Spinal Fusion Week

Spinal Fusion Week

Next Blog will Be Post Op
(don't wait up for it either and know that I can edit this blog)
 

My next profile photo is this multi grabber dinosaur.

You have to understand that when you drop your grabber, you could use a spare grabber.

Monday I had my appointment for my hearing aid tune up which had been regretfully pushed back from 2 weeks earlier because of personnel changes at Audibel.  As I was filling out paperwork, Lee and Carol from our 114th Illinois Reenacting unit came in while I was filling out paperwork.  I was still a little shacking/shivering from my early morning routine.   So while we were in the waiting room, and during our chat, they had offered to drive me home since they were on their way to Menards anyway.   That was a wonderful offer that I took up so Carol drove my car home with Lee following in their car. I explained to my hearing aid specialist that I'm afraid he will ask "Does this sound better?" but my mind will hear "Does this feel better?"  It would not be an accurate test with surgery and nerves on my mind so we thought it best to reschedule till July 3d.

I found a support group for my condition on Facebook called "Spondylolisthesis and Retrolisthesis Support".  It is an exclusive group and I had to attach a document to prove I had spondylolisthesis on it showing I suffer from this.  I'm still trying to repeat that pronunciation over and over.  Some say Spondy for short. 

I made a list of questions for the pre-op visit based on personal plans and the group discussion files.
This site was recommended but I think standard questions the Orthopedics will have on their list too.
http://www.spine-health.com/blog/40-questions-ask-your-surgeon-back-surgery
I was asked what grade I had for the group and said I'd call but the nurse wouldn't tell me and that I had to wait for my Tuesday appointment.  She's dumber than a stump.  She's more like a receptionist.
Here's the list of questions for the Pre-0p visit 4.15.17

What is the grade of slippage for spondylolisthesis?  (yeah, nurse Kristina wouldn't answer this over the phone) Grade 1 (25% slippage) pushing grade 2

Will a TENS unit help? No

Before going under, may I please see the raw parts besides all the x-rays?  Absolutely not.  They will be in a sterilized container

I’m due for a colonoscopy in May. Postponed

They want to know if I’ll be available for History Comes Alive Reenacting at the Lincoln Tomb in June.  Replacement in order?  (mentor admin in the group implies end of June but should bring a chair).  Yes.  So I'm am scheduled to start with a bang on the 4th of July.
Will I need a loaner wheel chair? No

Living Will?  Not in the doctor's office but at admissions.

I’ll need a vacation.  Do you think I can go on a pilgrimage trip to Poland in September? Yes

should I donate my blood to myself?  1) it's too late and 2) it would be wasted.

Bed pan? No.
 
What type of pain meds will I be on when you come out of surgery? Norco with a nausea patch  Morphine pump? Yes while in hospital

Physical therapy where/when specialized in lumbar? Not right away.  Walking will be enough.
Will I need a metal detector card?  No because TSA doesn't recognize that because the terrorists can duplicate them and even have hardware in their body too.

After the PA gave me his spiel while I took notes then it was my turn. I think the PA was impressed with the list of questions I brought with me thanks in part to the support group. I've come a long way since the weekend just learning to pronounce this BIG new word in my vocabulary. The nurse gave me 2 wash packets. I'll be having L4 to L5 to S1 fusion. I will get a patch behind the ear for nausea from the norco vomit which I experienced in the past. Tight hose to prevent blood clots in my legs.  No full shower for 2 weeks. No pets in bed the night before either *sigh*. My only PT will be just walking. Here goes nothing and trust in the surgeon and God.
The physician assistant mimicked the drinking bird stance for me:

I've ordered a Tens Device.  It came in the mail on Wednesday.

I've ordered a "Bottom Buddy" bathroom tissue aid.

I ordered a Faciablaster normally used on cellulite but for spondylosisthist is seems to stimulate the nerve after surgery.

I ordered  a  Snoozle slide sheet that was recommended.

The American Legion service office loaned me a shower seat.

I already have a loaner aluminum walker  from Marla, a fellow reenactor, (this is good for the hall and bathroom).  I also use a wheeled seated walker with brakes that I bought second hand over a month ago which is easy and I can put my coffee, laptop or anything on the flat seat.  Joan loaned me a toilet seat riser that seems to help but if I have a BM call, I'll use the other bathroom with the lower toilet seat.

Sometimes I think the recliner is harder on me than the rocker or my mechanical bed.  My recliner does have vibration modes that are nice.  The nerves on the back of my legs get pinched when my legs hang and you know short legs don't touch the ground.  Sure it has lift to it but the edge is hard.

There is a  Spondylolisthesis stories blog here:
http://spondylolisthesisstories.blogspot.com/
So much to read.

Using this pain scale, it was at times a 9 out of 10.

source

Chuck bought my Honda motorcycle awhile ago and it had been in my garage while he saved money and took the course.  He worked in the same building before I retired.  Now he's licensed and insured.  He came over the day before surgery to put his license plate on it and see how to start it.  I had arranged for a fellow ABATE member to escort him for his initial ride home.  We are expecting rain so that will not be ideal.  It will take place while I'm  having surgery.  Good in away because I'll miss the sound of those Cobra pipes leaving the house. 

I set my alarm for 3:30 AM Thursday morning. I have to shower the evening before and again before leaving at 4:45.  I have to be there by 5:15.  I washed my bed sheets for the night to prevent infection and took Sophie to the neighbors.

On the "up side", Alan is getting home repairs covered by insurance and deductible.  This includes roof, fascia and siding.  His house should be upgraded to look like the nice neighborhood he has soon.