Hello friends...
It's 12:35 am ... And I can't sleep... Not because my friend Fibro is keeping me awake... But because I have 101 things filling my mind.
In my last post I mentioned that I was going to see the orthopedic surgeon later in the day. Well it was quite a day. We went through the usual formalities and examinations. And then it was time to see my back as I'd never seen it before - in an MRI. The doctor was very helpful in explaining how to read it. On the 1 sheet was my spine from the side, on the other, from above. Any uneducated person would have been able to see the problem almost immediately. I have a herniated disc L5/S1. And not just a small one either as could be seen from the top view. In fact I had to double check and point to the hernia just to make sure I wasn't looking at the wrong bit. The hernia that is pushing against my spinal cord is as big as the area housing the spinal cord & fluid... Hence my question to the surgeon.
So now... The surgeon is making arrangements to get me to theatre this week. And for those who may be wondering... This is not a rash decision. I have had back pain (on and off) for the past 3 years. I have regular physiotherapy for my Fibro - and she also works on my back. I have tried medicine - both pain killers & anti inflammatories - in the past 2 weeks I have attempted to cut down on them drastically. It is only now that I realize just how much damage I must be doing to myself when I don't feel the pain.
But with me having to be off work for a bit after the operation, my mind is going through what the the impact will be on my family, Hubby & Missy; my work and life in general. All arrangements will now be put on hold till we know where we stand...
I must admit, this may not be major surgery (trust me, I have googled this topic to death), but this is still a bit scary. I know how to handle my Fibro. I know how to deal with pain, fatigue, over- sensitive everything... But this is a new type of scary... And I don't know if I'm ready for a new type of scary...
Hi Brenda. You hit a nerve with me. No pun intended! Not sure what type of surgery u r having? I had degenerated disc at L5-S1. In 2005 I had disc replacement and doc fused L5 to S1 with rods and screws. It was totally worth it. It was a huge surgery and long recovery, but it's the only place I don't hurt now.
ReplyDeleteI have fibro too. Degenerative disc is common among us. My neck is horribly painful at times. I suspect a cervical fusion is next.
I'm glad yours is herniation and not DDD. Don't they just go in and trim the overhanging parts of the disc away? I have a friend who had that done very successfully. Don't worry about it. If you've decided to go for it, then go with confidence! Good thing to get it done before permanent nerve damage is done from the disc pushing on nerves. It was good to find your blog. I checked in through the Ben's Friends Fibro Network. Blessings to you! Make sure and keep us posted.
Bird