Upcoming surgery

[becca10]

Hey all, I've been laying low and trying to deal with some on going health issues like everyone else on here. I am now facing yet another pretty serious surgery on the 23rd of February and I do have to admit, I am rather nervous about it. I have a compression fracture of the L5 vertebrae in my lower back...along with severe spinal stenosis. So the Dr needs to do a decompression and fusion of the L3, L4, L5 & S1 levels. I am looking at a 3 month recovery period, at least. He is aware of my past history with APS. I guess I just need some reassurance before I go.

[Hidden]

Assuming that you are on a blood thinner, you should consult with an APS specialist and/or a hematologist before your surgery.

[becca10 in reply to Hidden]

Not currently on any blood thinning meds. They usually add one after any surgery I have though

[Manofmendip]

HI becca.

Are you normally on anticoagulation?

Dave

[becca10 in reply to Manofmendip]

No, I am not on any routine anticoagulants, only after any surgical procedure

[Manofmendip in reply to becca10]

Ok, I was wondering if you were on Warfarin, which would have required you to stop and bridge with Fragmin.

Dave

[Ozchick]

I hope it all goes well for you. As long as they are aware of all the APS issues and keep a good eye on you in hospital. Think positive and look forward to a pain free life.

[becca10 in reply to Ozchick]

Thank you

[MaryF Administrator]

HI there, if on Warfarin your medical team will need to understand the issues around 'bridging', keep as well as you can, and I wish you a speedy recovery. MaryF

[becca10 in reply to MaryF]

Thank you Mary. I am currently not on any anticoagulant medication, but they will be adding one after surgery.

[Lure2]

Hi Becca,

I know you have looked for an APS-Specialist last year and I only wish you could speak with one before that operation. At least have a talk with the Doctor who is in charge of the operation. Does he know about APS? Have you had any positive Lupus Anticoagulant tests since last year when they had "disappeared".

Good Luck on February 23!

Best wishes from Kerstin in Stockholm

[becca10 in reply to Lure2]

Hi Kerstin,

I still haven't found a good specialist, but my rheumy has been watching everything very close. The dr that is doing my surgery is aware of my APS history, since he has done a prior surgery on me. I did have one positive Lupus Anticoagulant test since they amazingly just disappeared last year. I'm really glad that Dr is gone from my life along with that lab!!

Thank you!!

Becca

[Lure2 in reply to becca10]

Glad to hear that Becca,

Tell us please how you get on after the operation.

Good Luck! Keep my fingers crossed!

Kerstin

[becca10 in reply to Lure2]

I sure will Kerstin..thank you again!!!

Becca

[suntap]

Hi Becca, Wishing you all the best.

Di.

[becca10 in reply to suntap]

Thank you Di

[Debbweb01]

Wishing you the best also! I had same back surgery and was pain free for almost a year! I felt I was cured! I had a slight setback with a car accident, but still better than I was b4 the operation! Good Luck and I look forward to hearing how it all goes!!! GODSPEED!!!

[becca10 in reply to Debbweb01]

Thank you so much. It is so terrible to say, but I am actually looking forward for this surgery the pain is getting so unbearable!! I will be happy if I am pain free for just a year!! I will let everyone know how it goes as soon as I can!!

[Lure2]

Hi Becca,

Will think of you on Tuesday!

Good Luck and remember to tell us please how it goes for you.

Kerstin

[becca10 in reply to Lure2]

Hi Kerstin,

Thank you so much!! I certainly will let you all know how it goes as soon as I can. Of course I am taking my laptop with me...

Becca

[Debbweb01]

Good luck with surgery! I no you'll do well! The first 3 days will soon be a memory!!! Godspeed

[becca10 in reply to Debbweb01]

Thank you!!! That's what I heard about those first 3 days!!!