Hi everyone I have just joined this site and so glad to have found others who have this condition.

My question is I had a slip disc in '97 and a cervical disc in Sept '09 while had me to go on disability. I have nerve damage due to spinal cord injuries and I am having colon surgery this year to remove part of my intestines due to diverticulitis.

Has anyone here had major surgery with spinal injuries and nerve damage to nervous system and done fine with general anesthesia? I am scared as I have searched and found people who have autonomic nervous system disorders do not do well with general anesthesia.

Please let me know if this is the case because I am so fearful of my upcoming surgery.

Thank you and will start reading some post on here. HOPE someone will help me with my fears.

The surgery will not be by epidural because it is a colon surgery not a back surgery

Hi ~ I have severe spinal disorders, and besides having 3 spinal surgeries, I've also had a complete & total hysterectomy as well as breast cancer surgery. The only problem I've had with surgery is: with the first spinal surgery, I woke up on the table!!! I've also been known to be combative when I wake up in the recovery room, but that's been only once. Usually I'm terribly hungry! LOL. Other than that, I've really had no trouble. The waking on the table was very scarey cause I couldn't tell them I was awake ~ I was on my stomach and they'd already given me the stuff that paralyzes you so you don't move! Evidently, the anesthesiologist wasn't paying very good attention to me, because he should have noticed I was awake.

I also have nerve damage from my spine too, but it's in my legs.

I'm sure you'll be ok. Talk about your fears with the anesthesiologist, as they will come and visit you the night before surgery to talk with you. Make sure they know all about you and know of your fears. But I'm sure you'll be fine. They really do a good job as a rule. I was in a small hospital when I had my surgeries, so that's why the idiot didn't pay attention to me. I had a fool for a doctor! LOL. I should have gone to a larger hospital.

Try not to worry, and let your doctor take care of you. God bless you and let us know how you are when you're up to it. Take care. Hugs, Lee

Just wanted to stop by and give you a hug
Glad you found NT!
You'll find many caring people here!
Good Luck with your upcoming surgery.....

Caring
Rae

But, each time they HAD to be done, and I searched the heck outta them before I had them done, to be sure I understood what was being done to me and HOW I should take care of myself to recover. Whew!
I can guarantee you? That each nite before a surgery? I really didn't sleep well? But also before I committed myself to any surgery? I'd grill all my other docs [I've got Lots!] about the surger! IF there were any hesitations? Ask for recommendations for second opinions! FAST!
It's not like in the 'invasion of the body snatchers' or the like? But the whole process at times does seem surreal at best?
The last time I had major surgery - I was not able to 'check out the doc'! I was frustrated beyond HECK! Turned out that this doc was one of the best I could have tripped over in my area and I was soo lucky! The other surgeries and docs? I'd checked out w/my other docs and had all things 'planned' and myself re-assured. The last one was more 'emergency' type. Sometimes you can't plan? Different story. Just go with your instincts - if you trust this doc, and don't feel any qualms? Go trust your instincts-no one else can really make this decision for you. But other docs input can help reassure you or get you entree to other surgeons who are better 'thought of' IF there are reservations.
In the end? I'm wishing you both the luck and the rite doc w/talent to do right by you! Crossing my fingers! Hugs - j