Re: Re: flatback, pain and possible surgery

[Guest guest]

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Fear of something big, forces you to make respectful decisions, to follow a path wisely, and thats good. No one should go about this without seeing the big picture. For me, the disability crept up, and kept taking away my quality of life, so when surgery was offered by a doc with know how to put me back together, it was for me totally worth the shot. It was hopeful, positive, and after the decision process, for me, having a plan, and putting it into action gave me peace.

 

My path with Flatback was long, about fifteen years of decline. As time ticked by, I gave up abilities, many times I didn't notice they were gone, till confronted with the need to do something, and then realizing, wow, I'm not able. I got to the point, where walking to the end of my driveway to get the mail, meant I had to sit, and resolve the pain. Every daily process was affected by the pain, and it had totally gotten OLD, and I felt OLD, and who wants that at 40.

 

Post revision surgery, has only comfirmed to me, that my decision to give it a shot, was worth the struggle. I'm lucky I cam out of it better than hoped. My doc said he'd figured I'd probably get about a 50% reduction in pain given the amount of arthritis, along with  the list of other things needing addressed during my revisions( and yes I had three). So now for me the pain is gone, I take no meds, and life is good, still have the challenges of a VERY fused spine, but having the pain gone is terrific. For me it was lifechanging surgery, gave me back a wonderful quality of life. Perfection, no, but given the scoliosis, the amount of surgery, and fusions I have, it's good, and I'm ever thankful for it.

 

I wish you luck and positive decision as you move through this journey.

 

Colorado Springs

On Sat, Feb 12, 2011 at 6:32 AM, redmarmie <vclark@...> wrote:

 

Hi ,It's OK to be afraid. Actually it is healthy to have a respectful fear of this surgery or any surgery. I for one and many others have had successful outcomes. Like you I was crippled up and getting worse when I surgery in 2006 with Glazer in Boston. I had two flatback surgeries two days in a row, one anterior and one posterior. Today, I function pretty much normally except for the limitations brought on by rods and screws. I am also drug free, not that, that is a criteria for success. Some need pain meds, some do not. Out of 100% pain, I have about 25% which is not bad considering he promised a 50% reduction in pian. I see a PT therapist for some remaining nueropathies that have taken all these years to clear up but am still making progress so I keep going back. I am not perfect. I still am a little crooked based on the first fusions at 15 years and struggle with ongoing exercise to keep my weight at bay but all in all I deem my surgery a success. I am sure others will pipe in. Best of everything for your journey. C >> Hello, I am 29 years post herrington rod surgery for broken L5. I have had pain over the years but now I am almost crippled. I cannot walk upright, my legs ache and go numb and my hips hurt. Sitting,lying or standing I am never comfortable. I am going to see a neurosurgeon next week. Has anyone had corrective surgery for flat back and could let me know if it has changed the quality of their life for the better. I'm so afraid. Thank you

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