Surgery date - May 26

[Cindylou]

Cathy, first....a big congrats on having your surgery scheduled. What a relief huh? That's a huge piece of the puzzle right there. I like your idea of arriving on the 22, to give yourself some extra time. Why not? It will be less stressful too all the way around, in case you run into any surprises.

It will be here before you know it. I had 3 lumbar levels done and I was in the hospital for 10 days. I had a few glitches which accounts for the longer stay. We were there a total of 3 weeks which was just perfect. I'm aware not everyone can make that happen, but it was well worth it for me.

Time to start making your lists and packing!

Cindylou

[dshobbies]

Hi Michelle,

Welcome to the forum. Perhaps you can start a new thread and tell us about yourself. I assume you have back or neck issues and you're in pain. I'm sorry for that.

BTW, the entire world's economy ain't doin too good either.

Dale

[treefrog]

Hi Michelle, thanks for writing to me on your first post. Yes, the American dollar isn't so great either. Not the best time to be paying for surgery overseas, but my back isn't cooperating. I look forward to reading more about your situation, when you get around to posting about you.

I will try to continue posting here, all through my surgery and recovery. I will start a surgery thread, when the time comes. I am hoping that my boyfriend will get on here and post for me, if I am unable to right after surgery.

A question for anyone that has used the xe.com site for sending funds over to Germany. Is it the XETrade part that you sign up on? It looks like it, they say it is for sending funds around the world, so I think that is the right section.

My boyfriend is working at his second job tonight and tomorrow night, he bar-tends part time for extra cash (which is really coming in handy for this surgery), so we will be arranging our flights and hotel on Sunday.

[Cheryl]

Congrats and best of luck.

Yes it is xetrade





Cheryl

[jessmith07]

Hey Cathy...if I can swing it with United to change my flight plans at this late date (I've had a ticket to Paris in hand for months for a vacation), I'll be joining you in Germany! Dr. Fenk-Meyer just e-mailed me that they've put me on the schedule to check-in on the 25th for surgery on the 26th!

[treefrog]

Oh, very cool Jess. I hope you are able to re-arrange your flights.

After yesterday's feeling of panic at everything that needed to be done, I am feeling strangely calm today. Maybe it's because there isn't much I can do today. And I think I am starting to believe that everything will work out all right.

I had been feeling pretty sick, with the worry of not knowing what was going to happen. Now that I have a date, and have put some things in motion, I am feeling more relaxed. I also started putting together a list of those things I need to get done.

One question I have though, is what should I ask of my PM doc, as far as medications to take with me. I mean, I'm sure that Drs. Bertagnoli and Fenk-Mayer will take care of meds that I need right after surgery, and the 6 days or so that I am in the hospital. But, I also know that some people have said they were glad of bringing whatever meds they brought. But I have been taking Opana-ER, which is not appropriate for after surgery pain. I also have oxycodone that I take occasionally, for breakthrough pain.

I will be asking her for:
lidocaine patches for around the incision
anti-nausea meds in case I need that (there aren't many pain meds that don't make me sick)
muscle relaxer
something for sleep (again, not something I normally need, but in case I need - like on the flight home)
and of course extra pain meds - oxycodone, or Opana (not ER), and I will also ask how soon after surgery I can start the Opana-ER again.

Is there anything I am forgetting? What if she asks, or says that they should be taking care of all my meds following surgery? What should I say to her then?

[Michelle Maree]

Hi Guys,

Thanks Dale and Cathy for the welcome. I will introduce myself shortly (as soon as I figure out how to start a thread hmmmn! )

I was just wondering Cathy.Was anything said by doctor B about your mild facet degeneration? I also have this noted on my MRI report and thought it might preclude me from ADR. I am having a facet nerve block this Friday to see how much pain is stemming from them. If it is significant like 50% or more that would count me out right?????

I am really excited for you Cathy and will be cheering you on the whole way.

Michelle.

[dshobbies]

Cathy,

Unfortunately, I used a lot of my pain meds while still in the hospital. Plan on taking your own meds once you're off the pump. Their meds don't always translate.

If you can take something with you that you can cut in half, it will take you through some heavy duty and lighter pain, as needed. If not, take both with you. The woman who had surgery the same day I did ran out. I needed stronger and stronger meds and poor Julius ran all over Straubing looking for pharmacies on a Sunday.

Also, you're expected to bring any other required meds from home.

You also didn't ask but I didn't plan on wearing my own clothes while in the hospital, just their lovely gown. Wrong - after the first couple of days, everyone wears things like comfortable sweats, etc. I didn't have enough clothes. You'll probably also wear a brace. I wore mine under my clothes but wore a man's sleeveless tight cotton t-shirt underneath so it wasn't next to my skin. I'm pretty sure there's a thread about what to take with you and good ideas, such a a high toilet seat, a grabber or two and so on.

I wish you such good luck. Pain free days are ahead.

Michelle, Facet degeneration may or may not preclude you from ADRs. You need to discuss this with Dr. B, FM. Good luck, I hope it's not too bad.

Dale