Help! Very depressed - one more surgery

One more comment on my situation as I don't want to "hog" the site at all. But, I had a big development yesterday. I went to see my surgeon with my MRI results. My L1-L4 discs are completely herniated. (I have already had L5-S1 fused 3 years ago). And, I now have the beginning of scoliosis. So, my 8th back surgery in 3 years is on Feb. 20 and it is a brutal one. Complete lumbar fusion - 4 discs - as well as straightening my spine. I truly trust my doctor as he is the Chief of Orthoepedic Surgery at the best hospital in Houston's medical center.

However, not only am I worried about the norco but I am very sad about the 4 to 5 hour surgery and 5 day hospital stay with a 6 month recovery of the above surgery. Sometimes I just feel lost and helpless. And, I am not a helpless person but like to be in control.

The surgeon also told me to gain weight (I am 5'7" and now about 115 pounds) so that the large amount of cages, rods etc. in my back doesn't bother me so much. In other words, get some fat to cushion. This is not easy for me either as I have always been very thin.

Thanks to all for listening again. It is so nice to be able to get it all out sometimes.

laneybuns

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

good luck

[AfricanGrey]

HI Laney- I know you have a difficult road ahead in the next few months.  Maybe you can hold on to the fact that this surgery will give you the desired result of less pain and more mobility in your life.  My brother had the beginning of scoliosis, and he is perfectly fine after physical therapy.  Maybe catching yours early, you will also be just fine.  I hope you have a good surgery and a great recovery.

Lisa

[laneybuns]

Thanks much for your kind words.  Yes, this is my last surgery so I see a light at the end of the tunnel.  Health is in my future and I am going to embody it with all I am when I have recovered.

[maggarwa]

Hello All,
my sister is going through similar stuff as you all right now and i have found a new hope and thats the reason i am posting this. Please look into amino acid therapy, go to your book store, get this book by Julia Ross called "mood cure". There are natural ways of dealing with anxiety and depression and thats through 5-HTP and amino acids and without any side effects.
Also, read this articles,
http://www.naturalhealthweb.com/articles/Nelson4.html
http://www.fibromyalgiacfsstore.com/healthnews305.html

good luck to you all. Please do not stop your medicines cold turkey because you will go through hell. The key is to start amino acid therapy and then slowly wean off the prescription medicine. Amino acids r available in nutrition food stores and GNCs