Health happenings

[greatbear]

I received a call from the hospital where my spinal stenosis operation (laminectomy) is to take place on Monday. Everything is a go per my pre-op physical results, so that's good I guess. While not happy to have to go under the knife, I am far more unhappy with my current situation of oftentimes extreme pain, stumbling and downright falling down with ever increasing frequency. Jeff has the unfortunate experience of seeing this stuff happen more and more, and that only adds to how bad I already feel. There's a light at the end of the tunnel, but I still have to get through the surgery aftermath and recovery. I'm not worried about the surgery itself, I'll be asleep for the two-and-a-half hours it is projected to take. I'm not thrilled about being a complete invalid for several weeks post-knife. I'll be sure to sleep off some of it.

Jeff wants to come along with me tomorrow to the doctor's office to hear what will be involved during the operation and what to expect afterward. There will be care and feeding instructions I'm sure. I did the same with Jeff when he saw the doc prior to his operation to fuse vertebrae in his neck. Ironically, I have basically the same problem as he had, but at the opposite end of the spine.

There will be a period of radio silence from Mayhem Headquarters after the surgery date, but I will post an update as soon as I am able. I am just hoping that after all this, life will eventually become "normal" for me. I'm tired of what it has become.

Comments

[fattastic.livejournal.com]

I wish you the best of luck. I will be praying for your success in surgery and a wonderful recovery.

[bitterlawngnome.livejournal.com]

wishing you all the best!!

[maxauburn.livejournal.com]

Max will pray for Phil's speedy recovery and for his ability to accomplish things to be restored.

[normalcyispasse.livejournal.com]

All I can do is wish you luck, sir.

[thetarnishedowl.livejournal.com]

I'm hoping for the best for you, Phil!

[clintswan.livejournal.com]

good luck!

[furr-a-bruin.livejournal.com]

Best of luck with the surgery and here's to a rapid recovery! I look forward to hearing from you whenever you're able after your surgery.

[tbrough.livejournal.com]

XXOO and recover quickly!

[notdefined.livejournal.com]

First off, may all the saints watch over you.
Secondly, give Jeff a crash course on LJ so you can dictate (or dicktate, if you will) a message to us.

Peace brother. You will be just fine.

[beg1n.livejournal.com]

Would it be inappropriate to send bigbadtxhugs and health to you? If so, I'll send regular hugs and health. It just won't be as big or shiny...

[geometrician.livejournal.com]

Phil, I would not seek to interrupt your plans at this late hour. However, I would be remiss if I did not ask you if you had seen these:
http://www.xstop.com/
My mom has spinal stenosis that is causing her quite a few problems. Only after extensive searching did we find this new device. The surgeon she consulted with had not heard of them. She is going next week to consult with a surgeon who specializes in these.

The research--I did the journal searches myself--is limited to a few studies, but the device shows good results thus far. They aren't ready to say it is as good as laminectomy (practically heresy in the spinal surgeon world), but for many, the spacers are as good and maybe even better.

The important part, in my mind, is that these are far less of a procedure to place, and if one found that they didn't do the trick, then the possibility of a laminectomy remains. Once the laminectomy is done, though, very few options remain.

The people this works best for are those whose symptoms are less severe when lying or sitting down, and whose symptoms are drastically improved by leaning forward when sitting. This makes sense, because they are placed between the spinal processes (the wings on the sides of your vertebrae) to spread the vertebrae apart.

Anyway, maybe you've already seen these, and I don't want to upset the apple cart. It's just that spinal surgery is such an intense deal that I wanted to be sure.

[ciddyguy.livejournal.com]

Good luck to you dear, you deserve to give this a try and hopefully things'll get better for you.

[wrascalism.livejournal.com]

Would you be willing to post your name/address so we can send cards and other goodies?

[tonethbone.livejournal.com]

I am wishing nothing but the best for you ... and I will be thinking about you on Monday

Bug HUGS
Be Brave

[westendboy.livejournal.com]

Wishing you the best of luck, hope the surgery goes well, the recovery is quick and without complications and that it works!

I have spinal stenosis myself so I know how extremely frustrating it can be... I hope all goes well. Hugs.

I hope so also, Phil.

[bonkishnurtaz.livejournal.com]

I am wishing you a speedy recovery and hopefully a return to a more normal life! ((((HUGS))))

[redmoonriver.livejournal.com]

*HUGS*

[teddyb.livejournal.com]

Sending you all my best wishes and positive energy for a successful procedure, complication-free recovery and rapid healing.

Big hugs to you, Phil!

[msclwolf.livejournal.com]

All available appendages are crossed for the best o luck (hugs) You have a whole mini community o folk on here who, I am sure, will pitch in what they can if you guys need such :)

[eric-mathgeek.livejournal.com]

Hugs and good thoughts. I'm looking forward to hearing that everything went swimmingly. :)

[mcbulldawg.livejournal.com]

Phil!

Best of luck my friend. Raising a glass to your recovery!

Big big (gentle) hugs!

-=McB

[mhkrabat.livejournal.com]

Phil, I presume a excellent outcome for you on this adventure. Like all of us I wish you the best and luck forward to your reports on your return.

[2stroker.livejournal.com]

Good luck man,I'll be thinking about you . I truly hope this is the solution to your suffering .Get well and then enjoy yourself.All the self imposed obligations can wait or get delegated to someone else.

[theoctothorpe.livejournal.com]

Thinking of you, and wishing you the best.

Much love to you, Phil.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

You will be in my heart, thoughts and prayers as you go through this procedure. I have had family members go through this successfully. Commit yourself to the rehabilitation, my friend. You'll be back on your feet much sooner than you think.

Big HUGS!

[canadad.livejournal.com]

Good luck and a speedy recovery. I'll be thinking about you Monday.

[rcfozzie.livejournal.com]

Wishing you a speedy recovery and mental peace during this time! Big virtual hugs, to you.

[merlinwon.livejournal.com]

Best of good health too you..

Good Energies & Vibes!!!

**Hugs**

[budmassey.livejournal.com]

A lot of people will have you in their thoughts.

[ricksf.livejournal.com]

Good thoughts, good thoughts. LOTS of positive energy!

[beastbriskett.livejournal.com]

You've got a hoard of good will behind you, bud. I'm glad that Jeff will be there for you, and that he's been through what you're facing. It should make your recovery more pleasant, knowing what to expect post-op.
I know these weeks of downtime are gonna be stressful, but try to think of it as a respite, that you have earned some time off, and need the break. It helps to think of it that way when the urge to DO something nags.
Please keep us in the loop when you can.
BIG Hairy Hugs!

[otterdaemmerung.livejournal.com]

I second the call for an address for the sending of cards and such.

Best of luck in this, needless to say. Probably sometime this coming year I, too, will be having surgery that will require a lengthy recuperation process: jaw surgery. I'll have to have my jaws wired shut for a few weeks--something the hubby will no doubt delight in.

So you'd BETTER get well really quick so I'll be inspired. ;-)

[igzorp.livejournal.com]

All the beat Phil - Here's to positive outcome and speedy recovery!

Hugs

[ptownnyc.livejournal.com]

Wishing you nothing but the best

Sending my thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery.....

[pauliebearsf.livejournal.com]

All the best...we can rebuild you..we have the technology xoxooxxo

[bearlover.livejournal.com]

Good luck to you big man!

good vibrations

[disccub.livejournal.com]

Sending out positive thoughts and vibes your way and wishing you a speedy recovery.

[fogbear.livejournal.com]

We'll be thinking nothing but good thoughts for you, Phil.