Chicken of surgery

[rosie]

Hi Everyone
I havent been on the site for a while but now surgury is hanging over my head and I am freaking out. Been talking with Jen and she has given me alot of info which I am deeply greatful for. Happy to hear from anyone who may live in the Brisbane area who has had surgery in their late 40s, good and bad points of surgery, especially how they coped post op with a family and all lifes business etc

Rosie

[Christine]

Hi Rosie

I am not in Brisbane (Hobart) but I had surgery in Melbourne in June, aged 48. Fused T4 - L1. It is hard, but I can't believe how much better my body feels, albeit still a long way to go before fully recovered from the surgery.

You will be surrounded by help...believe me, my family, friends, even not so close friends rallied around constantly to help in the first couple of months when I really needed it. Even strangers will help you do things if you ask. People can be beautiful when they know you are hurting a little :) And I got stronger and mobile faster than I expected.

I have lots of posts on the forum so you could scoot back through them to get more info. But I say go for it, and let all of your other concerns drift to the bottom of your worry list. You need to be in top shape for surgery and have a worry-free mind. Have your surgery, then the other aspects of your life will just sort themselves out afterward.

Christine x

[Jen]

Great post Christine. It's amazing how things just sort themselves out and how everyone rallies around. Flash some of your x-rays Rosie, so people understand how serious this is. I've also read that people who have nobody to care for them, have asked neighbours and people they barely know for help and they've found people just so willing to help when asked. It's human nature at its best.

It's so hard to ask for help, but when you do... you'll be blown away. It brings out the best in your family too, you'll find.

[rosie]

Thanks for your replys. I am ready to have surgery in my mind now, just want it over with as sick of pain, and the feeling of my back collapsing and struggling with every thing I do. I am in planning mode so am making lists of things to do and organise. I agree about flashing pictures as I sent a photo to my sister and daughter (daughter lives in Sydney) and they very shocked at the way my back is twisted and basically looks horrid. It has dramatically deteriorated. I cant wait to stand tall, no pain, and look semetrical. I know its a long road but the longer I put it off the worse my back will become and the psycological stress will kill me. Will keep you posted, thanks again
Rosie;)

[Jen]

Glad to hear you've got this surgery right in your mind, Rosie. It really helps.

I've often read that the lead up to surgery is the worst part. I agree with that. It truly can be mental torture, then suddenly it's done and you're on the road back to normalcy!

[rosie]

Date booked for surgery 7th Feb. Cant wait to get rid of this pain.

[Christine]

Hi Rosie

It is exciting to have a date you can plan around. And, given that Christmas and New Year come and go very quickly, you will not have that awful, long wait.

So don't overdo the festivities. Make it loud and clear you are in Preparation Mode and let people know you really do need to focus on YOU. Be bossy! Be healthy and you will be more than ready for the big day.

What a great way to start 2012, to finally have something done to stop the pain. It is all very worth it.

Wishing you a very quiet Christmas and New Year, and feel free to post regularly so we can all support you as your date gets closer.

Christine x

[rosie]

Thanks Christine, Happy Christmas to you also. Yes good to have a date, now counting down. I guess as it gets closer I will be panicing. I hope the time goes quick. I was dreaming about the surgery last night, a bit scarey. I have planned my next 7 weeks out with things to do before the big day.
I remember when I was 16 , many moons ago, thinking how horrid it would be to have surgery and got myself into a state then as only been 16 with not much info around then, I was petrified. thanks again will keep you posted as the day draws closer
Rosie

[MySon]

Hi Rosie

I haven't had surgery myself but my son had surgery in Brisbane in October - the surgeon was (and continues to be) fantastic and I would recommend him - feel free to PM me if you want any details.

As a Mum I was petrified and often wondered how others went months after surgery. I understand (mostly from Christine's posts) that it is different for Kids an Adults.

But if it helps at all - Dane had surgery T3 - T12 less than 3 months ago and he has resumed all normal activities, has no pain and stands straight and 4 cm taller. Correcting the Thoracic curve had a result in also correcting the lumbar curve without having to extend the rods right down.

I got through the early days by reminding myself that planned surgery is much better than surgery to an accident. Everything is prepared, nothing is broken (just a bit crooked), you are otherwise healthy, you won't lose your own blood and the wound will be clean and straght.

Good luck for February - for me it is so amazing to be on the other side of surgery and my son says the only thing he knows about his surgery is that now it is a 'chick magnet' (ha ha) 15 year old boys - gotta love them.

The surgeons are so skillful - I am sure you will be in very capable hands.

Best wishes
Chris

Thanks Christine, Happy Christmas to you also. Yes good to have a date, now counting down. I guess as it gets closer I will be panicing. I hope the time goes quick. I was dreaming about the surgery last night, a bit scarey. I have planned my next 7 weeks out with things to do before the big day.
I remember when I was 16 , many moons ago, thinking how horrid it would be to have surgery and got myself into a state then as only been 16 with not much info around then, I was petrified. thanks again will keep you posted as the day draws closer
Rosie

[rosie]

Hi Chris
Thanks for the encouragement. 5 weeks today till surgery. I go from feeling everything will be Ok to feeling Oh my God what am I doing. BUT then as I try to get through the day doing basic activities I realise I so need this surgery. I will try and send you a PM.
Thanks Rosie