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[Guest guest]

Hello, my name is and I have flatback. So very glad I found this

site. To make a long story short, I had a fusion done with a harrington

rod at L-4 - S-1 in 1979. The results were very good, it gave me

somewhat a normal life. Never really felt 100% but I was greatful for

the relieve I did get. Over the years I slowly went down hill. The

worst of it started in 2000, severe hip and low back pain and every

joint in my body hurt and extreme fatique. Went to family doctor, had

x-rays and blood work done. Was told my fusion was still very stable

but blood work came back positive for Lupus.

I have been being treated for the Lupus and I have most of the symptoms

under control but the hip and back pain continued to get worse. After 4

years my rhumy finaly sent me to an ortho. Ortho said I needed another

fusion at L1 -L3. Had the surgery last Sept. It turned out that L3-L4

had fused by itself. This surgery only made me worse and was sent to

yet another specialist. He dx'd flatback.

Anyway I have scheduled my ostetomy (sp?) for August 8th. I have a ton

of questions. But my main concern is how long after surgery will I be

able to be on my own? My family all live about a 1000 miles away, and

my husband can't take too much time off from work. I do have neighbors

that can look in on me and help, but I really hate to be a burden. I'm

also wondering about the brace. My doc didn't show me one but said it

was like a turtle shell. Does it go from neck to hip? He did stress

that it is uncomfortable and there is no negotiating on when it comes

off. As crazy as this sounds I am looking forward to getting this done

and over with. I want some quality of life back. As I'v said I have

tons of questions but I see my short story is begining to get quite

long. Thank you for your time and I hope to get to spend more time

here. Right now this old body says it's time to get on the recliner,

it's favorite spot.