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...

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Surgery 12/12...Overwhelming...ARGH!!!

deleted_user
deleted_user
I am scheduled for my anterior cervical disectomy with fusion @ c6-c7 surgery on Wednesday 12/12. I want to get it done and over with but I have been dealing with a very emotional situation(my son passed away 11.2.07 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident). I am worried about my mental state regarding my surgery. I wonder if I should put this off(but I really want this over with)? Another part of me thinks it might be nice to have a sort of distraction, but at times it is completely OVERWHELMING!! I am scared of having the surgery(I already cancelled this surgery last summer 6/07)The appt. with the surgeon was scheduled prior to the accident, and he is the best surgeon in this city(very hard to get appt.) I am confused, but going forward with surgery as I just want to get it done and not sit around and worry when they tell me the date, i.e...tell me surgery is Jan 20, I would worry from now until then. So maybe this is a blessing??, But I really am concerned how much my emotional state relates to my surgery. Any one have any thoughts on this?
loiacki
loiacki
I am very sorry for your loss. That has to be extrememly difficult. In answer to your question, I had a lumbar fusion in July, and the healing process can be slow and frustrating. I will be the first to admit it does take it's toll mentally and emotionally. I know I have felt very weak and broken at times during this process. I can not honestly say how that would effect you with what you are already dealing with. Either way it won't be easy. You need to go into it with an awareness of the struggles you will face so you are prepared to fight the depression, anger, pain and frustration.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I had this same surgery in 99'. I can tell you this, when I woke up the pain was gone. It was such a relief, just eliminating that pain, it took a real load off of me. I was horrified of this surgery also, particularly when they told me they were cutting me across the front of my neck. They put a titanium plate in my neck so the healing time wasn't as long. Since you've been under so much stress, it might be a good time for a little R and R and you can use the recooperation time to get things together emotionally. I'd certainly talk with my surgeon about it and get his opinion. Good Luck
deleted_user
deleted_user
If you can psych yourself up that would be the best thing.Make yourself more enthusiastic whenever surgery enters your mind...think that you WILL get this over with for once and for all,push positive things into your mind. I had surgery when in the middle of a breakdown of sorts, and my biggest problem was loss of appetite. My emotional state did not stand in the way of my physical recovery. The appetite came back, but it took years..so please try and get this "dirty work" over and done with!! Good Luck, and I will think of you
on 12/12.....so sorry to hear about your loss...
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