Well, the cath was not the results I wanted. My heart is only functioning at about 30 percent. I was fitted with a defibrillator vest soon afterward and I will have to wear it until my heart gets...
Thank you. Today saw some progress as I was able to get out of bed for a short amount of time. Still waiting to have heart cath and hopefully at least get moved to a regular room. An ICU is no place...
Still waiting to be strong enough for heart cath. Still in ICU. Today they said it was a major heart attack during surgery, but prayerfully hoping the permanent damage isn't significant....
One correction and one update. Correction: I was actually intubated for 28 hours. (Days and nights kind if messed up) and u think stuck in ICU until I can lay flat for heart cath. Thanks so very much...
Prayers, please. My heart took a bad turn during surgery. I stayed intubated over 15 hours and have been in ICU since then....
So I called and they said around 3 hours. I won't care :-) but my husband might like to know!...
7 levels in 3 to 4 hours seems really fast. Of course, for the surgeons, I assuming it is pretty taxing. I may call and ask, but I am starting to feel like "that pesky patient with all the...
I am having my surgery done in San Antonio. After hitting a pre op snag with the messed up EKG, I only got the call this morning that my surgery is a full steam ahead. Suddenly, I realize I had read...
Birder Nancy, it sounds like you are well prepared! Thanks for the book suggestion. As I just saw this today and my surgery is tomorrow, I will have to look it up post surgery. I hit a snag in my...
Abilene, I will try to find the post your mentioned. I have loved the support I have found here, but I have found this forum difficult to use (I am sure it is me!!) I am nervous but ready for...
Thanks, Pam. I am in Texas too, so I really appreciate the hugs and prayers from a fellow Texan ;-)...
Thanks is much, Pam. Another EKG and more blood work Monday morning, and hopefully be cleared from there. My insurance did approve the bone stimulator so that was one less thing on my plate. Anyone...
Yes (hangs head in shame), I am a smoker and it is a multi-level fusion. I have started Wellbutrin and cut way back on smoking. My official quit date is the day before surgery. I am determined to...
And Abilene, I missed your post somehow. Yes, I have already been thinking fusion....I have already been researching diet, vitamins, anything that helps fusion. My surgeon ordered a bone stimulator,...
CaryF, it sounds like you have been through a lot and are still reaching out to help others. I appreciate everyone's thoughts so much. I hit a snag yesterday at pre-op with a screwy EKG. I had a...
Thank you so much for your care and concern. Let me clarify a few things. Yes, I am using an orthopedic doctor, but one I have researched extensively, and maybe most importantly talked to former...
Thank you, White Beard. Today my pain is through the roof (pushing to get too much done before surgery), and I realize that will be a huge problem after surgery. Just as you said, to finally feel...
I do have kids at home, but they are old enough to take care of themselves. Hubby is taking a 1 week vacation to care for me. Hopefully, by then I will be able to somewhat care for myself. When I...
Thank you so much. Those are my thoughts as well, and my surgeon agrees. He said the other two are bad and the extra stress will deteriorate them quickly. As much as I dread this, I want to wake up...
The second opinion today was the same as the first, so I am moving forward with surgery on the 19th. I am still very nervous, have not made peace with this yet. However, the neurological exam today...
Yes, I read the threads and made notes. Thanks so much. I am hoping to have more peace with moving forward after meeting with surgeon today. I truly like the surgeon I have already met with, but...
Thanks for all the replies. I have seen an orthopedic surgeon, my GP and my pain management doc. All agree it's time for surgery. I see another surgeon today for second opinion. I will push harder...
I am also having a hard time figuring out how the forum works. Is there a specific forum for neck pain/ surgery?...
My surgery will be C3-7. No I don't (thankfully) have to work outside the home. I have so many questions I am not even sure where to start. Because it is coming up quick, I would appreciate any input...
In less than two weeks I am scheduled for a four level ACDF. I have Cord compression at one level and bone spurs and disc material contact the cord at the other levels. I would love to hear from...
removed....
I talked to my doctor after the flex sig today. He said there is definitely still inflammation for as far as the flex sig extends. He doesn't seem to think it is UC though. His best guess, pending...
Thanks for the info. I am really dreading having this done. My doctor ordered sedation for the procedure so I am thankful for that. I think I just have a negative feeling because after the barium...
Entocort is a steroid and it did nothing to help. My GI has never mentioned pred. I guess that is a good thing because I would be really hesitant when they can't even say for sure it is UC....
No one has mentioned the prometheus test...that may be something I need to ask about. The part that really has me so annoyed is that I really like my GI. He listens, takes his time, has a great...
In March-April of this year I had two colonoscopies and a barium enema. One doctor said inflammation to 35 cm (as far as they could go with the scope due to inflammation). Biopsy report said chronic...
Thanks for all the input. I guess I am concerned because this is the most blood ever. Just generally feel horrible. Hopefully, my GI will have some new suggestions tomorrow because the Asacol,...
What is VSL #3?...
Okay 20+ times today and passing no stool. Just blood and mucus. Strong cramping pain, fatigue, trembling. I have an appointment with my GI tomorrow. Any idea what to expect? Has anyone else had days...
I like my screen name as well... /community/emoticons/smile.gif . I am 37 years old and the mom of five terrific kids. I have been married for 19 years to a wonderful and supportive husband. We live...
My pain is all lower left quadrant of my abdomen. On my good days it is just a kind of nagging tugging sensation. On my bad days, it feels like things are ripping and tearing loose. I am still...
I had terrible side effects from Entocort as well. I was only on it for about three weeks but had constant headaches, joint pain, weight gain. I think, just like any other drug, it works wonders for...
My doctor prescribed rectal meds, then I ended up hospitalized with a severe flare before I could have them filled. When they found the diverticular disease.....he said to discontinue all rectal...
Most people on the board talk about diarrhea and urgency and bleeding as the main problems they experience with UC. I don't think I have truly been in remission since diagnosed. I may go a couple of...
I had a colonoscopy and less than a week later I had a barium enema. The next week I ended up hospitalized because of a severe flare. I definitely think the testing aggravated what was already going...
Still praying for you and your family. I am so very sorry for your loss....
wow--thought I had something strange going on and it turns out to be quite common. lol. This diseas is full of surprises....
Strangely, I have never had a liver function test of any kind. I guess I should bring that up at my next appointment....
For the last month or so I have had ulcers appear in my mouth, but the strange thing is they only pop up when I am about to have a really bad day with my UC. If they come one day, within 48 hours I...
Seems like there is a huge difference in pain levels that some people experience with UC. When having a full blown flare, I am in horrible pain. Cramps that literally keep me doubled over. I have...
I don't even know if I should say that Asacol failed. I think it was significantly helping the UC. I was actually having formed stool which I haven't seen in a couple of years. No blood or mucous,...
Said a prayer and added you to my prayer list. Our thoughts are with you during this terrible time. I hope you are surrounded by family and drawing comfort from your faith....
I am taking six Asacol a day. I just finished a taper off of Entocort. The entocort did nothing, but it seems like the Asacol is helping. No bleeding, frequency is down, urgency is better...still...
Thanks shortstuff. I will talk to my doctor, if they persist. I hesitate to do that too soon because he will say stop taking it and honestly, I need an inexpensive maintenance medicine that will work...
I took Asacol a couple of years ago and it immediately exacerbated the flare I was in. I am currently trying it for a second time and it seems to be working. The only problem is that the side effects...