New member introduction -- Post-spinal Hardware Removal

[Heather]

Hi.

I'm a new member and glad to be a part of this forum. I've been dealing with chronic back pain for over 5 years. I'm almost 3 weeks post op from spinal hardware removal surgery. I'm doing better each day but I'm still swollen and in pain.

Thank you all, for the warm welcome.

[Heather]

Hello everyone.

My name is Heather. I've been dealing with chronic back pain for over 5 years. I'm almost three weeks post op from a spinal hardware removal surgery. I'm feeling better each day but I'm still walking like a penguin. I had my first neuro post op appointment last week and the doc said things look good but that they are worried about stability. My bones are week and I have osteopenia due to the steroid injections among other things.

After the first surgery in 2008, I couldn't fathom having another one. Three and a half years later with horrible pain every day, I was eager for the second surgery. I'm hopeful that my bones will get stronger and that I don't need another back surgery.

I'm happy to be a part of this forum.

[Justin]

Hi Heather,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society.

Congratulations on being 3 weeks post-op from hardware removal! I do hope stability is not an issue and that you will have great pain relief in the coming months. Please keep us posted on your progress, as we do care.

[Heather]

Thanks Justin.

I really appreciate the support. It's great to be a part of this forum where everyone understands spine troubles.

[trkdoc714]

Heather,

I hope you continue to heal well and find pain relief soon.

It probably helps that IU beat UK and are having a great season. Being married to a UK fan and being a lifelong IU fan, these past several years have been rough for me. Oh yeah, I had some back issues to muddle through as well.

Take it easy and heal,

Bob

[Heather]

Hi Bob.

Thanks for the kind message and reminder of IU's season. It was an impressive game to say the least. My husband was jumping up and down (forgetting that I was laying next to him) and I had to remind him that he was shaking the floor and causing me pain.

I continue to heal and get better each day. Luckily for me, I was able to return to work (from home) in the second week. Work is a very nice distraction to thinking about the pain.

How are you doing (aside from living with a UK fan- jk). Seriously though, how is your pain? I noticed the note in your signature stating "11/9/11 C6/7 Herniation with Nerve Impingement. Another journey begins". That is horrible. I don't know anything about neck pain and injuries but I unfortunately am all to aware of nerve pain/impingement. Is there anything the doctors can do to help you find some relief?

Sending you good vibes/thoughts about your neck and lower back.

Sincerely,
Heather

[trkdoc714]

Of course no one speaks of "The Loss" around here and I've been yelled at for shopping for IU gifts for her and the 5 year old .

As far as the cervical, I'm at the beginning of that road. The lumbar issues were due to a sudden incident/ re-injury. The cervical has just degenerated over several years. So far the cervical pain is minor compared to the lumbar but like I said, I'm at the beginning. I'm not sure what pain levels this will produce before I decide on an invasive treatment. So far I'm doing this without meds.

I hope you're able to jump up and down along with your husband for the Purdue games.

Bob

[Kimberly]

Hi Heather and welcome!

I hope you continue to heal from your harware removal surgey and it offers you additional pain relief.

Do keep us in the loop as to your progress.

Happy Holidays!

Kimberly