Dad's surgery...worried

Hi All.

I usually post on other forums (ostomies, depression, migraines, chronic pain) (yes, I'm fairly young and blessed with such good health). Anyway, I was wondering if someone here might be willing to share some info with me....My Dad, who is in his late 60's, has had arthritis in his back and knees for many years. Just last Dec. he underwent a total knee replacement (just 1 knee). Not healing too great, but apparently the problem is that his low back is rapidly getting worse. Makes it hard for him to walk, he has a foot drop, much pain. So, he is scheduled to have back surgery the end of this month. He showed me a little video on the computer of what they will be doing...Laminectomy L-1 thru L-5, and possibly one more level above L-1. My parents have always been very private about health matters, don't want to worry anyone or make a big deal of it (it's been that way for generations, so that's not going to change in the next couple of weeks). So, basically, I don't know much about the surgery or what to expect from it as far as his recovery and return of function, etc.

Anyone here had that done or something close to it? Got any advice or info?

I have a weird thought/question...when he showed me the video, we sort of joked about how when they remove all that bone from the back of his spine, how can it stay strong/not just collapse? And a weirder thought, if there's no bone there to protect it, does that mean someone could bump him or hit him at just the right angle and injure his spinal cord? Yes, that question shows how little I know about this whole thing!

Anyhow, thanks for taking the time to read this, and any feedback you have would be welcomed!


Sunny

Hi Sunny
How hard it must be to watch UR dad endure all the surgery and pain.

Back surgery is always a bit touch & go. I had the same procedure u describe. It was a life savor. I was always putting it off not realizing how dangerous to do so, till the surgeon showed me a short film of the surgery it really helped answer all my fears & questions.
We are prayerful that all will be well for UR dad.