Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Hospital on Monday......

Hi again Folks,

Well, since so many of you were kind enough to enquire about my "discitis" problems, I thought I'd post an update.....

I had an appt with my rheumy yesterday. After examining me and my latest x-rays and the bone scan, he seems to think surgery (another fusion, I'm assuming - I was a bit shell-shocked at the time, and forgot to ask!)is my only option

He wants me to have an MRI, a gallium scan, and possibly (I'm desperately hoping NOT, as the thought terrifies me - UGH! I HATE needles!!!) a needle biopsy into the almost non-existant disc (L3/4), if there's any lingering doubt that it might be infected, rather than sterile, (even though he's almost 100% sure it's not), first though. So, rather than me having to keep going backwards and forwards having all these tests done whenever I can be "fitted in", and then going back to his surgery for the results each time, he's booked me into hospital on Monday afternoon for a few days, so we can get everything done in one go. (YAY!) Seeing as my life is now reduced to doing nothing more than lying around the house watching TV, (I'm sooo bored and fed-up!), it seemed to make sense, but I'm NOT looking forward to it, as I'm sure you can imagine!?

I had spinal surgery in 1991 (discectomy, laminectomy and fusion) at L4/5/S1, after 2 years of being totally bombed-out on painkillers, unable to do anything at all - much like now. I know it was absolutely necessary - it wasn't going to get better by itself, only worse. It didn't get rid of all the pain, but it kept me on my own 2 feet (most of the time) and out of a wheelchair. It was a horrendous experience, (for me personally, anyway,) and one I honestly never dreamt I'd ever have to go through again. I thought it was "fixed"! I had nightmares about it for years afterwards, and I'm now scared to death at the prospect of a repeat procedure. (I know what to expect this time! Back then I was just scared of the "unknown"! I think this is worse!!) That was several years b4 my AS dx too. For some reason I thought being on mtx, and knowing what I was battling against, would somehow stop me needing anything like that ever done again..........

It took me months and months of exhausting and painful hard work to get mobile again (3 x a week when I could manage it, swimming 30 laps or more, plus all the daily stretching, pilates-type exercises and weekly hydrotherapy........), and it's been an ongoing, uphill battle ever since, just to try and stay mobile - as you all know only too well for yourselves...... I honestly don't know if I can face it all again.

Rheumy reckons the extra stress put on L3/4 after the previous op has caused, or speeded-up, the degeneration of the disc, and the "subluxation" of the vertebrae, but says that, if I don't have this 2nd fusion, things will only get worse. (Talk about being stuck between a rock and a hard place!! Sheesh!) I haven't dared to ask about the prognosis, or if he can even give me one.....
(I feel like saying "just fuse them all together now, and get it over and done with"......)
Am I going to have to go through this every few years from now on?

Why has this happened? I've done everything they've told me to; kept my weight (reasonably!) under control, done my exercises (nearly!) every day, tried not to do anything stupid, like heavy lifting, vacuuming, etc., and taken all my meds, and yet here I am agin, back in the same dreaded place I was 14 years ago......

I know many of you have been through multiple surgeries, most of them far worse than this, and many of them life-threatening, so I should stop being such a self-pitying wimp, but right now I'd like to crawl under my duvet and stay there until it all goes away!!

I'm not expecting anyone to try and reply to this monologue, BTW, but thanks for putting up with my "venting"!

Sue

Dear Sue, Sounds like good news that your doctors feel that infection of the disc is now unlikely, but good that they are carefully following that possibility to be sure . I'll be thinking about you, sending all my best wishes to you for your time in the hospital-let us know when you can about how things are progressing.
in friendship, Evelyn

Sue,
Sending you hugs and blessings.
Wishing you the best, yoly

Sue, just want to wish you the best. Since your last surgery, things have advanced so maybe it won't be quite as bad? There are now artificial discs too. Hope these tests aren't too bad and that they come up with something for you that has you dancing sooner than last time!

Dear Sue,
I had similar surgery in 1999 and you are right it is brutal pain. I would feel the same as you.....sometimes the unknown is easier. But you will get through it just like you did last time. I wish you the best.

Sherri

I'm sure thigns will go well you sound like a strong woman with a good backing.
Though I noticed you didn't mention not doing much with starch in your daily diet majour AS mistake.
The problems got a lot worse for me when I was on all the drugs the doctors wanted me on, now all i take is mobicox.
never had surgery though but I broke a solid chunk off my neck and can move it again just hurts like nothing I've ever experienced before. Speaking of which is it good or bad when the neck grinds with every movement and gives off cold "sparks"? Doctors won't tell me much other than that I can't heal the way I've been healing LOL

Hi Sue,

I am not sure whether you know that I had a bit of surgery......................and look how good looking I turned out to be...........!! Anyway all will be well as indeed will you be, failing that well.................I shall have to think of a joke to brighten your day.......................errrrem.....err..........where do the irish keep their armies??


Mr G

X

Hi Sue,
Sending gentle hugs and wishing you all the best for the days ahead.
I hope that everything goes well and that you find some improvement with the next surgery.
Take care,
Debra

Sue,

Perhaps the MRI will give them the answers so the needle biopsy is not needed.

Good luck on this, we will be thinking of you!

David

Oh my, you are not a self pitying wimp. I am so sorry you are having to go through this. I hope it takes care of your problems. I will be thinking of you.

By the way, I didn't even think you were venting but if you were you are now talking to the "queen of venting" and this is a wonderful place to vent with people who understand and care.

Best Wishes. I just said a prayer for you.

Possi