Author Topic: Seeing the surgeon  (Read 29256 times)

Son of Pappy

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Seeing the surgeon
« on: September 28, 2011, 01:55:01 PM »
So, tomorow is the big day to find out which procedure I will have.  I have been struggling with a degenerative back problem (L4, 5) for the last few years, did all the PT, shots, and nerve cauterization, treatments aint working and I hate pain pills, robs me of the ability to do the things I love.
The surgery by itself isn't a pleasant thought, but the added responsibility of caring for my Alzheimers diagnosed father (Pappy) makes everything far worse.
I am not a biblically religious man, but I do believe in the power of prayer.  Say a word or two for strength.  I'm going to need it.  I am financialy sound and I ask that I hear no pity, life is good.

Thanks in advance,

Chet

Offline roadie

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Re: Seeing the surgeon
« Reply #1 on: September 28, 2011, 01:56:05 PM »
Good Luck Chet, keep us posted on your progress brother.
Will

Offline Conrad

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Re: Seeing the surgeon
« Reply #2 on: September 28, 2011, 01:57:15 PM »
Chet,

I'll send a good thought or two along with a prayer your way.

Good luck!
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Offline snarf

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Re: Seeing the surgeon
« Reply #3 on: September 28, 2011, 02:00:00 PM »
Brother; I will be on bended knee for you tonight
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Offline GVmerle

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Re: Seeing the surgeon
« Reply #4 on: September 28, 2011, 02:29:06 PM »
Prayers said Chet.  You have some trying time ahead of you.  Hope and pray it all works out well.

Offline Cholla

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Re: Seeing the surgeon
« Reply #5 on: September 28, 2011, 02:55:57 PM »
I know of which you speak, I will probably need the same procedure someday. Keep the good attitude, our prayers are with you.
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Offline VirginiaJim

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Re: Seeing the surgeon
« Reply #6 on: September 28, 2011, 03:22:25 PM »
Don't we all...  Good luck!
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Offline Jeremy Mitchell

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Re: Seeing the surgeon
« Reply #7 on: September 28, 2011, 04:12:58 PM »
I wish you all the best Chet.  I will say a prayer for you tonight. Take care sir.
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Offline gPink

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Re: Seeing the surgeon
« Reply #8 on: September 28, 2011, 04:16:59 PM »
Thoughts and prayers my friend.
Gary

Offline sherob

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Re: Seeing the surgeon
« Reply #9 on: September 28, 2011, 04:43:46 PM »
Good luck to you!  I wish you the best!!!!!!

I am scheduled for a 4 level discogram (sounds so 80's, huh? :o ) next Tuesday to narrow down discs for my fusion.  They know L5/S1, possibly L5/L4... but I guess they are looking at L4/L3 and S1/S2 as well.  I am in the same boat as you, with 3D's.  I've done the injections... RF nerve burn... pills... TENS Unit... this is all that's left 

I'm supposed to have ALIF, coming in thru small 3-5 inch incision in the lower abdominal area on the right side.  The recovery time is supposed to be shorter for it than a TLIF/PLIF, I hope that's what you get an option for and that's what I would opt for. 

Keep us posted.
Rob
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Offline Pfloydgad

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Re: Seeing the surgeon
« Reply #10 on: September 28, 2011, 04:55:55 PM »
Chet,
If you are having your back scoped, you will do fine. I have had both a scoping and a cut job. I was pain free from the moment I woke up from both surgeries. The reason for the 2nd scope was for some scar tissue, no biggie at all, as a matter of fact, i wasn't even out for it, just a local.
Both times My re-hab was the neighbors hot tub after a week or so of Ice. When your lower back muscles get tired, they will cause more pain then the actual injury. A hot tub will help those puppies relax and reduce nerve tension pain.
I will also recommend lots of ICE for the first week or so. This is the only thing that will cut the normal swelling that happens after surgery.
After a couple of weeks, exercise, lite walking, then  more to build up endurance. Hopefully your Doctor has some type of Sports Medicine backround, the sports type recovery seems to be more effective for the long term .
Don't fret what you can't control, good luck, and we will see you on the road.
Ride safe all, ands please, ATGATT.
Greg
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Offline kdm

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Re: Seeing the surgeon
« Reply #11 on: September 28, 2011, 05:00:50 PM »
Done !  And best of luck. ;D
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Son of Pappy

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Re: Seeing the surgeon
« Reply #12 on: September 28, 2011, 05:08:47 PM »
Thanks to all, I'll share as I have info.  Keep them prayers coming!!

sherob, back atcha, maybe we can play virtual checkers during recovery :D

Greg, from what I've read I will be having the disk replacement, 20+ yrs of Army life wasnt all that kind.  I have an inversion table, hot tub, and lots of ice at my disposal, neighbor is a licensed masseuse and his wife is a physical therapist.  It has just come down to wore out bone and a coupla herniated disks.  I'd sure like to be scoped, I'd even do it under local, i hate being under, waking up just plains sucks. 
Thanks again, this virtual family is awesome!!!

Chet

Offline Leo

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Re: Seeing the surgeon
« Reply #13 on: September 28, 2011, 05:42:29 PM »
Knees bent, Prayers sent.
Yep, still riding the old one

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Offline booger

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Re: Seeing the surgeon
« Reply #14 on: September 28, 2011, 07:23:08 PM »
Chet,  your in luck.  I am a biblically religious man and also believe in the power of prayer.  You have a lots of good people here praying to get you through your surgery, including myself.

I'll say an extra one for you this evening.  Good luck with the surgery.

Offline stevewfl

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Re: Seeing the surgeon
« Reply #15 on: September 28, 2011, 07:29:39 PM »
Good luck with it, hope they have a plan and resolve it for you!
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Excavator

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Re: Seeing the surgeon
« Reply #16 on: September 28, 2011, 07:34:51 PM »
Chet, you can count on prayers from Arkansas. I hope for you to have a speedy recovery with little discomfort, good luck sir.

Offline B.D.F.

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Re: Seeing the surgeon
« Reply #17 on: September 28, 2011, 08:54:58 PM »
The very best of luck with your treatment Chet. Sorry to hear you need any treatment at all but I guess the good news is that treatment is avaliable. Let us know how it goes.

Brian

So, tomorow is the big day to find out which procedure I will have.  I have been struggling with a degenerative back problem (L4, 5) for the last few years, did all the PT, shots, and nerve cauterization, treatments aint working and I hate pain pills, robs me of the ability to do the things I love.
The surgery by itself isn't a pleasant thought, but the added responsibility of caring for my Alzheimers diagnosed father (Pappy) makes everything far worse.
I am not a biblically religious man, but I do believe in the power of prayer.  Say a word or two for strength.  I'm going to need it.  I am financialy sound and I ask that I hear no pity, life is good.

Thanks in advance,

Chet
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Offline koval68

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Re: Seeing the surgeon
« Reply #18 on: September 29, 2011, 11:32:42 AM »
Good luck with your treatment Chet, I truly hope it is successful.
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Son of Pappy

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Re: Seeing the surgeon
« Reply #19 on: September 29, 2011, 12:47:49 PM »
Just returned from the office, the surgeon will be performing a lumbar lateral microdisectomy.  Amounts to a small incision, scope inserted, dremel inserted in scope, and ginding things to fit.  Not unlike working on a bike ;)  Recovery time is estimated at 6-8 weeks, havent had that much time off work since I was in High School, gonna be weird.  If I start posting up things about Jerry Springer or Oprah it's the drugs, honest ;)  I just hope he doesn't have a KiPASS activation switch failure mid grind ;D
The procedure will be either next week or the following week.  Guess I'll be the camp cookie this Elk season :'(