that ol' waiting game ... L5-S1

[davemmevad]

Hi All,
Been a while since I've updated, and figured it was about time (and face it, I needed to vent a little).

Finally got my NEW MRI (old ones got misfiled as Thoracic so nobody reviewed them grrrrrr), and based on the results, a referral to a Neuro. Appointment is for the 22nd!!!! Not sure what/when we'll do anything, but I can't imagine it'll be anything other than fusion at the L5-S1.

That said, I was poking around and couldn't find a good break down of the various approaches that are appropriate for this level, and their associated risks/benefits - does anyone happen to have that handy? At issue is that I like to do lots of things that will ultimately have me twisting alot (Canoe, Kayak, Ski etc). And I'm a bit of an adrenaline junkie, so the odds are what ever they do will get beaten up a little once it is healed. Any thoughs/ recommendations would be greatly appreciated so I can go into the meeting prepared. That aside, I'm really looking forward to just being done, and recovering. And getting off the #$@##@!!!! pain meds. And standing up with out pain. And being able to sit through a movie. And... oh heck, you all get it, no need to explain.

The nice thing about it all, is that having gone through this with my neck, and basically freaking out all along the way, this one is emotionally easy. About the only consideration is timing, as my wife is still recovering from surgery herself, and someone has to be able to take care of the dog, lift Laundry baskets etc. Sad to think that relief may wait, but having a date will help I'm sure. Oh, btw, my Neck (C5-7) is doing great - a little facet pain sometimes from odd positions, and aching when the weather changes.

Otherwise, the weather here is lovely, and I really really wish I was healthy enough to be safe on an OC-1 (solo outrigger canoe) cause the ocean is lovely this time of year and dang it I WANNA PLAY!!!!!!!!!


Thanks for the listen, and if you have any info on the lumbar surgeries please do let me know.

Cheers,
Dave

[Margo]

Dave,

As far as flexibility is concerned, I would think that L5-S1 is low enough down that it shouldn't affect your movements much. That's just my educated guess.

Sorry about the timing with your wife's health going on too. That's rough.

Margo

[davemmevad]

L4-L5 is black on the MRI...(I finally got to see my 'new' MRI's and sure enough L5-S1 is sticking out where it shouldn't ... heck a blind man could see it...) can anyone say Adjacent Segment? And I haven't even had surgery yet... yech. I'm really getting sick of all this spine stuff.

Then again, if they do two levels in my lumbar, then it will match my cervical, and perhaps I'll finally achieve some balance in this life!!!! At least that is something to look forward to.

Hey, on a different track, why is it, that after a year of steady pain when sitting down (or bending over, moving wrong etc) when the Chair is clearly not a good place for me, do all the people in my life keep suggesting I get a kindle and read more?????????? Gads, the ones with good backs just don't get it, do they.

On the plus side, my wife is recovering nicely and can go back to work next week. I stayed home yesterday and we had a full day of Valentines day as it were - nice walk by the beach, lunch, actually got to TALK!!! (we have an 11 year old - no one else typically gets a word in), had chocolate mousse back at the house (homemade too), saw a movie, in all a lovely day.

Otherwise no news, my appt with the Neuro is next tuesday, but I just needed to vent a little - I'm getting tired of the list of 'can't do that's' including all the fun stuff. Looking forward to being able to move safely again.

Cheers,
Dave

[Cindylou]

Dave, I have a fusion at L6-S1 (extra vertebra) as well as my 3 lumbar Prodiscs (4 years ago) and I can canoe and kayak. I think you should be just fine, but you are gonna have to give it the proper healing time before you attempt anything of that nature....and I think you know that. I am also a big skier (alpine) but I haven't done that in several years, although I still want to give it a go. I think I can do it, as long as I stay on the greens and blues, you know? It's everyone else uphill I am worried about! Good luck at your upcoming appointment and keep us posted on how it goes. Cindylou

[davemmevad]

Hi Cindylou -

Thanks - I'm sure I'll figure something out, but I'm equally sure I won't be able to race. My concert is that losing a level or 2 of lumbar rotation will shorten my reach, and make my stroke less effective and in the ocean that is important for both speed and safety (I've been paddling outriggers here in San Diego). Granted, I don't know how much less effective at this point and likely won't for a year or so, but I gotta admit, I like to go fast. The biggest issue is having an outlet for my competative streak, which by all accounts is touch wide .

Skiing is another story altogether, and yes, I will ski again. But right now I doubt I could sit long enough to survive a lift to the top, let alone the car drive to Mammoth!

Rgds,
Dave

[davemmevad]

I just bought a Kindle ... figure with the way my back feels (and looks etc) that it's a safe bet I'll need surgery, and also figured I'd want to get it in advance to get it set up etc. And I think I just needed a little retail therapy since my back is killing me right now. <sigh> I wish the drugs really worked for me.

Otherwise just blah blah blah blah - feeling chatty today and stuck at work watching a screen that says 'please wait...'

Hope you all are having a good one!

Dave

[KBear]

I just bought a Kindle ... figure with the way my back feels (and looks etc) that it's a safe bet I'll need surgery, and also figured I'd want to get it in advance to get it set up etc. And I think I just needed a little retail therapy since my back is killing me right now. <sigh> I wish the drugs really worked for me.

Otherwise just blah blah blah blah - feeling chatty today and stuck at work watching a screen that says 'please wait...'

Hope you all are having a good one!

Dave

I'm so jealous! I've wanted a Kindle for awhile now, but keep waiting. I thought about buying one when the price dropped recently, but then I was thinking, hmmm, maybe I should save up for an Ipad instead. LOL Not that I need an Ipad, but looks like a fun toy. For now I use the Kindle app on the Iphone.
What kind of books do you like to read? I used to prefer non-fiction only, but lately I've been reading more fiction and enjoying it.

[Cindylou]

Let us know how you like your Kindle Dave. I haven't bought one yet either. I just love the whole experience of holding a book and turning a real page, so I have shied away from one, but a best girlfriend of mine told me she loves hers, and she is a big reader too. Actually, I think her's is The Nook, from Barnes and Noble, but I'm pretty sure I want the Kindle, if and when I break down to try one. Let me know how it meets or exceeds your expectations, if you don't mind, over the coming weeks. Thx! Meanwhile, happy reading! Cindylou

[davemmevad]

Sure thing KBear & Cindylou -
I've actually borrowed a friends Kindle and loved it, but then didn't buy one due to the $$. When the price came down, and now that I'm looking at the Lumbar, I figured get it early and get used to it. I'm planning on catching up on alot of books .

I don't have a smart phone, so besides my laptop I don't have any electronic options for reading, and this is smaller!. I also like the e-Paper screens quite a bit.

KBear - I am a fiction addict - or at least used to be before my son was born...kids have a way of stealing all your time, but in a good way. Fiction, and mostly SciFi stuff. Yes, I am a complete geek, and proud.

Will keep you posted on what I think of it, but I'm sure it will be divine.

Cheers,
Dave

[Justin]

Hey Dave,

I am just now reading this read. In regard to your MRI, . I'm sorry that L4/L5 & L5/S1 both look bad. If both levels need to be operated on, it's a pretty "major" operation.

I know you are an adrenaline junkie. You asked what activities can you do post-op--you can do anything you want. However, there are many activities that you will not want to do, especially if your goal down the road is to not have any more surgeries. The wear and tear that you place on (what we'll say will be a 2-level fusion) will put a lot of stress on adjacent segments, which could potentially require surgical intervention down the road.

Dr. Bertagnoli (the surgeon that did my last 2 spine surgeries) gave a great example about what you can / can't do after surgery; he said "say you buy a nice BMW sedan. It's not made for off-road use, but you can use it off-road. However, when you do, parts will wear out faster and damage will result, as that type of car is not meant to be used off-road." I hope this gets the point across.

Good luck with the neuro appt on Tuesday...keep us posted.