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Being patient after a big and long surgery
I had a back fusion from T-10 to my pelvis on June 9th. I'm doing pretty well with that, but depression has set in and it's a long recovery. I had a degenerative spine which caused a scoliosis and also had stenosis and other problems. Now I have screws and rods in me. I have to be very careful because my bones are very soft. I wear a brace, but can't bend, twist, or lift any thing over 7 pounds. I was in the hospital for seven days because I had low blood pressure where I would almost pass out. They did find out why and it was one of the meds. I also had to have a red cell blood infusion. I have to inject myself everyday with Lymlos, which is to increase my bones. It doesn't hurt because it's a very small needle into my stomach.
I have been having depression. The only vacation we have is going to Mayo at Rochester MN, a 31/2 drive, which has been hard on my back. I also have anxiety, which upsets my husband. He's almost 70 and works full time down in our basement for Wells Fargo on there security. He is very smart and wouldn't be happy not working, but cuts down on fun things we could be doing. This recovery has been hard and I need patience and prayers. I do get out and walk, which is required. But only a short ways, several times a day. It's a long recovery and be prepared if you have it, but please have it if it is needed. I am in less pain now than I was before the surgery. Take care my friends.
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Oh my, you have been through a LOT of trauma. Depression and anxiety are expected responses to that. I suffer, too, and I believe the right medications have saved my life. Trauma changes our brains so that we are hyper-vigilent/anxious. Depression is so very common after any surgery, especially after an ordeal like yours. I hope you'll consider the restorative power of meds and maybe some talk therapy, too. (Full disclosure: I'm a therapist).
I'm glad you reached out here and I hope others will respond to your story. Be well and at peace ... Babette
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1 Reaction.TO All, my granddaughter with her long hair. She is nine and I haven't seen her since she was 3, except for pictures and if shes at her grandmother in Chicago we skype. It's a long story the reason Why? But my son is bipolar 1,which runs in the family and I feel his wife controls him, but I'm still thankful that he has her. He's been through some very tough times.
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1 ReactionI forgot to tell you it's a slow and long recovery. lilypaws
I truly believe the nine years I dealt with my severe jaw problems, multiple procedures and surgeries, dealing with multiple different medical/dental professionals (not all acting professionally IMO!), being told I was “overreacting” etc., etc., (and the ensuing constant battles with insurance company - I really think being in such severe pain and with the concurrent severe depression - I think it seems as if my brain chemistry was possibly permanently changed. Is that possible? I have managed to get off the ER Bupropion but still take generic Cymbalta. I tried going off that first, but realized it was actually helping my discomfort from my spinal problems, so I’m staying on it. I still have some occ flashbacks to that period of time, disturb my sleep. Being able to talk to a professional who assured me I wasn’t crazy and told me I had symptoms of PTSD helped me understand. Having some close friends who were there for me steadily helped me so much.
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1 ReactionShe’s very cute. I’m sorry about the situation - families can be so complicated. Sigh.
@wisco50 Thank you. She's not going to her grandmother this summer ,so I won't be able to skype with her. Her grand mother lives in Chicago and they are live in NY . They are both professors, but my son can't teach because he has a mental illness Bipolar 1. She is a very sasasful (SP) My son told my husband when we visited them when Marlowe was a baby and my son said he would never hold us from seeing Marlowe, but that's what they are doing.
@wisco50 That was so nice of you to think of me while you are in such pain. I am depressive and anxiety complex. I have been very depressed. My husband keeps on picking on me if I accidently bend a little bit, or twist a little bit. With other things it seems like I can't do anything right.
I am so sorry that you are in so much pain and have depression too. I am on Lyrica and Lamactil, which usually really works well for me, but this is a situational depression.
Anyway I know about jaw problems, I take my daughter to Iowa City to see a great dentist for her TMJ. It sounds like you have more than just that, which I'm not understanding. But I just know you are a lot of pain and depression. I wish I could help you! I will think about you and pray for you. Jeanie
@babette Thank you very much. Part of my depression and anxiety is caused from my husband. If he sees me barely bending or twisting he gets after me about it and It seem like I can't do any right. He is a professionist and very smart. At 69 he still works full time for Wells Fargo as a security person. He works out of our basement, so he is here to help me. Last night we had a fight because I wasn't obeying the rules. So, I said from now on he can do all the laundry. He does do the cooking which is very wonderful. But I feel so hapeless (SP) I use to spell so good, Maybe it's cause from the surgery. My husband doesn't think I need counseling, but I feel I do. Thank you for your comments and caring. I know you have problems too. Take care of yourself.
Yes, I am praying for you- I know what it is like to heal from a very long surgery, and it just takes time. It is ok to allow time to heal and to relax. 🙂
Oh, goodness, don’t worry about me, seriously! It turned out that I actually had osteoarthritis IN my jaw joints (started because of a horseback riding accident in my teens) and by finally getting the right help and having both joints replaced with artificial ones back in 6/2009, all my jaw pain has been fixed - it’s gone! Just celebrated 11 years free of jaw pain, eat whatever I want, whenever I want. Only discomfort is back and neck, mostly neck. I refuse to have more neck surgery. SCS took care of majority of back pain, TG. I feel my depression is very stable.