I am 5 days away from this surgery and am freaking out!

I would love to hear from anyone who has undergone this surgery and how you dealt with it and what to possibly expect afterwards (I realize everyone is different). I have looked it up online and honestly, it only scares me more!

I have a severely herniated disk with prominent protrusion and compression of spinal cord. Headaches, sharp pains, numbness and tingling in extremities, muscle spasms since April 2010 injury. After having undergone numerous steroid injections, nerve blocks, trigger points, RF ablation, CTs, MRIs, etc...which has lead me to surgery on Monday.

I think I've prepared myself fairly well physically; eating healthy foods rich in calcium, iron, protein, etc. No alcohol for the past several weeks.

Just need some emotional support...please?

Welcome to Neuro Talk. It is going to be OK. I came here too in much the same state you are in. Freaking out! If you have gotten the second opinion, and this surgery is recommended, it can turn out OK. Have you asked your neuro surgeon, how the rest of the spine is above and below the surgical site? This is important when considering surgery. The verterbre have to be sound enough to support the hardware etc. If you have nerve inpingement, the surgery does usually relieve that, cord compression is releived. Not everyone gets 100% better. The pains in your arms, usually go away. I am one of the ones who knows a good outcome. I am not perfect, but doing OK. I will be here for you, and so will Neuro Talk. It is scarry, anytime you have to have this kind of surgery. Have ready made foods at home, and some help for a few days. Expect to be sore. Muscle spasms if they occur can be helped with a medication Called Soma. If you experience this, do ask your neuro surgeon. I also hope you go to PT, this helped me alot. Massage is a wonderful part of PT, and did alot for me. Take a deep breath, this can and does have good outcomes. I will keep you in my prayers dorthy. ginnie

Hello, and welcome to NeuroTalk. We're so glad you found us!

You will find people here who are friendly, caring, and helpful.

Here are some links that may be of help:

Medications and Treatments:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum72.html

Vitamins...Supplements:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum49.html

Chronic Pain:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum10.html

Thank you Ginnie! I did get a second opinion - same as the first. We did discuss the effect the surgery and fusion would have on the surrounding vertabrae. I am looking forward to relief from the impingement..and also to STOP taking pain meds and muscle relaxers! I have definitely got the food aspect covered...lots of frozen meals (for the hubby) along with pops, soup, yogurt, pudding..bendy straws...lol

I am trying to relax and stay calm. After over 2 years of pain, any relief is welcome! Thanks for the hug too! There are nice people in the world still!!

dorothygale,

It is great to have you come and be with us. You will fine a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please, just let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

Looks like azoyizes had given you some great places for fellow members to be there for you.

Please keep us up to date on your condition. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

As you can see, there is no lack of caring support here at NT!

It's great to have you with us

Please let us know how you are doing after your surgery

Caring,
Rae

Well, I had the surgery, Doc says all went well. Stayed a few extra days...fever and dehydration. Some pain...both in the hip and neck. Had to go back to the doctor..still dehydrated and fever. For crying out loud, how much fluid can one person drink??!!??!! Thanks for all of your help and hugs and prayers! I so appreciated them!!

Great to hear everything went good for you. My thoughts and prayers are with you.