Scheduled for Charite ADR

[kimber_lee]

I just wanted to let you all know that I am scheduled to have surgery to replace L5/S1 on May 26th.

I'm very excited, scared, stressed...tons of emotions mixing on inside. AHHHHH! I'm very confident in my surgeon and confident in my decision to have this done. I've done my research and I have this board to thank.

I'm trying to find the post regarding postop stretching (hamstrings I think??)...I noticed a lot of you had mentioned this but I can't find the thread. If someone could point me into the right direction that would be great and if you could offer any words of wisdom to help me prepare, I would appreciate it.

Got the jitters....
Kimberly

[Lisa T]

Hi Kimberly, just wanted to wish you all the best for your surgery, i had 1 level ADR at L5/S1 six weeks ago, i'm doing really well. The exercises are in the FAQ's, for me they really were essential to do, because the worse thing about the whole ADR surgery was the leg cramps i had afterwards, i was told they could last weeks, but luckily they only lasted a week for me, also massage and indian tonic water helped. Best wishes.
Lisa.

[tmont]

Hi Kim!

Congrats on nailing down both a decision and a surgery date--the countdown is on

Here's that link to Alastair's post on post-op hamstring stretches:

http://adrsupport.org/eve/forums/a/t...1/m/8631000181

Looking forward to hearing more of your story, both pre and post op--

Trace

[Harrison]

Kimberly, congrats on reaching your milestone. It's a big deal, not to be taken lightly. It's normal to have the jitters -- what remaining questions or concerns do you have?

[Vicki_in_Florida]

Congratulations....again (my previous post vanished).

[cathydownunder]

Just as an extra to Lisa T's suggestion to drink tonic water. The reason it helps with leg cramps is because it has quinine in it, (so does bitter lemon). I used to drink it a few years ago for nocturnal leg cramping. Just be careful you don't drink too much, it's not recommended in large quantities.
Cheers Cathy.

[Rosie]

Hi Kimberly,

So happy for you. Where are you going to get it done? USA or Canada?
Wish you all the best. Keep us posted.
I am doing well.

Rosie

[luvmysibe]

Congratulations on your upcoming adventure! I am thrilled with my Charite disk. Gentle stretching post-op with a belt or therapy band is extremely important and provides tremendous relief. It is even more effective if you can receive massage therapy to reach those areas that are difficult to stretch post-op. You'll be in my thoughts!

[kimber_lee]

Awww shucks...

Thanks guys. I'm going to be getting it done in the US...in Canada I'd be waiting FOREVER.

Kimberly

[luvmysibe]

Be certain to start your own thread in ADR Surgical Outcomes. We'll all be anticipating great news!