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Praying to make it to Jan 15th

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Posted 12/13/2014 7:42 PM (GMT 0)
I'm having my spinal fusion on Jan 15th. Right now my prayers are that someone's cancels that has the hours equivelant to my surgery. This pain is so intense and growing worse by the day. I know I won't be out of pain that day but at least I will see a end or relief coming soon. This being my 5th back surgery but my largest I'm a bit sceered shocked I just know I have got to do something. My disc rupture has fragmented and the piece is lodged at my L5 nerve root. I also pray I don't have nerve damage. Ya just pray I can make it through these next few weeks.
Posted 12/13/2014 10:08 PM (GMT 0)
Wow.My thoughts and Prayers are definitely with you.My L-5 is starting to compress,fragment,I'm not really sure of the word used.

You must be in a great deal of pain to be this ready for surgery.

33 days.I guess that's an eternity though.

I hope somehow the time passes and the outcome in good.

God Bless,

Rick
Posted 12/13/2014 11:06 PM (GMT 0)
I understand what you're saying. Try and look at it from the stand point that with each passing day/hour you're closer to the surgery that you were the day/hour before. Praying for you.
Posted 12/14/2014 6:48 AM (GMT 0)
Good luck for a successful surgery and sorry you are having so much pain. Like M&G said each days one day closer.
Posted 12/14/2014 3:59 PM (GMT 0)
Speak up and ask for help with pain relief. It sounds like you need it. Most Drs. are very understanding and generous with meds before surgery, maybe an epidural would help?
Posted 12/16/2014 6:31 AM (GMT 0)
I'm on all kinds of meds. I feel like there is no relief until this piece that fragmented off gets off my L5 nerve root. He has me on oxycodone 10 every 6 hours and morphine 15mg every 6 so every 3 hours I'm taking something. I just have to make sure there is 6 hours between taking the same meds. He also has me on 900mg of neurontin and soma. So he is trying his best it's just right now my nerve is a constant pain. Hopefully they can get me fixed up on Jan 15th.
Posted 12/16/2014 9:33 AM (GMT 0)
Good luck, PMX2. It's not that long now! Not long now, not long now. I hope the time flies by for you.
Posted 12/27/2014 3:06 AM (GMT 0)
Man I don't know what I would do without this forum! I'm still or horrific pain. 18 days to go and I started counting at 33 so I'm getting closer. It's just tough to hurt so much. I went to the dr Monday and he wanted me to change the way I take my meds. I'm terrified that it's to much for my body. I need relief but no don't want to stop breathing. No one else seems concerned but I'm scared. So I have been doing what he wants slowly. He wants me to take all the meds at once instead of waiting 2 hours in between each med. So I am slowly adding another med in. It's keeping me so doped up I am barely alert but his whole idea is to bridge me until surgery even if that means keep me pretty close to knocked out. I feel like a crappy wife and mom bc I'm sleeping most of the time. I pray this is temp !
Posted 12/27/2014 4:07 AM (GMT 0)
Hi proudmom2, when you have nerve root impingement like that, there is very little that can be given to you that will actually work to relieve the pain completely! Once you have the surgery and the nerve root impingement is relieved then you should get very noticeable relief from your pain. You will of course have surgical pain to deal with but hopefully that will not last very long and can be controlled with pain medications. I am kind of surprised that they are making you wait so long to get you in for surgery.

Just know your not alone in this most of us here have experienced this type of pain at one time or another, but maybe just in a different location in the spine. I know this might sound trite, but hang in there, hopefully it will get better! I know all to well the fear of having surgery, I have had more than my share, but just have faith that your surgeon is going to help you and make you better! I will keep you in my prayers! And just know we are all here for you!

White Beard
Posted 12/27/2014 8:20 PM (GMT 0)
Fingers crossed hat this surgery will help and give you relief...many prayers and well wishes, keep us posted when you can.
Posted 12/28/2014 2:34 PM (GMT 0)
How are you feeling? How did Xmas treat you? I hope you took it easy ... anyway, please let us know how you're feeling. I know the days are getting shorter until your surgery but I'm sure it still seems like forever from now ...
Posted 12/31/2014 10:21 AM (GMT 0)
White Beard: The only reason I'm having to wait is I'm picky when it comes to a neurosurgeon. I want someone that has trained and fell owed in neurosurgery alone. One that stays updated on today's techniques etc. He is the one who has done my microdiscetomies and laminectomy. He also put in my nerve stimulator. So I'm very picky which I feel is what I need to be when messing with ur spine. Well anyways my neurosurgeon got hit by a car while jogging and hairline fx his tspine. So he has cut his surgery schedule down. Considering some of his less severe cases are scheduled out in March and April I feel pretty lucky. They just changed my meds bc I was getting to much acetametaphine. So they changed me to roxicodone. It doesn't seem as effective but taking it with everything else does help some. I'm staying pretty knocked out.

BacktoLife: Well my Christmas was a good as we can expect being in this pain. We stayed home bc no one really understands the chronic pain unless they have been there. My babies opened their presents and played. That was the most of it. I slept after they opened gifts until my hubby finished a Christmas dinner I are and slept some more. I did have a good day the day before and helped the kids bake goodies. At least they may have some memories. It's tough having a 10&12 year old. All they see right now is mom hurting. It hurts them bc they want to fix it just like my husband. Hopefully they will get momma back soon! Thanks for checking in. 16 days to go!
Posted 12/31/2014 10:49 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the update ... not long now!!!
Posted 1/1/2015 10:41 PM (GMT 0)
At least now you are into the right year for your surgery! It is a long wait but your reason for wanting that surgeon is understandable. I'm guessing your children do understand and will be so very thankful to have you back when you are recovered! Of course, that will take more time, but at least you will be going in the right direction. Praying for you.
Posted 1/2/2015 4:38 AM (GMT 0)
PMx2...Keeping you in my heart and prayers as your surgery approaches.  I'm happy that you managed Christmas with your husband and kids.  I know that often the "facade" is a hard weight to carry.  Somehow, we get it done for those we love.

Hugs~~Dixie

Posted 1/2/2015 4:26 PM (GMT 0)
Proud Mom-

My thoughts are with you. I had fusion surgery five years ago and it worked for me. I know it doesn't for some people.

I was 38 at the time. Many docs said they wouldn't operate on me due to my age.

Please know im sending great thoughts your way.

Let us know how you are.
Chele
Posted 1/4/2015 6:25 AM (GMT 0)
12 days and counting. Considering Ive been hurting since Nov 6th but got everything figured out and realized I would need surgery toward the end of November. Got my surgery date and it was 33 days that I started counting. So 12 days seems much better. Thanks that everyone checks in with me. Pain is still pretty bad. Thankfully my neurosurgeon didn't say no to my first surgery. I was 25 when I herniated the first time. I've herniated 3 times and had them fixed with the minimal surgery. This is the 4th time and this one fragmented off and is lodged at my L5 nerve root. So this time we decided to go the fusion route because I don't have much disk and I'm just gonna herniate anyways. Thanks for the prayers. I'm taking my meds together now and it knocks me out pretty much but just like my husband says at least he knows when I'm sleeping that I at least have enough meds on board or the pain is calming down.
Posted 1/4/2015 5:30 PM (GMT 0)
I'm glad to hear your pain is calming down, even if it's only enough to allow you sleep. Sleep deprivation and CP is such a cruel cycle. :(

Counting down the days with you.
Posted 1/4/2015 7:58 PM (GMT 0)
Your husband sounds very kind hearted. I know your family is ready for you to be YOU again. It's getting closer. You can make it.
Posted 1/6/2015 10:02 AM (GMT 0)
9 days and counting. Finally in the single digits. I can officially say I'm having surgery next Thursday. On a more negative note I will be calling to get in to my PM dr. I woke up yesterday in excruciating pain. I don't know why and this may be a little TMI but I'm also having trouble going pee. Like I can't go without forcing it out. Is this normal. I'm scared of getting a urinary tract infection and it canceling my surgery. This pain is excruciating. I'm on
All these meds and they aren't touching my pain. I've also tried my tens unit but it only helps for the first 10 minutes on there. I don't know what to do. Here's a list of my meds is there anything else that will help?
roxicodone 15mg
morphine 15mg I alternate the roxi and morphine every 6 hours.
900 mg Neurontin 3 times a day
350mg 3 times a day
Amitriptlyin 25 mg twice a day
Ambien 10mg just as needed
Posted 1/6/2015 11:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hi proudmom it will not be to much longer now! If you suspect you might have or are getting a urinary tract infection, I would definitely talk with your doctor about As Soon As Possible!! It is easy for them to check and if you do they can start you on antibiotics right away so it should not interfere with your surgery! I know when I went to see my surgeon December 11th for my pre-op for my total knee replacement on the 15th, the surgeon didn't like the looks of my urinalysis ( he said it showed nitrites) he even asked me if I had any burning with urination which I hadn't and even though I had no outward symptoms of a urinary track infection he immediately started me on a oral antibiotic, just and he rechecked me just before surgery to make sure that I was good to go for the operation. So the sooner you get that checked out the better!

I know this has been a very difficult few weeks for you, but your on your final count down now! I will continue to keep you in my prayers, and know that you have all our support!

White Beard
Posted 1/8/2015 9:57 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks White Beard! I went to the dr and sure enough I have a horrible UTI. He said good thing I came in bc it would have definitely cancelled my surgery. He put me on Keflex 4 times a day. To get rid of it. He said he wanted to take a very aggressive approach is why he didn't want to do bactrim. He said Keflex is more well rounded and he wanted it gone. He doesn't want anymore setbacks. They have upped my pain meds. I pray this helps. I barely have gotten up today it just hurts to bad. This time next week I'll be headed to the dr. I'm just ready to be done with this and start my recovery. Thanks again for ur suggestion
Posted 1/8/2015 1:39 PM (GMT 0)
Proud Mom,

I'm new to this forum, but went through a waiting thing like you are about 4 years ago when I broke every bone in my ankle. It's brutal when you can't move, walk, or find a good position. At the time they gave me Lortabs which do nothing for my pain but make me dizzy. I really am glad they gave you something better and that you are able to sleep. I know the waiting is difficult. I found myself with a lot o free time and couldn't even concentrate well enough to watch a TV show at the time.

Good luck with the surgery. I'm glad you got the UTI caught ahead. This almost happened to my husband this summer - got a sinus infection right before his hip replacement and they had to treat aggressively as well. Take care of yourself and I hope these last few days fly by for you.
Posted 1/9/2015 3:53 PM (GMT 0)
I'm adding my prayers to everyone elses. I've had nerve pain that so far has been controlled by epidural injections, but I remember the pain very well. My heart goes out to you. I've noticed difficulty urinating from my pain meds but the doctor doesn't believe they are the cause. We know better! I have no suggestions on pain relief, so won't even try. Please know that what you're going through is helping me put things in perspective. Thanks for keeping us up to date.
Posted 1/9/2015 4:15 PM (GMT 0)
Thinking of you & hope you're managing. 7 days to go!
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