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severe multi level cervical issues and severe S1 changes
Spine Health | Last Active: May 24 1:26pm | Replies (20)Comment receiving replies
@janagain Jan, How exciting to have a new grand baby on the way! I'm sure you can find a way to safely hold the baby. This brings to mind a picture my podiatrist showed me of his daughter who was around 3 when she wanted to hold her new baby brother. They had her lay on the floor on her back, and they put the baby on her tummy with her arms around him. It was a very cute picture. I hope that brings you a smile.
I see that very soon, you'll have a consult with a spine surgeon. I hope you get what you need and that there is an offer for help. You need to be able to trust a surgeon when you get on their table, so ask questions so you understand. Will you be having any other surgical opinions? Do you know what questions you want to ask? You may want to write those down now and take a paper with you because it's so easy to forget when you get nervous when the surgeon walks into the room. I remember that I felt shocked when I was told I needed spine surgery, not that I didn't expect it, I did, and I knew it was necessary, but suddenly it becomes real, and when there is a scheduled date, you start to think about what to do to be ready for that day.
Thank you so much for your kind words. If it helps to think about images that you like to help you get through the medical issues, go for it! One thing I learned when I had my first surgery ever (Carpal tunnel) was to create a "safe place" where I could go in my mind to relieve some of the stress and fear that accompanies the unknown of a medical procedure. I had a safe place that was real outside in nature, and it had a wooden carved sculpture of a whale and a big chair that was carved out of a large tree stump. It was a real place and I had pictures in a little spiral photo album to look at when I needed to escape, and I could imagine myself sitting in that tree-chair. When I went to Mayo for my spine surgery, the night before, I did something similar. I took one of my paintings with me to the hotel, and I just imagined myself inside the painting walking around. It was along a creek in Rocky Mountain National Park, and I also listened to music while I looked at my painting and did the deep breathing I trained myself to do. It was hard to sleep the night before surgery, but I did manage to relax enough, and I got tired enough that I did sleep until that early alarm to get ready.
I think you can use your music for the same purpose, and also choose images of things you love that are meaningful to you. You could have them on a cell phone or tablet in your hand to look at when you need them. Use the feelings of love to comfort you. So, you're not off track at all. You're reaching for what you need. I'm glad you did.
Jennifer
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Thank you Jennifer for your awesome suggestions and support. I cannot wait for the grandbaby to arrive and I've got to have some patience because the baby is due in January 2025. I know what is going to keep me busy is working my way back in physical therapy and getting my strength back. I did get a 2nd opinion from a Neurologist. What are the rules with 2nd opinions? Do you tell the surgeon upfront it's a second opinion? He looked over all my results except my images came in the mail the next day. I did have all the reports and he feels pretty much the same as my Neurosurgeon said that was assigned to me when I was in the hospital.
He ordered a thoracic xray which I hadn't had. He was an older doctor and I'm trying to figure out whether a doctor that is ready for retirement has the most experience in his many years of practice? Or, do you go with the younger doctors that are up on all the latest improvements for the surgery? I have an appt with my Neuorosurgeon on June 11. It will be interesting to see what decisions he will make towards my multi level cervical fusion. I did ask a lot of questions to the 2nd opinion doctor and he was quite detailed about everything. He explained the procedure and what to expect. He cannot promise that my strength will return in my left arm that is so weak at this point. I'm remaining hopeful. I was hospitalized with left arm weakness in March and he wants to see me June 11th. It's been shear anxiety waiting and wondering why he isn't taking me into surgery now. In the meantime I've been doing some foot work to help me make my decision. There's always an option to go to the ER at anytime. I swear there are times I just want to drive to the ER and get it taken care of. But, I will have the "on call" Neurologist and not my own Neurologist. So it's seriously one day at a time. I'm just going to wait it out untill June 11. Then I'll make my decision and if need be get a 3rd opinion. I love my music and have surrounded myself with wonderful musicians. We have been working together making our music sound just perfect. It doesn't work by just one person playing their own tune, we have to listen carefully, slow down and figure out the timing , the notation and the emotions we put into the piece. Isn't that way with everything we do in life that is worth fighting for? Also trust, that my Neurosurgeon is on my side! Jennifer, you're right about "use the feelings of love to comfort you." I often listen to my music I've recorded at night before sleep. My mind slows down and I stay focused on the music. I Listen to the highs and lows and it relaxes my mind and I immediately fall asleep!
Similar to what Jennifer said about her art and imagining she's actually in the picture, listens to music and can control her anxiety. I hope by sharing my feelings it helps anyone that is going through a future with spinal surgery or any surgery to focus on trust and not be consumed by anxiety.