Thank you very much for developing this site. I have been searching the web for
information on spinal fusion for 2 months with limited success. Your site gives me the
info that I have been looking for. I pulled muscles in lower back when I was around 20
yrs. old but recovered quickly. I had occasional soreness for the next 20 yrs. but nothing
serious. In July of 1998 I gave my back a slight twist while mowing lawn and then really
threw it out when I slipped in shower the next day. Since then I have been having lots of
back and leg pain and weak left leg that tends to give out. I have tried physio, drugs,
and three epidurals. I have had X-Rays, CT scan, and MRI and I am now scheduled for a
discotomy and two level fusion on Sept. 22, 1999.
Update:
I am only two weeks post-op but there are some things which I would like to add to my
story.
There were a couple of occasions when I was in the hospital that I felt the power of your
prayers. Maybe it was my imagination, maybe it was a guardian angel, but I think it was
people from this group praying for me. I just know that I was lying there very
uncomfortable and afraid when I felt this very warm and comforting emotion go right
through me and fill me with confidence that everything was all right. I had the sensation
that these feelings were being sent to me. I know it sounds crazy but it was a wonderful
feeling and I was very grateful for it. So thank you Leslie and please keep posting those
surgery dates so that we can pray for every patient.
I am feeling better than before surgery but I still have a lot of pain in my leg. My Dr.
told me that it will be 6 months before we know if it was a successful surgery or not. I
had surgery without instrumentation and I am not allowed to sit down for 3 months. This is
very difficult. I am typing this standing. I can't go in car. It's going to be a long 3
mo. I have a hospital bed and it's great. The "reacher" is indispensable. I find
a cordless telephone very convenient. I carry it with me so I don't miss any calls.
The regulars on this site give great advice and comfort. Usually in that order. You don't
take their advice and then they comfort you. One thing I keep doing wrong is overdoing it
when I feel good, even when these wonderful people all tell you not to. It's like I'm a
masochist. The difficult thing is you don't know that you are overdoing it. Not until it
hits you, a couple of hours later, or wakes you that night. Then you pay for it. You have
to rest before you feel the need to.
I live in Canada and laparoscopic surgery is not performed here yet, so is not covered by
our healthcare system. My surgeon told me that if he had my back problems he would go to
the U.S. and pay to have laparoscopic surgery. He recommended the Univ. of Wisconsin.
Laparoscopic surgery is much less invasive. You do not have the muscle damage or scar
tissue involved with typical fusion. I suggest that anyone requiring back surgery should
look into it. Good luck to all.
Bill has been kind enough to offer anyone interested to e-mail him..
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