THR Me2 and Recovery

[concal]

I have back issues too and deal with back pain on a daily basis. I do lots of stretching and flexing before I ride. I usually take aleve before I ride and sometimes ultram. My back issues seem to have gotten worse since my last hip replacement and that has been disappointing. I have DDD in my lower back and have had it for over 30 years. Sure is frustrating, but we gotta suck it up and keep on riding!

 

[Me2]

I'm sucking it up --- and feeling better about it! With all of you out there and my own sorting it out, I am feeling much better about this . . . back doesn't but my head does

 

[sfbionicat50]

@Me2 Sheryl, I'm sorry for your news. My news also wasn't great. I have 2 herniated disks (L5 and S1) and mild stenosis at L4/L5 and arthritis at the facet joint at the same level. Basically, I have my mom's back and hips (she had both hips replaced and surgery for stenosis). Dr thinks the herniations happened because my pelvis was unstable post surgery. Dr also recommended steroid injections. I'm having them Monday p.m. DH took me to the appointment as I was having a hard time dealing with the anxiety (dr had put me on a course of prednisone to see if that would knock out the inflammation and it made me crazy). DH was actually the one who helped me make up my mind about the injections. As he put it, "you're doing everything you can and you're still in pain...." So, we'll see if the injections can help me get past some of the pain that keeps me from being aggressive with PT. But, that isn't the whole story for me as the anxiety associated with the fear of always being in pain got the better of me for a day or two. Finally, a friend took me aside and told me that living my life from a place of fear and anxiety was like putting myself in a box and living life within that box. She encouraged me to strive to live outside the box, to let the pain just be about my physical condition, and to let my life be bigger than my physical condition. I've been doing a lot of meditation and the anxiety is receding (prednisone is also leaving my system). The pain is worse when I'm anxious. This matches with the research of Joe Sarno that chronic pain seems to be more severe in those with anxiety. So, for me, I think all of this may be about my opportunity to deal with some of the psychological pain in my life -- to figure out how to quit being such a control freak and negative thinker, to transform myself into someone who lives with joy, ages without suffering, and respects and appreciates my body for having brought me this far instead of being disappointed because, once again, it's failed to meet my expectations. Besides, what's the alternative?

FYI. My research suggests that steroid injections work better for stenosis if you don't wait too long. And, for the back, they should be done at a surgery center in a sterile environment with a fluoroscope. I had to wait 3 days because my dr wanted me off all anti-inflammatories for 3 days before the procedure. I'm surprised your dr was willing to do them on the spot. Maybe what's being proposed for you is different than what I'm getting?



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[Rhonda K]

@sfbionicat50.......wow! Just want you to know you are not alone. So much of what you said I can strongly relate to. Anxiety doubles, triples, makes everything through the roof worse! I so hope the injections help you with your pain, and that in turn eases your anxiety. So few know how it controls and makes life miserable. I struggle on and off with all the issues you have, so I know. Wishing you and @Me2 success with the injections and hope you both find peace and less pain. Good luck!


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[Me2]

DH took me to the appointment as I was having a hard time dealing with the anxiety (dr had put me on a course of prednisone to see if that would knock out the inflammation and it made me crazy). DH was actually the one who helped me make up my mind about the injections. As he put it, "you're doing everything you can and you're still in pain...." So, we'll see if the injections can help me get past some of the pain that keeps me from being aggressive with PT. But, that isn't the whole story for me as the anxiety associated with the fear of always being in pain got the better of me for a day or two.

Elizabeth @sfbionicat50. Sounds like we have same genes! I don't usually take my husband with me to appointment but did to my back appointment this time. He's saying same thing as yours but I just didn't feel right about getting it done in the office with that doctor.

Are you getting the lumbar steroid injection? That is what he was suggested. Please, please let me know how that goes and works.

I was surprised that the OS-back doc said he could do them in office?

And, for the back, they should be done at a surgery center in a sterile environment with a fluoroscope.

And I've been on anti-inflammatory, too? :rolleyes:

I think I'm going to do some doctor shopping again. Your doc sounds much more thorough than my guy. I always wanted to visit SanFrancisco I really liked the pain doctor that I saw and received hip and SI injections from. He does do his injections in the surgery with a fluoroscope. So, my plan is to call to make appointment with him tomorrow. Also, I plan to make appointment with my osteopath and get an adjustment and some feedback from him.

So, for me, I think all of this may be about my opportunity to deal with some of the psychological pain in my life -- to figure out how to quit being such a control freak and negative thinker, to transform myself into someone who lives with joy, ages without suffering, and respects and appreciates my body for having brought me this far instead of being disappointed because, once again, it's failed to meet my expectations. Besides, what's the alternative?

Ditto

 

[copsham]

"So, for me, I think all of this may be about my opportunity to deal with some of the psychological pain in my life"

I agree with you - the down time certainly gives us thinking time. Some of us ( me included) face a huge lack of control and therefore vulnerability. I do. It is hard but also a steep learning curve.

I use "Headspace" a meditation from the internet. The first 10 sessions are free and there is no pressure to sign up.

This process is so much more complex than I thought - look after yourself.
Karen

 

[Legin]

Hmmmmm be careful 10 sessions free but often the can of worms is open by then. You are v strong and even stronger to be able to voice your worries. If needed copsham an ear is here,

Legin THR Sep 14

 

[copsham]

Aah thank you legin from your friend on a roller coaster!!

 

[Legin]

Sorry for snaffleing tag Me2 im bad.

Legin THR Sep 14

 

[Legin]

Oooops meant thread had a bald moment

Legin THR Sep 14

 

[catdemar]

I was wondering if any of you had scary thought of surgery...like not making it out:/?
I am getting nervouse and thought i would ask the pros for some insight. I don't want to get into a panic, and have had surgery before but this is going to be a long one since i am doing both hips at the same time. I don't want to scare my 9 year old son when i leave on the day of sugery.

 

[copsham]

My great fear was not coming through from surgery! Consultant said it had never happened to any of his patients and he was not going to let me spoil his statistics! Did you know that the anaesthetist (sp?) is with you, beside you with all those monitors, concentrating only on you through out?! I got in to a real big, big panic about 7 days pre op then I knew I wouldn't follow it through if i carried on like this. So I don't know how but I got in to a real "cut off" frame of mind, saying to every one "I am fine" "I'm not thinking about it" sort of disassociated from it all. Weird state of mind but it served a purpose.

Saying good bye to your son will be difficult poor you and poor him. I suppose if you can act like "its fine see you tomorrow" it would be good for him and hopefully your acting will rub off on you.

Have you told the hospital how you feel? I asked not to be waiting around as I was worried that I would leave if I had long to think about it. They were very accommodating put me first and I do not recall being left for long at all.

Wish we could all be there for you holding your hand!

Karen ((((hugs))))

 

[Me2]

Catrina @catdemar Make it out alive? I was afraid I'd die just walking through the door to go in!!!

Weird state of mind but it served a purpose.

Agreed . . . that's that state of mind I've mentioned . . . . pure constant anxiety up to about week or so before than just yeah, "weird state of mind" says it about right!

Besides, remember, I'm the one who would not let them totally sedate me for second surgery? Totally different spin on it . . . so any questions about what goes on? Actually have a really weird warm fuzzy about how really well taken care of I was through surgery. How as the moderators here say, its just another day at work for the OR people even though this surgery thing is HUGE when its surgery on you. They really do just act like that through the whole surgery.

Catrina -- as Mom to 5 sons --- as totally bananas as I was going into both surgeries, my sons (older than yours 16-30) totally amazed me with barely giving me hugs and kisses the night before surgery. And we are close -- I had presented as matter of fact, this is what I'm doing in two weeks, one week, tomorrow . . . don't forget to feed the horses, dogs, cats, and please put away your laundry . . . breakfast is on your own, dinner in fridge . . . though I felt like screaming "I've never left you overnight let alone 3 nights." Outside calm but crazy inside!

No problem @Legin --- always welcome to join conversation!

Oh, by the way, it really helped me that I was allowed to go to my room before surgery to "nest" (put all my stuff away, set up phone chargers, put good smelling stuff out).

 

[MajorHeidi]

It's amazing how many of us have back issues me... L4/L5 DDD.
Just wanted to say I was thinking of you......


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[Legin]

Chortle ty. My mom knew what would happen when they went awayand leftme as a teen, PARTYYYYYYYY

Legin THR Sep 14

 

[Me2]

Look what I found myself doing today. Easy peasy no problem!. The little things are sometimes huge!


Sheryl from Pittsburgh
LTHR on 4/2/2014
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[Legin]

Yaaaaaay they so are. First heel raise I managed I did a lap of honour v disjointed one tho nice one

Legin THR Sep 14

 

[Me2]

BTW, my kids would NOT party while Mom is in hospital (what? no eye roll guy?)

I have only a 21 and 17 year old still at home -- after raising four older sons, I knew to schedule surgery on Wednesday and was home Friday night. My 17 years had scheduled party on Friday night for first surgery and then had to abort when he had to come with dad to pick me up at hospital. I had driven myself to hospital so we needed someone to drive my car home. I had family on no visiting in hospital rule anyway so husband was home on Wednesday and Thursday night.

 

[Legin]

Neither did my brothers. Baa baa black sheep me
All 3 times ooooops.

 

[Legin]

Hey my daughters know i speak from experience they are both at uni we hv a brilliant relationship v open but then liittle finger job