Surgery delayed once again
Hi All
Some of you already know that I am to get some spinal cervical surgery called ACDF Fpr those not sure what this is here is an explanation of what it involves
ACDF is a short-term for anterior cervical discectomy (decompression) and fusion is an operation through the front of the neck to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerves, as well as to stabilize the spine. This means the operation is done from the front of the neck, rather than from the back."
What they do is they cut an area at the front of the neck (hopefully not a slit on the neck LOL ) then replace the disc they take out with a synthetic scaffold this replaces the disc removed but there is a centre hole in between.
Then when ready towards the end of the procedure they put a plate and screw this and join the two vertebras.
The idea is the bone will fuse together as one rather than keeping it as two vertebra. The center is there so the bone can grow in the empty hole which with the plate helps to fuse the two as one.
I am slowly losing sensation in my fingers, legs, and feet along with heaps of shoulder and arm pain due to the spinal cord being compressed and this also creates s further issues with the nerves and the connection to the rest of the body.
That is the reason for the surgery and I have other areas of similar issues along the spine however this area C4/C5 is the worst.
The original surgery was supposed to be on the 7th of April this year however due to my stents placed in my arteries (5 in total) and the fact I am on heart medication to help keep the blood thin and flowing to avoid blood clotting,
It got delayed until I got clearance from my Cardiologist to proceed which was given.
The reason for this clearance is for the operation I need to stop taking my heart meds 10 days before the operation so the blood can clot better during this procedure, however, it puts me at a higher risk due to the position of two of the 5 stents which if the blood clots in the stents creates more serious issues as a result.
That is why the clearance to be able to stop the meds so the blood can clot quicker but this also created a higher risk to the blood clotting which defeats the purpose of the heart blood thinking meds.
So Ok fine that got deleted and all clearance was finally given.
The next surgery date was then the 21st of April so I already stopped my meds a few days before in preparation for this new date.
Low and behold they rang me up 4 days before surgery to say it needs to be postponed to the 2nd of May which would be this Monday.
There reason this time is due to the major renovation and construction around the hospital they state all surgery was canceled for that day on the 21st as there would be many power blackouts or power cuts at different times of the day.
So fine now it is on the 2nd of May so again had to restart my meds and stop them once more.
Today I just got a call and again this is being postponed as they found the neurosurgeon which I saw was is not available on that date.
There is no emergency for this reason they just realised he won't be available on the 2nd so now it has been postponed again to the 12th of May.
Again I have to go back to the postoperative unit a third time and get another ECG and blood test down before this date.
So far it has been 5 days since I stopped my meds as requested yet again so in the next few days will go back on to ensure my blood doesn't clot too quickly and then on the 2nd stop again.
Hopefully, there won't be any more delays as this is already placed stress on the family and changes again have to be made in getting to the hospital as we only have one car and my son needs to get to work as there are no buses or training near him.
So hopefully this time they will stick to the date as this creates not just the tingling and numbness many times but I do struggle to sleep and the feet and shoulders in particular constantly wake me up do the sudden nerve pain I get.
Just to keep you in the loop with what is happening. Of course due to Covid and the hospital ideologies I have to take a coved test within 48 hours prior to surgery. If all OK surgery will go ahead.
I know I don't have it but there are always the chance of a false positive which has happened many times in the past and if so this will just further delay this issue.
Thanks for your patience as I am running out of mine with the hospital and their excuses.
Andre
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WOW, Andre. That is crazy!!!! You poor thing. I have another friend having surgery on the 12th. You know how everything happens for a reason right??? Well, since May 12th is the very best day of the entire year, it's a sign that ALL will work out well. I'm claiming it for both of you. BTW, no bias on the date. 😎 It just happens to be a monumental one.
Keep us posted and I'll certainly be sending good energy your way.
xoxoxo
SfaM
Thanks SIS will send healing to your friend along the way too.
Yes everything thing happens for a reason totally agreed I am sure it will work out well for both of us.
I will let you know as I get closer to final confirmation and indeed after when I get the chance online.
ENjoy your day Sis
BfAMF xo
Of course you are not bias with the date but that extra number is just a number correct? Yes I already knew have it saved on my calendar.
You will always be my SIS regardless of your struggle with numbers.
Just glad you don't have that many boots LOL
xo
Bro
Jeez Andre, that is ridiculous! I am so sorry that they are giving you the run around like this...
I always thought that the hospitals down under were well organised and some of the best in the world..
Do try to stay positive and patient at this time my friend and I hope and pray everything goes well when the time arrives..🙏
Thank you Nick yes they are great down under I am sure this was a mixed up with booking in their office but these things happen unfortunately we are the ones that need to make the added adjustment along the way.
Have a great day and enjoy the rest of your week ahead.
and thank you once more my friend.
Andre
You're welcome Andre, and you are right... unfortunately these things do happen.
Enjoy the rest of your week as well my friend.
I wish you all the best Andre. I know what you're going through and hope they'll complete the surgery soon. I
have the same issues, all
the left side of my body is numb and tingling, as well as my right leg below the knee. I'm supposed to have surgery as well but decided to leave it for a while and try some alternative options. Jim
Thanks Jim don't leave it for too long I am having the same issue with the numbness and tingling which is a sign it is getting worse you can also go see a podiatrist as well they can check your feet for other signs as well.
Also try to walk more to get the circulation to your legs as well. And watch out for being unbalanced when walking.
Wishing you well with this but don't leave it for too long as other alternative options would become too late and not all will work trust me.
Good luck
Andre
I know all about that unbalanced thing Andre. I've had two falls in the last couple of months. At one time I would have tumbled, nowadays I'm like a big old tree being cut down.
Yes the unbalanced part is not fun.
I tend to lean on the right side at times when I walk and if outside at the shops I walk slower and get that shopping trolley asap to keep that balance.
I have lost my balance a few times but that is also due to a bad back which is the next item on the list along with my right knee item 3.
I am sure won't be long before that requires work hopefully the longer the better.
At times my right knee just buckles and have fallen down a few times at home.
Walking up and down the stairs at home doesn't always help the knee or lower back but it must be done.
That's life I guess
Andre
This is unbelievable, Andre. I can well imagine that you are running out of patience. I sincerely hope your surgery takes place on the 12th May.
Having had my share of surgery, spinal being one, I am lost for words regarding this experience of yours.
I am sending my kindest thoughts to you, Andre.
Stay strong!
Valerie
Thank you, Valarie, as you already know spinal surgery of any kind in not one you want to keep delaying as there are serious complications that could be waiting to happen.
Thank you for your thoughts
Andre :)
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Oh, Andre, I hope this situation goes well for you. So sorry things have been delayed...the hardest part is often the waiting. Do keep us posted as well as you can to how you are doing, as we will be worrying about you, my friend.
Life does have a way of becoming a bit of a rollercoaster ride. I hope this one brings you down safely.
Thank you Fran yes the waiting is one thing the constant postponement is another but not much I can do about that.
Hopefully this date will be the final one so I can move on with the next group of health issues to fix.
Enjoy your day.
Andre
good luck with that, Andre -- I hope you find a good solution and that they don't change your surgery time again.
Thanks hope they don't change it again either.
Andre