Discogram & ALIF Pending, Need Help w/Decisions,Is it worth it?

[Gilbert P]

Sarahhope you are in good hands here, I am in some of the same will get back when I am felling better

Have a nasty cold with lumbar flare up

Gil

[Justin]

ALIF surgery officially scheduled for Jan 3rd, 2011. The only question now is, just L5-S1 or more levels? I'd love to hear anyone's story...and what is the XLIF you mentioned? I should also mention that this is already the 3rd surgeon I've seen (by far the most thorough) and I've tried all kinds of conservative stuff: phys ther, chiropractor, implanted Neurostimulator (still using)

Hey Sarah,

I just wanted to see how your ALIF went. I hope you are doing well.

[sarahhope]

So sorry, everyone. I really appreciated everyone's help, I just haven't been up to doing much and I had some computer problems. I did the discogram and it went horribly wrong. He stabbed me for over 2 hours with no sedative whatsoever, and then said he didn't have the proper equipment to do the test!!! So he only managed to hit one of the four discs that my doctor wanted to check and my CT scan was cancelled.

Since then, I have finally recovered from his mistake and my surgery is now going to be this Monday, the 31st. We decided to only do the L5-S1 fusion (ALIF with posterior instrumentation and possible revision laminotomy). I had an IVC filter put in last Wednesday because of my previous pulmonary embolism. So, now there's only 1 day to go and I think it's finally going to happen! This is my 5th date for this surgery--I just want it over with now.

I would welcome any suggestions or tips--I will read them when I get back (maybe 2-3 weeks?). Thank you all!

[Cindylou]

So sorry, everyone. I really appreciated everyone's help, I just haven't been up to doing much and I had some computer problems. I did the discogram and it went horribly wrong. He stabbed me for over 2 hours with no sedative whatsoever, and then said he didn't have the proper equipment to do the test!!! So he only managed to hit one of the four discs that my doctor wanted to check and my CT scan was cancelled.

Since then, I have finally recovered from his mistake and my surgery is now going to be this Monday, the 31st. We decided to only do the L5-S1 fusion (ALIF with posterior instrumentation and possible revision laminotomy). I had an IVC filter put in last Wednesday because of my previous pulmonary embolism. So, now there's only 1 day to go and I think it's finally going to happen! This is my 5th date for this surgery--I just want it over with now.

I would welcome any suggestions or tips--I will read them when I get back (maybe 2-3 weeks?). Thank you all!

Wow, what a mess Sarah. I am so sorry to hear that the discogram was so much pain and trouble. That's terrible. Well, tomorrow finally is your big day, so yay for that! You will do fine with your surgery. I have had the ALIF with posterior instrumentation and laminotomy. First few days are naturally pretty rough, with a spike in pain, but it will begin to calm down after that. Just remember to follow your doctor's post-surgery instructions to a tee. It should include the no bending, twisting, lifting, etc. in the beginning, for about 3 months. But he should give you the specifics for your particular recovery. I have not heard of an IVC filter. What is that? Do you mind explaining? I have had 2 pulmonary embolisms myself. 2nd one almost took me, summer of 08. I am just curious what that is. Anyway, my very best to you, and don't worry about not getting back to us. We just care, and hope and pray your surgery tomorrow will ultimately give you the relief from pain that you need. Only when you are feeling up to it, give us a nod and let us know how you are fairing, ok? Take care, Cindylou

[sarahhope]

Wow, what a mess Sarah. I am so sorry to hear that the discogram was so much pain and trouble. That's terrible. Well, tomorrow finally is your big day, so yay for that! You will do fine with your surgery. I have had the ALIF with posterior instrumentation and laminotomy. First few days are naturally pretty rough, with a spike in pain, but it will begin to calm down after that. Just remember to follow your doctor's post-surgery instructions to a tee. It should include the no bending, twisting, lifting, etc. in the beginning, for about 3 months. But he should give you the specifics for your particular recovery. I have not heard of an IVC filter. What is that? Do you mind explaining? I have had 2 pulmonary embolisms myself. 2nd one almost took me, summer of 08. I am just curious what that is. Anyway, my very best to you, and don't worry about not getting back to us. We just care, and hope and pray your surgery tomorrow will ultimately give you the relief from pain that you need. Only when you are feeling up to it, give us a nod and let us know how you are fairing, ok? Take care, Cindylou

Thanks so much for your concern, Cindylou. An IVC filter stands for an Inferior Vena Cava Filter. Nowadays they are usually temporary, so if you ever need more surgery, they will probably put one in--or you should absolutely ask for one. I almost died from my PE too--nothing to mess around with. The procedure was outpatient, with light sedation. Really wasn't that bad. I never even took any pain medicine when I got home (but I don't usually anyway since they make me sick.) You pretty much end up with a puncture wound in the groin area where they put it in the vein. It literally filters blood clots from the legs and keeps them from reaching your heart or lungs. Most blood clots start in the legs. Hope this is helpful!

This will be my last post for awhile! Say some prayers for me everyone! Tomorrow's the big day! 7:30am! Thanks for all your help and encouragement!

[ajj1001]

Will pray all goes well Sarah. x

[Hooch]

Best wishes.

[KBear]

Praying!

[Cindylou]

You should be out of surgery by now, Sarah. I pray all went well and you are resting well, with pain under control. Be sure to speak up if your pain pump (or whatever they are using) is not giving you the proper relief. Try to stay on top of your pain. Only when you are up for it, drop a post to let us know how surgery went and how you are recuperating, okay? Take good care, Cindylou

[Justin]

Hi Sarah,

I hope your surgery was a complete success! You're on the other side!!!