Psychological Games!!

[scduggan]

Hello Everyone,
Well, here I am 10 days until my ADR surgery. Lo and Behold, today was one of those extremely rare days in which my pain levels were relatively low. I even went to lunch and sat in a booth (you guys know what a big deal this is). Normally I would say a big prayer of Thanks. All it has done is make me a little more mentally unstable about my surgery. I KNOW I am doing the right thing.....and at the right place....and with the right surgeon. This is normal, Right? I fear I will get a little more weird each day. I am even working on my checklist and trying to get things prepared for the grandparents caring for my three boys while my husband and I are away. Just a couple of questions.

1)I have taken it upon myself to gradually taper off my prescription pain meds. No one told me to do this. I just get ideas in my brain. I know for a fact Dr. Zigler prescribes hydrocodone upon discharge. I have been taking that for months and have quite a tolerance. I feel like I would rather have some really crappy days NOW in order to have really good pain control post-operatively. Anyone have an opinion on this?

2)I am pretty worried about sleeping after the surgery. Ever since my pregnancies I have slept on my side. Will this be possible after surgery? Any tips? I have purchased several new fluffy pillows. I also have moved a lazy-boy recliner to my bedroom. It seems like I heard someone say with ADR changing positions is crucial, and too much of anything is bad.

Thanks to you guys. I have been so grateful for you! It is terribly easy to feel alone in this plight. My husband had a laminectomy 4 years ago so he totally gets it. I think he is pumped about bossing me around for a while and being the "Activity Police". On one hand I am pretty stubborn and HATE being disabled....on the other I am so excited about this and will be compliant for a positive end result.

Thanks!
CD

[Katie]

LOL, CD, when I have more than two hours of 'lesser' pain, I am suspicious that I have been exaggerating all these years, and my surgery isn't even booked yet!

What you are going through is entirely normal...you would be weird if it didn't happen, I think. Your idea of cutting back on your meds now is interesting. Terry might be able to chime in on this, as his profession revolves around this sort of thing. That is the one thing that scares the #*@# out of me...not being able to control the pain post-op.

I love your description of the power plans in your house. I think mine may be similar ;-)

[Cindylou]

Yes, CD, so very normal as Katie already said. I would just try and stay as busy and distracted as you can before surgery, to try to minimize "the fear factor." Terry will likely chime in too, but personally I think it is a great idea to taper way down or off your narcotics pre-surgery. Your body will thank you after surgery when you need those strong meds, and you won't be so tolerant of their effect.

Good, good luck...and hang in there. You will do just fine.

[ajj1001]

2)I am pretty worried about sleeping after the surgery. Ever since my pregnancies I have slept on my side. Will this be possible after surgery? Any tips? I have purchased several new fluffy pillows. I also have moved a lazy-boy recliner to my bedroom. It seems like I heard someone say with ADR changing positions is crucial, and too much of anything is bad.

I found sleeping on my side very comfortable as long as I kept a pillow between my legs to keep my spine in line. You could also try having pillows behind you to support you in the position. The lazy boy will be really good for reclining and snoozing in a good zig zag position.

[WPKat]

CD,

Who could blame you for feeling anxious before surgery? Believe me, I so get how you are feeling right now!

I also understand questioning yourself when you happen to have a low pain day. I was lucky enough to have an exceptionally low pain day last week myself. I was encouraged and I allowed myself to day dream about how great life would be if it would just stay that way - I would never need another pain killer, spine procedure or surgery. But my pain flucuates - I think sometimes it's controlled by the wind - just kidding You were blessed with a good day and isn't it about time that you had one?

(1) I agree with you about tapering down a bit if you can. Have you talked with your surgeon about what you are currently taking for pain medications (i.e., type, dosage and frequency)? Would he consider bumping you up for a while afterwards? They put me on oxycodone after my back surgery. Perhaps a month later, I asked to move down to vidodin. It takes time to adjust to a lower dosage, but I've always been a big believer in keeping my tolerance to pain medications on the low side.

(2) I have not had ADR surgery (but I am seriously considering it now). After my back surgery, however, I was able to sleep on my back with my legs propped up with pillows (and I never slept on my back before). After a while, I was able to sleep comfortably on my side with a pillow in between my legs. I would definitely ask the surgeon what he recommends and if there are any limitations.

I envy you that your husband has personal experience and can empathize with your pain. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't wish this on anyone - especially not my husband - but it's hard for him to really "get it."

Activity police? Does he have a plan of action for you after your surgery so that you have an easier recovery? If so, that's such a blessing. Although you might become annoyed by the bossy aspect , it's like to having your own personal trainer!

Good Luck!
K

[Justin]

Hello Everyone,
Well, here I am 10 days until my ADR surgery. Lo and Behold, today was one of those extremely rare days in which my pain levels were relatively low. I even went to lunch and sat in a booth (you guys know what a big deal this is). Normally I would say a big prayer of Thanks. All it has done is make me a little more mentally unstable about my surgery. I KNOW I am doing the right thing.....and at the right place....and with the right surgeon. This is normal, Right? I fear I will get a little more weird each day. I am even working on my checklist and trying to get things prepared for the grandparents caring for my three boys while my husband and I are away. Just a couple of questions.

1)I have taken it upon myself to gradually taper off my prescription pain meds. No one told me to do this. I just get ideas in my brain. I know for a fact Dr. Zigler prescribes hydrocodone upon discharge. I have been taking that for months and have quite a tolerance. I feel like I would rather have some really crappy days NOW in order to have really good pain control post-operatively. Anyone have an opinion on this?

2)I am pretty worried about sleeping after the surgery. Ever since my pregnancies I have slept on my side. Will this be possible after surgery? Any tips? I have purchased several new fluffy pillows. I also have moved a lazy-boy recliner to my bedroom. It seems like I heard someone say with ADR changing positions is crucial, and too much of anything is bad.

Thanks to you guys. I have been so grateful for you! It is terribly easy to feel alone in this plight. My husband had a laminectomy 4 years ago so he totally gets it. I think he is pumped about bossing me around for a while and being the "Activity Police". On one hand I am pretty stubborn and HATE being disabled....on the other I am so excited about this and will be compliant for a positive end result.

Thanks!
CD

Hi CD,

Feel "well" right before surgery is common for many Spine Patients. Before my two-level artificial disc replacement surgery in 2003, I vividly remember the week before surgery as I wasn't feeling that bad. I was worried that I was "jumping the gun" on surgery. However, I knew my underlying spine issues were significant and required surgical intervention.

In terms of sleeping after surgery: while I was in the hospital I frequently changed my position. I would lay on my back for a while and then roll to my side every so often. Changing my position frequently was key to feeling good.

BTW: watch out for the "Activity Police!"