Things going very wrong after Dynesys

[LC in UK]

Hi Betsy
What a struggle, it's very difficult to stay positive when everything hurts and you just want to get on and not have to think about how much more damage you're going to do to yourself by activity.
Worst time is first few steps out of bed, I stagger like Frankensteins monster from my bedroom to the bathroom! My knees hips and feet feel like wooden joints, just like a puppet would have with no cushioning in the joints.
Makes me feel SO old!
Thats the depression, no escaping that sinking feeling. I'm usually better after an hour or so, and my lovely warm bubble bath. Can't stand looking at my puffy knees and less than perfect thighs and they really need firming up but I'm scared to do the level of exercise needed!
Oh I have to laugh at myself otherwise I'd have no friends !
Hope you've got good friends too who do know what you're coping with, mine are very good and they tell me off for doing too much but if I just sat around that would be so depressing.
Colo-rectal surgeon I saw yesterday says problems are down to previous abdo surgery - especially hysterectomy possibly damaging stomach wall and muscles there. Wants me to have pain killing injections but he hasn't convinced me that it's referred pain. Think he just wants me off his clinic list.
We've got those doctors too Betsy! Some doctors feel better if they can convince us we're mad. If you're mad then I am too!
Well I have to wait for the spinal probe anyway so the Dynesys and other scaffolding can be checked out but that won't be for a few weeks yet, just have to keep staggering around!
Bet I've really cheered you up eh?!?!
Keep pounding the treadmill and think of me with a bolt through my neck!
Speak soon
Lynette

[fireyangel76]

I actually got a really good chuckle out of that posting. LOL! Sounds like we have the same thighs! I know the feeling in the morning. I feel as though I am turning into a statue. I think if I don't keep moving everything it'll just freeze up on me! Ah thats where the rheumatologist is supposed to come in. My left shoulder is coming in a close second to my back, then the right hip and leg. I am 48 going on 70. I have a few close friends and relatives to keep me in good company when I feel up to it. One of my friends just fractured her right leg...a pathological fracture. She called me asking if I can drive yet because now she can't. The problem is I can't lift her big casted leg to help her in the wheel chair. Once she is in I can't push her! So we both depend on our other younger and healthier friend to cart us around. She has also insisted we get a handicap parking permit...she said with all her lifting and walking for us she is going to laid up soon! I told her thats the price you pay for always getting to feel so young around us!

Yes I shall think of the bolt through your neck and you can think of me as a statue with bird crap all over me! LOL!
I hope you now had a good laugh.

I guess we are all mad!

[LC in UK]

Things are moving , got a date today for a spinal probe ( look-see with a tiny camera) July 23rd, day case so at least that's a start.
Can't wait..........

[fireyangel76]

Can you explain exactly what this camera probe thing is? I am very curious about it as I have never heard of such a thing here.

[LC in UK]

Spinal probe is a tiny camera into the spine through an incision in the lumbar area whilst you are sedated but not fully "out".
They can also deliver anti-inflammatories or steroids at the same time apparently and the whole thing is also done with some kind of radiological guidance.
Had this procedure done twice before prior to surgery so surgeon has a very good idea of whats going on.

[mmglobal]

I started a topic for epiduroscopy

http://www.ispine.org/forum/showthre...=2262#post2262

They can also do RACZ procedures along with this in an effort to detach adhesions from the nerves.

Mark

[LC in UK]

Finally have an appointment with a neurologist on August 21st and am in the process of purchasing a copy CD of the NHS radiological images taken of my neck and lower spine on July 23rd to take with me.
Shall make enquiries at the hospital tomorrow to see if I can have an MRI scan of my upper spine prior to the appointment, don't know if that has to be authorised by the consultant first though.
Realised I have a "hospital plan" that covers me up to a certain amount thank goodness, so at least investigations can start quicker than they would with the NHS. Have got a lot more worried about my situation since I saw my neck X-rays last week and hearing the registrar (different one!) say they were "not good".
Watch this space.....!!

[fireyangel76]

Hi Lynette,
I do hope you are able to get an MRI.
My dynesys finally feels as if I am now better comparitively speaking since before surgery. It is hard when you look at it day by day because when you are having pain everything feels like a failure. If I look at it over the past 7 months I am much better than before surgery. I can walk on treadmill 30 min with my brace on. Even better I can now GO SHOPPING!!!!Small trips buy hey I can go! I think I am feeling better all the time.
But all silver linings must have a cloud...while my back gets better the reat of my body is giving up on me. I have a problem at c7 and a tendonitis left shoulder that sends pain and numbness to my hand...just what I need. My health insurance is going to $10 me to death....every time I say boo they want $10. That doesn't sound like much but we already pay a hefty monthly premium.
I am trying not to follow in your foot steps but which each Dr. or physio visit I seem to sound more and more like I am.
I hope all goes well at your neuro appt. Keep us up to date!