Wanted to say hi before the surgery

**Greg** · 06-07-2010, 06:02 PM

Originally Posted by Katie

What a special couple you are

I don't think I could have made it through my surgery without my hubby. Having all that extra education re: the OR will be a godsend. Knowledge takes away the fear, at least it does with us.

Awesome to meet you and I hope we hear from you often

You are so right Katie....just knowing that I have her by my side is going to make the biggest difference in the world. I know we've all mentioned it before how the pain and misery we go through not only affects us but the loved ones in our life too and sometimes it hard for others to understand and puts a strain on relationships because they dont know what its like. THAT IS WHY I KNOW I HAVE FOUND MY SOULMATE because she does understand and gives me the support I need and is hanging in there with me knowing that it will get better for us....GOD I LOVER HER SO MUCH!!!! I never in a million years could have found a better person to spend the rest of my life with.....well, maybe you guys

Originally Posted by Katie

Greg, I might have missed this in an earlier post, but I was wondering if you are having two incisions for your two levels of fusion as I did, or just one?

The doctor WILL NOT BE DOING A 360 DEGREE FUSION. Instead of fliiping me over and adding the screws and rods from my back he will be using a front skid plate to secure the vertebraes together. So I will only have one incision for the anterior fusion. My only concern is from what I have learned as to how the procedure is done, they go in through the front, remove most of the disc but leave the back and side walls. But the back part (the part touching my nerves) is what has to go. I am supposed to see the dr on the 16th and will stress to him that the back part HAS GOT TO GO!

Originally Posted by KBear

Hi Joanna, So happy that Greg has such a great support! That makes a huge difference . Make him obey the doctors orders and take it easy after surgery. Can't wait for him to be living pain free and have his life back!
Kathy

Cant wait to live that life either. I have always been a wirey person who never stops and is always on the go...probably a big contributing factor to my issues

After my shoulder surgery on the way home from the hospital (2 hours after the surgery) I was trying to get my mom to take me to work

but she wouldnt let me. I thought she was going to strap me to the chair at home b/c I couldnt sit still for more than 10 minutes. It is going to be very difficult to sit still as thats not the kind of person I am. Joanna will do a good job of keeping me in line though.

My biggest worry now is after this operation I am still going to have pain from my sacroilliac joint (which account for 37.294% of my daily pain

). They say hopefully after pressure is relieved from the nerves that the sacro area will calm down but I am having a hard time believing it will happen. One of the few times I WANT TO BE WRONG! But the only way you can eat an elephant is one bite at a time and thats just what were gonna do. Thanks again everybody for everything you have done and offered to me. I cant and dont even want to imagine where I would be right now if I didnt have all of you in my life

**linda** · 06-07-2010, 06:26 PM

Hey Joanna,
Thanks for introducing yourself. We have heard such great stuff about you. Greg is one lucky guy to have you and you two sound just perfect for each other. I live only 30 to 40 min. away and if ya'll need anything please let me know. You will really like his doctor - we have the same doc. He is tall with grey hair and blue eyes and nice looking with a great sense of humor. Thanks again for coming on and I look forward to your posts.
Linda

**Carmen** · 06-08-2010, 09:27 PM

Hi Greg and Joanna,

No matter what anyone says, I love your emoticons. I know I spelled it wrong but you know what I mean. They are so much fun. Your threads are so much fun to read. You can tell what is going on from the start. Keep up the good work. I will be looking forward to Joanna's post after your surgery. I know it is going to be fine and you will be so happy to finally live without pain. Love to you both, Carmen Find Gil's thread from the new surgeon. .....

**Greg** · 06-08-2010, 11:46 PM

Carmen,

Thank you for the kind words

....and I dont know whatchutalkinbout (sp?

), "emoticon" was spelled perfectly...LOL "I know it is going to be fine and you will be so happy to finally live without pain." Couldn't have said it better myself. I feel pretty confident and cant wait to have you join me on "the other side" If I remember correctly your procedure dates are 5 days apart? Are you going to be released from the hospital for a day or 2 and then have to come back? It would seem like it would be easier to just stay there but who would want to hang around in a hospital for a week or so

You'll have to send me your phone number for your room becuase if you're staying in the hospital that long without family being with you

then I can play the family role and chat

with you all about my experience and hopefuly help you pass the oh so fun time you'd be having at the hospital

.

Regardless, Im here for u so dont hesitate to use and abuse me

<---but just not like that

I know Joanna has been trying to find some time to get back on here but she's been really busy lately

as she just started a new job a few days ago

and they've got her working 6 days a week

and to top it all off she's taking her only day off a week to keep her old job and work there

This women is going work crazy

I know she'll make it back on here soon when she gets a few spare moments and she's not

from work
Hope I didnt

the thread up with too many emoticons

**Joanna** · 06-11-2010, 06:50 PM

Wow! Now I see why you all mean so much to Greg. Thank you everyone, I'm glad that others can see that we are a good couple. That gives me some reassurance that I have found the man of my life. Not like I didnt feel 150% sure already but it never hurts to have some extra reassurance. I'm sorry it has taken so long for me to get back on this site. My new job is taken every bit of time and strength out of me. But with Greg being out of work for a while its time for me to take over duties as the bread winner and keep the lights on.

I promise once it comes time for the surgery my updates will not be this far apart. I just haven't had any time at all for myself this week. I really like this new job but I have been warned by both of Greg's older sisters not to tell the owners about the surgery or even dare ask for the time off. There not like any typical owner of a restaurant (there old fashion hardcore Greeks) and if I had asked off for a week after only working there for 2 they would fire me. Not very nice but I really like this job and REALLY need this job so I will listen to Greg's sisters advice as they have worked there for at least 12 years a piece. They said they will cover my shifts as needed and play it off like coming in and in front of the bosses tell me how they really need some extra cash and want me to let them work for me. This way they wont think I'm just taking off. I love them so much!

It was really nice to finally meet some of you all and actually see what it is that Greg does all the time when he's on the computer (way too much time but if it helps him and he gets to help others than its worth it). I dont think he could have found a better place (or group of people) to make his home and call his family. You all have done so much to help him in all the ways that I couldnt. So again, THANK YOU SO MUCH

AND I PROMISE THE SURGERY UPDATES WILL BE VERY OFTEN ONCE WE GET TO THE HOSPITAL. And we finally looked up the hospital he's going to. OMG! This place is a private, doctor owned hospital with a 4:1 Nurse to patient ratio. Just built a new facility, 56,000 square feet with 24 private rooms (600 square feet each), state of the art equipment and even a personal chef to custom tailor the meals to whatever requirements or restrictions someone may have for their diet. I dont think he could have found a nicer, more comfortable place to spend some of the toughest days of his life. They even accomadate (very well and comfortable) someone who may be staying with the patient...ME....and visitor hours are 24/7. Talk to you soon!

**Carmen** · 06-11-2010, 08:06 PM

Hi you two,

Greg I am taking my computer with me. So hopefully I will be able to WiFi there. I will be at the hospital the whole time.

I have passed out directions to the hospital to a few friends and relations, but who knows. It will probably be easier for me to call you but I can give you the hospitals phone number. You will just have to ask for me,
CARMEN LANGE[COLOR="rgb(255, 140, 0)"][/COLOR][COLOR="rgb(255, 140, 0)"][/COLOR] since I do not know my room number as yet I will be there the 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, and the 28th will be my second surgery, the worst one. I will probably be there I am hoping until July first but they may send me on my way earlier. I may go to Marianjo in Wheaten after that. I will give you the hospital. You can try the nurse at 312-432-2368. There is probably another number too but I don't have that paper in front of me right this moment. You have to tell me EVERYTHING. Also what pain meds they gave you. I told the nurse that I am much easier to deal with when given the right medication. Hoping to hear from you an Joanna soon, Carmen

There could never be too many emoticans. :thumpup: The doctor and his whole staff are at a conference in Cobo.