Surgery Again, But Different

I know I haven't frequented the board much lately and I apologize. I have had back pain for about 2 1/2 years. I was hoping that WLS and the drop in weight would help the pain. It only seemed to be getting worse. The past few weeks it has become almost unbearable. I saw my Orthopedic Surgeon who ordered an MRI. When he got the results he referred me to a Neurosurgeon. I got the news I feared, but was expecting. I have spondylolisthesis in my lower back. Two disks in my back are herniated and lower vertebrae in my back have stress fractures and have broken down. They have scheduled immediate surgery for this Friday to have both disks totally removed and have 3 vertebrae fused together. I will be in a custom brace for 3 to 6 months. We had a discussion about my surgery and needs while I will be in the hospital. Hooray for Hubby who brought up the silastic ring and pouch rules. So once the surgeon knew about the WLS he understood our concern and had scheduled a visit from the dietician during my pre-op today. She asked what I liked to eat and drink and went over menus and supplements and protein drinks I preferred and she is going to have everything ordered. They will even keep sugar free jello and popcicles in the fridge for me! Hubby asked if I was worried about having back surgery and my response was "No, I'm worried about Oscar (my pouch)!" I am only 7 months post op. But after today's visit I feel they will be very attentive to my WLS needs. This is all happening so fast. Surgery is scheduled this Friday (March 11). I will be at Gwinnett Medical Center in Lawrenceville. Hopefully in a few months I will be able to join in on all the wonderful monthly outings I read so much about. Patti

Hi Patti, I want to wish you the best of luck with your back surgery. I suffer back ailments too that need surgery but I must get some weight off first. So even though the weight loss didn't make your back pain better at least you know you are going into surgery so much healthier. I know you will have a quicker recovery time too. I will remember you in my prayers... know that God has special plans for you. Barb

Thanks, Barb. I have lost 87 pounds and feel great and except for my back a lot of the aches and pains have gone away. Patti

Hugs to you, Patti!!! How have you kept your wonderful sense of humor while in all of that pain?!? Hubby deserves a prize!!! Do you have any idea of the time for your surgery? You will be in my prayers! Promise!!! Painfree Patti!!! Let the healing begin! Becky

Thanks, Becky. I think the pain has been going on for so long I just kind of ignored it a lot. Hubby says I have a high threshold for pain. We just have to learn to go on and not let it take over our lives. My surgery will be at Gwinnett Medical Center in Lawrenceville, Ga. Surgery is scheduled for 9:30. The neurosurgeon said it will take about 4 hours. Poor hubby, I feel bad about putting him through another surgery. Hubby will contact Amy Williams who will be nice enough to post an update. Patti

Patti, You will be in my thoughts and prayert for a safe succesful surgery! A few years back, my mother had surgery on her back where they fused some of her discs together, I'm not sure if it was the same thing that you are having. Anyway, she had suffered for YEARS with back and leg pain, for as long as I could remember, whenever we would go somewhere, she would ALWAYS have to have a place to stop and rest..She had numerous injections into her spine, and it would help for a little while, but the pain would always return. Since she had her surgery, she has become a new person, she is back to work, and can do things that she hasn't been able to do in years! She still has some slight pain, I don't think that they will ever be able to really make her pain free, but it is more of a slight discomfort at times, and not even enough to disrupt her day. Her recovery was not easy, she is not the type of person to rest when she needs to, but the difference it has made in her life is remarkable! I hope that you too, can have a succesful outcome and live a life without the pain... Good Luck, Cathy Martin

Thanks, Cathy. I know her pain, personally! I also went through the epidural injections in the back, 3 times and it really gave little if any relief. Physical Therapy made it worse, and now that they have seen the MRI they understand why. Exercising when you have "bone on bone" isn't a good thing to do. I hope I come out of it as painfree as she is! Patti

Patti: Sorry to hear you're having surgery again. Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and ask your guardian angels to take extreme good care of you and your doctors as they begin to put you back together for a new you. Take care!

Thanks, Karen. After meeting the doctors, nurses and the dietician for my pre-op I feel much better. Also, hubby will be there to make sure everyone understands my WLS. Patti

Patti I'm so sorry to hear about all the pain you have been in. You poor thing. I can identify because I had back surgery about 7 years ago. Sounds like they are prepared to take good care of you in the hospital. You are in my prayers and I pray that life wlll be a whole lot sweeter minus that horrendous back pain. Be blessed!!!! Joyce