[JavaJan]

Well, after a lot of thought and prayer, I've decided to wait for awhile before getting the implant. Maybe I'm just a big chicken, or maybe overly cautious since my fusion surgery made things worse instead of better. I talked to the orthopedic surgeon's nurse today about it and she agreed that I don't need to rush into this, and I should be sure I want to do it before taking the plunge. I kind of want to see if I can manage the pain without surgery for now.

Actually, the past week or so I've felt quite a bit better. I finished up my physical therapy, but have continued my home program and the pain hasn't been as bad, nor as limiting. I actually even played my guitar and sang in the worship group at church Sunday! I love it--hadn't participated like that in a couple of years, and had forgotten what a blessing it is to be a part of the music program. I'm fairly new to this little church, so it's also a good way for me to get to know some folks. Anyway...we'll see how it goes! I'm still gonna hang around here with you all, partly because you're such a WONDERFUL bunch of friends, and also because I've found more experience and info here than anywhere else.

Just want you all to know how much I appreciate the contribution that everyone here makes. You are one special group of folks, and I'm grateful to have found you!

Hugs all 'round,
Jan

[DFW_Andy]

Originally Posted by JavaJan

Well, after a lot of thought and prayer, I've decided to wait for awhile before getting the implant. Maybe I'm just a big chicken, or maybe overly cautious since my fusion surgery made things worse instead of better. I talked to the orthopedic surgeon's nurse today about it and she agreed that I don't need to rush into this, and I should be sure I want to do it before taking the plunge. I kind of want to see if I can manage the pain without surgery for now.

Actually, the past week or so I've felt quite a bit better. I finished up my physical therapy, but have continued my home program and the pain hasn't been as bad, nor as limiting. I actually even played my guitar and sang in the worship group at church Sunday! I love it--hadn't participated like that in a couple of years, and had forgotten what a blessing it is to be a part of the music program. I'm fairly new to this little church, so it's also a good way for me to get to know some folks. Anyway...we'll see how it goes! I'm still gonna hang around here with you all, partly because you're such a WONDERFUL bunch of friends, and also because I've found more experience and info here than anywhere else.

Just want you all to know how much I appreciate the contribution that everyone here makes. You are one special group of folks, and I'm grateful to have found you!

Hugs all 'round,
Jan

I certainly support your decision, Jan, because it's right for you...and because you committed it to much prayer. I truly hope you do well with this fusion and if you ever decide to reconsider the SCS know you have lots of friends out here to walk with you through the journey.

Today I asked my doctor a rhetorical question - one she had, I'm sure, asked herself a few times: "I wonder why I waited to so long to get this". She just smiled and shook her head. She's a sweetie and so obviously cares about her patients. I asked her what "FIPP" was after her name and it had to do with something in pain management. She then told me, "Actually, I've now graduated from ... blah, blah (can't remember) and hold some AB(something)..." that was some international thing. "Cost $7000 just to take the test"! WOW! "Yeah, it's a lab full of cadavers and that's really expensive".

Yeah, she takes pain management extremely seriously - wants to be the best of the best. She has told me the majority of fusion patients end up with some level of pain issues some years down the road. Kept telling me all along my L5/S1 fusion was likely a big reason I was having so much trouble.

Sorry, kind of when off on a tangent there! God bless, dear Jan...

[tkayewade]

I totally support your decision. If it's something you don't feel ready for, don't do it. I hope that you continue to play music. I looooove music. I always wish that I had learned guitar. I hope to one day. Well, I'm glad you feel comfortable and will pray for you, sweet friend!!

TK

[Rrae]

Good for you dear Jan!
If you don't have that 'green light' in your spirit, then you are wise to wait. I'm glad you aren't feeling pressure about this in any way. This is how it should be.
How wonderful that you are playing with the worship team! That's GOTTA be invigorating! I've thought about starting back up with the worship team, but I still get those 'bad' days that roll around unannounced and I don't think I could commit to it or be very dependable. Hopefully someday tho.

You've been such an inspiration to us with your great personality, humor, and genuine sincerity. Don't go breakin our hearts and disappear on us!
You've truly been a shining light to our little forum and we still consider you one of the 'Buzzing Buddies'

Follow your heart on this, Jan. God will guide you.
My prayer for you is that you WON'T need the SCS!

Please keep us posted on how you are doing, K!

Rae

[ger715]

Jan,
I had spine fusion about 5 1/2 years ago. Still have pain; but unfortunately, the narcotics did a job on "issues" which cause a couple of surgeries. Developed the PN after the other surgeries. But.....I did have a failed trial SCS. My doctor wanted me to try again; but, like you, decided this might not be for me.

I still come here anyway. Most of us have had fusion and deal with the pain, as well as thoughts of the SCS are always out there. Rae is right, you really are a bright glow of sunshine.

Gerry

[Rrae]

And that goes for YOUUU TOOO Ger!!!

[ger715]

Originally Posted by Rrae

And that goes for YOUUU TOOO Ger!!!

Rae,

Couldn't help but have a BIG SMILE on my face when I opened up the page this a.m. The same goes for you as well !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks,
Gerry

[JavaJan]

Awwww.....you guys and gals are just awesome! Thanks for the supportive, kind words! May the Lord bless you BIG!!

I'm getting ready to head over to worship team practice. I was so excited about going, that I got up at the crack of dawn...that never happens, not on purpose anyway! Hee hee. Fortunately the church is only about a 2 minute drive from my house. Rae, I understand your reluctance about getting involved. I told the group already that there may be some days that I just can't do it, and they were fine with it. There's already an organist and a pianist, so if I can't be there it won't make a huge difference. Otherwise I wouldn't be able to make such a commitment either. I hate saying I will do something and then not being able to follow through! What I really love about this, is that it's keeping me from getting depressed about being homebound so often. God is so good, and He knew I needed something productive and fun to do right now. YeeeeHawww!!


Thinking about you all today....thanking God for bringing you into my life....praying for each of you by name and asking the Lord to give you an extra measure of blessing this weekend!

Hugs and more hugs,
Jan

[Sandy Kay]

I'm glad you've reached a decision. One of the hardest things is deciding what is the right thing. Following your heart after much thought and prayer takes a load off your shoulders. I hope your therapy continues to help. The worry of what to do can be so hard.

Sandy

[Mark56]

Whatta GLOW!!!! Wow, can you believe it, we have worship team folks in abundance here????? Jan, I am thrilled you have been able to take up the guitar and praise again, that is SO COOL and Inspiritional!! I knew Rae to be both a guitarist and singer..... and I have played bass and sang with the team in our worship... did so for years until I could no longer due to pain and my hands. I just love to sing to the Lord, that's all I can say about it, sing to the Lord!

Now as to that decision regarding SCS, I am thrilled for you the decision is made for now regarding what you will do. Tell you the truth, it seems as though it would be good for you to at the very least wait to see how your fusion settles in anyway. I would imagine your doc agrees as well, and besides, surgery is not fun either, and it takes starch from which to heal. Yup. How about you use the "starch", that strength you have to praise God with the worship team and pray about it for a while. I know I had to do the same, as I at first was afraid of another surgery anyway......

So Jan, we are all going to have to for real one day meet up at Pooh's ranch when the drought is over and sing until dawn. Imagine the JOY we all would have together. Might even be able to pry Rae out of Totoland..... Yup, Yup.

What a blessing,
Prayin,
Mark56