Post-Op Thoughts and Feelings
 

Hey all,

I feel so different now. As I write this to you all, I am leaned forward in my computer chair. And you know what, I feel great! Normally any sort of angle on my back and that nagging pain would be there (we all know what that feels like). I had my L5-S1 surgery at the Bonati Institute in Hudson Florida today and it went great. I was a bit nervous but when I got in they talked me down and explained the procedure. Basically they were going to use a small tube as an incision (half inch long, barely any scar later!) and burrow down using a laser to burn off the excess bone (stenosis) that was pinching my nerves causing pain. I sound like a doctor! :) They also used conscious anesthesia; it was a weird feeling and I don't really remember much of it, but I apparantly helped them tell if i had any sudden pain so they would know they are near a nerve. That way there wasn't any incidental nerve cutting. You can't tell when they cut a nerve if you are totally knocked out! The surgery was only an hour long and they gave me some light lunch in the recovery room, and I was back home. The whole trip probably took 3 hours! I had a great experience and haven't felt any pain as of tonight. They gave me a prescription for pain meds but I'm not gonna fill it unless I start to feel really bad. They say I may feel some tightness there later, but I am great right now. I am so happy I did this instead of a fusion. I am so proud of myself for going through with it and my husband calls me his little "courageous lady"! I am headed to sleep but feel so great, like I am a spritely young teenager again! Good night everyone, and I would love to hear your thoughts on this thread.

Great news... it is amazing how fast you can bounce back from minimally invasive spine surgery.

Please follow your surgeon's protocol to the letter.... don't do too much too soon just because you feel great. The rest of your life depends upon the outcome... give it every chance possible!

YAHOO... wonderful news!!!

Mark

re post op
 

I'm not sure how much anesthesia you may have had and if any can be lingering from Tues to Thurs (prob not) and helping the feeling great feeling tho I'm hoping you feel this great tomorrow and a week from now and weeks from now and so forth so we can have a very positive experience that you can share with others here for future ref!!!! Just try not to overdo too early so you will have a long term good recovery!

I'd have wanted what you went thru as well vs. a fusion. I still have a bad L4 tho sure what kind of candidate I am for anything anymore tho just know I'd prefer to avod fusion if at all possible.

Then again one of my friends who is 70 and long time suffering with multiple levels of pain/probs had a fusion 3 months ago and is feeling much better (2 levels). Recovery time was slow by your standards however still she's doing much better!

I'm all for good surgical experiences, good outcomes, good surgeons so please do continue to keep us posted on your ongoing progress and congratulations!!!!!! Get some rest!

What a great experience. I am so happy for you. Continue to keep us posted on your progress.
judy

Great news.

Great example of advantages of aware state minimally-invasive spinal surgery.

Good luck in your recovery !!!

Thanks for all of the replies everyone. I hate to keep flooding the threads here, but you all deserve a thank you.:)