Funny Thing Happened...

[CardinalTwo]

In May I was scheduled for an OV on 7/1 with a new to me spinal NS at UCSF. Unexpectedly, in early June I had to go to local ED for nagging 5 day belly pain. Turns out I have/had diverticulitis. Mercifully, no abdominal masses! After a 12 hour admission, I was discharged with two oral antibiotics. The Cipro was no problem, but Flagyl was barely tolerable. Yuck! Finally after a month my colon has settled down.

I've have h/o of cervical and lumbar spondylosis since late 90's and have had two ACDF's (now fused from C4/7) and an L4/5 laminotomy. I have L4/5 Grade II spondylolisthesis, complete obliteration of disc space, endplate edema, severe facet arthropathy, and severe bilateral foraminal stenosis L>R. I am now scheduled for an L4/5 fusion on 8/30. As an almost 70 year old junior senior and a variety of other reasons, I am not a candidate for artificial disc surgery. Preop I am to have a MRI of t/spine to rule out thoracic disc disease, donate 1 unit of autologous blood, and have my primary do an H&P. I feel total confidence in the NS and know after 12+ years of dealing with the degeneration, I have run out of conservative options.

Question? Has anyone heard from Carmen postop?

Cheers to all on the 4th,
CardinalTwo

[Greg]

Hello,

I have to say from your post above you seem very knowledged of the spine, conditions and treatments. Seems like you've been doing your homework :twothumbs: I hate that you had to endure spine issues for so long but can sympathize as mine went on for at least 9 years before my surgery a couple weeks ago :thumpup: I wish you the very best of luck during your procedure and journey to a pain free life. What a long visit you had in the ER for your abdominal issues....12 hours :eek: .....but is any trip to the ER a short one :laughitup: ?

As for your question about the status of Carmen, she has completed both of her operations and doing well; about 5 and a half hours for each surgery, 6/23 & 6/28. She was released from the hospital yesterday around 3 pm and is now at the Lexington Rehab Center that is connected to the hospital finishing some of her recovery as she does not have an around-the-clock caregiver back home right now. I didn't catch her on the phone today (called 3 times:() but since she is at a rehabilitation center I am sure she is either busy with physical therapy :weights: or sleeping because of it.....or at least I hope:D She has had some issues with getting her laptop to connect to the internet at the hospital and once she finally got it hooked up she was discharged:eek: She told me they have wifi where she is at now but needs to muster up the energy and strength to get everything connected to get online. I have kind of been her voice to the SPS so if you have any questions or want to get in touch with her just let me know. I have a thread in the "Surgical Outcome" Sub-Forum of her journey (link below) if you want to catch up on her journey. Best of luck to you and please let me know if I can do anything to help. GOOD LUCK:coolthumb:

http://www.spinepatientsociety.org/f...p-thread-1719/

[CardinalTwo]

Hi Greg,

Thank you so much for replying to my thread. I am simply delighted Carmen is recovering in rehab and that the surgeries are over. Good for her; she has mega spine problems herself but always expresses great empathy and concern for others. I will follow her progress on this web site.

I did not share that I am a retired Stanford Hospital RN who worked the floor in ob/gyn. While I have had some bad times over the years with the ongoing DDD and Rheumatoid Arthritis, I have also enjoyed long periods of time with spinal stability and tolerable pain. Recently, after a few hours in the ED until the CT results were known, I was moved to a "Clinical Decision Unit" for first doses of IV antibiotics and pain control and to see whether I fit the parameters for discharge--12 hours in all.

I am an infrequent poster (have followed BrainTalk since 2000!) but have learned volumes over the years from web sites such as this about surgical approaches, new developments, individual experiences, and pain control, etc. I also try not to underestimate the anesthesiologist's job or selecting the best surgeon for the operation. Hope my internist doesn't decide its too soon after the diverticulitis to undergo an elective surgery.

All the best for your continued recovery, and please share with Carmen that I am cheering her on with hers.

CardinalTwo