If you've been following this blog for at least a year, you'll know that I've been having a lot of trouble with my lower back. For more information, you can read my previous posts about it here or here or here.Briefly, I have spinal stenosis, two more discs that are herniated, and something called spondylolisthesis which happens when the spine, which interconnects to one another, slips forward onto the vertebrae below. I can feel and hear the grating and once a friend even heard it when she was standing about six feet away from me at the time.
So tomorrow is the big day when I arrive at the hospital at 7:00 am (PST) to prep for my surgery which is scheduled for 9:00 am. I've had all the pre-op stuff done (5 vials of blood taken, an ECG, chest x-ray, meetings with a nurse and the anaesthetist) and phoned the surgeon's office today to confirm all is a go. My daughter is coming to get me tonight and I'll sleep over there because she's only 5 minutes from the hospital and she's driving me there in the morning and will keep my belongings until the next day.
I'm hoping to be home by Saturday - as long as everything proceeds smoothly, I've been told I'll stay 4 days in the hospital. I personally think that's not long considering the actual operation takes 4 hours and then I'm in recovery for another 4 hours. But then, I'll probably rest better in my own home. The total recovery time is 3 months in a brace so after that I'll be getting back to the gym and the pool and get out walking more and more. I'm actually considering myself lucky to have the surgery done at this time of year because when I get to take that brace off, it'll be spring and I'll be all ready to romp.
Now don't think I'm not scared! Well, not scared actually, but rather very anxious. At the back of my mind is that niggly little worry that something bad might happen, but I refuse to allow it access to the front of my mind. I'll leave it up to all you, my faithful readers, to send up a little prayer, think good thoughts for me, or even just cross your fingers and toes. Now that I'm so happy having found love again, I have so much to live for.
Maybe Josie will put something on her blog to let you all know I made it through but I'll be sure to post when I get home and I'll tell you all the gory details....just kidding. Have a great week everyone!
32 comments:
Ok Leslie, you know I will be praying for you and I know all will be ok. I wish I could be there for you to help out but just know I'm sending tons and tons of hugs to you, my friend, and I'm anxious as well to see you up and at 'em so you will able to do the things you love to do without any pain!!
I'll keep checking in with Josie just in case of any updates...
hang in there!!
Lots of love!
~Michele~
Leslie, you keep on making that niggly fear stay back there where it belongs. Yes, I've known this was coming and was glad to see your post come up on my sidebar as just being updated!
I do hope Josie keeps us posted. And know that tomorrow and for days and weeks to come, you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
~ Kate
Leslie, I will be happy to keep everyone posted.
Good luck tomorrow. I know your guardian angels are looking out for you. You will be better than ever after it's all over.
Clarice ♥
Wow! That's a biggie operation! We hope that all will go well with your operation and that you will achieve relief from the pain.....
See ya back here soon :)
I've been thinking about you today and I'll be praying for your peace tonight and a wonderfully successful surgery tomorrow! I hope someone will let us know how you are tomorrow afternoon.
Love and prayers!
Nancy
Lots of love Josie, our thoughts and prayers are with you honeybunch.
Dxxxxxxxx
All good wishes to you Leslie...thinking of you.
Di.xx
all wil be well i can feel it in my bones :-)sending you hugs and will be thinking of you tomorrow x x
Hi Leslie - I'll be thinking about you. I know all will go well. -- Margy
I'll say an extra prayer tonight Leslie.
You'll do great, I just know it.
Leslie, you will be in my thoughts - I hope the operation is a success and your recovery goes well so that you can be pain free.
Love and hugs
B..
Good Luck :-) xx
Just think how good you will feel a year from now! My thoughts will be with you tomorrow.
I am not religious (you have no idea...!) but I will tell you what. I will even say a little prayer for you. Granted, I will have to introduce myself to HIM (or HER) but I will do that.... (just don't tell anybody!)
Speedy recovery!
I am thinking of you Leslie and I know your surgery is over and you are probably back in your room with all those good drugs roaming your system and you are seeing dancing Kangaroos or something.
Be well...Will miss you...Risley
PS heading over to Josie's blog to see if there is an update.
Hello, everyone. I just wanted to let you know that Leslie has had her surgery, she is back in her room and causing all sorts of trouble for the nurses.
Kidding, kidding.
She is resting comfortably, and everything went well.
Hi Leslie. I will be thinking of you of course but as I have just caught your posting then today it should all be over and the recovery will be just beginning. Take it steady and all will gently get easier. Love C x
I'll be sending out a ton of good thoughts and prayers for you!
Leslie - I'm sorry I didn't make it by your blog sooner. I think I just read too many blogs because I can't keep up!
I hope that by now you are doing well and feeling very little pain. Yes, please have Josie let us know of your progress. You'll be in my prayers...D
Checking in to say hello. Josie posted that you were doing well and I was so glad to hear that. Keep the faith!!
So glad it is over for you, just be the good patient and do your therapy as they instruct you, when that time comes.
SO glad to hear you're doing well after surgery. Hope you're able to write us yourself soon!
Hoping & praying that everything went well.
There's nothing quite like the pain of back trouble.
Hoping that this op will cure it.
Will keep popping back for an update from Jo.
Thinking of you.((hugs))
Hey Leslie.....I have been thinking about you all week...I hope the surgery went well and look forward to reading one of your posts....all the very best!!!!
Glad to hear that its good :) - all went well.
Hope that your recovery isnt too long & that you'll be very soon dancing with that "young man" of yours :D
Thinking of you & well wishing your health
Thinking of you, Leslie xx
Dear Leslie,
Yes I remember this part of our conversation at Vancouver airport so well - on a day when you took the trouble to come all the way there to meet me.
We've been away on the west coast for a family wedding, so I'm still playing catch-up.
Hope you're recovering quickly and that the new meaning in your life brings a special dimension to 2009 and beyond.
Well you have been in my thoughts all week...I hope you got home yesterday....and that you aren't to uncomfortable....thinking of you....
Get well soon, Leslie. Just think how great spring will be. Hang in there. Look forward to your posting again.
I JUST WANTED TO LET EVERYONE KNOW THAT I HAVE SPOKEN TO LESLIE A COUPLE OF TIMES, AND SHE IS RECOVERING WELL, AND SHOULD BE HOME THIS WEEK. SHE IS BEGINNING TO SOUND LIKE HER USUAL CHIPPER SELF AGAIN, AND SHE SAID TO SAY HELLO TO EVERYONE, AND THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR CONCERN. SHE WILL BE IN TOUCH WITH EVERYONE ONCE SHE GETS SETTLED IN AND FEELS COMFORTABLE.
CHEERS!
JOSIE
Hi Leslie, have been wondering how you are. I emailed Liz to find out, and then Josie, who emailed me back this morning..to let us know..so I passed it on to Liz and Welshcakes..hoping your recovery goes really well. Take care love Anne..oh I miss our word twist times!
Thanks for posting Josie,I was anxious to hear how Leslie is doing! So glad you're doing well, Leslie!!! Hurry home! :)
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