Getting ready for 3-level fusion, came up as a surprise!

[supergirl]

Thanks both for your replies.

ADR was definitely an appealing concept, but with the bulk of the problem being large osteophytes, my neurosurgeon will be working hard to decompress my cord. I was disappointed when I understood I wasn't a candidate and a bit stunned at what he initially suggested. He actually is a primary investigator in the use of the discs as well. Alas.

Luckily the images are quite clear and the cord compression is the only reason I am succumbing to this surgery.

Just got the call from the nurse today that all is set to go.

Any post-op food suggestions?

[dridobits]

Hi, I found things that were easy and required little chewing were best. Soups, jello, Ice cream (yea). Bananas are good for potassium. Mike is great for fusion stuff. Prune juice, stool softeners, laxatives, yadayada to help with constipation. Keep things moving.

I think I wrote in another section a list of things to prepare for surgery...things you might want/need etc. Someone started this list and I found it very helpful. You'll want a grabber most likely. A big thing (after the six weeks wait for driving) I noticed was that when I didn't put the car seat way back, I would wind up twisting and really hurting myself. Now I always put the seat way back before I get in and when I'm getting out. Takes more time but saves on lots of pain. I got a great pillow to sit on in my car and also a lumbar support as I'm so weak with sitting.

Good shoes that slip on and off are really helpful. I now wear my froggies (what are those ugly shoes called) all the time. They are great and light.
I've gotten rid of most of my purses as they are all too heavy. Every little thing like this has really helped me...cleaning out my wallet, etc. Getting comfy easy to get in and out of pj's. Baby wipes for when I was too tired to shower (first week is noooo fun for this). Also when getting into and out of the car after surgery using a plastic trash bag under the seat can really help to move you easily.

Maybe you know all of this? If so sorry, anyway I posted this and other stuff in another section. I am about six months post op and it was the best decision I ever made to do it. I have a two level fusion front and back. I've started to hike in the last month. My brain is no longer obsessed with pain and panic attacks.

Best!

[supergirl]

dridobits-
Thanks for the words of encouragement!

Mike? You mean my NS? Good shot!

So I am post op day 3 and doing quite ok. The journey of healing had just begun, wish the surgery was the end!

Finally got to shower, feel much better, but a few tears of frustration along the way.

On just Tylenol today, which is great. Looking forward to not freaking out about breaking the growing matrix in my neck by looking the wrong way.

Family a bit disappointed my voice seems to be intact

The stuff I got to occupy my time.... all need to look downward, and alas I am in a hard collar for most of the time. Oh, well, maybe next month!

Cord was tightly packed, and the c6 on the left tightly trapped in the foramina, and he freed them up, so hopefully all the irritation will subside now.

Luckily I did not have to have the fiberoptic intubation, so two weeks of panic attacks for nothing, thank goodness.

Gave the residents an appropriately hard time, had to tell the goofy intern where to draw my blood, which of course makes for a good story.

I think I have the wrong handle though, should be bionic woman

Thanks for the supportive words.

[dshobbies]

Bionic, super, they're both good! Welcome to the other side. And on tylenol after only three days - that a big wow . I have a feeling you're going to do great.

Dale

[Maria]

Supergirl,
There you go~ just like your name! Glad to hear you've done so well post op and hope the recovery continues to be "all that!" Congrats!

[supergirl]

Well, I am post-op day #6 and I think doing pretty ok.

No more narcotics since last week and just on Tylenol arthritis- that 8 hour formulation is fantastic as it lasts the whole night!!! My friend recovering from breast cancer told me about just before I had to stop all my NSAID's.

Got out for a walk and this hot swelteringly hot morning was able to do my 1 mile loop including the little hill without too much difficulty. At first the problem was more with the "bouncing" of walking too quickly, or too normally, but seemed fine today. As it was my first walk alone outside, took along one of my hiking sticks (that I started using with my knee injury and after surgery a few years ago) and I can feel like I have a little more stability if I were to stumble a little.

Little frustrated that the collar is going to keep me from doing all the things I had wanted to do this month- things related to looking down at a table in front of me! Will have to find other things and ways to do them. Doc wants my chin neutral and not down for the month, I agree!!

Didn't lose my voice either. Poor family. Just not as loud as usual- less volume.

Eating is not a significant problem- more of a dysfunctional swallow, little extra air, but not painful. Need help cutting my food as I can't see it well! Using extra water with eating to wash it down well.

We'll see what the next few days bring!

Thanks again,

[dridobits]

That's amazing! I'm still on pain meds. Don't know if I will ever be off. That is so cool!!!!! Patience, patience, I remember it took a long time, and I'm still healing. This is special time, time to heal, time to take it easy, time to have other people do stuff for you. You go girl! Don't get discouraged, I was in such a fog for the first week, my boyfriend said it was scary to see me.