Laser Spine Surgery

Hello Dave,

You have blown me away!!! I didn't expect a post from you for several days. FANTASTIC that all has gone so very well.

Be patient with the leg pain/numbness. It takes weeks and more for nerves to "heal".

Okay, what is "scoped Microdiscetomy"?

Dave, may I ask where you had your surgery? What hospital?

Have a FANTASTIC Day. WOW, it is amazing that you are already home. Do take it easy as difficult as I know that will be. It takes longer for the body to heal than the mind thinks it does.

The good Lord was and is watching over you.

RichT

Yea!!! for Minnesota Dave and his doctor! Way to go. May your recouperating time be suckers as your surgery, David. Remember to not over do just because you feel good. No Pain! That's great!

Clap! Clap! Clap!

Marie B.

Rich! My guess is a scoped discectomy....means Minimally invasive surgery done with an endoscope. That is the same method that you keep reading about on the laser sites although no laser is used. From what I've read people who have a single disc problem recover very well when there are no other complicating factors eg. stenosis, degerneration etc. It sounds like Dave made the best and right decision for him to go with the method of surgery that he did.

God is good. He knows first hand about experiencing pain.

Marie B.

It was done with an Endoscope. It looks like a Similar procedure as you said just without a laser. From what I can tell and how I feel I made the right choice. I definetly did a ton of research and this forum helped make me feel like I made the right one also. I have already begun walking around my house and finding all of the things that I can't (Shouldn't do). My wife is going to be a busy Lady this next month. You are right about not over doing it. I definetly do not want to screw this thing up.

Rich, I had my Surgey at Abbott Northwesern Hospital in Minneapolis. It wa done in a new wing of the Hospital Called the Piper Building. The Room I stayed in after Surgery was in their Brand New Heart Center. I felt like I was at the Raddison.

I had a Surgeon From a Neuro Clinic and he performs his Surgery's at that hospital. Very Nice!

I actually do not have any leg problems or pain in any spot that I had before surgery. I guess I worded my first post poorly.

The only pain I have is from the incision. It is only a 2-3 on the pain chart.

The trickiest part is getting on and off the couch or bed.

God is Good!

Hello Dave and Marie,

Dave, you are AMAZING!!! It is GREAT to read that your recovery is going so very SUJPER well.

My wife was in for surgery at Northwestern (before the merger). That is a long time ago. Glad you liked the "Radison". LOL

Take care good buddy.

Marie, I too believe Dave made the right decision. It appears he is most fortunate not to have a dozen things wrong with his spine, at least at this time.

I would like to "second" your statement "From what I've read people who have a single disc problem recover very well when there are no other complicating factors eg. stenosis, degerneration etc." THAT Marie is exactly the conclusion that I have reached over these past few months. A church member had spinal surgery a bit over a year ago. Took her a far amount of time to recover. Now she says she is doing great. When I quizzed her about what was/is wrong with her spine, there was only one thing. No DDD, etc., etc. She and others are very lucky. Only now am I beginning to understand the comment from doctors, PAs, and others "WOW what have you all done to your back?". "You have so many things wrong we don't know where or what we should do first." "Even after surgery you may very well still have some back pain." It puts things in a totally different perspective. AND the decison is a much more difficult one to make.

To "step back out of the forest" - For a total perspective I have little to complain about. I can do many of the things I enjoy doing with some "restrictions", however, my spine is not a "life or death" issue. I can talk, I can hear, I can walk, I can drink a glass of wine, I can garden, I can ----- and the list goes on.

RichT

Hi Guys!
It's me . . . Carol. From the looks of things, everyone's been busy and healthy and actively posting! Good for you! I didn't have any trouble getting on the thread. I have been spending way too much time working and writing, with very little left over. But know you are all in my thoughts and in my heart . . . I haven't read through the previous posts, but hope everyone is doing all right, especially Carianne. She was on the mend when I left the thread . . . I'll check in from time to time and in the words of Minnesota Dave . . . who sounds like a great guy . . .
keep on walking!! and I'll add . . . walking the walk and talking the talk. Gee I miss you guys. Special hi to my spine twin!!!
C

When we don't get a "drop in" from you, we worry something worse happened with your spine problem and you didn't get a chance to let us know.

I just learned that I am going to have Pain Patch..tiny tube left in the spine with an IV and pump where I am supposed to administer my own pain med ....which will be morphine. I discussed with my doctor about being put on an anti-inflammatory following surgery in addition to pain med. He said that they do not do that because they do not want the anti-inflammatory to interfere with the fusion process. I'm not sure if that is because it is a blood thinner or not. Couldn't get the question in.

That means I am going to have to expect some kind of pain that is going to make me miserable post op. I always bound right back once I am on an anti-imflammatory. That's a bummer for me.

I have been taken off all herbals, anti-inflammatories and no Vit E or any Vitamans
what so ever. Not even my blood pressure med. My BP med was a surprise because that is the first time I have been told not to take that prior to surgery.

I can't wait until this is over, so I can access my condition. I want to be free. I have even decided that a little loss of flexibility could be dealt with as long as there is no pain.

Marie B.

Dave,
Wow, congratulations are in order for you!! This is such wonderful news and I'm so happy that you're doing so well, and so soon after surgery too! What a treat! The Lord was surely with you and will be as you continue your recovery! Thanks for sharing your news with us and please take it easy!

Marie,
I hope Dave's story really encourages you and you go into your surgery with a calm peace in your heart! We'll be praying for you!

Carol,
Great to hear from you. I'm doing ok. Haven't been cleared for physical therapy yet but am (as Dave put it) walking walking walking! Hope you're doing well and look forward to hearing from you again soon!

Rich,
Can't thank you enough for getting this thread up and running! Goes to show how God works miracles through His people!

God bless you all and Congratulations to Dave again!
Carrianne

M:
When are you scheduled for your surgery? I'm with you 100% You'll be in my prayers and your feisty spirit tells me you will be just fine.
C

Good morning RichT, Carrianne, Marie B., Fran, Carol, and Hello to Dave,

I have been following the forum...Ms Marie...I wish you all the best on your upcoming surgery..what is the date? ( I missed that)

RichT..you are such a joy and blessing in all the encouraging words and support you give to all on here.

Ms. Carrianne....It's good to read that you are getting stronger with each day. It gives me great hope.

Ms Fran........your wisdom and knowledge you give to us on our questions is priceless........I hope all is going well with you.

Carol.......It's good to hear your writing is going well and you are busy.

Mr. Dave...I'm glad all is going well with your recovery.....and look forward to how things progress with you.

My surgery is on Tuesday the 6th......have not gotten a time yet ....but will know Monday afternoon..after all the pre-op stuff is done.

I will let you know how things progress. May not be the same day......but soon after.........mj.........(I got them new shoes!!!)

Carol, MJ That's the day of my surgery.

Just completed a Med. Stress Test. Since I can't do the tread mill (not allowed to take any meds and when I can't take meds, I can't walk longer then a few minutes) they gave me a med called Adinosen (sp). Everytime I take a pre-op test some doctor questions something and I am scheduled another test. I have no pain or stress anywhere in my body except my back, but it seems I had a scriggle instead of a scraggle on my ECG...which my PCP said I have had for years, but the Cleveland Clinic MD wanted to make sure so my PCP ordered the Med Stress Test. All of this is based on my not having this surgery in the place where I have lived for 20 years. A new medical doctor will question everything which then sends me back to my PCP to get it straightened out. So when I say my surgery is November 9th, let me say that is when it is scheduled. Heaven knows if there will be any other questions about my numbers on my papers between now and then.

Marie B.

Marie B.

Hello Marie,

I know it can be a pain to go through things twice, etc. just because some doc questions previous tests, etc. HOWEVER, far better to go through with the hassle than for the docs NOT to question. No mistakes permitted on our Marie!!!!!

My thoughts and prayers are and will be with you. WOW the first part of November is one busy month for many on this thread.

RichT

Hello MJ,

New Shoes!!!!! AHHhhhh a lady you are. I've never figured out why my wife will say "I do't have the right shoes for this outfit or that" when she has dozens of shoes. Me, a pair of ole garden shoes, a pair of "better" shoes and that's all I need. Now ENJOY your new shoes!!!

Thanks MJ for your kind words. EVERYONE here gives support to each spiney family member. We are fortunate for the bond we have. Very precious!!

The good Lord is continuing to get my prayer E-mails for you. He and we will be with you in mind and spirit on the 6th. May your surgery be most successful and your recovery likewise.

Take care.

RichT

AHHHHhh, so GOOD to have you here with your spiney family. For it is you Carol who gave the initial "spark". The fire is roaring away as you can tell.

Do continue to post now and then as time permits.

Carol, how is that spine of yours these days? Hope better.

RichT

Hello Carrianne,

As always so nice to read a post from you.

Thanks for your kind words.

When do you anticipate starting PT?

Have a WONDERFUL Day!

RichT

Hello and good morning Rich!

I hope you are doing well and feeling fantastic today! Florida is finally starting to cool off a little so I can't help but smile at that! Walking outside in the fresh air always beats the treadmill for me!

Today marks 12 weeks from my first surgery and 10 from my second. I was told to wait 3 months from my last surgery before starting PT, so I'll call them in a couple weeks to see what they say and take it from there! I'll certainly keep you all updated! I'm anxious to start, but am anticipating some pain when I do which makes me nervous!

Have a great day and God bless you!!!!
Carrianne

MJ,

I'm sure you won't be reading this today, but know we're all thinking of you and praying for you! Your surgery will be over so fast and you'll be well on your way to recovery!

Best wishes to you and God bless!!!
Carrianne

I think what we hope and pray for on the big day of spine surgery is that the surgeon is as good as we believe him to be, that the surgical OR people are completely on the ball, that the anesthesiologist is very alert, and that we face the pain with some dignity. (I hate to scream in public.)

So good luck to you MJ.

I have 3 more days to go.
Marie B.

My good wishes to MJ for the surgery today (although I know I am late and you won't see this until after) and a big "good luck" to Marie on her impending surgery. May everything go like clockwork for both of you. Also, hello to everyone on the thread and I apologize for being off for a while due to illness.

Welcome to Dave from Minneapolis, who had a very successful surgery and we hope a great recovery. Carrianne, glad to hear of the success thus far of your recovery and good luck with PT.

Rich, my good wishes to you also and I know what you mean complaining about the things we can't do, when there are so many we CAN do.

As Always, LSG