Surgery on Friday 12-19

[peacefulstorm]

I had talked a bit about this in my "Blues" post, but I thought I would write a new post here about it.

I have been suffering with major back pain for over 4 years.  Last year they finally found a tethered spinal cord at the bottom of my tail bone area.  This is when the spinal cord gets stuck to skin, usually after an accident or at birth. Since I haven't had any accidents they thought I had had it since birth.  My spinal cord was below my tail bone and it should be "floating" above the L2 area.  HE repaired and was successful in "untethering" my spinal cord.  I had to have another surgery about 5 4 months later because my sac busted and I was producing too much spinal fluid. They pulled off an entire IV bag full of extra fluid!

I wanted to talk about those surgery's first to give you a back ground to my "back" surgeries.  I saw the surgeon last Thursday and we went over all the possible things I could have done, but in the end...my husband, mom and I decided that the fusion was my best choice.

So I will have a double fusion at my L4/5 and L5/S1. He said it would take 6 months to a year to recover and it wont be anything like any of my other surgeries.  I will come out of the surgery at first thinking, WHAT DID I GET MYSELF INTO. Those are his words.  There is a 75% odds that it will work over 25% that it wont.  We all discussed that I have always done well with my other surgeries and my neck fusion was a success and I have always told everyone that was ever contemplating it that they should do it because it was worth it in the end. 

I check in @ 6am, surgery is at 7:30, I will be in surgery for 4 hours at least. I will be in the hospital for 3-5 days, I am thinking more on the 5 days, because I tend to stay longer...I am praying I will be home in time for xmas eve.  I haven't told my sons.  Jake has severe bi-polar and 3 surgeries ago it put him in a mental hospital because he couldn't handle it.  I am only holding it because he has Finals ALL this week and I don't want him worrying about me during his tests and then he will miss the build of of anxiety  about me having surgery again. I HATE lying to him, but I really feel like its my only way to protect him. Some of you might not understand, but Jake is so attached to me. We both have bi-polar he has severe manic and I have  severe depression.  I cant take the chance of putting him into the hospital again!   

For anyone that prays could you please put me on your list for Friday! I wont be on the boards for awhile obviously because of the surgery. I will get in contact with you all as soon as I can.  When my friend arrives here from Michigan, I can have her write a note about me on the boards for you all.
THANK YOU ALL for being so wonderful and kind!
Cortnee'

[peacefulstorm]

OK I AM LOSING IT! I just realized I had already posted this...I guess i'm going nuts!

[Scottietottie]

No - You're not going nuts! You're stressed out and probably have brain fog as well. ((((((( C ))))))))

I just hope it all goes smoothly for you. Apart from worrying about the surgery you must be very worried about your son as well. I'm so glad you have a supportive family though.

I hope you get home for Christmas eve but don't go home earlier than you are fit to. This is for long term gain - so you need to get the very best out of it!!!

Take care - Scottie 

[JannaLee]

I've read your other post on this as well and together they give a very complete picture.

I'm praying for you sweetie!  And for your son to be okay.

Love to you, dearest one!
Janna

[Pooh]

That's okay Cortnee, this way you will get double the prayers and good thoughts coming your way.   I know I read and answered your other post, but didn't remember it.   Talk about Duh! moments.

Take care dear and you betcha you will be in my prayers and your son too.

Hugs, Pooh 

[Cheryl]

Cortnee,
   I'll pray for successful surgery and that you may have peace of mind.   We'll all be thinking about you on Friday!   Hang in there.
Cheryl

[Collie]

I will pray you have a successful surgery, also for you to be filled peace that passes all understanding. Sending you gentle hugs.

Collie

[peacefulstorm]

Thank you everyone! I dont know what I would do without my "new" family. I hope you all have a great xmas, holiday! Thank you for all of the prayers for me as well as Jake! They are much appreciated.
Cortnee'

[Katybarstool]

Cortnee

Will be sending prayers and positive vibes your way on Friday.

Kathyx

[genko_b]

Good luck with this surgery. We will all be praying for you. And you did the right thing by waiting to tell your son. That's not lying at all; sometimes timing is everything.

Genko

[Sjenny]

Dear Cortnee:

Sending prayers and healing thoughts your way.  I also think you did the right thing by your son, you are protecting his peace of mind for as long as you can. 

I hope you have a complete recovery and peace of mind as well!

Sue

[BonusMom]

Best of luck with the upcoming surgery Cortnee. I, too, believe you did the right thing by delaying in telling your son.  Students get a lot of anxiety during finals as it is.  With your son having other issues, I believe you did him a favor.  Once you tell him, I hope he understands that it was in his best interest to delay the news. You aren't lying to him, just protecting him.  Keep us posted when you feel well enough.

[JannaLee]

Well, it's "Surgery Eve," have you removed your nail polish and shaved your legs yet?

Thinking of you, honey!

Janna

[peacefulstorm]

I'm so nervous...I am waiting to shave my legs til tomorrow! Im getting my hair done today, I have several grays that need to be washed away!! I just don't want to do this, I know I have to, sigh, the nerves are really high today! He didn't say I had to take the polish off! They are red, he saw them...Im sure if they need to see they will take it off! All I have to say is it WASN'T in my pre opp paperwork LOL

[Fairy]

Peacefulstorm,
I will be thinking of you tomorrow, and sending you all of the good vibes I can. I am sorry you are so nervous. Hopefully you can stay busy until then (like that helps). I am sure you have a great Dr. and attitude will be the best medicine. I hope you do not have much pain, and that you are home by Christmas. My family will be thinking of you.
Best wishes!