Re: Doctor visit-ventilator

[Guest guest]

Hi Elaine,

It's perfectly normal to be nervous and concerned about more

surgery! Can you give us more details about your situation? Are you

in a lot of pain at this time? If so, does your doctor think that

surgery will reduce your pain? How much of your back is currently

fused? Will the surgery limit or increase your mobility? I am new

to this group...maybe others already have more information about

you? The only advice I can think of is something I'm sure you've

already heard or thought of.....and that is getting a second or

third medical opinion.

Like you, I had a revision surgery that included removing old and

adding new hardware in my lumbar area last December and I also need

another surgery (cervical) soon. My recent surgery was very

difficult/painful. Thinking about going back to the hospital in the

near future is very stressful. However...my neck causes me a

substantial amount of pain, and I am confident that the next surgery

is going to help me feel much better after I recover.

This group is a good place to connect and learn from others who have

similar problems. I hope you get lots of supportive replies. Good

luck with your decision. Melody

>

> Hi:

> I went for a visit with Dr. Ondra this last week. When Dr. Ondra

did

> my revision surgery in November of 06 the plan was for me to go

back

> and have another surgery in 6 months. I had several complications

and

> could not face another big surgery so soon so put it off. I have

been

> trying to make up my mind to have the second surgery but have not

> been able to come to a definite decision. I went to see Dr. Ondra

to

> discuss it with him and maybe make some decision. The first

surgery

> all of my old hardware was removed and 2 new rods and 4 screws

were

> put in. This was to stablize my spine and helped my lower curve. I

> have a significant curve in my upper back. What took me to Dr.

Ondra

> in the first place was that I am bending forward and can not walk

> with my head up without a lot of pain. I am lucky in that I am

still

> walking around. But I am limited in much that I do. I ask Dr.

Ondra

> if he thought that the next surgety would make it a little easier

for

> me to be able to walk and do normal things. He said he thought it

> would make me a lot better. So why am I hesitating. He explained

the

> surgery to me. He would open up my back and lossen thing up. Then

I

> would be in traction on a ventilator for two days and then he

would

> take me back to surgery and extend the rod that is already there,

> take out a vertabra and put in a cage, and fuse me all the way to

mid

> way of my neck. I'm a bit of a chicken and the thought of being on

a

> ventilator for two days scares me to death. He said I would be

> sedated and not to worry about that. But I still remember waking

up

> in ICU on a vetilator after the first surgery and it was very

> frightening. He said it was the safest way to get my spine back

where

> it needs to be. Has anyone else had this type of surgery?

> Elaine

>