Really Confused

[joejoe]

Well Good news, Work comp approved my surgery. Set for Sept.23rd. Feel like its a 2 headed sword. On one hand surgery got approved with out any problems, Thought we would have to appeal it. On the other hand the fear of having the surgery is setting in. Still gotta do the bone density test, and the pre op physical. Will keep you informed...

[Maria]

So what exactly will you be having done?

[dshobbies]

And who is doing it?

[joejoe]

I will be having a fusion at L1-2, and L2-3. I will also be having a double level disc replacement at L3-4, and L4-5. Rick Delamarter will be doing the surgery at Cedar Sinai....

[Maria]

Wishing you the best with the upcoming surgery and recovery! Please let us know when so we can keep you in our thoughts~ take care~ Maria

[dridobits]

It's normal to have fears over spinal surgery but I really think your doing the right thing and you can't get a better surgeon. Think of it also as a priviledge. I couldn't get to see Dr.Delemarter as I had cancer within the five year mark and I couldn't even get an appt. it's a tough decision and there are risks.

I had a double level fusion, front and back (bone density shot from chemo). I was in agoznizing pain for over ten years, lost over ten years of my life to pain, depresssion, no work, no life and suffered a lot. I wish I hadn't waited so long. I'm nine months out and I feel like a new person. Before you know it, six months will be gone and you may not believe how glad you are you did this.

Recoery for me was all unknown, many strange feelings I never expected physically but I think I'm over the worst of it.

I wish you the very best of luck!!!!

[joejoe]

Had Surgery 12 days ago. So far most of my old symptoms are gone. With the extensiveness of my surgery im not sure what is normal pain and what is not. Right now Dr Delamarter wants me medicated to allow all the new hardware to set in. I go for my follow up appointment on Friday. I guess the hardest thing is trying to find a comfortable spot to sleep. Dr wants me wearing a brace 24/7. I was able to get out of bed 3 days out of surgery and start walking. Now that im home my wife and I try to walk up and down the block 2 to 3 times a day. I guess its a matter of time now. Just wanted to keep everyone updated.

[Maria]

Hi JoeJoe,
So you're over the hump.. done had your surgery! Congrats on your recovery to date and hope you continue to progress at this rate. Sounds pretty good esp. for the magnitude of surgery you underwent

thanks for the update and please pop back in and keep us informed as time goes on. Wishing you all the best w/continued recovery

[dshobbies]

Joejoe,

We all spend so much energy on fear prior to the surgery - congratulations on getting to the other side.

Small baby steps are the best right now, followed by a slow recovery. You had a big surgery. Your idea of 2-3 small walks a day is great. Doing too much can be counterproductive, which I suspect you'll find out firsthand when the time is right, just as we all did.

Please keep us posted on your recovery, Dale

[mmglobal]

Joe, thanks for the update. I am looking forward to hearing more about your recovery and wish you all the best. That is quite a large surgery, so give yourself a chance to heal... don't do too much too soon.

All the best,

Mark

[Gil Denis]

Hi Joe

Well done Please keep us posted I also may have a four level surgery done

Gil