Back surgery / Fusion

[Chezz]

Good morning Everyone!

I have been up half the night thinking about the iminent possibility of back surgery.
Has anybody had fusion done? And if so, did it get rid of the radiating pain and problems associated with it?

Yesterday was one of the hardest days for me. When my new doc said she thinks it is a very good possibility that I will need surgery, it scared  the h%$$ out of me.
I go in monday for another test. Which will help her determine it.
Thanks,
Chezz

[pon]

Hey...sounds like the solution to me.  I have know a number of riders who have had fusion surgery.  Back problems are an occupational reality for equestrians, with about 50% suffering enough damage or pain to need surg. at some point.  Anyway, the folks I know who have had it done have almost ALL said that it radically relieved the pain and gave them a new lease on life from that perspective.  For most of them it was a career ending operation...but if I remember correctly, you gave up riding ponies when you were a teenager....and I am guessing that you don't have any plans to start jumping horses over 1.6 meter high jumps as a hobby...do you?

Chezz man, I am so happy that you seem to have found the right combination of Docs and, it sounds like, meds.  I think there is light at the end of the tunnel my friend, and I am VERY happy for you.

The surgical experience will not be easy, but the payoff is worth it...

Send me an e-mail when you have a chance, I am missing our regular correspondence.

All OK here.  Day 32 behind me and feeling good.  Strained my shoulder yesterday doing some carpentry, but advil was enough to get through, so I was pretty pleased with that.

Kids and family are great...D1 started lessons on a new pony and surprised us with how much she has progressed in the last 6 months.  Seems to have tgotten her riding skills from her mother...which is a GOOD thing.  D2 spent the day in the back harness while I worked around the farm all day.  25 extra pounds to lug, but worth it...she is a VERY cheerful 1 year old, so plenty of singing, laughing and chatter to keep my mind off the labor and a smile on my face!

PLEASE write if you get the chance..I miss your letters and I'm really happy that they seem to have come up with a solution chance for you.

pon

Ps.  Wrote to Alissa, but no response...she OK?

[Sugarbeens]

Thanks so much for responding to my question.  I take 6 percs a day at 5mg each.  I can take only one and not be able to sleep at night.  They do wire me, but, at times also make me sick.  My usual pain relief is 4 vics a day and 2 percs, but, this past month he put me on all percs for the severe pain.  I told him that next month I want to go back to the vics.  I probably am allergic to them, why else would I itch so badly?  I will try and only take them when absoutley necessary.  I have taken more pain pills than I was supposed to in the past, but, I am making myself do what is right now , since I know I have to stay on them to get any pain relief.  I will try the fennel tea, thanks.  Hope all of you are doing well.
Love to all, Sugarbeens

[groovygirl]

my experience has been that mostly people that abuse opiates get wired from them.  people that i know that take them from time to time, like after surgery, get so tired and zonked from taking just one...as prescribed.  i used to get wired from meds, and i zoom around cleaning the house or whatever.  after i got in too deep with them, they simply just make me feel like ****.

[puma]

Sugerbeans, you mentioned ithing like crazy and sleeplessness. Both can be symptoms of allergic reactions. It is possible you may be allergic to the drug. Ask you doc and maybe try another pain killer. Just a thought. Good luck.

Chatahan

[deva]

yes,the percs and any narc for that matter can make you wired.for me its vikes,and percs make me tired.currently i take oxycontin,which if you take properly,give you effective long lasting pain releif w/out the blast to the blood euphoria that make us addicts.i would highly suggest asking for the duragesic patch for time release medicine over a 72 hour period of time.it is very hard to abuse them and harder to become addicted to.they are also effective and help you sleep the best out of every thing ive ever tried(and ive tried nearly all).it depends on how much med you take,but i was taking 40 mgs of oxycontin 3 times a day, and they gave me a 50 microgram duragesic patch prescription and it worked pretty well.the oxy i was on is equivilent to..i hope im right on this...8 percs. at a time,but spread over hours.i also know valerian root(valium in its natural form)is helpful as well as kava kava.also a tea of fresh or dried fennel seeds,(a handful to a quart of boiling water,cover ,steep for 20 min. and strain and drink upon the evening hours is healthy and absolutly safe with anything)will calm your nerves and help with deeper sleep.its auyervedic medicine.ancient indian knowledge.also a brisk walk or jog or deep strtching at night can relly help you too.good luck,hope you find this info useful,let me know...love deva

[DIRTBAG]

Hey Sounds like your hurting and sounds like your using me too have you missed me I'm still tapering and up and down. I'm looking for a job gonna change my day to day life I hate it. Nobody talks to me its so dysfunctional and weird.  I can't tell if its me or the dope.  I can live with only taking 5 vicodin but today I took tweleve maybe fourteen. I'm not sure nice talking to you. Peace Brother from beautiful Morgan Hill California