VERTEBROPLASTY OP WENT FINE - SO FAR, SO GOOD

[Missus835]

I did not have the luxury of asking anesthesiologist about Pred dose as there wasn't one present. I was awake for the entire procedure and op nurse administered an opioid and a medication when I requested it. Very relaxed but not "high". Also an antibiotic was included and I now have the same one at home. The cut on my leg is still ok. I was given the option of postponing, but declined. Steroids were only discussed briefly with the nurse who called and said "oh steroids are not a problem". She didn't know what a hydrocortisone cover was. To hopefully avoid a flare, I increased the Pred from 16 to 20 for last couple of nights. That's as high as I want to go, as weaning has been a bugger. Today I go into VON at hospital to have the dressing changed and check the needle holes and the cut on my leg.

Checking with rheumy about the Preds was/is not possible either as she is a ghost. Called her Nursing Station who will email and then text her to let her know there's an email as "she rarely reads things unless you let her know there's something to be read". Brilliant! Previous phone consults showed a date, but not the discussion. Not an accident. I do not have a GP. This rheumy should have chosen a different field. Zolendronic infusion still has NOT been requisitioned, since Aug. 5. Nightmare Alley. My thought is to try again with the AA tablets. Hopefully they won't make me vomit.

Surgeon said the plasties went brilliantly. However, I have "many small spinal fractures" to be dealt with after these heal. One day at a time.

Because it was done in Interventional Radiology, they were able to take scans and pics throughout the procedure. Halifax is blessed to have this state-of-the-art facility. Surgical team was wonderful.

My apologies for the long post my friends.

PS: The surgeon wanted to know if I had been in the medical field because of my use of "the language and terminology". I said well I read a lot and I also have the most wonderful support group who keeps us abreast of all things PMR. Thank you wise ones.🌹

[PMRpro Ambassador]

At least something went right! But your rheumy needs investigating - she is taking money under false pretences if you ask me by not providing the service she is contracted to offer.

Your Sick Day Rules action with the pred probably obviates the need for intra-op hydrocortisone but really I am not impressed by the nurse.

[Missus835 in reply to PMRpro]

Me neither Pro. The rheumy does warrant investigation, but I chose this battle first. At least I will be seeing a NP next week and my former Neurologist in October. Saying bye bye to rheumy. Scheduled for a phone consult with her Oct. 3 and what this will accomplish, I dunno. Think I will record it. The surgeon was absolutely shocked that a Rheumatologist did not know what vertebroplasty is. We agreed that it was scary.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Missus835]

You would imagine they come across patients needing it a fair bit - but maybe not when you don't actually SEE patients ...

[Missus835 in reply to PMRpro]

Facts. She said " I've never heard of that".

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Good to hear ‘so far, so good’ - long may it continue ….

[Missus835 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks DL.🌷

[SheffieldJane]

This is all very encouraging. I think the NHS comes through when it really matters. Very odd about your “ ghost” Rheumatologist. Heal well! You did it brave one!

[Missus835 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thanks SJ. I'm actually in Halifax, NS, Canada. But the NHS is welcome to come through. Not much better than our system really. 💐

[SheffieldJane in reply to Missus835]

So I have heard. Well done anyway.

[Missus835 in reply to SheffieldJane]

The drugs helped. Lol.

[SheffieldJane in reply to Missus835]

The fear is the worst bit I always find. 😊

[powerwalk]

Thats great it went well!! On the right road now hopefully after your long battle! 🤗

[sidra1968]

Thanks for the update! Like you said , one day at a time now..

[jls93]

Fyi mine went fine in 2015..TLIF.. Be well and pursue your health. Best jeff