rehab.

--

> >

> >

> >

> > Hi everyone:

> > I know my posting here has been inconsistent and nonreciprocal. I feel bad

> > for that. Now I really need your help. My condition has gotten significantly

> > worse over the past year and I need to have surgery.

> >

> > I have scheduled my surgeries for July 12th and 15th with Dr. Bobby Tay at

> > UCSF. I'm really scared.

> >

> > It has been almost 30 years since my original surgery. I was fused from T3

> > to L4 at age 13 by Dr. Odom in Denver, CO and a Harrington rod was put

> > in place to hold the fusion.

> >

> > Now I have developed kyphosis and scoliosis and disc degeneration above the

> > fusion. I also have spinal stenosis, disc degeneration below the fusion, a

> > facet cyst, a fracture on either side of L5, and a few other things I can't

> > remember.

> >

> > I had two steroid shots last month and I was able to walk around again,

> > which was great, but I overdid it and I think I wore out a disc.

> >

> > I feel like I can't hold up my head and shoulders. Sitting at a desk and

> > typing is excruciating. I can't function without taking heavy pain

> > medication and I feel crazy. I'm falling behind at work, which brings me to

> > my next problem.

> >

> > Work is giving me a difficult time about taking leave for surgery! I have

> > been a devoted employee for 9 years. They have asked me to postpone the

> > surgery until September because we will have a fresh batch of interns to

> > cover the workload. Additionally, the director of our program said yesterday

> > at our work retreat that I was taking a three month paid vacation. I was

> > furious. Here I almost didn't attend the retreat because I was in such awful

> > pain. I was crying in the morning and the only way I could attend was by

> > taking a percocet.

> > Dr. Tay also told me the recovery period would be 3 months. The director

> > asked me to take 6 months leave so we could hire a temp. The irony is that I

> > work in the health care industry.

> >

> > Thank you for listening. Any words of wisdom you can offer would be greatly

> > appreciated.

> >

> > There may be some confusion over my name.

> > My first name is , but I go by my middle name which is Liesel.

> >

> > Thanks for listening,

> >

> > Liesel

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi...

My recovery is slower than I'd hoped. I was planning to be back to work at 3

months, but I'm not ready yet. (I have, however, done a few half days.) When I

look back, I know I'm a lot better today than I was a month ago, so I try to be

happy with that. But, I won't really be happy until I'm back at work. As we've

read so many times here, it can be a slow process, and we shouldn't be

impatient.

Regards,

> > >

> > > Hi everyone:

> > > I know my posting here has been inconsistent and nonreciprocal. I feel bad

for that. Now I really need your help. My condition has gotten significantly

worse over the past year and I need to have surgery.

> > >

> > > I have scheduled my surgeries for July 12th and 15th with Dr. Bobby Tay at

UCSF. I'm really scared.

> > >

> > > It has been almost 30 years since my original surgery. I was fused from T3

to L4 at age 13 by Dr. Odom in Denver, CO and a Harrington rod was put in

place to hold the fusion.

> > >

> > > Now I have developed kyphosis and scoliosis and disc degeneration above

the fusion. I also have spinal stenosis, disc degeneration below the fusion, a

facet cyst, a fracture on either side of L5, and a few other things I can't

remember.

> > >

> > > I had two steroid shots last month and I was able to walk around again,

which was great, but I overdid it and I think I wore out a disc.

> > >

> > > I feel like I can't hold up my head and shoulders. Sitting at a desk and

typing is excruciating. I can't function without taking heavy pain medication

and I feel crazy. I'm falling behind at work, which brings me to my next

problem.

> > >

> > > Work is giving me a difficult time about taking leave for surgery! I have

been a devoted employee for 9 years. They have asked me to postpone the surgery

until September because we will have a fresh batch of interns to cover the

workload. Additionally, the director of our program said yesterday at our work

retreat that I was taking a three month paid vacation. I was furious. Here I

almost didn't attend the retreat because I was in such awful pain. I was crying

in the morning and the only way I could attend was by taking a percocet.

> > > Dr. Tay also told me the recovery period would be 3 months. The director

asked me to take 6 months leave so we could hire a temp. The irony is that I

work in the health care industry.

> > >

> > > Thank you for listening. Any words of wisdom you can offer would be

greatly appreciated.

> > >

> > > There may be some confusion over my name.

> > > My first name is , but I go by my middle name which is Liesel.

> > >

> > > Thanks for listening,

> > >

> > > Liesel

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks ,

That's good to know.

I'm sorry to hear that your recovery is going slower than you had hoped. I

certainly hope that your employers have been supportive, wait a minute, they

have to be! I go in to see Dr. Tay on June 1st. I hope to see you there, feeling

much better.

Gosh, the information here is a lifesaver. I have been reading just about

everything in the files section.

Liesel

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Hi everyone:

> > > I know my posting here has been inconsistent and nonreciprocal. I feel bad

> > > for that. Now I really need your help. My condition has gotten

significantly

> > > worse over the past year and I need to have surgery.

> > >

> > > I have scheduled my surgeries for July 12th and 15th with Dr. Bobby Tay at

> > > UCSF. I'm really scared.

> > >

> > > It has been almost 30 years since my original surgery. I was fused from T3

> > > to L4 at age 13 by Dr. Odom in Denver, CO and a Harrington rod was

put

> > > in place to hold the fusion.

> > >

> > > Now I have developed kyphosis and scoliosis and disc degeneration above

the

> > > fusion. I also have spinal stenosis, disc degeneration below the fusion, a

> > > facet cyst, a fracture on either side of L5, and a few other things I

can't

> > > remember.

> > >

> > > I had two steroid shots last month and I was able to walk around again,

> > > which was great, but I overdid it and I think I wore out a disc.

> > >

> > > I feel like I can't hold up my head and shoulders. Sitting at a desk and

> > > typing is excruciating. I can't function without taking heavy pain

> > > medication and I feel crazy. I'm falling behind at work, which brings me

to

> > > my next problem.

> > >

> > > Work is giving me a difficult time about taking leave for surgery! I have

> > > been a devoted employee for 9 years. They have asked me to postpone the

> > > surgery until September because we will have a fresh batch of interns to

> > > cover the workload. Additionally, the director of our program said

yesterday

> > > at our work retreat that I was taking a three month paid vacation. I was

> > > furious. Here I almost didn't attend the retreat because I was in such

awful

> > > pain. I was crying in the morning and the only way I could attend was by

> > > taking a percocet.

> > > Dr. Tay also told me the recovery period would be 3 months. The director

> > > asked me to take 6 months leave so we could hire a temp. The irony is that

I

> > > work in the health care industry.

> > >

> > > Thank you for listening. Any words of wisdom you can offer would be

greatly

> > > appreciated.

> > >

> > > There may be some confusion over my name.

> > > My first name is , but I go by my middle name which is Liesel.

> > >

> > > Thanks for listening,

> > >

> > > Liesel

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Good morning Liesel - My recovery is going very well...thanks for asking. I had to do a double take about it being over 4 months since all this revision stuff started. It really has been that long. It was difficult in the beginning , living alone with 3 dogs. The only help I got was when my sister took me grocery shopping once. Hence the saying "that which does not kill you will surely make you stronger". I am up to a mile & a half a day on my treadmill and for the first time since my flatback causing surgery in 2007, I am weaning off of my pain killers. I am even enrolled in a community college in online courses to get my degree in accounting. I need to keep my mind sharp for when I return to the workforce and get off of this SSDI. I have my 12 week post-op appointment with Dr Hu tomorrow.

Hopefully I will have some good news to share with the group after I get home. Have a great day..................................Kathy

From: Liesel <mona_liesel@...>Subject: [ ] Re: Getting ready for surgery Date: Sunday, April 17, 2011, 12:21 AM

Kathy,That is encouraging! I met with Dr. Hu for a second opinion. She is a very nice lady and confirmed my confidence in Dr. Tay by telling me the exact same thing he did and talking him up quite a bit. As for my bladder, I am having the opposite problem, I have difficulty starting my stream of urine. So you are 4 1/2 months post op, how has your recovery been?Liesel> > > > > > > > Hi everyone:> > I know my posting here has been inconsistent and nonreciprocal. I feel bad> > for that. Now I really need your help. My condition has gotten significantly> > worse over the past year and I need to have surgery.> > > > I

have scheduled my surgeries for July 12th and 15th with Dr. Bobby Tay at> > UCSF. I'm really scared.> > > > It has been almost 30 years since my original surgery. I was fused from T3> > to L4 at age 13 by Dr. Odom in Denver, CO and a Harrington rod was put> > in place to hold the fusion.> > > > Now I have developed kyphosis and scoliosis and disc degeneration above the> > fusion. I also have spinal stenosis, disc degeneration below the fusion, a> > facet cyst, a fracture on either side of L5, and a few other things I can't> > remember.> > > > I had two steroid shots last month and I was able to walk around again,> > which was great, but I overdid it and I think I wore out a disc.> > > > I feel like I can't hold up my head and shoulders. Sitting at a desk and> > typing is excruciating. I

can't function without taking heavy pain> > medication and I feel crazy. I'm falling behind at work, which brings me to> > my next problem.> > > > Work is giving me a difficult time about taking leave for surgery! I have> > been a devoted employee for 9 years. They have asked me to postpone the> > surgery until September because we will have a fresh batch of interns to> > cover the workload. Additionally, the director of our program said yesterday> > at our work retreat that I was taking a three month paid vacation. I was> > furious. Here I almost didn't attend the retreat because I was in such awful> > pain. I was crying in the morning and the only way I could attend was by> > taking a percocet.> > Dr. Tay also told me the recovery period would be 3 months. The director> > asked me to take 6 months leave so we could hire a

temp. The irony is that I> > work in the health care industry.> > > > Thank you for listening. Any words of wisdom you can offer would be greatly> > appreciated.> > > > There may be some confusion over my name.> > My first name is , but I go by my middle name which is Liesel.> > > > Thanks for listening,> > > > Liesel> >>

[Guest guest]

Hi Leisel,

Please don't delay your surgery because if stupid statements by

ignorant people. When you see these people after your surgery, show

them your x-rays. That should shut them up or, even better, get them

to understand the seriousness of your surgery.

And please do not rush your recovery just to please your employer.

Certainly, working at UCSF, you have an advantage in that your surgeon

could give our employer all the info your employer needs to make him/

her understand.

Bonnie

[Guest guest]

Thank you for that, Bonnie. It's hard because my condition is not obvious and I

feel like no one at work understands what I am going through and I feel like I

am going crazy. If one more person says to me, " Have you tried stretching? "

>

> Hi Leisel,

>

> Please don't delay your surgery because if stupid statements by

> ignorant people. When you see these people after your surgery, show

> them your x-rays. That should shut them up or, even better, get them

> to understand the seriousness of your surgery.

>

> And please do not rush your recovery just to please your employer.

> Certainly, working at UCSF, you have an advantage in that your surgeon

> could give our employer all the info your employer needs to make him/

> her understand.

>

> Bonnie

>

[Guest guest]

Liesel,

I am sorry your friends coworkers and boss are being such unsympathetic people

in your life. Most you can do is try to educate them. Perhaps if you dont have

your own films you can print out some of the before and after shots from our

photos section to give the nay sayers a bit of a look at what you are facing.

I can say who said it, but I have read that from the perspective of the surgeon,

this surgery is one of the most challenging ones that can be done. Sure...some

of us are more complex than others....but there are very few recoveries that go

on as long as ours will.

My word of advice is to take the 6 months if at all possible...if you can afford

it and it wont compromise your employment. The road back is long and tense

enough without having an artificial timeline imposed on your for returning to

work. That was my experience. I did get back a three months...but part

time...and honestly I would have been a much better employee at 6 months post

op. And I did not really have a sitting job.

Good luck turning them around!

Take Care, Cam