Major Wobble!!

[Lyndsay]

Ok, maybe I'm being a bit silly but I'm having a major wobble about my surgery on Wednesday

I've had a really bad week with stress (had to have a young dog put to sleep) which has flared my fibro & my back is giving me so much pain right now. Last night I had a really scary episode with a mix of back & fibro pain, my whole body went into this strange, heavy, painful but numb pins & needles, I couldn't move or even speak. My hubby is on nights so only the dogs for company right now. When I went to bed I wasn't stressed or tense as I'd been chatting with a friend who had really made me laugh but I knew I still needed to work through my relaxation because if I worried I would make it worse. Finally after an hour I was able to move enough to get some more pain relief & fall off to sleep.

Today I've felt terrible, it took me an hour to get out of bed, I've struggled to walk with the back & leg pain & oh my feet, feels like walking over broken rocks My muscles have been spasming, the pain in my back has been unbearable at times.

I saw my regular Dr & he's given me some MST Morphine to help with my pain & basically told me to go away as the operation is round the corner I've not taken any of the Morphine yet as I know it will knock me out & I need to be able to let my dogs out for their lasts before bed. I've had a nice warm bath but other than warming me up it's done nothing.

Now I'm getting in a stew about my op. I know I can't carry on the way I am right now but I'm worrying about everything post op at the moment from what if I flare really bad again, what if something goes wrong, will I be given enough pain relief, how will I cope when I get home, what if the op doesn't work, you get the picture Richard is taking some time off work but again I've been worrying about when he goes back already! I know I'm probably being completely irrational but I'm really wobbling here

The other thing I've been wondering, I need to go get some bits for taking into hospital, now this may sound strange but ladies, is a nightie best or will I be ok with PJ's?

I am honestly trying to stay relaxed, I've been working through all my techniques which do help plus my physio has been a great help I do want this surgery & now is the best time for me to go through with it.

I just can't help worrying I suppose

Maybe I just need a gentle kick in the pants

Regards

[Trish]

The last thing you need is a kick in the pants, and I'm not just saying that because I am American and find this odd form of British encouragement to be very puzzling, but because you have every right to be worried. Why should you have to listen to anyone say "Quit your frettin. Nothing's going to go wrong. Why are you worrying? Isn't this what you've always been wanting?" (It's probably just me, but I see red and grow fangs when I hear this stuff.)

You have every right to have a "major wobble" (haven't heard that one yet), or to feel anxious, tense or worried about things. I've found that the more I try to tell myself that I shouldn't be worried or do not need to be worried, the more worried it makes me. I won't even try to give advice on what to do, because I haven't quite figured that out yet. Long story short - give yourself a break.

You could do like I do and take a pill. . Really. I know you've got bigger things on your mind right now, but as soon as you're up to it, ask a doctor about Lyrica.

I take 150mg of Lyrica every night. I helps to relieve my moderate back pain while I sleep, but it has a secondary effect of relieving anxiety or panic feelings. Just a thought.

Finally, I'm not going to judge or diagnose you because I don't know you, but it's commonly accepted that back pain and depression have a strong correlation to one another. Excessive and uncontrollable worrying are just a couple of the signs to look out for when thinking about whether you might be suffering from a mild depression.

Hospital Attire - I'd definitely go with the nightgown. I haven't actually had the surgery yet, I'm waiting for my operation. When my severe pain started in May 05, I pretty much had to give up most pants because it was just more pain that it was worth. However, I spent this year's summer vacation (2 wks) in my local ortho ward, so I feel qualified.

It seems to me that with recent back surgery, quite a few things would be difficult about PJ's: bending over to pull up/down pj bottoms for WC, pulling down to check/change surgical dressing? Will the bottoms pull or press on the wound? Seems like that would be a bit uncomfortable (American translation "that would hurt like hell!").

Good luck. Our thought are with you
Trish


Regards[/QUOTE]

[Alastair]

Hi Lyndsay,
Yes this is all a stress thing -- - -just take the medication once you get the dogs back and relax.

No matter how much you worry it will not change things. Once you are in the hospital, and the anaesthetist get you off to sleep then the entire responsibility and everything else is that of Mr Lam and the hospital staff -- -- -- nothing to do with you at all.

It's not long now, and just try and think of a nice painfree new life after your surgery.
Best,
Alastair

[Mars]

Hi Lyndsay,
I would love to tell you not to worry, that things will work out fine, that you're lucky you get to have the surgery. My sister has fibromyalgia and a bad back, and she'd give anything for surgery.
However, it's your decision and you need to be at peace with it. My decision to have ADR was difficult but, after I made it, I put my faith in God and my surgeons' hands. When I woke up post-op my first thought was, "I'm alive." Then, "I can wiggle my toes." Soon I realized my original back pain was gone. You never know what the outcome will be. A good question to ask yourself is what happens if you don't have the surgery?
It's normal to be afraid. You've got all of us to encourage you. Good luck!

[Dr. D]

I would be more concerned if you didn't have any fear. Surgery is to be feared. Don't however let fear keep you in your current bonds. If you are a candidate for the surgery, place your trust in that alone. As was previously stated, there are criteria that must be met for surgery. These criteria are for patient and Doctor to rely on so that a predictable outcome can be attained. If you meet the criteria, the surgery may be able to help you. I am speaking to aleviate my own fear, fear that everyone has. The fear will weed out those who are unresolved to get better. Those that lack resolve and a positive outlook are those that might not get better. I have many physicians in my family and they all say a positive outlook and a strong desire to get better will effect a patient's recovery. Recognize the fear for what it is; then proceed with courage and confidence.

[Lyndsay]

Thank you all for your kind words of encouragement

I over did things last weekend then had a very stressful start to the week which I think just sent my whole body into a spin

I am very nervous & scared & know that that is perfectly normal but I am positive about this surgery. I know that firstly, if I wasn't a candidate, it wouldn't be being done. Just the other night I was looking for something in my bedside cabinet when I came across all of the research I first did almost 2 years ago but my local surgeon said it was still too experimental & I took his word for it

I do feel extremely lucky to have the insurance which enables me to see Mr Lam & have the ADR & I have complete faith in him & the hospital.

I still have my hospital shopping to do yet, (nighties it is!!) plus various other bits & pieces, hopefully get out tomorrow afternoon

Thanks again everyone I know this surgery is the way forward for me, I'll just be glad when the worst bit is over with

[fennash\'s other half]

Hi Lyndsey
as to your Question about nightie or pjs my wife lynn just had a two level fusion last wednesday and asked the same Q last week she is coming home tomorrow with a smile on her face yippee as her primery carer and from what she went through nightie has to be the better option can you emagine the pain post op trying to pull on a pair of pj bottoms when you dont want to move becouse you are in so much discomfort hope this helps and I wish you the best of luck and a speedy recovery for wednesday.

[Lyndsay]

Many thanks Colin

I also read your message to my husband Richard, you made us both smile with your kind words

Thank you again

Lyndsay

[fennash\'s other half]

Hi Lyndsay
Just a quicky to wish you all the best for tomorrow I know you will but I will say it any way dont worry your in good hands we wish you a safe and speedy recovery please keep us informed of your progress our thoughts will be with you and Richard
BEST heart felt wishes
Colin and Lynn

[Bionic Michelle]

Just wanted to say good luck with your surgery!! I'm sure you'll be glad you did it. Hope you didn't buy too many nightie's as I did, cause I didn't wear even one. The IV lines and monitors I was attached to didn't allow me to not wear a hospital gown that snapped up the sleeves. Anyway, you know the next few days won't be real fun, but it's all worth it. You won't be in too much pain as long as you're not afraid to ask for what you need. Don't be afraid to yell if you need something! Hang in there and we'll see you on the other side!!! Have faith in your surgeon and anesthetist. You'll do great!!