I have a way forward! (cervical & lumbar surgery with Dr. Pimenta, Brazil)

[Katie]

No, I'm still on course for Brazil...as of TOMORROW!!!!! It is just barely starting to sink in...that I'm getting on a plane tomorrow evening

The advice was to have the surgery done at Dr Pimenta's 'home' clinic. I spoke to someone at Nuvasive and was asking about the disc. He mentioned the fact that I'm in Canada and I had to explain that I was traveling for surgery. When I mentioned Brazil, he said...you are't by chance seeing Dr. Pimenta are you? My heart stopped. I didn't know if I should admit to it or not, but when I finally started breathing and said yes, he got very excited and said I was in the best hands possible, that he was involved in the development of the discs. Phew!

I'm getting the Neodisc in my C5/6...for some reason earlier, I had it stuck in my brain that it was the CERPASS, but in Dr. Pimenta's last email, he said Neodisc, plus three levels of stand alone XLIF PEEK cages in my L3/4, 4/5 & L5/S1. The
cervical disc is really funky looking, but since I have absolutely no option other than fusion for that level, I'll take funky.

It would be so cool to get together and compare parts

OMG...liposuction! That's it, a ten for one price...what else can we get while under one anesthetic? !

[ajj1001]

What day do you set off? The 13th? Really excited for you but glad I've not had all the organising to do!

[JenniferC]

Katie,

Wow! I am so excited for you that you are going to Brazil tomorrow!!!!!
Funny, I just watched that 80's movie "Blame it on Rio" last week
Good luck and our prayers are with you and your family! Wow...guess we will be family-
all related to Nuvasive.

Take care and enjoy your journey...

Jennifer

[Katie]

Thanks sis!

[Katie]

We leave tomorrow evening Alison. Actually it's not been bad, other than a few glitches. I'm spending way too much time on the computer...avoidance I think!

Other than packing and cleaning house, we're almost there. The $$$ deposit has been sent to the surgeon, visas were picked up yesterday, tons of DVDs and Books on Tape(CD) gotten from friends and library, all necessary batteries charged and new ones bought Best of all, all refills on prescriptions are done, which was huge, considering my PM doctor is suddenly away on medical leave and we almost couldn't reach her . That reminds me, I have to send her a giant thank you email.

The only worries I have is leaving our animals, the farm in general. That and big concerns about having my pain managed correctly, because of the weird reactions and non-reactions I have in that department. Most pain meds either do not work, or run their course very quickly and the docs and nurses are afraid to give me more. So prayers and wishes would be appreciated on that note

The surgery itself isn't worrying me much at all...not sure why, just have complete confidence in the surgeon, thanks to the comments from everyone here, and a gut feeling about it.

To all who have sent me private messages and phone calls, a giant thank you!!!!

You have no idea how much they mean to me and my husband, along with all the advice over the past year or so. I wish I had time to get back to everyone personally right now, but I promise to do it in a week or so when I have more time. The help has been priceless, and to new people coming onto this forum, just believe that this is the warmest, most well informed and helpful bunch of people you will ever meet.

I never would be in this position today, traveling to a top notch surgeon, without the help of very special people here.
Blessings to all of you.

[ajj1001]

Will be saying a prayer for you everyday. The pain management was my main concern with my last surgery and it all got sorted. I am sure that you will be listened to and treated appropriately. Being happy with the surgeon and the surgery you are going to have is the most important thing so I know you are going to be just fine.

[Justin]

Katie,

Here's to a smooth trip and successful surgery with Dr. Pimenta!

It is absolutely amazing that you are this close--no more spinning tires / holding pattern!

[scduggan]

Good Luck Katie.....I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
CD

[Liz]

hi katie,

i just wanted to wish you all the best for a very successful surgery next week! i think you are in GREAT hands!

I know when surgeons give us HOPE and confidence that they can help us it puts us on cloud nine. It's such a long, emotional journey to get to that point, and for some of us it's a much longer journey than others which just means even more to us to get there; it's just sad that no one in Canada would help you.

I'm glad you are fusing the lumbar levels and not messing w/an ADR there; i think the Neodisc looks promising... it's in trials in the US.

It's a big op but just keep the long-term goal in mind during recovery and take things one day at a time... I think it helps to go into the op positive and hopeful for just a significant reduction in pain and therefore improvement in quality of life, anything more is a bonus, anything less remember you couldn't continue as you were. There are many people w/much longer fusions for scoliosis that remain active so I hope the same for you.

You're fortunate to have a wonderful hubby to support you through this!

Your case will really help other spine patients that have similar issues (w/metal allergies) so let us know how you get on.

I hope this time next week you feel better in a different way than you do today and that you are on the road to recovery!

Enjoy Brazil!

best wishes,
Liz

[Katie]

"Your case will really help other spine patients that have similar issues (w/metal allergies) so let us know how you get on."

Liz, this statement will stay with me for a very long time. It is very important to me to help others, so that they can avoid the misery I've had to go through here in this province. It is truly criminal. Since you are one of the people who led me to my discoveries, you share this day, this victory. Thanks so very much.