Prepping for Back Surgery

I had an MRI on Friday, July 25th in preparation for my upcoming surgery. I thought it was going to be just like having a CT Scan, but there were some differences - not all pleasant.

MR imaging uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and virtually all other internal body structures. The images can then be examined on a computer monitor or printed. I needed to have one in order that the surgeon could fully understand what he'd be facing with regard to my spine (the bones, nerves, and spinal cord) when he opens me up.

Two things to remember if you ever have to have an MRI. First, you must not have anything metallic on you. You even have to remove hearing aids and dentures because they can interfere with the magnetic field of the MRI unit and ruin them. Also, if you have any problem with claustrophobia, be sure to let them know as you might need a sedative. I don't have any problem with being in close spaces, but after having the MRI, I understand why some people actually freak out when having it done. I was given a "panic button" in case I felt the need to get out of there, but thankfully was able to manage the entire time without freaking out. However, about 3/4 of the way along, my heart did start to pound pretty fast and I had to concentrate on images in my head. I had to keep my eyes closed the entire time because the top of the tube was only about 4 inches from my face - and I was not able to move. Every once in a while, the technician would ask if I was all right, and I told him to just get it done as it would be a relief to get out!
So today I saw my surgeon, Dr. Yummy for those of you who recall my post on that appointment. Apparently, I need a triple fusion at L3, L4, and L5. What can I say? Let's get it done and over with! One question I did ask him was if I could play tennis again when I was all better. And he said, "Yes." YAY!!! Of all the sports that I've done in the past, that is the one that I really miss. Not that I was that good, but I could beat my husband one set out of three!

Monday morning I go to get fitted for my brace that I'll have to wear whenever I'm in an upright or standing position for heaven only knows how long. I guess I'll find out. Thankfully, it's covered in my extended benefit health plan - it costs over $300!!! Yikes!!! Thank God for MasterCard. Once I pay for it, I'll send in the paperwork to get the money back and pay it off. I found this photo of a lumbar back brace online and I assume it'll be something like this. I understand that it has a rigid back with a corset type sides and front that I cinch up from the front. I even got instructions on how to put it on all by myself. Yeah, right. Maybe I'll get some pornographic photos done of myself wearing the thing! Hah!

I'm on the cancellation list for the surgery and Dr. Yummy told me that he prioritizes his back patients and they get in pretty fast. However, the operating rooms are only working at 50% capacity because of the summer holidays. But who knows? Maybe it'll be over and done with before the end of August - I sure hope so. Fingers crossed. Toes, too.

I know I have to go through a horrid experience and suffer a lot of pain, but in the long run it's the right thing - and the only thing - to do so that I can get back on my feet and moving again. During those terrible moments, please remember to say to me, "Tennis dahling! Tennis!" And I'll go off in a morphine coma imagining myself leaping gracefully around the court in my cute little white skirt making fabulous shots with Dr. Yummy!