December 9, 2008
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A Long Day
Today was the day for all of my pre-op visits. First we went to see the surgeon to have him explain the surgery to us and to ask all of our questions then sign all of the consents.
What he is going to do is trim away the disc that is bulging out and pressing on the nerves that go to both of my legs. Hopefully this will make the pain in my legs go away and make the feeling return to both of my feet. Then he is going to reem out the holes that the nerves travel through so that they have more room.
Then he is going to stabilize the vertebra at L4 and L5 (at least) so that they have less forward and back movement and keep the disc from doing anymore bulging in the future. If he finds extensive degeneration of the vertebra above there he will also stabilize them.
Five days in the hospital and then I should be back to normal? right? He has decided not to use a body brace since he says he can rely on me to follow his care plan after I come home and he knows that I will have no trouble taking care of myself. That is encouraging.
We talked about pain management and he promises not to use morphine since I get so nauseous and tend to vomit on it.
Then we went to the hospital to have blood drawn and to talk with the anesthesiologist. They told me everything to expect when I am there and were very kind. The anesthesiologist was competant and I feel that I will be in good hands. He addressed my two concerns: about being premedicated before I leave the prep room and before they take me into the OR. (I don’t want to know when they take me into the OR) and about pain management after surgery. I usually don’t require much pain medication post op. I have never had orthopedic surgery before but I cannot imagine that I would need much for pain. A little demerol until I can get on my feet then tylenol is enough. They know about my migraines and are going to address those also. They have orders for keeping them under control while I am there.
So I guess I am ready to go, right? Wrong. I have orders to take it easy until Monday and yet I have a list of things as long as my arm to get done. Not because I am indispensible but because these are things that only I can do and because they won’t let me drive for awhile after so they need to get done now. Because I am manic with nerves and I need to be busy in order to make it to Monday mentally intact. Taking it easy is no way for me to wait out the time from now until then. Prayers you all, I need prayers. To quote a nephew of mine “all of my braveness is all gone”. Contrary to popular belief among those who know me best I am not strong nor am I brave. I am downright scared.
Hey POBrien, write me a poem about being a chicken.
Comments (17)
Fingers and paws crossed here that all goes well!!! (Prayers are also coming your way..)
@ddp040 - thank you!!!!! I am counting on the prayers of all to help me come through this one.
I’m slowly going bald from pulling my hair from it’s roots.
I’m running both ways like crazy, ’cause my shoes are on the wrong foots.
It isn’t that I’m psycho, I’m just a little stressed,
A scary man with a bright sharp knife, has me feeling quite oppressed.
He’s going to cut me open like a newly landed fish
And make my innards outards, which is why I’m a little squeamish.
So forgive me for being nervous, but the situation’s grave.
When you’re just a little chicken, it’s hard being brave.
I’ll add you into my rosaries for a safe surgery and quick recovery!
@P_Obrien - Perfect.
You will spend the same amount of time in the hospital as Idid. funny, it seemed like a month to me.
You should print that peom and show to your DR. See what he thinks.
@mksmak - I plan on it. Maybe make it into a poster and have it hanging in my hosp room?
oh my! So sorry to hear you’re going through all this, I will be praying for you! It’s going to all be okay, because He said so. You are strong and brave, because He Who lives in you is. <3 But still, I know exactly how you feel.
@daughteroftheking85 - Thank you. I know that your family is close to God and that you all will be praying. Your mother is such a dear friend she has already been praying for me. God bless all of you for the good friends that you are.
Praying for you this week and next.
Your on my weekly Prayer Covering as many others will be joining in with me! I am sorry that your going through all this, but many will be in prayer for you! I hope your be encouraged!
God bless! (Prayer is on my site for you with scriptures)
No matter how many times I have surgery, I’m still scared out of my mind when I go. I was 25 at my last surgery, and I still wanted my mom hold my hand until I fell asleep. They didn’t let her, though. I guess they thought I was too old.
But I have to say that informing a doctor you vomit when given a certain drug is the best way to ensure they don’t give it too you, lol. My prayers are with you. ~ L
You know I’m praying, and I can so relate to your feelings as well….Oh how I can relate.
Once I wrote to Elizabeth Elliott when I was frightened with my last pregnancy, she wrote back and told me…God is already there with you.
So remember, God is already there with you.
I am and will be praying for perfect healing, favor with the doctor and staff. Praying for a miracle…God has His own ways of doing things sometimes. His ways are perfect. : )
Peace, peace, unto you dear friend. Healing in Jesus name, love, Amelia
My prayers are with you. You’ll do so well.
Came from Gail’s site. I’m going to be praying for you
Blessings
Karen
Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Phillipians 4:13
I am praying for you. These verses encourage me when I am afraid.—Greta