OT: Spine related

Had an MRI, x-rays, and then saw a neurosurgeon today. Apparently my issue is L3 which has slipped and is degenrating. While conservative measures may help it will only delay surgery.

I've already had surgery on the L4/L5/S1 section. Recovery was 12 weeks in a brace. That was back in March 2006 so it's taken 7 years for the ASD (Adjacent Segment Disease) to occur. Since it typically happens between month 9 and 125 with the average being at 53 months, I did pretty good. About 25% of people develop ASD. I was in the UNLUCKY 25%.

Surgery is scheduled for July 11th but will go for pre-op stuff sometime right after June 11th so if they get a cancelation, I can go on in.

In the midst of all this, we ARE moving. We didn't get a lease extension after the 30th of Sept so we have until then to find a house and move in. My daddy is footing the initial cost and then we "rent" from him. So we are focusing on Tryon since he is in Columbus.

Liz

You have a lot going on.  You will be in my thoughts.  You always sound positive regarding all of your procedures and know what to expect.  I hope the move and everything goes more smoothly than you can imagine, and when you look back you will be amazed.

Thanks, dasie....I've never figured that moaning and groaning about things helped me get thru things...At least this time I know what to expect...yes, I am older but I am in FAR better health than before.

But my surgeon looks young enough to be my son!

Liz

Good luck Liz,

I had a discetomy between L4 and L5. It wasn't fun. But you know what to expect and that's half the battle.

Swinging lizards in advance for you

Thanks, Lauren

I'm sorry you are facing this surgery.  3 months is a long time to be laid up. 

I will go out right now and find a critter to swing for you.  I'll have to run it down... it could be a while...  I'm not as fast as I used to be...

I hope you have lots of help for this upcoming move and you find the perfect house to move into.

Actual amount of time "laid up" was about 3-4 weeks...by 4 weeks I could drive again. Just had to wear my brace 23/7. I was allowed to go without during showers and during my pool therapy sessions.

As I go from the 4 week to the 12 week mark, I was able to go VERY short amounts of time without the brace. I had to let dh do laundry and cook. We ate LOTS of frozen pizza and Mac & cheese back then since it was the extent of his ability. What I NEED to do is make sure I have stuff I can talk him thru cooking.

Finding the perfect house...I really hope so. And we have a VERY good friend here in the area. Last time we moved from Wilmington to here in TN, she rode a bus 10 hours to come help (drove MY car back so we only had one car to deal with). She stayed a week and we did noting but pack and load. We used PODS for that move. Dh was laid up that time so it was all on me. I guess the shoe is on the other foot this time.

Nothing like everything at once Liz :( that surgery doesnt sound like there is anything easy about it, I really hope it pays off and your pain free in the end. Best of luck

Trish

Thanks, It won't be, Trish...they do have lap /minimally invasive spinal surgeries now but the spinal fusion is not one of them. Plus he was to check my current hardware to see if it's causing any issues. That means opening me up. AND moving muscles around.

If I didn't already have a reason for raising my protein intake, I do NOW.

Liz, sorry you are going to have to have this surgery.  I'll be Swinging Little Willie for you.

I can't imagine moving after having surgery.  Good Luck.

Linda