POZ Community Forums
Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: RAB on March 11, 2007, 08:36:11 pm
-
Hello Everyone: ;D
I was going to title this thread--"I'll probably be dead by tomorrow" but decided that might be interpreted as a wee bit of drama! ::)
Many of you probably remember that I've been dealing with some significant problems with my back. My decision to deal with that problem is that surgery is the best way to go.
I have opted for the simplest choice I was given. We will not be fusing any of my vertebrae or replacing the disc which is nearly gone. That surgery would have been more extensive and invasive. From what I understand, it's quite likely the degenerative disc disease will eventually resolve itself. In the event it doesn't then I can think about a more aggressive treatment.
The surgery I am having will be focused specifically on the neurological issue. The surgeon will ream out around the nerve under the facet thereby "freeing" the nerve to travel through it's opening unimpeded.
No amount of acupuncture, massage therapy, or physical manipulation (chiropractor) was going to fix this problem. As I understand it, I've got bone where it isn't supposed to be. If this were a "soft tissue" issue then I would have been more open to other treatment options. This is a "hard tissue" situation.
I check into the hospital at 1:00 p.m. My surgery is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. They estimate I should come out of recovery at 6:00 p.m.
I'll be in the hospital for 2 - 3 days (although I was originally told it would be a "day or two" >:( [lying bastards]) Whatever.
Then approximately 6 weeks of recuperation before I can begin all normal activities.
I've tried to do my homework on this. I've asked every question I could think of. I have one of the (if not the) best neurosurgeons in the city.
I feel I made the right choice.
Wish me luck and I'll be back in the blink of an eye. ;)
Finally, let me say one other thing. To those who I have previously shared this decision with, I can't thank you enough for your love and support. You don't know what it has meant to me. But to a certain NAG who is already giving me orders, bite me lady! :P :-*
RAB
(Who, uhum, prefers to be called RAB ;))
-
My dad had this done about a year ago, its worked for him! Not much help I know, But I hope it relieves your pain and your recovery is as swift and hassle free as possible.
Good luck,and hope I can give you a big hug that won't hurt very soon
Will be thinking of you
jo
x
-
Hey RAB, good luck, I hope it all goes as better than planned! See you in a few days!
:D
-
well, good luck RAB! Knowing you've done all your homework, I'm not going to sit home and fret all day. I know you'll do just fine. No nagging from me!.
My own personal experience shows that more people die in hospitals than anywhere else. So the less time you spend there, the better. Don't let them keep you longer than necessary.
robert
-
Hello Rab,
Wishing you the best. Sending every bit of energy your way !!
Ray
-
RAB,
I wish you the best of luck with your surgery tomorrow. You will be in my thoughts and prayers!
Big Hugs
Teresa
-
((((((RAB))))))
I'll be thinking about you tomorrow and sending plenty of love, light and positive healing energy your way. I hope this is successful beyond your wildest hopes. Hang in there sweetie. Please update us as soon as you can.
Gentle back surgery hugs,
Ann
xxx
-
Good luck with your surgery, RAB!
-
My prayers are with u.
-
You're always in my prayers, but especially so tomorrow! Best of luck, I hope it all goes well, and gives you some much needed relief from pain.
Hugs,
Alan :-*
-
Hey RAB
I'll be sending you healing vibes all the way from Australia. Good luck, I'm sure all will be well. I'll look forward to hearing how it went.
Big (gentle) Hugs
Paul
-
Dearest Rab
You know you are in my thoughts, get well soon and get lots of rest.
Just a few things to remember..(I forgot to mention them earlier today)
1..The IV is for saline..not Manhattens.
2..You cannot lock the Nurse/Orderly/Doctor in your room simply because you think they are cute.
And last but not least
3.. You do not throw a tantrum when the cute Nurse/Orderly/Doctor refuses you a bedbath..all you have to do is flash that smile and they will be putty in your hands, then you can lie back and enjoy those bedbaths... :D
Get better and take care.
Hugs and love
Jan :-*
(who's bark can be much worse than her bite.. ;))
-
Best of luck..focus on how good it will feel to be rid of that pain.
-
Good Luck with the surgery, I wish all be well
-
RAB:
Long time no see (my fault). Best wishes.
Mike
(recovering from last week's shoulder surgery)
-
Good luck RAB,
Once your back is all fixed, you'll have no excuse for your constant whining ;) ;D.
The best thing about such surgery, free morpheine. Yippey.
Steve
-
You be a good boy, and come on home as quick as you can.
NO pinching the staff! ::)
I'll be thinking of you.....my little buttercup. :-*
-
Rab, I honestly hope that you recover quickly and completely. PLEASE do what the docs tell you insofar as recovery goes. Even if you feel like getting up and going through a normal routine.
Please let your body heal.
-
RAB, I sit with fingers, toes and eyes crossed that your op is successful and you have a speedy recovery.
Gentle hugs & healing thoughts
Melia :-*
-
Best of Britsh Young RAB. :-*
MtD
-
RAB,
Be brave my friend, be brave. Wishing you a speedy and painless recovery.
-
Best of luck.
In the short term stock up on the happy pain pills. In the long run, I'm betting you'll be glad you took the plunge and had the surgery.
Good luck...
Mike :)
-
Wishing you the best RAB I pray that this surgery gives you some much needed releif.
You behave yourself, ya hear? ;)
See ya soon!
Hugs,
Nadine
edited for a small typo....and to give you another ((((HUG))))
-
RAB,
Will be thinking of you tomorrow (today?) for your surgery. You'll come thru it like a champ i'm sure. I'd come up and give you a bedbath myself, but i'm under strict doctor's orders to drink heavily and pop pain pills, um, i mean not to travel great distances.
Will send all the healing energy i can muster up in your direction.
Hugs,
John
-
Best wishes RAB and keep us posted mister!!!!
;D
-
Get Well Soon!
-
Hey RAB,
I hope the surgery is a breeze and you are back on your feet being your old cantankerous self soon.
In the meantime, remember, sponge baths can be fun! :o
HUGS,
Mark
-
WOW
Thanks everyone for sending your best wishes, it was exactly what I needed this morning as my anxiety level is about through the roof.
My partner will call Alan when it's over, so he'll probably be able to give you an update.
It's the members who make this site so great--truly is.
Thanks again everyone.
With respect and appreciation (and lots of anxiety :'()
RAB
-
Best of luck to you, Rab, for a successful op and a great recovery. Oh yes, and "comforting" eye candy for you while you're in hospital.
We'll be looking forward to hearing from you as soon as you can be back at the keyboard.
-
Dear RAB...You will be first and foremost in my thoughts over the next few days and I know everything will be just fine for you...Think of the future when you will be pain free !!!
Keep us posted buddy and best wishes for a speedy recovery to one of our website's truly finest people.
Jody
XXX
-
RAB,
I hope everything went well with your surgery. If they kept on schedule, you should be out of recovery by now. I don't know what the recuperation from this surgery is like, but I hope it's going to be comfortable and that you'll be climbing the steepest hills in San Francisco this September with zero pain.
Allan
-
Hope everything went ok rab and looking forward to getting an update on how you are doing soon!
Chris
-
RAB (aka Rocky)
I would have a Manhattan in your honor, but I am laying off the sauce this week because of the colonscopy next week.... so water with lemon is as good as I can do. I sure hope this procedure is going to bring you the relief you are looking for. It will be such a blessing to be rid of back pain. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers and will be waiting for the good news of your recovery.
Gary
-
RAB,
I hope that your recovery is swift, and your back pain is gone.
Henry
-
I just spoke with R's partner: the surgery, which was to begin at 3pm, did not begin until 6pm ! It should be over between 8 and 8:30pm, so if I get another report tonight I'll post....
11:45pm Mon night:
Surgery went well! R is feeling no pain at this time, and the doctor is pleased with how well everything went during the procedure.
Alan
-
Hey RAB
here's a post-slice Valentine
for you and your complicated spine
keep your nurses all in line
so your treatment's more than fine
enjoy this time spent lying down
letting others flit around
allowing them to wait on you
and do for you what you cannot do
we'll look forward to seeing you post
and hope for your pain relief the most!
-
Thank you for the update Alan. :-*
RAB, I'm happy the surgery went well! I wish you a speedy and uneventful recovery. I can't tell you how relieved I was to see Alan's update - you have been on my mind since I first saw this thread. I'm still sending plenty of love, light and positive healing energy your way.
Gentle post-op hugs,
Ann
xxx
-
Good news! Glad it went well, and hope you recover quickly! ;D
-
Thanks for the updates Alan
I'm happy to hear things went well!
You get yourself some rest and heal up!
As soon as you're up to it, I'll give you a call and check on you!
((((HUGS))))
-
Great to hear that the surgery went well, Rab. Here's to a speedy and happy recovery.
Cheers,
-
11:45pm Mon night:
Surgery went well! R is feeling no pain at this time, and the doctor is pleased with how well everything went during the procedure.
Alan
Thanks for the update Alan. Rab, wishing you a speedt recovery !!
Ray
-
I'm so pleased for him, long may it continue
All my best wishes for a good recovery
x
-
I just spoke to RAB, he's doing very well. His doctor actually sent him home today! This is a surprise, we thought he would be in a bit longer.....but he is strong, he is doing well, and you can pick up some nasty bugs in the hospital, so it's best he's at home.
I told him we all send love and well wishes for a speedy recovery, and hope that he is up and about very soon and begins to enjoy his 'new life' being pain-free.
Alan
-
Thanks again Alan !!
Ray
-
Yay...All is well in Rockville !!!
Here's to a pain-free life for our dear Rab and that when I see him in San Francisco this summer I can run at him from 50 feet and jump up on his back, no problem.
Jody :)
-
I just spoke to RAB, he's doing very well. His doctor actually sent him home today!
This is great news! Thanks again Alan!
-
Thanks for the update Alan. I wonder how many phone numbers he managed to get in the short time he was in there? ;)
-
Hi Rab,
Good to hear you had a great surgery and are on your way to a fast recovery!
Best,
Drew
-
Great news!!! Get ready for hot steamy back seat sex!
(http://www.artchive.com/artchive/k/kienholz/back_seat_dodge.jpg)
-
rocky....
I'm glad you're home. That's where you belong and I'm glad the Dr has the skills to do a good job and the sense to send you home, Damn Fool be damned!
now get better, please.....
robert
-
Hi Rab,
Good to hear you are well, and recovering at home. Remember pain pills can be our friends! :)
Christine
-
WOW RAB!
That was quick! I'm so glad you were able to go home so soon after the op. I hope Damned Fool is waiting on you hand and foot and if he ain't, just let me know. I've got my whip ready to go! ;D
I hope things keep going on this fantastic upward trajectory for you. Still sending the good stuff your way - with extra for Damned Fool to make sure he's got the energy to keep up with you. :-*
Hugs,
Ann
xxx
-
Morning Everyone
So the surgery went well, and I got to come home Tuesday. Other than the 3 hour delay before the surgery started the hospital stay was pretty uneventful and I got really good care.
Unfortunately something went wrong Tuesday night. Before they would agree to let me leave the hospital, they wanted to make sure I could adequately control the pain using oral medication vs the Morphine.
I was given two doses of 15 mg or Oxycodone in the hospital and nothing bad happened. The last dose was given at 2:00 p.m. when I was discharged.
Tuesday night, at 8:00 p.m. I took the next dose of 10 mg of Oxycodone, at approximately 10:00 p.m. I woke up having what now appears to have been an allergic reaction. (Although it seem strange to me the reaction didn't happen right away when they gave me the higher dose in the hopsital.)
I was itching all over, my body was flushed, I had chronic hiccups (though that may have been the anesthesia), and I had a horrible rash in my groin and upper legs. I was groggy but had a racing mind, which was causing insomnia.
Yesterday was pretty much a blur, cause I had to stop the pain medication until I could get some further instruction from the surgeon. Who unfortunately was in surgery all day and unavailable.
Finally, I called my regular doctor who suggested pre-treating with Benadryl and maybe switching from the Oxycodone back to the Vicodin (which has oxycodone in it but is somehow more tolerable)
I did that last night, only taking equivalent of 5 mg of Oxycodone (in the Vicodin) and again at 4:00 a.m. this morning. The flush is gone, the itch is nearly gone, the rash will take time. Unfortunately the dosage is not adequate enough to control the pain. So I'll have to try and get some different advice today.
But it is much better than taking nothing.
Thanks everyone for you well wishes here, in the pm s, calls, and emails.
My intuition is telling me that once I can get through this post surgical pain (which is clearly different than what I was dealing with before) I feel it will become clear that this was really the right choice.
With deep appreciation,
RAB
-
RAB sweetie, sorry to hear you went and got yourself all itchy! I sure hope you get some better pain control and soon. Have you tried dihydrocodeine? That's pretty much just codeine without all the extra stuff they put in the others.
At least you didn't have to go back to the hospital. Fingers, toes, legs, arms and eyes all duly crossed that you get sorted out properly.
Hang in there mate! :-*
Hugs,
Ann
xxx
-
Hang in there Rocky, things will soon be better. Just don't over do it.
Rodney
-
Try not to worry, know its frustrating and difficult right now, hope it sorts itself out soon.
Take care of yourself
x
-
sorry to hear about the reaction, hopefully it will all clear up~
relax as much as you can and don't do anything foolish ::)!
-
Rocky,
Nice to hear from you post-surgery. Hope your recovery goes as well as mine has.
Interesting....certain pain medication makes me itch like hell, too. I never tell the doc for fear he won't give me any more of it!
-
I spoke to RAB yesterday...I think he was stoned! :D :D
-
Get well soon :) Thanks for giving us courage to do what we have to do for health, no matter how tough the road
-
Glad to hear you're safely back home, Rab. Mend well!
-
(http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/9942/getwellsoon33kf0.gif)
Sending good thoughts and prayers for your speedy recovery!
Hugs
Teresa
-
Hello Everyone: ;D X about 100 million
I can't believe how much better I am feeling.
Actually, what I can't believe is how long I let this problem go on. Now that I am through the worst part of the post-surgical pain (more on that in a minute), I realize just what an impact the "other" pain was taking on me.
I am happy to report that that "other pain" (the electrical shock/needles like pain that was radiating into my hip, around to my groin, and down my left leg >:() is completely gone. POOF GONE!
I feel like a new man. I literally do. :D
I'm sort of giddy! Almost afraid to mention it, for fear that I might jinx myself. But trust me, I'm just about as happy as a hooker at a right wing christian convention.
I'm going to be honest though, the pain from the surgery hurt! (How Steven and Ernie [RazorBill] dealt with it amazes me. Their surgeries were much different/complicated than what I had done) The hardest part was/is being patient and not over doing it. That and using pain medication (Percocet) before the pain became unbearable went against my nature. But that is what got me through the past two weeks. By last Thursday I could tell things were rapidly improving. The swelling is nearly gone by today. The post-surgical pain is pretty much gone (now it's just kind of tender). Dealing with the short lived post-surgical pain is much better than dealing with that "other" pain. That pain wouldn't go away. The pain from the surgery is nearly gone. I'm not needing any pain medication what-so-ever. (No more reports of me sounding "stoned". Course I do have some left over! ::) He He He )
I'm so glad I did this. I can't tell you.
Lord do I feel better. It's amazing.
RAB
-
I'm so glad you've had such an improvement in the (former) pain; you are my favorite cat-hearder! ;D
Hugs,
Creighton
-
Actually, what I can't believe is how long I let this problem go on. Now that I am through the worst part of the post-surgical pain (more on that in a minute), I realize just what an impact the "other" pain was taking on me.
I'm so glad I did this. I can't tell you.
Lord do I feel better. It's amazing.
RAB
Now, didn't I tell you so RAB. I bet you look 10 years younger too without the strain from the pain being visible in your face.
Hope you are being looked after in the manner you deserve. Just make sure you check the washing machine before you know who turns everything pink again.
-
I'm so glad I read this! It made my whole day.....
So happy to hear your pain is over, honey. You're gonna be dangerous now...
;)
-
Rab, I want to apologize to you for not asking how you were doing when you called yesterday. Yes, we are considering what we discussed with you last evening. We'll see if we can pull it off. ;) I'm glad you are doing better. Won't be long and you can put on those red pumps and walk the streets. ;)
-
:D :D Still laughing at that first sentence in your thread opener. :D :D Very happy for you! Experience makes us "rich"
-
rab.
I just can't imagine the pain. It must be godawful. I'm so happy you're feeling better. That makes me feel better.
robert
-
Hello Rab,
Thanks for the update. Glad to hear that everything is going much better for you. Keep it going !!
Take care of yourself--------Ray
-
Great news!
I'm so happy that the surgery worked out well!
Take good care of yourself...with any luck, Rodney & I will see you in SF...he may have to get me stoned first, whatever it takes! :D
(((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))
-
Dearest Rab...Great to hear everything is going so well...Don't kick yourself for waiting - you were uncertain about surgery- we all would be after all...The pain is gone and as I said don't kick yourself - save that for me in San Francisco!!!
Jody ;D
-
I'm so glad it worked out
Heres to feeling no pain....
(raises v.large glass) ;D