Spinal Surgery

I can only assume that heating season is drawing to a close, although we're still burning here on May 19! Before the next coal hauling season arrives, I am scheduled to have massive back surgery. I am told I need a total spine fusion, from the base of my neck to my tailbone. Although I am in considerable pain,I'm resistant to this concept. It violates every bone, vertebrae to be specific, in my body. Has any one had any experience with this maximally invasive surgery? Has any one had reconstructive surgery that did not involve fusion? Titanium cages implanted?

Although this post may not seem like it has anything to do with coal, it in fact does. I have to tote that barge an' lift that bale to feed my hand fired stove! I would very much appreciate any input you fellow coal haulers can provide...I'm scared.

Thanks,
Lola

Lola Coalfire wrote:I can only assume that heating season is drawing to a close, although we're still burning here on May 19! Before the next coal hauling season arrives, I am scheduled to have massive back surgery. I am told I need a total spine fusion, from the base of my neck to my tailbone. Although I am in considerable pain,I'm resistant to this concept. It violates every bone, vertebrae to be specific, in my body. Has any one had any experience with this maximally invasive surgery? Has any one had reconstructive surgery that did not involve fusion? Titanium cages implanted?

Although this post may not seem like it has anything to do with coal, it in fact does. I have to tote that barge an' lift that bale to feed my hand fired stove! I would very much appreciate any input you fellow coal haulers can provide...I'm scared.

Thanks,
Lola

Hi Lola,

My husband had Tatanium cages implanted last year. He is at work now but I'll have him log on and get in touch as soon as he gets home. From my view his surgery was extremely successful. His pain is gone and he has a heck of a lot more movement now that he didn't have before. Go figure, that's because while his movement is constrained, i.e. he can't squat or do toe touches, he can walk and sit pain free. He hadn't had that for a very long time. He'll be in touch. Have a great day, Lisa

Maybe you could get a second opinion? Sorry to hear you are having health problems.

Thanks, Lisa. I might have known you would offer helpful information. You always do!
I look forward to hearing from your hubby.

Lola

Dann757 wrote:Maybe you could get a second opinion? Sorry to hear you are having health problems.

Oh! And thanks Dann. That was a third opinion, so I'm trying for a fourth! The things we take for granted, like our backs!
Take care of yours.

Lola

Hi Lola,

DK sent a PM. We hope it helps put your mind to rest. I guess the bottom line for both of us is that despite all the scariness and surgical pain, this is something that DK would have done earlier if he had known the results would be so positive to his quality of life. He, as you do, lived with the back pain for many years. It's been 2 years and after the 1st year I haven't heard him complain about any back pain. The pain during the first year was from the surgery - not his back. I think this like a lot of things in life is something that you should just do - waiting isn't going to make it any better - at least that was true with DK. So find a doctor you feel good about and go for it. If you are able to get it done soon you will be able to left enough weight by fall that you can load and reload the coal stove; maybe 20 pds at a time but that too gets the job done. Go for it! Lisa