Visit to neurosurgeon

[StephN]

Well, my friends, after some research on various possible ways/approaches to treat my trapped nerve problem, it is decided. Anyone who wants to review what happened to me can look here:

http://her2support.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=56002

Thanks to you who remembered me in your prayers for a quick solution to this terrible pain. The neurosurgeon I consulted is the same one who fixed my cerebral/spinal fluid leak in my head in 2006, exactly 6 years ago. Of course he remembered me and was surprised to see me sitting in a wheel chair in front of him, once he put the image on the screen with my face. (Naturally he wanted to examine the back of my head and admire his work!)

He proposed that my problem is very clear, but rare; only 1/100 or so back problems are like mine. So, here we go again, and I am SO GLAD I came to someone I knew had a lot of experience (and a Seattle TOP DOC), and not some "young Turk" doc who may have not seen my exact problem.

Left lateral microdiscectomy, which will require a little different (but small) incision to access the errant piece of disc. He says I have an 85% average chance of full recovery, and I put those odds even higher with him on the job and getting at this in as short a period as possible. So he told his scheduler to put me in the "next available" slot. Since he does surgeries only on Wed/Thurs, I am on for next week. May get in Wed orThursday for sure.

Will update this with the date when I have it firm. Meantime, I am starting to get a rather nasty case of Cabin Fever, having been housebound for a month with a few more weeks ahead of me until I am recovered and can drive again. Oh Happy Day, that will be!

[Paty]

My dear Steph, I am so sorry that youhave to go through this, the good point is that there is a solution for it, even if you have to go through surgery and more tratment, I just wish you are not in severe pain because that sucks. Please keep us posted. Sending you hugs and kisses dear.

[KsGal]

Im really happy that you have such a good surgeon that you feel confident about, and that your odds of a complete recovery are so high. Lots of prayers and positive energy headed your way. ((hugs))

[michka]

Dear Steph. I am happy you are in "good hands" (in French we say "au sens propre et figuré!"). I don't like you going through an operation of course but at least now it will come fast and give you relief. It is the first step to plan your next trip! I'll be waiting for your post after the operation. Michka

[chrisy]

Steph,
Good to have some answers from a great doc whom you trust! I know you'll bust out of that cabin soon!

[Pray]

Steph, I'm sorry you have to wait a week! I'm so happy your odds of a full recovery are Great! Still surgery is still hard on the toughest of nuts. I pray the week will pass quickly for you and you will soon be on the mend. You are such a wonderful easy going woman. I love your positive attitude. That you think so highly of your surg.! Awesome. Gods blessings to you and I look forward to your posts. Peace my friend.

[karen z]

Dear Steph,
I am sorry for the extra trouble and time but the odds sound amazing, you have a fabulous doc, and you will be running out of that cabin in the not too distant future. So, what books have you not gotten to (even yet?), what movies have you never seen? (hard to believe!) and perhaps you can paint and draw and write.........(Rhonda may have to send you a video on how to make her famous necklaces). I know this is not what you hoped for but, in perspective, it is o.k. Honestly, this is painting, drawing, and writing time for sure. I don't know if you knit, quilt, etc. (I am not sure I have the patience) but you may find something you like and make all those holiday gifts early. I am thinking about you and wanting this time to go by quickly. You could also spend most of your money on e-bay (which is what I am afraid I would do) but RESIST.
Love,
K

[ammebarb]

Wishing you a super successful surgery and speedy recovery, Steph! While I anxiously awaited news from a neurologist about my dear hubby, I began to do counted cross stitch. Made me have to concentrate and kept my hands busy. Hope you find something to keep you occupied during your recovery. Before you know it, you will be out and about! Positive thoughts and prayers coming your way!

[caya]

Good luck next week dear Steph! Sounds like your surgeon is an A+ guy! I agree that 85% chance of recovery will be a lot higher with him, as he is an expert.

Wishing you a complete and speedy recovery.

all the best
caya

[NEDenise]

Steph,
So glad you have a good plan and a great surgeon! Looking forward to good news on your horizon.
Denise

[Laurel]

Oh, dear Steph! I am so happy and relieved to think you will be back on your feet! The wheelchair admission reduced me to tears. I knew things were wicked bad, but THAT bad, well, I am so disheartened to hear of your infirmity. Thank God for your wonderful, trusted surgeon! Godspeed to you and may health return to you like a warm summer breeze. With all we have had to face these past few months, Chrisy, Denise, Sheila, Pam, darling Brenda, and so many others whom we love and cherish who are battling terrible times.....well, a note of good news is most welcome. You remain in my prayers.

[StephN]

Oh dear! Laurel has seen me twinkletoeing all over San Antonio, so the idea of me in a wheelchair was tough to take!

I am not ALWAYS in a wheel chair - only when I have to go to the medical center, which is too much walking for me using my walker. (These appointments are the ONLY outings I have had since coming home from the hospital.)

In our house I am using the walker, and holding on here and there, when I need to take a step or two in a tight spot. However, my left leg has lost some muscle mass and strength, which is WHY I try to stay on my feet with the walker. Pain pills DO help!

As nice as it might be, I have not done a lick of shopping on line. I also do not paint any more, so books and movies have kept me company, as well as a few friends and family members.

[StephN]

Just found out that my surgery has been moved to the WEDNESDAY schedule! YAY! One less day of this *unmentionable word* pain. http://her2support.org/vbulletin/images/icons/icon12.gif

[meo]

Dear Steph,

Wonderful you have your surgery scheduled!
And you have the comfort of knowing your surgeon and that he is very capable.
I wish you a very successful procedure and rapid healing and an end to your awful pain.

[Catherine]

Dear Steph,
Thank you for the detailed description. Knowing that you are in the hands of a very skilled surgeon and one that you trust is worth a million. Wishing you all the best for your surgery and for your cabin fever!

With love, Catherine

[suzan w]

Best of luck with your surgery. Seattle docs are the BEST!!!

[Sandra in GA]

Steph,
Hope everything goes well with your surgery and your pain is relieved quickly.
Sandra

[ElaineM]

I hope the surgery goes well and you will be up and around soon. Healing vibes coming your way from me.

[Joanne S]

Steph, Living with pain should be obsolete in this day and age of modern medicine. I'm just thrilled for you--- what a relief knowing you have a top doctor you can fully trust and that's offers so much hope for you! I will continue to keep you in my prayers for continued drug relief until your surgery next week and complete surgical success for you. Now don't be too anxious to toss those wheels and tennis balls aside after surgery --- we need you to heal nicely before you get your skateboard out:). Hugs xxxxxx and prayers +++++.