I am having L4 L5 fusion this month. I have put it off, tried other strategies and had two opinions. I am just wonder if it's going cause my healing time to be longer than normal and if it will affect my lupus. I don't see my Rhemey until after surgery so having not been able to get answers. Has anyone have surgery and experienced any problems?
Hello Purplefav (stranger) lol,
Just lovely to see you on here after such a while :)
I've had 6 operations on different things connecting to Lupus but what they do with me before entering theatre, they wrap me up well because of my raynauds and put an heater in between my feet, having low blood pressure i fed special oxygen for my heart and i'm put on a drip to feed fluid to my organs so NO dehydration can occur through the operation...so if you have any of these problems for a start off get them mentioned so your covered well while they operating.
You should be ok afterwards as long as you follow their instructions and keep ontop of yourself but if you see any discharge which should'nt be occuring while healing...do not hesitate to phone about it ASAP as that's an infection starting and you can't afford to get none with your Lupus.
Hugs Terri xxx
Yes i do take longer but i take longer to heal even if i just cut my finger than normal people. My white count can drop low but unless it was emergency they normally will wait until you are decent range. I may take longer to heal but i still was let out same as what they said. In fact i hate hospitals and soon as i can pee and walk on my own i push to get out that day and most times they let me..saves a bundle on bill too! lol!
Bring your own meds so they do not charge you outrageous prices for you daily drugs. They will keep them at nurses station. You might bring just enough with few extra for the expected stay amount.
My sister the RN standard hospital advice. Never let anyone touch you without first changing their gloves in front of you. Do not feel this is being picky it is suppose to be RN/DR rule.
If you see any dust etc of any kind...any at all insist they get the room cleaned immediately. Dirty room means your risk of infection goes way up. You should see people cleaning your room few times per day.
last if you are in a lot of pain and not getting any relief after RN adds more or you keep pushing pump....ask to have supervisor check to make sure levels for your pain meds are at the amount requested...that some addict RN did not instead of pain md put saline in your pump etc.
Even if they find it is not true and you really hurt push to have them wake your doctor or doctor on call to give you more....once you get in pain over whelming it will only take twice as much to get under control and you do not need to suffer.
hope all goes well....do not worry if your lupus flares you are in the best place the hospital! No really your main doctor will notify your rheum about what to do. I say bring all possible meds but you might not be able to even take them due to meds you are on for surgery etc. But if you can hopefully family member can get them in ASAP other wise just for that pay the crazy price to keep it under control.
I never had any bad flares happen that got out of control...they will be watching you like hawk so you really are in very safe place....if anything you are going to get tired of them waking you up to take your stats...those people make them change their gloves before touching you. Go from room or patient to patient and pass an infection faster than wild fire my sister said...so they are ones to really watch. Plus they are not RNs
good luck and wish you speedy recovery and hope it works!
Just as a precaution, the Dr. checked my Lupus Anticoagulant before I had abdominal surgery in 1998. It was positive and caused more complications than usual. I have been to 4 neurosurgeons for my back, ( herniated disks.) All of the surgeons told me not to proceed due to the bleeding disorder. So I would have the extra blood work just to make sure it is negative.
I did have a spinal cord stimulator implanted in 2009, without any problems. I was a nurse for 19 years before my lupus diagnosis. Everyone here has given you excellent advise. I will keep you in my thoughts for an easy recovery!
I had a surgery before I was diagnosed (about 3 months) and my recovery was longer, about 3 months until I had 50% of my energy back. The hardest part was the pain medication. Make sure you discuss this with your surgeon ahead of time.
For me, yes it is taking me a longer time to heal. I had major foot surgery, and usually people are walking in regular shoes with a brace at 9 weeks post op, and I'm still in a fixed ankle walking boot at 12 weeks post op. I had a physical therapy progress report on Thursday, and I asked if he thought progress was because of my lupus and he said yes, absolutely. The swelling is still a big problem.
Thank you all for your advise and comments, I go for blood work, ekg, and pulmunary test tomorrow. I will be looking for the glove changing and for sure the pain meds. My surgery is the 25th keep me in prayer and I will come back to let everyone know how it went.
I had same surgery last July. It was a day surgery so I did not worry about taking drugs with me. Maybe I took longer to heal---4-6 weeks than a non-lupan, but the results were great. Not only did it take care of my back ailment, it also stopped a urinary incontinence problem I was having. Herniated disk was obviously pressing on a nerve connected to my urinary track. I did have a problem with coughing up blood post surgery----no one could figure it out. I went to a pulmonary doctor who said maybe I had some kind of walking or fungal pneumonia or the anesthesiologist nicked me while prepping me for surgery. Keep in mind these doctors and nurses don't understand Lupus! But I feel you will be just fine. The LupanCatwoman Gail
Hi Donna,
I, too, have a stimulator implant. It worked ok for a couple of years (I took less pain meds) but not so much anymore. I know this is off-topic, but how is yours working for you? Just curious.
Thanks,
DeAnne
Donna said:
Just as a precaution, the Dr. checked my Lupus Anticoagulant before I had abdominal surgery in 1998. It was positive and caused more complications than usual. I have been to 4 neurosurgeons for my back, ( herniated disks.) All of the surgeons told me not to proceed due to the bleeding disorder. So I would have the extra blood work just to make sure it is negative.
I did have a spinal cord stimulator implanted in 2009, without any problems. I was a nurse for 19 years before my lupus diagnosis. Everyone here has given you excellent advise. I will keep you in my thoughts for an easy recovery!
I had the S1-L5 fusion in 2001. This is what I believe put me into the 4 year long "flare" that came after. That said, I believe that came more from the stress than the surgery. You are going to have to lie still, which is going to be frustrating. Prepare ahead for this by making sure that you have your favorite books, movies, etc within reach. Limited movement in the beginning will limit your pain. It will also help your discs fuse better. Although it was hard lying still (I wish I had been more prepared) my discs fused quite well. Nerve damage was done prior to the fusion so that means chronic pain, but it's managed by a great pain specialist.
The healing time, like Siskyyou said, sometimes is longer for most injuries or surgeries, but beyond this I haven't seen alot of difference. It's about keeping you and the site very clean, which I would hope you would be doing anyway.
Best of luck and hope that the fusion works for you. I don't regret mine. :)
XOXO,
DeAnne
Thank you for good advise. How long was your stay in the hospital? I know it's different for everyone, It takes me a long time to heal from small cuts and bruises. Sorry there was something else I wanted to ask but I can't remember now.
whathappensinvegas said:
I had the S1-L5 fusion in 2001. This is what I believe put me into the 4 year long "flare" that came after. That said, I believe that came more from the stress than the surgery. You are going to have to lie still, which is going to be frustrating. Prepare ahead for this by making sure that you have your favorite books, movies, etc within reach. Limited movement in the beginning will limit your pain. It will also help your discs fuse better. Although it was hard lying still (I wish I had been more prepared) my discs fused quite well. Nerve damage was done prior to the fusion so that means chronic pain, but it's managed by a great pain specialist.
The healing time, like Siskyyou said, sometimes is longer for most injuries or surgeries, but beyond this I haven't seen alot of difference. It's about keeping you and the site very clean, which I would hope you would be doing anyway.
Best of luck and hope that the fusion works for you. I don't regret mine. :)
XOXO,
DeAnne
I am doing physical therapy for stenosis in my C5 C6 area. I am trying to avoid having surgery, I have had the shots in my neck three times, which is the maximum amount allowed per year. I wish you a speedy recovery. How long did you stay in thr hospital?
jujubeee said:
I just got out of surgery two weeks ago for a C4-5, C5-6 fusion and discectomy using adult stem cells for material. My doctors coordinated my care, I was off my lupus meds two weeks before and two weeks after. I was put on aspirin as I run high platelets to prevent clots. I was given extra anti-biotics.
I am healing well, but lupus stopped in to say hello, LOL by giving me a discoid rash on the back of my neck behind the titanium plate..here's a few pics of my surgery and healing process.
Much LOVE, Julie
Hello Purplefav,
Your welcome from us all...i just hope everything goes ok for you and i forgot to mention they was going to inject me with warfarin to avoid any clotting, you may want to ask about that also.
Love Terri :) xxx
Purplefav said:
Thank you all for your advise and comments, I go for blood work, ekg, and pulmunary test tomorrow. I will be looking for the glove changing and for sure the pain meds. My surgery is the 25th keep me in prayer and I will come back to let everyone know how it went.
Hi Julie,
Hows your neck at the back mate as it gone abit easier for you and your scar by your throat is a fraction bigger than mine from when i had a lump removed from my throat.
Good luck with the healing mate :) xxx
jujubeee said:
I just got out of surgery two weeks ago for a C4-5, C5-6 fusion and discectomy using adult stem cells for material. My doctors coordinated my care, I was off my lupus meds two weeks before and two weeks after. I was put on aspirin as I run high platelets to prevent clots. I was given extra anti-biotics.
I am healing well, but lupus stopped in to say hello, LOL by giving me a discoid rash on the back of my neck behind the titanium plate..here's a few pics of my surgery and healing process.
Much LOVE, Julie
Hello Julie,
Lovely to hear off you mate :)
Well i'm pleased it only went to Discoid Level any furthur and it's hard to move plus more complications. I will say this though pass 50 degree's of your heat here, we've had it going as low as -4 at night and in the day raising to 5 or 6 (41 f) here really cold.
Well i am pleased your back on your lupus meds to help it keep control and the wacky thing he's ordered you is to help the healing process incase the lupus starts conflicting against it and what he's done and put in.... the Lupus might think it a foreign body, he's making 100% this works for you. You'll find this link interesting on the wacky piece and your spine. lol
http://www.spine-health.com/treatment/spinal-fusion/how-electrical-...
You just takecare mate and all my love Terri xxx
Hi Julie,
I thought you'd read the link...Julie he's just making sure mate that the lupus can't disturb what he's done in anyway...you've got an ACE bloke there mate. Those stem cells are foreign bodies to Lupus and it will try and fight them, so he's using is head quick.
Julie if it was me and i had no pain in my neck when fully recovered...i would'nt have my neck touched and the saying is don't undo what's done but if you can have the other's then have them mate if they help but that's my opinion.
I saw your tricycle and there's loads using them in the UK they sell them in bicycle shops and the two wheelers those are nice but go for it if you think you'll be ok.
This is my scooter which only comes out in the summer now and again and it does 8mph.
If it's not to hot i'll use it and i strap my poor bruno's lead over the handle and the poor sod as to do some running 
it's a shame it as'nt got cruise on it as he could pull the scooter.lol
Love ya Julie :)
Julie....ste had a pic of me with bruno on another one i had it only did 4mph so i sold it but ones never been took of this one...this is an identical pic to mine grabbed it off ebay to show you but mines in blue....they're really quick when you turn them on full power.
No i would'nt let yourself be touched if you feel ok once it's healed :)
jujubeee said:
LOL
I love the sight...we need a video of you and Bruno on the handle!!!!!!!!!!
ps. I don't think it's a good idea to get zapped near the titanium plate in my neck either.
Jujubee,
From my personal experience, you may want to be careful with anything that would "stimulate" the fusion...it is, after all metal.
You do need to be aware of MRI's though. The highest you should even be considered for is an MRI is 1.5 Tesla machine rather than the newer 3 Tesla open-sided machines. Even with the less powerful machine you will need to be swaddled in protective gear. Just make certain your doctors are aware. The CT has never been a problem for me and may work well for you.
Take care of yourself, keep a positive attitude like you have been doing and you sound like you are healing VERY well.
XOXO,
DeAnne
Hi Julie,
DeAnne's made a good point there mate regarding the metal and protective gear which your used to.lol ...is a must with what you go through.
Love Terri xxx
Jujubee,
More worried about sticking yourself in a huge, powerful magnet with metal in your body. Could be an unpleasant outcome.
Please keep us updated on the outcome,
XOXO,
DeAnne
jujubeee said:
Oh WOW..I'm so glad you mentioned that about the MRI. I'm coming up soon for a T2 Flair MRI for my brain. Good to know..YIKES I wouldn't want to short circuit on the table!!!!! Thank you Thank You Thank You!!!!! :)