Hi all

I'm sure many of you have been worried and wondering what happened to me. Well, I'm okay and doing pretty good. My surgery was last week on Monday the 9th.

I went in for surgery at about 12:30 but the surgeon ran into a little problem. They had me under anesthesia and he was ready to cut but he was having trouble finding the exact location of the thoracic spine herniation. I AM VERY GLAD I HAD SUCH A PERCISE SURGEON! He stopped everything and ordered full spine X Rays. They viewed the X Rays and counted my vertebrae from top to bottom and bottom to top. I HAVE AN EXTRA VERTEBRAE! I get more and more unique by the minute! The surgeon came out and told my husband and explained how rare this is. But it's good he found it and he was able to find the exact spot and get to the herniation without a problem. He removed the dsic material from the spinal cord and decompressed the cord. They had a little trouble controlling the bleeding so it took a while. I was wheeled into recovery at 6:30 p.m. The recovery room nurse was a nightmare! That's a story for a later time when I'm feeling better. I then was moved to ICU that night and spend the next day in ICU.

Anyways, all the symptoms I had before the surgery are gone! My bladder function is back to normal (and I have been thrilled), my breathing is better and my left leg can move again! I couldn't believe it! Nor could anyone else! THey were amazed that Wednesday, I was up and walking and smiling! I have back pain and it HURTS! but I feel so much better than I did. It has been a HUGE relief! My husband just couldn't believe how well I looked and how well I've been doing. Everyone knows how I was after the TOS surgery and expected this to be much worse. I surprised everyone and I'm doing very well.

I can get up and down steps okay and I prefer walking than sitting..lol. I'm still on lots of pain meds but I'll get through this. I have to lay low for another 3-4 weeks. I have to be VERY careful! I had 10 staples which were removed Wed. I can't start phys therapy for 3-4 weeks. It takes a while to heal from this.

I forgot to get up in the night to take my meds so I'm in excruciating pain this morning. I just got off the phone with Soc Sec (filing for disability). I sure hope that goes through!

Well, I'm going to go rest but just wanted to fill you in - I'll be in touch! If anyone needs an EXCELLENT Neurosurgeon..I know of one! He is the best!

YAY!!! Hurrah.

Momz I am so happy for you

Keep us posted on your recovery. I'll keep you in my prayers.

WOW!!! WOW Momz... all I can say here is WOW!

An extra vertabre?! Yes, you are very fortunate to have such a thorough surgeon! I am SO HAPPY for you and your family that you show such improvement so quickly!!

Thank You God!

Sounds like you have a healthy respect for the requirement to go easy and take your time durring this long recovery. Glad you made the disability call to SS, too. You need it. Taking your pain meds ON TIME is very important - no need to worry about addiction - in a couple weeks you'll be thrilled to not take them any more.

Gee whiz, I'm just so tickled for you!

so glad you found a good doc that tracked down the cause of your extra high pain...

Cheers to a complete and successful recovery

Fabulous! So happy your surgery went well. Glad you have a good doc!

So excited for you and glad to see you posting again.

That is so great!!! I wish you an easy recovery period and many pain free days ahead!!

I am so happy for you momz! Please take it easy, and when you are able we would love to hear how you are progressing.

Great News Momz! Wishing you a full recovery!
An extra vertebrae, that might explain a lot. I wonder what your TOS surgeon would say about that. Seems that yours is lower than the ribs or the TOS surgeon would've noticed it I expect???

momz this is so great to hear, at least something is starting to go your way

I am so relieved and happy for you !

Congrads........I hope the recovery continues to go well.