[Spinal Fusion / Lumbar] Spinal Fusion L5-S1

[Justin]

Yeah! I'm so happy you are now on the other side.

[Greg]

I spoke to Susanna a couple times today and other than being really, really tired she is still doing good. She's still on the PCA pump and wanted to thank everyone for keeping her in your prayers. As she said, "the prayers were answered. No more scares with breathing issues so that's good. She's taken a couple really short walks and at the earliest could go home tomorrow but that's a best case scenario. Her daughter was supposed to come visit her tonight which I know she is really looking forward to as she hasn't seen her kids yet.

In a nutshell: she is doing very well, being well cared for, and her only complaint is she is just so tired.....which could be a good thing. I'm sure her body needs the rest after all the cleanup work her dr did as well as the fusion.

[Cindylou]

Thank you again Greg for the update. All sounds perfectly normal....which is always a good thing. Get that rest your body is craving Susanna, and look forward to "hearing" from you soon! CL

[Metalneck07]

Glad to hear Susanna is doing well.With out a doubt being tired is a very normal thing. At this point in her recovery that's a great complaint to have ! Take care Susanna rest easy . Look foward to hearing from you once your home.God Bless.
Caitlin aka Metalneck07

[KBear]

Glad to hear she is doing well. I keep thinking I will call her, but early morning is the best time for me, as little ones aren't awake yet, but with the time difference that would be the middle of the night for her.

[Greg]

Glad to hear she is doing well. I keep thinking I will call her, but early morning is the best time for me, as little ones aren't awake yet, but with the time difference that would be the middle of the night for her.

That is so true Kathy but I know she doesnt get to sleep more than 2 hours as they wake her up if she is asleep every 2 hours to check her vital and give her medicine. I thought it was too funny and ironic this morning really weird that I woke up at 4:29 AM and not even 20 seconds after I woke up my phone started ringing from Susanna...how nuts is that? I guess our ESPN is operating perfectly right now. So I know it might be early for her when you want to call but she enjoys receiving the calls!

Everything is still going the same for her except for a bad bloating in her stomach but like I told her if thats your only complaint than she is doing great! I wish that was my only complaint when I had my surgery

[Carson]

So, Greg, on the breathing issue.. did she essentially over-dose on pain medications resulting in her breathing stopping then revived with an injection? We may have to hear from Susanna for clarity but a very important point that might save others the same risk. Thanks a ton.

[Justin]

So, Greg, on the breathing issue.. did she essentially over-dose on pain medications resulting in her breathing stopping then revived with an injection? We may have to hear from Susanna for clarity but a very important point that might save others the same risk. Thanks a ton.

It was most likely respiratory depression (inadequate ventilation) due to opioids (narcotics). Naloxone is a medication that is given to reverse / counteract respiratory depression.

[Greg]

It was most likely respiratory depression (inadequate ventilation) due to opioids (narcotics). Naloxone is a medication that is given to reverse / counteract respiratory depression.

That is exactly what happened. I remember that Susanna said she hadn't taken any opiods for over 6 months prior to the surgery so it is possible that an amount of medicine that normally wouldnt cause this issue affected her more because of her lack of tolerance to the medicine.....don't quote me on that as its just my thought. At times where I went without medication for a while when I did resume taking them it seems like my tolerance disappeared so thats why I think she was at a higher risk. But thankfully the hospitals have safegaurds in place to make sure if that does happen they are aware and ready as the case of what happened to Susanna.

The risk of respiratory depression was the reason I was given (and several other spine patients I've talked to) as to why they wouldn't give me enough medicine to control my pain after surgery. I guess pain is better than not breathing though

[Greg]

I was going to let Susanna tell everyone but I guess she's still wore out and hasnt gotten around to getting online. She was released and sent home from the hospital yesterday

Congratulations Susanna! So glad you made it through and Welcome to the other side!!!!