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L3/4 fusion awaited

Posted , 7 users are following.

ellen82139
ellen82139

nurses are (from my own point of view) the scardest patients,I have next month surgery coming up had my neck done 2 years ago,fusion can't remember being as scared,please only post positive replies as being the wimp I am it may send me emigrating.

have been off work months and know it will be 3 months after surgery till I can go back to work

1 like, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • lisa95879
    lisa95879 ellen82139

    Posted

    Ellen, fusion is a big procedure. Being prepared for the recovery and having people around you that support you are important and can ease some of that fear. I also planned to go back to work after three months, but there is no way I can with the amount of pain I have nor the medication I am on. Be flexible. Can you be more specific with what you are afraid of?
    • ellen82139
      ellen82139 lisa95879

      Posted

      Thank you Lisa for replying,I don't really know which part I'm scared of I think it's waking up in total agony and feeling sick which I will tell the anaesthetist,also frightened re getting out of bed and the fear of my legs not working,stupid thing is I don't remember feeling like this about my neck fusion
    • lisa95879
      lisa95879 ellen82139

      Posted

      Hi Ellen, I was also afraid of waking in agony, but I was able to ask for pain relief, especially during the time in the hospital. When home, I felt adaqately medicted. My Primary CP took over my pain relief and I have never been in agony. My legs worked fine with a walker for the first few week. Remember to be an advocate and ask for what you need in the hospital. If you have someone with you, they can help get you what you need when you need.

      I hoe this helps.

  • Tuckerraz
    Tuckerraz ellen82139

    Posted

    Hi Ellen,

    First things first, you ARE NOT A WIMP. It is perfectly normal to be scared, and I doubt there's a person out there who wouldn't worry about surgery, especially of this nature. However, that being said, you've done this before and so you know it is hard work to recover. You also know that there are risks, but they are TINY compared to the successes of the procedure(s) and that the benefits far outweigh any negatives.

    So, the most important thing you can do now in preparation is to try and stay positive. This doesn't mean not allowing yourself to feel scared or worried (it hit me in MASSIVE waves in the run up to my ACDF C6/7 last year), but when you do you must talk about it - getting it off your chest and talking rationally with a trusted family member or friend really does help to calm you back down. The last thing you must do is internalise your fears and panic.

    You WILL be fine and this WILL help. You are stronger than you think, and the human body is a marvel at recovery really. It will be a slog, but it is obviously a necessary operation for you so remember that this is all for the greater good.

    I wish you all the very best and send you lots of love. Keep smiling.

    x

    • ellen82139
      ellen82139 Tuckerraz

      Posted

      Thank you so much for all your feedback,I'm really greatful
  • bethany65
    bethany65 ellen82139

    Posted

    Ellen

    I have had 4 fusions jn the past 2 yesrs. 3 in my neck and one in my back. I have heard stories regardding people goong back to work after 3 months. All I can say is listen to your body, it will tell you what you can/cannot do. Do not rush it! As far as being a nurse, honestly nurses were the reason I made it through all my surgeries. They do not get enough credit for what they do. Since you sre a nirse it seems like you would get even better service. Good luck and wishing you a speed recovery

  • natalie3112
    natalie3112 ellen82139

    Posted

    I had l5 fusion in Feb. Found out today I've got two prolapsed discs in my neck. They have been going in and out. Touching the nerve then going back in a little. I was told they won't operate until they have evidence of this. So now I feel like it's a waiting game. Waiting for it to get worse and unbareable like last time. I'm only 31 and I've got three small children sad 

    i would embrace any surgery that may help. It's got to be better than pain x

    • TomasJoe
      TomasJoe natalie3112

      Posted

      Snap Natalie ,i had my fusion done in 2014 and it is taking considerable time to adjust as mine was not a successful remedy ,ive now been told to try and forget about the pain ???? if this was possible i would have had no need for the op in the 1st place !! ,i have only heard of one successful op to date that has lasted more than twelve months ,so i am extremely wary of the procedure ever working ,i sympathise with your predicament of small children as i too was a single parent with two school age sons , i hope your need for a further op is uneeded i really do ,as i dont think i would do this again irrespect of the pain .
  • Moveebuff1953
    Moveebuff1953 ellen82139

    Posted

    Hi Ellen..I just had my L4 L5 spinal fusion with cage done 10 days ago.  The best advice I can give is to make sure that you are being operated on by the best surgeon you can get.  Ask the O/R nurses as they know best.

    If you have any questions please feel free to contact me....i'm housebound right now so I'm on the computer all the time....cheesygrin

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