Kyphoplasy Back Surgery

Hi Carrie!,

Wow that is some comfort that the surgery will mabey leave you pain free!

You have been through so many, many ups and downs, and severe pain and depression from the back pain. God speed my friend! I see a glimise of light at the tunnel. I hope untill your surgery in March, that you are comfortable and the pain is not too severe! (((((((((((( Huggles)))))))))))) love Linndie

You know I will keep in touch. BTW: I spelt it wrong. It is " Kyphrplasty". Thank-you again for the incouraging words. Talk to you soon.

Hugs back to ya,
Carrie

Neurosurgical Spine Services Division

Kyphoplasty


Kyphoplasty is a new technique in vertebral compression fractures that involves an introduction of a cannula into the vertebral body followed by the insertion of an inflatable balloon. The balloon is inflated within the vertebral body. When the balloon is inflated, it creates a space within the center of the vertebral body for the injection of polymethylmethacrylate.

In addition, the inflation of the balloon itself in the kyphoplasty procedure can also lead to some increase in the vertebral body height and therefore correction of the abnormal configuration of the vertebral body that existed as a result of the fracture.

After the balloon is removed, there is an empty space within the vertebral body that allows for the low-pressure injection of the polymethylmethacrylate into the cavity created by the balloon. Injection under low pressure in kyphoplasty has the advantage of decreasing the rate of leakage of polymethylmethacrylate either into the spinal canal or into the draining veins of the vertebral bodies. Recent reports on kyphoplasty reveal a high success rate using this technique.

Wow. Will someone be going to the hospital with you?

(This is Lee, BTW)

I knew it was you. Yes my whole family will be there with me during surgery untill I wake up and say I'm hungry. I come home the next day if all goes well and my MRSA don't decide to take my body over like it has done before. I think things should go fine. Then my son will pick me up when time to come home. Proceedure seems (like doc said) minimally invasive. I just don't like general anesthetic. I'd rather have local and be awake. Oh well, it is worth it I guess.

Lots of Love,
Carrie

Hello Carrie,

Wonderful that you have the option for surgery that will be "minimally invasive". Far better than what you had feared.

Thank goodness for the advances in medicine.

I hope and pray the procedure will go well for you and your recovery likewise. May the next few weeks go by quickly.

Take care.

RichT

Hi. I just happened to see your post over on the Bipolar forum on 2-12-08. I was so amazed at all the medications you are on. Does this back surgeon know that your lung function is so compromised? You are taking more COPD meds than I do and I am at 30 percent lung function. I would worry a lot about the general anesthesia with this back surgery. I know that you never want to go back on the vent again. In fact, I would worry that those bipolar meds are doing a number on your breathing. I think you are on dangerous ground. Please know that I care.
((((((((HUGS))))))))

Thank- you so much for you concern and well wishes. I really do appreciate it. Yes I am on alot of meds for asthma and COPD. I have 55% lung compacity. I have done very well on general nesthetic in the past and really am not that worried being under for an hour. I'm more afraid of my MRSA coming back to life. That is why my infectious disease doctor wants me to scrub from neck to toes with Hebiclens for two weeks before and they will hang a bag of Vancomycin 1/2 hour for OR. And yes my neurosurgeon know my whole history and thinks I will do just fine. Trust and faith is what keeps me going. I made it through near death and I can do it again.
Doc says, I should waken with no pain at all anymore in that fracture area. Me biggest fear is that the polyuithain concreate they fill it in with will somehow slip and give way from the bone. Doc says I have no worries. Yeah right! Tell that to someone with major anxiety and panic attacks. I will just be glad to get home. Doubt I will bend over for quite some time out of just fear. Gonna get one of those grabber thingies to help me out.
BTW: They pushed up my sergical date to the 3rd. I'm just as glad. Go to the hospital for my pre-op on the 29th at 9am.
No worries, I will do fine. I have a positive attitude and that makes a difference in the world.

Carrie

Dear Carrie,

I know , in my heart of hearts t,hat you have made the right decision on having this surgery. Your positve outlook is an asset to everyone. I know you are scared and know the risks, but the pain and suffering you have endured over rides your fears. God knows you deserve to be pain free psychially, and in turn will help you emotionally, and mentally.

Love your friend Linndie:)

As always you are always there for me. I know I have'nt talked to you in awhile. I did leave a message on you machine a few days ago. I want you to feel free to come and see me on the 3rd in the afternoon. If all goes well, I should be discharged sometime on the 4th. Sorry we would have to meet that way, but I know how close St. Joe's Hospital is and would be easy to get to. Of course I won't look my best but that is to be expected. But, we have been phone friends for a year now and I would love to meet you. So, please try and come over sometime after lunch on the 3rd OK. I should be pretty much awake by then.
You don't know how close I am to canceling, but I know it is the best thing for me and my future living a life without alot of pain. I want you to know that you are in my heart always. You have been such a big help to me. More then you will ever know. Chatting on the phone with you is an uplift for me.

Your friend forever,
Carrie

Hi. Haven't seen any postings by you recently. Is the back surgery still on? Are you nervous about it? Still having pain? I hope the BiPolar issues are under control. One thing at a time, huh?
Please keep in touch with all of us.
Annie

I would like to get some information from anyone who has had the kyphoplasty procedure as an inpatient. Length of stay in hospital? Cost? Thanks. Jim.