[Spinal Fusion / Lumbar] To All Greg's Supporters -- Fusion (ALIF), L4/L5 & L5/S1

[Greg]

Since it is 5:30 in the morning you can probably tell that the anticipation is killing me. I cant believe I am finally getting my surgery tomorrow. OMG, my alarm to wake up for the day just went off and I havent even gone to sleep yet....WOOPS

I just wanted to give a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who has been there for me and hope that I have been able to do the same for others. I NEVER would have been able to pull through all the unbelievably tough times without the unbiased, loving, caring, compassionate, thoughtful kind words of advice, wisdom, knowledge and support that I was overwhelmingly flooded with by my family on the SPS. I love you all and cant thank you enough!

I thought I would be having cold feet or something but since the pain is getting so bad (to the point where I'm not sleeping), THERE AINT NO COLD FEET, I JUST WANT TO GET TO THAT HOSPITAL...and soon.

My 3 pre-op appts were yesterday (what a day)! It's a 3 hour painful squirming ride to Durham and 1st appt was at 945 at the hospital, 1pm at the surgeons and 230 at the general surgeons office. To make it all wonderful I missed my first appt. The anxiety, pain and anticipation of getting fixed is so bad I've only been sleeping a couple hours a night. I called the doc a few days ago explaining my problem but he said since I am on such a high dose already to up me anymore before surgery I wouldnt be able to manage the pain afterwards....which a few more days of hell is worth being able to hopefully manage the pain after the surgery. So when I got to sleep the night before the pre-ops it wasnt until about 4 AM I fell asleep (finally) but I slept through the alarm at 530 AM and didnt wake up in time to drive 3 hours and make it to the 945 at the hospital.

Needless to say the only other available appt was the next day (which happens to be today) at 945 again but taking this many 3 hour car rides (each way) is living hell. So now I have to go again today and since I still havent fallen asleep and need to leave in an hour I couldnt even get any sleep if I wanted to.....theres always time to sleep in the hospital The biggest bummer is all this darn driving.



Yesterday:

• Left home at 8 am for my 3 hour ride to Durham.....dozing out on the ride there from lack of sleep so I had to pull over on the side of the road and took a 45 minute nap to prevent a wreck....best sleep in 3 days
• Did the 1 o'clock pre-op at the dr office but things got screwed up so my dr, his PA and nurse werent there so someone else's PA was there couldnt talk to the dr about my pain management issues
• Made it to the 230 pre-op with the general surgeron
• Then drive 3 hours back home

Today:

• Havent slept b/c of the pain so there shouldnt be an issue being up in time and making the 3 hour drive for the 945 pre-op at the hospital
• Then it's time to haul @$$ home (3 hours) to pack up and take care of last minute arrangements
• Then drive 3 more hours back up to Durham b/c were staying at my fiance's Aunt's house b/c I have to be at the hospital at 7:30 AM
  
  • Technically I am being driven up there so I think this will be my chance to FINZLLY GET SOME SLEEP!

So it looks like all I have to do is one more day of hell and than I can get to the hospital, get some relief and get this surgery underway

It is 1 day, 0 hours, 59 minutes and 12 seconds until I can get to that hospital and get myself out of this hell I put myself in. I got no one to blame but myself. I should have just toughed out the extra pain instead

[KBear]

So happy for you Greg!!!! Sorry about the no sleep and extra pain, but it will all soon be better.

[ajj1001]

so pleased that you are nearly there. will be praying for it all to go well.:thumpup:

[Cindylou]

Greg, I am so happy for you! I pray this surgery will deliver you from all this pain. And you were smart to pull over and catch some zzz's since you were nodding off. You poor thing....way too much driving for you back and forth. You are on the home stretch. Report in when you are able after surgery and we will be waiting with anticipation to hear from your fiance'. I have nodded off on numerous occasions driving the 3 - 4 hours to our cabin. Very scary. I did it again yesterday and kept shaking my head and driving with the windows down to stimulate me till I could find a stopping place to grab some dinner, a coffee big time, and even one of those Slap Energy Shot Drinks in the small cans. Coffee did the trick tho. .......And so I digress........good luck!!!!!

[dalhousie]

Have read quite a few of your posts over the last few months but haven't posted myself. Thought I'd wish you all the best for your imminent surgery & hope you have a good recovery. Not long to go now!

[Katie]

Greg, I wish you as smooth a surgery as I had I came out of mine with almost no pain, other than touchy incisions and a sore throat & shoulder from my cervical level work of course. I had asked for an epidural during and the day after surgery, and I think it made all the difference. My doctors didn't have any problem with it, and even when it wore off after they took it out, I still felt pretty darn good.

I think it gave my body the chance to rest after that big shock, and I was then able to handle the distraction pain in my legs three days later. I'm still amazed at how well I survived that big a surgery. So perhaps you could question them about having that.

You will be in my thoughts and prayers for the next couple of days. I hope we hear from your fiance with great news soon!

[Carson]

Greg,

I'm going to be sending you all the well wishes, prayers, guidance, strength and all the good fortune this universe of ours can offer tomorrow. I've been following your story from a distance as many others and extremely impressed with your resilience, intelligence and felt compassion for others even amidst your own troubles. It's your time now. You're going to know some long awaited relief, brother. Time to allow others to help and care for you now. Please do all you can to optimize your recover always with your eye on the horizon. Your recovery begins just hours from now! The care you take as you recover means everything and you have all of life ahead. We're pulling for you and anxious to read your progress.

Carson

[Keano16]

Good luck. Looking forward to your success.

[Liz]

best of luck to you Greg... you are too young to be dealing with this crap. Keep your positive attitude and take things one day at a time and keep the end goal in mind during recovery.

best wishes,
Liz

[Gilbert P]

Hi Greg

All the best

Surgery is not a piece of cake, take your time and listen to the hospitial staff do not be a hero.

Eat as much, sleep as much, walk as much as you feel up to. This is a one shot deal do not screw it up.

Please take it one day at a time.

Do not post until you are out of the fog we can wait

I will pray for you.

Gil