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Low Sodium and lumbar surgery

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Posted 6/19/2012 10:23 PM (GMT 0)
I am due to have a decompressive lumbar laminectomy and double fusion this Friday, the 22nd. Yesterday in Houston I had blood work done prior to the surgery. It appears that some of the results were abnormal but the one that is flagged by the anesthesiologist is my low sodium number - 130.

This particular number is good for me - I have received 2 liters of sodium last year when my sodium reading got to 120. Since then it has remained at 130 and doctors consider this a normal number for me. Also, I feel fine. However, in Houston, the doctor doesn't know my history on sodium so I'm having to drive back to Houston tomorrow (90 miles) to check with an internal medicine doctor. I told the surgeon's nurse that a 130 sodium reading is normal for me; she said I still had to see an internist but since the low number is low for me, that the surgery on Friday would most likely take place.

Other readings that were a bit "out of range" included white blood count and others but nothing but the sodium was flagged.

Should I be concerned that this surgery on the 22nd might not take place? Nurse tried to reassure me that if 130 was good for me that surgery would most likely be done on Friday as planned ...... just something else to worry about prior to the 22nd!

Just wanted some thoughts on it from any of you who have had this problem.

Thanks for listening :)
Posted 6/19/2012 11:46 PM (GMT 0)
I think if the numbers were way out of range you would have cause to worry. But, since you have been down this road before I would imagine once you speak with the internist it will all work out. The surgeon is covering himself since surgery is involved. I am sure your nerves are on edge with the pending surgery and its easy to start trying to second guess things somewhat. I think that is normal.

I have followed you along here and think you have an excellent attitude about your pending surgery. Having your head on straight is half the battle. I know you have had prior surgeries but still it is what it is and I think you will do very well because you want to and your attitude is so positive. I am sure you have had your moments and rightfully so.

We will all be thinking of you and have you in our prayers. Take care....Susie
Posted 6/20/2012 12:10 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Susie, you offered the encouragement I need. I do have a good attitude about this surgery as I'm pretty determined. But my best friend's 32 year old son, who married May 5, has just gotten a 3rd malignant brain tumor - not a good prognosis. When I think of that, I dare anyone to think they have a bad luck health story. This cancer in this young man is just the worst, and when I think of that, I feel terribly lucky.
Posted 6/20/2012 2:36 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, its something like that will bring us back to reality for sure. So sad... Take care...Susie
Posted 6/20/2012 3:06 PM (GMT 0)
Houston has the best doctors in the world. Trust whatever it is they want to do about your surgery regarding the sodium. Sometimes doctors who aren't familiar with our past history just want to be extra careful.

I have had around ten brain surgerys and eventho my tumors were never cancer, I thank God for MD Anderson in Houston as they saved my life each time. I don't know where your friends son lives, but I highly recommend MD Anderson Cancer Hospital in Houston. I feel blessed everyday and try not to ever complain. I realize how lucky I am so I try to keep positive energy all around me.

Maryann
Posted 6/20/2012 7:47 PM (GMT 0)
I am good to go on Friday surgery. Sodium number is okay, even though it's not normal.......it will be checked before, during and after surgery so I am in good hands.

Methodist Hospital in Houston crosses every "t" - I was there this morning and had numerous tests done....chest x-ray, blood clotting, etc. Not one time did I have to wait more than 15 minutes and my name/birthdate, etc. was doublechecked each room I approached for testing.

Fred is seeing a neurosurgeon at MDA Maryanne. Whatever happens we all know he is in the best hands - and miracles do happen:) Bless you if you've had numerous brain surgeries with no cancer. Sounds like you've been in good hands also.
Posted 6/20/2012 8:38 PM (GMT 0)
Good to hear everything is set to go as scheduled Maryann. How long will you be in the hospital? Will you have someone at home to help you out when you get released? I don't know if you have one of these or not, but anyone with back issues needs one, its called a grabber/reacher. We have 3 three in the house. You can get them at Walmart and most drug stores. They are great for picking things up off the floor like a sock, shoe, that sort of thing. I use mine a lot, no more bending down,lol.

Keep us posted....Susie
Posted 6/21/2012 12:16 AM (GMT 0)
For those of you who have had a fusion, did doctors take bone from your hip or use what was in the hospital bank? Just curious.
If bone taken from YOU, does this mean fusion has a better chance of success? What about the pain from the affected area from where the bone was taken?

I have a grabber from the last back surgery! And yes, absolutely my husband will be right by my side - he's wonderful so I will be handled with kidd gloves - at least that is what I'm expecting :)
Posted 6/21/2012 12:39 AM (GMT 0)
So glad to hear that they are not worried about the sodium and are going forward with the sugery...

I have had 3 cervical fusion ones and they used my own bone (autograft) for the first one but donor bone (allograft) for the last two.

They say there is a very small percentage that it fuses better with your own bone as there is less chance of "rejection". But the downside is it's a separate incision, more infection risk, and some people claim that their hip continues to hurt long after the surgery (years after).

So pluses and minuses and you and your Dr. usually make that determination.

My first surgery...my bone just "disappeared" after a few years...That's why I joke in my signature that I expect to "burp" it back up any day now! LOL

It's not very common, but it happened.....But they don't think it had anything to do with allograft vs. autograft.

I will be praying for you during surgery/recovery. Just be prepared for the pain to be worse before it gets better the first few days/weeks after the surgery. The healing process is quite long for fusions....

So make sure you have lots of movies, tv shows on demand or on your DVR....Books, magazines....things to keep you occupied. And the key is to stay ahead of your pain with medication and let your body REST!!!
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