The Countdown is on

By: brandy nicole on 6:55 PM

Surgery is in three days. THREE DAYS. Can you believe it? Because I can't. I'm starting to get very nervous. I've had plenty of surgeries in my day, but they've all been outpatient and fairly minor, no hospitalization required.

I had my preop appointment on the 16th of April. It went well. They did a bunch of testing plus an EKG of my heart which of course all came out normal. I was kind of concerned about the EKG though because I do have a history of tachycardia of unknown origin (fast heartbeat). They explained my procedure and I thought I was going to be getting a PLIF (posterior interbody lumbar fusion) but I am getting a minimally invasive TLIF (transforaminal interbody fusion). Essentially this is still a posterior approach, but, with two small incisions instead of one large one. They also weave through the muscles of the back as apposed to cutting them. It will still be painful of course, but a little less than a PLIF.

The doctors still want me to be off work for 12 weeks.

I may or may not bring you an entry on Wednesday night before the surgery. If I don't, my next post will be sometime after surgery. I'll be sure to detail the whole experience. I appreciate all the thoughts and prayers and pieces of advice you guys have been giving me. I really do.

Cheers!
Brandy Nicole

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It's gettin' real....

By: brandy nicole on 7:22 PM

22 days. That's all that is left until the big show. I am hoping to God this works. I can't stand the thought of living in the constant pain I have been in. I need a break! For those of you who don't know, I will be having a spinal fusion on April 30th. That is what this blog is about. I feel it is important to document this journey for not only myself, but maybe to help others facing the same problem.

I've added a few sections to this blog, so click the links above in the header. It gives you an idea about me and what I am dealing with. I'll probably just go ahead and give you a little background as well in this first post. I am dealing with Grade 2 spondylolisthesis, meaning my vertebra is more that 50% slipped onto the one below it. That in itself is painful, but I am also experiencing severe sciatica due to the L5 nerve root being severely pinched. Everyday is a fight to try and maintain any sense of normalcy.

Many people don't realize the amount of pain I am in because I try to minimize it. I do not want to be a bother to others. I don't want them to know that it is a hardcore task just to grocery shop. I cannot walk more than a few minutes before the sciatica is rearing its ugly head. The same thing happens when I sit for a long period of time as well. There literally is no comfortable position. I wouldn't wish this type of pain on anyone.

As the surgery gets closer, the more I find myself freaking out. I am no stranger to surgery, I've had several in the past 6 years for endometriosis and interstitial cystitis...but those were laparoscopic and didn't require a hospital stay. This is MAJOR surgery. I'll have JP drains in my back and a foley catheter. I'll be hospitalized for at least 3 to 4 days...That's longer than mom and baby stay after delivery these days.

I guess that is all for now. I apologize for the post being so scattered. I'll be posting more as the day gets closer. Feel free to go to the contact section and contact me if you have any questions or just want to talk about your similar situation.

Cheers!
Brandy

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