[Spinal Fusion / Lumbar] Carmen's Surgery on 6/23/10 Part 1, XLIF (eXtreme Lateral Interbody Fusion)

[Greg]

So I know theres some issues with threads missing, coming back and missing again and I think with the transition from the new to the old, and when we see the normal forum we see the previous missing threads but not the new ones posted on the forum with the upgrades. Vice versa when the new forum is up. It seems to me with the transitioning, which Justin said should smooth out within 24-72 hours from the start, we are flipping back and forth from the old to the new. So this thread about Carmen's surgery is so no matter what version is running at the time, you all can know how she is doing.:thumpup:

I just got off the phone with the nurse at the hospital and she finally has a room, was a really long surgery, but she is doing ok and resting in the room. I tried calling her room (got a direct line, no extensions) but she didnt pick up but I am sure she is still out of it or resting. But at least we now know she is doing OK and once I talk to her I will be sure to immediately update you all. Man, what a task it's been trying to get ahold of someone in surgery when you dont know her doctor, the hospital, or phone numbers to either of the places. Nothing like some good old fashion detective work to remedy the situation though I'll keep you all posted

GLAD YOU MADE IT CARMEN IF YOU GET TO SEE THIS! We've all been rooting for you.

[KBear]

Noticed the same thing on posts missing, on had posted a real thoughtful reply on your surgical thread, submitted, re-read it once it posted, next day it was gone (as well as a few other posts).

Glad she made it through and was resting. Can't wait to hear more. Take care Carmen!

[Cindylou]

Thanks for staying on top of this Greg, on Carmen's behalf. You are a real trooper, considering you just had surgery yourself! :thumpup: I look forward to reading any posts from Carmen and/or you on her behalf. Carmen, if you see this.....hang in there, and rest up. You had one hell of a surgery. 1 down, 1 to go! Stay on top of that pain as best you can!! CL

[Greg]

YEAH!



I just spent half an hour on the phone with Carmen and she sounded so good on the phone. Just like she did before surgery. I couldnt believe she was so coherent this soon after surgery . And she says a big THANK YOU and to everyone out there and she will try to get on here as soon as she can. I did snag a bunch of information and details from her about the surgery so here is the official update from Carmen, not what I got out of the nurses:

• It was FREEZING COLD last night and besides the post-surgery pain that was her only complaint through the night
  
  • well.....also the fact that she couldnt hit the morphine button while she was asleep
• She did say the pain last night was awful but that was only last night and she got into the room late, wasnt awake too long so she didnt have to endure a full day like some of us had to do....THANK GOD
• Her cousin came with her in the morning to see her off and say goodbye in the pre-op room
• She is doing good with her pain management and is very happy with the hospital
  
  • She says she keeps forgetting to hit the morphine button which I told her is a very good thing. If you cant remeber than you are definitely doing ok with pain
• The hospital is right off of a lake and she has an excellent view of the lake from where she lays...YEAH!
• Didnt get out of her how long they operated. Some nurses and anesthesioligists came in the room so she's gonna call me back. I'll let yall know but it was for a while.
• Everyone at hospital is being very nice to her.......no satanic nurses
• Surgeons Remarks:
  
  • The surgery went well.....but dont they all say that?
  • He was very happy about how things went
  • He was able to do a lot more work then expected.....probably why the operated forever!
  • Probably wont have to operate as long on the 28th since he got ahead of what was planned on this one

She's supposed to call me back in a few because she had to get off the phone. If she gives me more information to post I will and from the sounds of it she'll probably be online within several hours as she sounds good and not in a drug induced haze. Take care everyone and thanks for being patient. She said she heard the phone ringing each time I called through the night/AM but they didnt have it close to her and she couldnt answer.

[Cindylou]

Thanks for the update Greg! Keep 'em coming! Yes, if my memory is serving me right, wasn't this first surgery supposed to be a good 5-6 hours? I do want to know every detail. Soooo good to hear she is coherent....amazing. She is one heck of a trooper too! We're pulling for you Carmen and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Cindylou

[Katie]

That's awesome Greg! Keep up the good work, and the same to you Carmen! It sounds like you have sailed through this.

[linda]

Greg,
Thanks for being her guardian angel for the website. I'm so glad that she made it through such a long surgery and seems to be resting comftorbly. Please give her a big hello and that we are all thinking of her.
Linda

[Greg]

Greg,
Thanks for being her guardian angel for the website. I'm so glad that she made it through such a long surgery and seems to be resting comftorbly. Please give her a big hello and that we are all thinking of her.
Linda

I have no problem being Carmen's voice while she is unable to update the SPS on her status. I know someone would do it for me if I couldnt update everyone.....well thats exactly what Joanna did for me So I guess this is my way of giving back for the incredible favor done for me. Although I have a lot more giving back to the SPS if I ever want to catch up with all that's been done for me. But I aint going nowhere so there's plenty of time to do that.

I just got off the phone with Carmen a couple seconds ago and have another update for everyone

• Her sister and unlce were there today so she enjoyed having the company
• She is so ready to start eating real food again. She is going through food withdrawls
  
  • But she did get to have a cup of beef broth for dinner
• She doesnt like the current nurse she has right now and is about to give him the boot and get another person
  
  • I guess he got upset that she got up and didnt tell him but she said he takes too long to get to the room and she couldnt wait any longer to go to the bathroom
  • I told her I was checking on flights to see how soon I could get there because with no one there with her its a lot harder to stand up for yourself and get what you want. Although the nurse isnt that bad but she didnt like the fact that he got upset and isnt gonna stand for anyone making her stay there the least bit uncomfortable
• She did receive a thing of flowers so that helped brighten her day from the not so polite nurse.
• She is still satisfied with her pain management and is doing ok . I think she said she was around a 5 or 6 right now.
• There was a really bad storm earlier that knocked out all the power on one end of the hospital. Good thing they have backup generators
• The dr is supposed to come in tomorrow and measure her for a brace. I really hope she gets the one I have because it is very comfortable....except that I'm so skinny that the bumps in my spine rest on the plastic insert when I tighten it as far as it can go. Only in a few spots because they cut out the center to prevent that but not all the way.
• She feels like they overdid it physically with her today. She had the occupational and physical therapy today. But she is walking around good but just a little too much today.

Other than that she's pretty much just been lounging around and catching up on her She finally got her computer set up but says she probably wont feel up to posting and playing on the internet until tomorrow. And she is very thankful for everyone's wishes and prayers. And if anyone wants to call to talk to her just PM me and I will give you her number. She sounded like she was in a little more discomfort tonight than she was this morning but I think that was because of all the therapy and solid food withdrawls

As soon as I hear more I will let you all know.

[Gilbert P]

Hi Greg

Thanks for the update on Carmen She is tough girl.
Hi Carmen so glad you are moving ahead, Stay ahead of your pain. I will continue to pray for you.

Thanks

Gil

[Greg]

Carmen,

How ya doing lady??? I hope you are able to get on the computer today? I know I could only watch so much TV to try and entertain myself. Hopefully you can get on and let us know how you are. If not dont worry about it, just rest up as you need it, especially since you have another procedure in 3 more days! Were all rooting for you and wish you the best. You are one hell of a trooper, know your still on our prayers.

I found a video to hopefully cheer you up. Now dont laugh too hard if it gives you discomfort. I know it hurt my stomach when I saw it. This has to be the funniest Toyota commercial (it really is) that I've ever seen.

Love Greg