Oh boy

(((((((((((((_Sky))))))))))))))

Thats a great question...yes, she has discussed the replacement option with 2 different surgeons and she is not a candidate as far as both of them are concerned. They both feel that the replacement surgery is not up to snuff yet even though it's been ok'd by the gov. And from what I can see, with fusion, it's something that will probably have to be done a few times through her life and it will probably include more than just the one disk as she gets older. This is the thing she really needs to think about before ok'ing the surgery. *Sigh*

xoxoxo
J

I'm sowwy ((((((((((((((((beeeeeeeeeeboppers))))))))))))))))))))

Like I said in response to Sky, it's really not the greatest of surgeries from what I have heard. More people have had no relief from it than those that have. I think the idea of the surgery is great, but I don't think it's quite been perfected yet so that more folks have positive outcomes from it.

xoxoxo
J

Ooooh, if PT hasn't helped her elbow, maybe she DOES need the surgery. My surgeon made me a custom-fit cast that I could take on and off and was supposed to wear to bed, but I usually woke up around 3 a.m. to take it off because it was annoying.

The day I was supposed to start PT, I was near death in the hospital , so that didn't quite work out....I have reasonable range of motion anyway, but have noticed lately that the same trouble that necessitated the surgery is starting up again. .

I'm sorry you have to watch your kids go through this -- it's got to be hard.

Love, Candy

((((((sab))))))
My daughter was 28 when she had her back surgery. This was the last resort for her. She did have the epidural injections, physical therapy and other things. Some helped for a while but eventually she did have to have the surgery. It has helped her tremendously and healing time was so much faster than years ago. I wouln't give up or even think about giving up your trip. You deserve to see hubby!!! Daughter will be ok!!
Love ya
Snowy

Weeeellllll? I'm not in there ALL the time! I know it's dangerous! That's why it so much fun!! hehe hehe

sabbie the thing with fusion is wherever it is the ones above or below will have to be done at some point because it weakens them. that is why I haven't done it yet. scared!

Well, we got through the day, surprisingly enough *phewwww*

It was an extremely long and difficult day. Erin was very aggitated once we got to the hospital. She was extremely rude to the healthcare workers, ticked off of she was made to wait for anything (bloodwork, MRI, Diskogram). She kind of embarassed me on a number of occasions with her sharp tongue. I kept my tongue with her and gently tried to improve her mood. I knew she was scared to death about the diskogram and the pain that was about to happen. I knew that was why she was so nasty towards everyone. At the same time, I explained to her that it was not their fault she was going through all of this and that they did not deserve to feel the wrath of her anger and fear. (nor did I for that matter)

That being said, there were 2 people who did deserve a bit of it. The man that came out to bring her into prep for the diskogram...he had as much compassion as a pile of sand. Was very rude to Erin. There was no need for that from him. My thought is, when you are dealing with folks going in for a scary test/surgery, show a little compassion or get the hell out of the job. The next was a nurse who put an IV in Erin's hand. Erin asked that it be put in her arm instead of her hand and the nurse refused. About 10 minutes after the IV was in, Erin had tremendous pain in her hand from the IV. This too didn't surprise me as when Erin is stressed, it goes to her hands and they clench up. And, IV's in the hand do tend to be more uncomfortable than the ones in the arms. I went to the nurses and told them she was in pain and it needed to be removed and put in her arm. The nurse came back to see Erin and checked out the IV. She had no intention of changing it and said, "Well the IV is fine, it's not blown out of the vein, it stays." OMG, if Erin could have jumped off the bed at her and strangled her, I wouldn't have been able to stop her! Erin looked at her and said, either you put it in my arm or I'm out of here!" The nurse said, "We are not forcing you to do anything, if you wish to leave then you may leave." Another nurse heard the commotion and came running. She asked Erin what the problem was and immediately removed the IV from her hand and put one into her arm. Now, what the heck is up with the other nurse?? I was ready to choke her myself....the inconsiderate dope! (I know, I should tell you how I really feel right?? LOL)

At that point the doctor came in to speak with Erin. He was AWESOME!! He was compassionate and caring, held Erin's hand, put his arm around me, explained all that was going to happen. Erin of course started crying again and he was right there to comfort her through it. I've never seen such a loving act from a doctor before. (not that they aren't, just that they don't usually take the time to connect on that level for many different reasons I'm sure).

Anywho, she finally decided to face her fear and went through with the procedure. When I saw her afterwards, she was in wonderful spirits. In pain, yes a bit, but not something that the meds didn't help or that she couldn't handle. She was pleasantly surprised that the procedure wasn't as painful as she had worked herself up to believe it would be. The last needle was the one that sent her through the roof, the others were just mildly uncomfortable. Thank goodness!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today, she said it hurts a bit, but nothing too bad that she can't handle. YAY!!! She'll hear the results in 2 weeks when she sees the surgeon and we'll go from there. Am I ever glad this part is over with!!!

Thanks everyone for your support, concern, prayers and input. I cherish all of you very much!

xoxoxox
J

(((((((((((((((((((Candy))))))))))))))))))))

Does some of your problem stem from keyboarding? Do you have a problem with carpel tunnel too? Most of Amy's issues stem first from the carpel tunnel then up to her elbow. She used to work in the printing business and had to lift large sized sheets of paper (big handfuls at a time) to load the cutting and binding machines.

Oh well, I just hope she finds some relief soon, no matter what it ends up being. Not being able to lift a glass or perform her work as a medical assistant will be a real issue for her

I hope you can nip your problem before it gets worse hon!

xoxoxo
Jean

((((((((((((((((((((((Tomi))))))))))))))))))))

I have to tell ya woman, when you are in there moving things around and stepping over matter, it tickles!

I love it, you are a woman after my own heart....always up for a challenge WoooooooooooooHooooooooooooo!!

xoxoxo
Jean

I know bebop That's exactly what the surgeon told us and why Erin is somewhat scared to go through with it, knowing she would be in for more surgery over the years and that fact that she's so young, that's a long time for her to have to have so many issues down the road

*sigh* It ain't easy bein' cheesy

xoxoxo
Jean

sabbie I feel for her. I had no pain from the procedure after but the pain from it reproducing the real pain of the disk. I hurt really bad for 3 weeks after that one

Oh nooooooooo ((((((((((((((((((((((((beboppers))))))))))))))))))))))))))

I'm so sorry you had all that pain. Dang I hate that it has to hurt to get better....(if it can even get better) *sigh*

xoxoxo
Jean

sabbie hon mine hasn't but I am thinking now about surgery. need to find a dr now though. it is bad your daughter is so young!

It tickles, eh? I was so afraid of giving you a headache when I tripped over your "sex matters."

No kidding, though. I hope my attempt at humor helped a bit, 'cause I don't have anything positive to say about desintegrating vertabrea. I have a couple of those myself. Haven't EVEN discussed surgery with ANYONE! Whatever else I know or have heard, I'm keepin' to myself!

Hey! I wouldn't know how to act if everyday didn't hold a couple of challenges for me. Wouldn't know how to act and then I'd worry about what worse thing was gonna fall on top of me! LOL

lol tomi

What sex matters? Hard to have any when ya ain't gettin any!

That's what I mean! Sex matters, doesn't it?

nonoononono.....please nooooooooo

*putting hands over ears and eyes* can't go there...nope...can't go there LOLOLOL

You don't have to go there! I know what you're thinking!



GAWD, I love ya!!! {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Jean}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}