Fran, I see my surgeon on Monday, Jan.
21. I am going to ask him why I keep
getting a feeling of a knot in my left
side between the spine and the hip.
Sometimes I can walk it off and other
times it just keeps coming back and coming
back. And sometimes when I push it, it
will have a burning sensation which then
causes the saddle bag hip area to have a
sensation that feels like there is a TENS
unit attached to it.
The temperature dropped here and it snowed
the last 3 days. I find that I still have
some discomfort in that muscle area. When
it is warmer and when the sun is out, I
feel really good. I was hoping that up
and down feel great, feel discomfort
would be gone but not so even though I am
9 weeks from surgery. One minute I think
"I've got this thing beat" and the next
time it is a nagging worry in the back of
my mind that wonders if I have something
else going on.
I guess I will never again be able to sit
on a chair with my legs curled under me or
ever again crawl frontwise into bed and
backing my behind into a carseat is going
to be a permanent way of entering a car.
I have been instructed to "protect" that
Fusion. Today my mental attitude is "I
want this all to go away."
Marie B.
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littleonefb
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 11 Aug 2007 Posts: 215 Location: ,
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Appointment Posted: 01-15-08 00:23am
Marie,
Oh, Oh, I hate to say this to you but, I
have to say it. PATIENCE LADY, PATIENCE.
9 Weeks post op seems like an eternity,
but at the same time it really isn't that
long when you think about it.
You are still fusing, with instruments it
can take a year or more, not sure when it
it in situ. Just can't imagine that you
are anything more than part way there
yet.
The knot you are feeling sounds like
muscle recovery from surgery, along with
pulling and stretching. Those surgical
retractors are nasty tools on the muscles,
great for the surgeon and doing the
surgery, but boy do they create sore
muscles after the fact.
They pulled, contorted, all but twisted so
that they are pulled out of the way and
the surgeon has a clear view of the
surgical area. It can take a lot of time
for those bruises in the muscles to heal.
Weather changes have a lot to do with it
as well. That barometric pressure is a
killer on sore muscles, joints and
surgical incision sites. Sometimes, I
hate to have to say it, but those surgical
incision lines are always affected by the
weather change.
I have an appendectomy scar, big one from
the old ways of doing it all the way back
from Jan. 1969 that will hurt when we are
getting a bad snow storm. Oh did it hurt
today.
My gallbladder one, another full size, old
fashioned incision gets me when we are
going to get a bad rain storm.
2 c-section ones never, ever talk to me.
And the spine one, well it nags whenever
the weather is changing and sure doesn't
like the cold New England winters. Until
last week, it has be swearing at me to get
up off my butt and move to a warmer
climate or suffer. Last week it was quite
happy with the warm weather. Now it's
back to it's normal behavior with the
snow.
It is much better than it was after
surgery though, and at 9-10 weeks, I still
got the nag knot feeling, like you
describe in the exact same location. It
lasted most of last winter, but I don't
have it now.
As for legs under you indian style, I know
the feeling. I have always sat that way
too. Has to do with the 2 of us being
short and legs hanging in mid air and not
reaching the floor.
The think is that it really is the worst
position to sit in, no matter what. It
puts a very big strain on the hip joint
and muscles in the area. I have gotten
used to not sitting that way most of the
time. I make sure I have a stool to put
my feet on so they aren't hanging in mid
air. I will admit to being caught sitting
like that sometimes. Haven't you heard my
hubby yelling at me about it, all the way
to Ohio?
As for the crawl into bed. That should be
a no, no to everyone. Terrible, terrible
body mechanics. You need to get into the
bed sort of lying on your side. There is
lots of info on line about proper body
mechanics and how to get in and out of bed
using it.
And no twisting to get into the car
either. Believe me, you get used to it
after a while, but it is a pain to learn
and remember not to do it.
Time and patience Marie, is what is
needed. Easier said then done, I know.
But it is what you need to do.
Sometimes, that is the worst part of
recovering from any kind of surgery. You
feel so much better as time goes on, that
you are itching to get back to normal and
do the normal stuff you used to do. You
forget that you can't and when you try,
well, it's too late to remember and you
pay for it for the next several days.
Fran
|
RichT
Active User, Really EHEALTHy
Joined: 22 Jul 2007 Posts: 910
Thanks: 21
Thanked:0
Posted: 01-15-08 08:32am
Hello Marie,
Fran has given you wonderful thoughts,
advice and wisdom.
Not easy to have patience with ones-self,
but that you will need to do. Enjoy the
good moments. As time goes by things will
improve.
Take care.
RichT
Fran - You mentioned what weather changes
can do. Yep, sure enough, one of those
"bad weather" days here today. Better
tomorrow.
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Carrianne
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 09 Aug 2007 Posts: 107 Location: Tampa, FL
Re: Walking Posted: 01-15-08 09:16am
Marie B.
wrote:
Carriane, When you say you
walk, what speed are you going? I walk at
a normal pace but certainly not at the
pace I used to do when I would walk in the
past.
Even at that slower pace, when walking
with my husband, with my short legs, I
feel like a chihuahua walking beside a
greyhound.
If you ever watch the Westminister Dog
Shows, you will get an excellent image of
what I mean.
I certainly am not doing power walking.
So what is everyone doing when walking?
Marie B.
Marie,
I walk at a fairly quick pace. I wouldn't
call myself a speedwalker, but my
husband(a runner) does have a hard time
keeping up with me. But keep in mind that
even before surgery walking never gave me
a problem which is why it's not difficult
for me now.
It did take a little time to get back up
to my pace after surgery, but it wasn't
too bad. At first I'd go 2 or 3 times a
day, 20 minutes each time. Now I just do a
straight hour (30 minutes on the
eliptical, 30 on the treadmill). On the
weekends I just walk because I don't want
to come in to work to use the gym and I
refuse to pay for a gym membership. I'm
frugal, what can I say? hee hee
Haven't seen any dog shows, but I got a
clear visual of a chihuahua next to a
greyhound. Tell your greyhound to go easy
on you! hee hee
Just take it easy and listen to your body!
Best wishes and God bless,
Carrianne
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Carrianne
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 09 Aug 2007 Posts: 107 Location: Tampa, FL
"normal" people Posted: 01-15-08 09:25am
I want to add to the "grocery cart"
attitude of normal people (without spinal
issues).
They've made me paranoid to go out in busy
places!
This weekend I went to Animal Kingdom with
my husband and his parents. We were
walking and I got bumped into pretty hard
by a guy who wasn't paying attention to
where he was going. I immediately grabbed
my back like I could protect it and my
family was really concerned that I was
hurt, but I wasn't. I can't really
describe the feeling, but I almost cried
because of fear even though I was ok.
I've developed quite a paranoia and am
afraid to go to any busy place. I hate
that, but I'm just so worried something's
going to happen.
Oh, and the guy did manage to yell out an
"EXCUSE ME" after he was 20 ft. past me
like it was no big deal. Ahhhhhhhhh
So, I yell out to "normal" people, Watch
where you're going!!!! Ok, I didn't
really, but I thought it. hee hee
Best wishes and God bless,
Carrianne
|
Marie B.
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 28 Aug 2007 Posts: 231 Location: Ohio
The Best! Posted: 01-15-08 09:52am
I lost my post. I have to remember not to
check on a previous post before I complete
my own posting.
Patience!!! One of the 7 Virtues. I'm not
very good at Patience, Fran, even though I
can advise (on one of my good days)
patience to others.
I do believe one of the things that keep
me returning to this Forum is because this
Forum has posters of The Best kind. I can
give good advice but my memory is short
when I am having an aching day for
whatever the reason.
On those bad days, I have a need for a
little "handholding." I can come here and
get it everytime. Can't go to hubby. In
his entire life of "Rich's age" my hubby
has had one surgery, a knee. The All
American Soccer Player twisted it when he
was kicking one of those goals that he was
always getting. I call him the EverReady
Running Bunny. He is so used to quick
recoveries from me after other surgeries I
have had he can't stand to hear me
complain. When I suffer, he suffers, so
he has to get involved in something else
mentally.
Carrianne! Walking at a quick pace!!!
Yipes!!!! I can tell you are still a
youngie. And the fact that you could wear
your regular pants right after surgery
tells me that you are probably one of
those "skinney minnies" that live in
Florida because the sun is alway out and
you can get outside.
I have screamed for years that I want to
at least be a "snow bird." Go South!! My
hubby is a snow lover. We should get
these things straight before one enters
marriage. Who is the sunflower and who is
the snow bunny? I definitely am a
sunflower.
Don't suppose you put any of those in your
garden do you Rich?
Marie B.
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RichT
Active User, Really EHEALTHy
Joined: 22 Jul 2007 Posts: 910
Thanks: 21
Thanked:0
Posted: 01-15-08 10:34am
Hello Carrianne and Marie,
Carrianne, I smile every time I read about
your FAST walking. When I was in about
4th grade I walked a 1/2 mile to school
with a good sized HS guy. He walked fast
to begin with, so that meant I almost had
to run to keep up. WELLLllll, I'm still
walking fast (was). And my daughter also
had to walk fast to keep up with me. A
few weeks ago she was walking with a
fellow a foot taller than she was. His
comment "I can barely keep up with you,
you walk so fast."
Fast walkers unite. LOL Until my ole
back slowed me up it seemed my wife was
always 15 ft behind me. (I won't get into
our "discussions".)
Marie, you walk at a pace that is
comfortable for you and your back. You
know your body best. For me, walking slow
kills my back. See, we are each
different.
I'm from Minnesota originally, and it
seems half the state migrates to the south
in the winter. Here in Virginia winter is
short, but I can't wait until spring is
here and I can get some good "gardening
exercise".
No sunflowers Marie. LOL Too much shade
on our lot. SOooo have learned to be a
shade gardener.
Oh to treadmills. It amazes me that some
of you can use those things. Thirty
minutes, AMAZING!!!! I'm on a treadmill
for 10 minutes once a year for part of my
physical. I hate it!!! SOOOOooooo
boring, those 10 minutes seem like 2
hours!!
Have a GOOD Day!!
RichT
|
Marie B.
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 28 Aug 2007 Posts: 231 Location: Ohio
Absolutely Correct Posted: 01-15-08 11:41am
You are absolutely Correct, Rich.
Treadmills are absolutely boring. That's
why I yearn for warmer climates and the
face of the sun.
Marie B.
|
RichT
Active User, Really EHEALTHy
Joined: 22 Jul 2007 Posts: 910
Thanks: 21
Thanked:0
Posted: 01-15-08 12:09pm
Hello Marie,
Do what I did in my windowless study. I
put up a full wall sunny fall Virginia
countryside mural. You can put up one of
those Caribbean ones, close the door and
turn up the heater. I know, only 2nd
best.
Of course you could "twist his arm" by
telling him you are going to go out
looking for a handsome young fellow and
the two of you are going to Florida. LOL
That should do it.
RichT
|
Carrianne
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 09 Aug 2007 Posts: 107 Location: Tampa, FL
Posted: 01-16-08 12:20pm
Hi Rich and Marie!
I agree, treadmills are boring! I enjoy
walking outside this time of year, but
definitely avoid it in the summer. I guess
you could call me the snow-lover of my
marriage. My husband was born and raised
here so he's use to it. I do think the
heat is a little friendlier to my spine
though.
Yes, I'm a quick stepper, but it's because
my mom always walked fast with my 2 older
brothers and myself, holding our hands, of
course. We had no choice but to keep up.
She regrets it now when we're walking
together. hee hee
Hope you have a pain free day!
Best wishes and God bless,
Carrianne
|
CarolDiane
Moderator
Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 2391 Location: ,
Thanks: 111
Thanked:156
Torment after torment, when does it end? Posted: 01-16-08 13:32pm
You all know I have two herniated buldging
dic's at L-2,3. Remember, I told everyone
that I had fallen off a step ladder pretty
hard. I have been in some really bad pain
since. This week not so bad. Well, to make
sure I did not damage it anymore, my neuro
wanted another X-Raty . Well I just got
the results. Fractured L-1 with
compression to L-2. He now wants another
MRI ASAP (in process). Just now depressed
and anxeious to see when he sends me to
ortho, if it' gonna be surgery or a back
brace. Needless to say, today I am pretty
down in the dumps. Can this get any worse?
I was told to come over here for more help
and advice by Rich T and Marie B.
Best Always,
Carrie
Carrie
|
RichT
Active User, Really EHEALTHy
Joined: 22 Jul 2007 Posts: 910
Thanks: 21
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Posted: 01-16-08 13:36pm
Hello Carrianne,
A good day today. But my butt needs to
have time off of this computer chair of
mine. LOL
In '69 I had a job opportunity in southern
Florida. We did look at some homes until
a German sheppard tore up my hands. Took
that as a sign from the good Lord that
Florida wasn't where I should be. LOL I
do agree that warm days are much "kinder"
to my back than these colder damp winter
days in VA.
My wife finally gets her "Christmas gift"
from me this evening. We are going to a
French restuarant recommended by some good
friends. Will be an interesting
experience because we were not impressed
by the French dining experiences we had in
France.
Enough "off topic" or the moderator will
cut me off.
Take care my good lady.
RichT
|
RichT
Active User, Really EHEALTHy
Joined: 22 Jul 2007 Posts: 910
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Posted: 01-16-08 13:43pm
Hello Carrie,
So nice to have you as part of our Spiney
family here. Just wait until Fran gets on
here and you will receive a page or two of
support, thoughts, and wisdom.
Carrie, you may still be "down", but you
are doing much better today I can tell.
The good Lord is with you I know.
HUGS
RichT
|
CarolDiane
Moderator
Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 2391 Location: ,
Thanks: 111
Thanked:156
Thanks Rich Posted: 01-16-08 13:58pm
I think my biggest nightmare about
tomorrow morning is that the MRI is going
to show just how large the fracture is and
I am so scared. I'm gonna have to go to
the medical supply store and get one of
those pick up thingies so I do'nt have to
bend. Let me look at wheelchairs while I
am there too! I know "Not funny at all."
I know, I am usually always upbeat and
passive about most things. But, for some
reason it feel like part of my freedom has
been taken away from me. Just things I do
in everyday life that I might not be able
to do anymore. Granted, personally I think
I am handling it better then I thought
when I got the news yesterday. I am
feeling a bit better today but, still on
the depressed end of the stick.
Hugs back to ya,
Carrie
|
RichT
Active User, Really EHEALTHy
Joined: 22 Jul 2007 Posts: 910
Thanks: 21
Thanked:0
Posted: 01-16-08 14:16pm
Hello Carrie,
I only know in a very small way what you
are currently going through. The anxiety
of not knowing what your doctor will say
tomorrow.
When my doc told me last August that I
needed to have open back surgery within 6
months, a 12 inch incision, etc., I was
down. As I approached my appointment with
him the end of December I could feel the
depression set in. Oh yes, I was all set,
I knew what I was going to say if he said
I still needed surgery. Thank goodness
after his exam and review of the MRIs in
December he said "It seems we leave well
enough alone at this time".
Carrie, I hope you also will receive such
welcome words from your doctor tomorrow.
Hang tough, our thoughts and prayers are
with you.
RichT
|
Marie B.
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 28 Aug 2007 Posts: 231 Location: Ohio
Hey Carrie Posted: 01-16-08 18:37pm
I got two of those pickup thingies so I
don't have to bend or twist. The box they
came in called it "The Grabber". There
are different styles. I paid only $10.00
for each one.
Other types have a price tag of $20 or
more. Hope you can find one that works
for you in all situations. I am even
considering getting a 3rd one to keep in
my laundry room so I can grab clothes out
of my dryer.
When you have only one, it is never where
you need it. But you might not need that
many because you may be living in an
apartment. A house can be a pain to cover
all things.
Carrie, while you are out searching for
items to help you, I wondered if you had
considered a soft waist binder with velcro
to wrap around yourself for body support.
I found a binder not only supported my
spine, but it also was an early warning
restraint if I moved without thinking. It
prevented a lot of excruciating pain
strikes.
Hey, golfers wear them and they just have
muscle aches. That's where I got my first
one. My husbands' friends kept hearing
about my painful back and they sent me
one. It was nice of them. Of course it
was way too big, but it worked.
After surgery, I had to get a Jay bar to
put on my bed to help me get out of the
bed to keep from moving the Lunbar region
as I dragged myself in and out of bed. I
bet you have some real discomfort there
too.
I wanted to telll you something else too.
Another acquaintance of mine called from
New York when he found out I was having
spinal surgery this past Fall. He said he
had broken his back in two places. You
know what? They put him in a cast until
those vertebraes were healed on their own.
NO surgery! But you have an additional
problem with compression so be very
careful getting a lot of consults before
you head toward surgery.
Believe me, you will get through this.
Rich said it best in one post a long time
ago.
There is nothing more depressing then when
the body you have lived with for years
betrays you. Just take it one day at a
time and hang in there.
One last thing. Make sure that the doctor
who touches you is a spinal specialist.
That he does nothing else but spines and
has a good long history of spinal
experiences. Every neuro or ortho surgeon
is not a spinal specialist . There are a
lot of these in your area and if you check
with Carrianne and Rich might remember the
other doctor that is there that does
minimally Invasive work. Beleive me,
there have been two Laser Forums and we
have talked the doctor subject to death.
Keep your chin up.
Marie B.
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Marie B.
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 28 Aug 2007 Posts: 231 Location: Ohio
Carrianne Posted: 01-16-08 18:40pm
Have you heard anything from Mare. Her
surgery must have taken place by now.
Were you able to stay in touch with her?
I was wondering how she is doing. Miss
seeing her posts now that she is in one of
the major surgical stages. If you see
her, maybe she will let you tell us all
how she is doing.
Marie B.
|
Marie B.
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 28 Aug 2007 Posts: 231 Location: Ohio
Wall Paper Murals and Rich Posted: 01-16-08 18:44pm
Oh Rich, you funny boy you. Of course I
could do what you suggested but it
wouldn't go with my interior decorating.
The advice to turn up the heat I will have
to challenge. Do you know what we pay for
heating oil up here in the cornfields of
Ohio?
But wait, I just heard today on TV that
the price of oil dropped $4.00. I guess I
should thank the Saudi's. But I don't
feel like it.
Your suggestions were very thoughtful but
they will never take the place of the real
South.
Marie B.
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CarolDiane
Moderator
Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 2391 Location: ,
Thanks: 111
Thanked:156
Posted: 01-16-08 20:46pm
Marie B, yes in fact I do have a waist
binder. I has actually three uses. I also
can be used to put an ice pak or heat pak
too. There is a mesh space in the back
middle for it. And with the velcro, you
can make it as tight as you like. I use it
already with the ice pak. I just gets so
hot here in Florida, it is very hard to
tolerate cause ya sweat so much if you are
out doors.
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RichT
Active User, Really EHEALTHy
Joined: 22 Jul 2007 Posts: 910
Thanks: 21
Thanked:0
Posted: 01-16-08 20:48pm
Hello Marie,
SOOOooo for next year plan ahead. Come
time for your husband's birthday, give him
an airline ticket to somewhere in the
south. Then at Christams give him a
reservation at a very nice resport with
dancing girls. How could he refuse.
