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Girth19
11-04-2011, 11:59 PM
Hey folks,

I know that I haven't really posted about my decision making process, but I want to thank everyone for their posts because they helped me finalize my plans. My husband, brother-in-law and I leave for Barcelona tomorrow. I am having a 3 level M-6L ADR on Wednesday, Nov 9th (levels L2-3 thru L4-5). This has been a decision long in the making, but one that had to be made after sustaining a new, severe herniation at L2-3. MRI results showed that I have end stage DDD (discs completely black) at L3-4, L4-5 and am bone-on-bone at L4-5. Didn't receive good options here in the US...one surgeon said I needed a 3 level fusion and the other said that my lumbar spine was so "messed up" that fusion wasn't an option and I just "needed to deal with it"! Really? :censor: After dealing with pain for basically 27 years (started when I was 14 y/o), "dealing" wasn't an option. I consulted with 4 MDs in Europe and felt that my decision to have Dr. Clavel perform my surgery was the right decision for me.

Like many of my predecessors, I have decided to blog about my journey. If I can help anyone by providing information on my recovery, then I feel that it is the least I can do because I'm one of the many that have dealt with the difficulties of living daily with the limitations of back pain. My blog address is:

http://kimsback.blogspot.com

Any suggestions from my recovering or recovered cohort that might help me through what I'm sure with be a formidable recovery period, I would greatly appreciate your input.

Here is to a positive outcome and a soon to be better life! Hopefully soon enough I will be able to move like my little friend --> :wiggle:

Take care all!

laid up doc
11-05-2011, 12:19 AM
best of luck... if you have any questions about Barcelona/Quiron, feel free to PM me. i had a very smooth experience - but am younger and just had 1 level.

the sights in Barcelona are a great motivation to get up and about. if you are staying near the Metro, it's an easy walk from the Penitents station (more for your hubby if he wants to go elsewhere). i have lots of travel advice if you're interested...

Texas Toast
11-05-2011, 12:29 AM
Godspeed, Girth19!

I look forward to following your posts.

JEVE19
11-05-2011, 12:39 AM
Just remember 3 levels is a big surgery.
Don't feel pressure to site see because you are in Barcelona.
Its surgery, not vacation.
Go slow. Listen to your body.
It will tell you when you're tired, gone far enough, etc.
Prayers sent your way for success and comfort.

jss
11-05-2011, 08:29 AM
Kim,

I'll be following your progress on your blog. Thanks for posting it. Yes, three level lumbar is a very big surgery. I hope you're up to touring after your surgery; but if you're not, don't! On this site we've seen a few otherwise good recoveries turn bad from patients pushing themselves too hard.

Please update us as you're able.

Good luck, Jeff

Girth19
11-05-2011, 09:49 AM
Thanks everyone. I will let you know how it goes. Doc...yes, you are younger, but not by much! :laugh: I'm only 40...but have to admit, some days I definitely feel much older. Vicki...thanks for your advice. After my previous surgery 13 yrs ago, I know to take it easy. However, doing it is not always easy for me b/c I don't like staying idle. Must be medical background! Jeff...yep, I will be watching my P&Qs b/c after waiting this long for a solution, something going wrong b/c of me overdoing in Barcelona isn't an option.

Have a great day,
Kim :clap:

laid up doc
11-05-2011, 10:48 AM
good thing about Barcelona is you can do a lot of things w/o risking overdoing it... lot of things you can do on a "light" basis, and you're never more than a minute or 2 away from a taxi/bus/train to take you back to rest.

i found that after the first few days, walking felt best... in Barca you can just walk down the street and it's entertaining. One of several reasons i had such a multifactorially good trip.

Dingie
11-19-2011, 10:38 PM
I realize your are on the road to recovery now, congratulations! I a, curious how your decision making process went NAND how you are doing. Selfishly:) I am looking at a one more likely 2 level at L3-L5. 8 wish you success I your recovery and if you feel up to it would love Fo hear how it went when you feel up to it:shedance:
Dingie

Lillyth
03-12-2013, 12:55 AM
I realize your are on the road to recovery now, congratulations! I a, curious how your decision making process went NAND how you are doing. Selfishly:) I am looking at a one more likely 2 level at L3-L5. 8 wish you success I your recovery and if you feel up to it would love Fo hear how it went when you feel up to it:shedance:
Dingie

What great read Kim.. Thank you for sharing your experience so extensively.

TPatti
03-12-2013, 06:48 AM
Thanks for sharing