[Sacroiliac Joint Fusion / Dysfunction] My Right Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Fusion Surgery- 3/10/09

[Cindylou]

My Right SI Joint Fusion Story-3/10/2009

I was actually scheduled to have a right hip replacement on 3/20/09 down at Mayo Rochester, because I was continuing to have so many hip issues. I had the x-rays, a new MRI and was pretty ready to go, until I began to have a dialogue with Mark, maybe a month before surgery. The long and short of it was he had met a Dr. (not sure if I can put their name in?) at a Spine conference last fall, who was doing break-through work with SI Joint Fusion Surgeries, with great success, and he thought it might behoove me, to at the very least, have a conversation with him. I had a 3 way conference call that evening between us. For over an hour, this Dr. made himself available to talk about my presenting pain issues. Unbelievable. I had already had an injection in my right SI joint a few weeks before (from my pain management clinic) and got great relief, even if short-lived. The Dr. made room in his schedule to examine me the very next day, and was quite convinced that alot of my pain was indeed coming from my SI Joint. I had a Cat Scan that very afternoon that he ordered of my SI Joints and Pelvis. Two weeks later we went over the results and scheduled the surgery. We both agreed that alot of my pain was coming from my right SI Joint, and if the fusion surgery could relieve my pain, it was a way less invasive surgery than a hip replacement. I decided to go with the fusion. Made sense. So here I am now, due to have my 3 month Cat Scan this Wednesday to see if fusion has been successful, and the following day I meet with my Dr. to discuss the results. I am very anxious to see if fusion has taken place. I am way out of shape after such a string of back to back surgeries, but I hope to turn that around with the ok from the Dr. to begin an exercise regime. I am still very stiff and in a fair amount of pain, but I am hopeful I can lower my pain levels with a work out routine. I especially want to strengthen my core and get my heart rate up.

[Terry Newton]

I sure hope that this is it for you CindyLou. We will keep our fingers crossed.

[Cindylou]

Thank-you so much Terry. Me too, more than you know!

[Justin]

CL, good luck on Wednesday and Thursday this week! I hope the CT comes back looking good!

[Dave]

Best of luck Cindylou. I pray your results are positive and you can get back to a normal routine.

[KBear]

CL- I am hoping and praying that everything has worked and fused as planned! You deserve a break from surgery. Good Luck

[Cindylou]

Thanks so much all of you. I'm praying for a good report tomorrow and Thursday. I will definitely keep you all posted!

[trkdoc714]

Good luck Cindy Lou! Let's hope the results are outstanding.

[treefrog]

I will be hoping for the best news from you CL.

[Cindylou]

Ok, so I am a little excited. (I think this is my all time favorite happy emoticon out there. Love this little guy!) So I had the Cat Scan Wednesday and yesterday I met with my surgeon, Dr. Stark. He said not only was it fused, but it was one of the best looking, (smooth lines), fusion he has seen/done in a while. He even called his staff in to look at the DVD as an example of an excellent fusion. I jumped up in the exam room and did a little gig and sang "I'm fused, I'm fused, I'm fused!!" My doctor started laughing and then joined me with his arms jiving, like stirring the pot, , singing "she's fused, she's fused, she's fused!" Can I say it was a happy, happy moment? Yes I can!! He wrote a script for me to start physical therapy and when I asked him if I could work with a personal trainer too, to start getting back in shape he said yes, but nothing crazy. He also said he thinks the tightness across my back could easily be do to healing still and the fact that I have been sitting so much. Strengthening my core should hopefully ease that current problem. I am also weaning off the Vicodin too. I just can't tell you how happy I am. I look forward to starting a p.t. and exercise regime. Here's to healing and pain free (ok, I'll take almost) days in all of our futures. Thanks for all the good thoughts and prayers guys. I appreciate it more than you know.