Back Pain Support Group

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care. In fact, about 3 in 4 adults will experience back pain during their lifetime! The term back pain includes pain affecting the neck, midback and low back. Acute back pain may begin suddenly with intense pain but typically lasts fewer than three months. Usually, chronic back pain is persistent, steady, and...

1,464 Members

3,674 Posts

0 Online

jasp435 02/26/2011

Hi, friends,

I am running out of insurance the end of March. For the last year I have lived with the choice I made for no surgery. After a very emotional week,
I have decided to have two surgeries done. The NS agreed to do them both at the same time.

I am going to have ACDF (C5-6, C6-7, C7-T1) with plate, screws and cage. Does anyone know much about this surgery? Apparently I will have to wear a neck brace for 3 months.

The second surgery are laminectomies at L3. 4 & 5. Actually, they will do this first and then the neck surgery.

I have never been afraid of surgeries but I had a discectomy in 97 that was horribly painful and took a long time to recover. This surgery has me scared and I can only think of you all to talk to.

I feel backed into a corner. SSDI has turned me down for disability twice and I am only 50 and can't afford to not work.

Any of your kind words would be helpful.

deleted_user 02/26/2011

Honey,

Wow, I am sorry to hear this........... As you know, I am the Queen of spinal surgeries! My lumbar fusion was a disaster, and it was basically because the cadaver bone disintegrated, but as you know, my cervical (one level), was a complete success.

The surgery that you are having are quite extensive and you will probably be in the hospital for 5 or more days. You need someone to help you at home for at least the 1st month. If I was you, I would get an electric hospital bed, and put it in the living room (I did that), I was close to the kichen, the front door and the bathroom, and besides, my bed was too low for me to go up and down, so I kept the bed for 6 weeks (my Insurance paid for the bed), ask your Doc to write you a script for the bed, so that way you can go up and down with a little control, and not hurt yourself.

Do you have someone that is going to stay with you??? I sure hope so! You take care, and if you have any, and I mean any questions, PM me, and I will be more than happy to help, OK?

Take care and I will keep you in my prayers.

Hugs,

deleted_user 02/26/2011

I had an MRI done today because not only did they find out I have arthritis in both hips but I also have pain and tingling. Awhile back I was at the fridge and when I turned I could not move my leg. I had to drag it several feet to in pain to sit down. ever since I have pain and tingling burning pain down both leggs especially when standing or walking far. 20 years ago I had an MRI done and they found buldging disc. They left it alone. Can you give me some feedback on meds, Do surgeries do any good etc. both of u sound like you have been through alot

jasp435 02/27/2011

Thanks, Tipper! My mother and sisters have agreed to take turns with me. Thanks for the suggestion on the bed! My mother has one of those electric beds in her spare bedroom. I'm going to stay there awhile first. She is right in Bismarck where I will have the surgery. The little discectomy I had in 97 that I mentioned, I was in the hospital 5 days! I can't believe it took so long then for me to get back going before they let me out, but I know they kick you right out nowdays.

I was never worried about procedures or surgeries until this time. I can't shake it. I think I was so undermedicated painwise the last time that I just dread the entire experience and I do not bounce back either. Plus my Spring blues are back with a vengeance. I need to check and see I still have a pair! Ha. (Hope no one was offended. )

Thanks to you all for listening to my babble.
Jim

deleted_user 02/27/2011

Sweetie,

I was in the hospital for 11 days after my 3 level fusion, they open me thru the front first, then they flip me like a pancake, and open my back to put my hardware in, and correct the other issues that I had. Of those 11 days, I can only remember 5, the first 6 days I was in ICU heavily medicated. My mom said that they put me on a medically induce come, in order to keep me from moving too much. When they finally brought me out of ICU, was when I realized how long I had been there.

So I hope that your experience is better and more succesful than mine was. I will keep you in my prayers, and again, if you have any questions, PM me.

Tons Of Hugs
Millie

Join the Conversation