spinal surgery and lupus

[iwhispering]

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/afraid.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/crying.gif Hello to all. I thought to write and share with you the news I recieved yesterday. They did do the myelogram and dertermined that the growth of bone into my spinal cord needed to be removed. They are schedueling surgery for the next week or week after. Neurosurgeon said it's really bad. They said that they need to take a bone out of my hip and place it inbetween my vertiburbreas as well as debur the bone growth and place a plate to stabilize spine. Spondylosis has dedstroyed my spine cervical and lumbar. They do the first surgery on cervical and then after sometime later this year they will do lower back. I must admit I am alittle nervous about the whole thing. Need to vent. Without the surgery he said I run the risk of becomming paralized from neck down. Has any one else had any such problems due to Lupus? Your words of comfort have soothed me in past. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/aww.gif As I am sure they can help sooth my fears now. Iwhispering

[hazel595]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(iwhispering @ May 24 2006, 06:15 AM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/afraid.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/crying.gif Hello to all. I thought to write and share with you the news I recieved yesterday. They did do the myelogram and dertermined that the growth of bone into my spinal cord needed to be removed. They are schedueling surgery for the next week or week after. Neurosurgeon said it's really bad. They said that they need to take a bone out of my hip and place it inbetween my vertiburbreas as well as debur the bone growth and place a plate to stabilize spine. Spondylosis has dedstroyed my spine cervical and lumbar. They do the first surgery on cervical and then after sometime later this year they will do lower back. I must admit I am alittle nervous about the whole thing. Need to vent. Without the surgery he said I run the risk of becomming paralized from neck down. Has any one else had any such problems due to Lupus? Your words of comfort have soothed me in past. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/aww.gif As I am sure they can help sooth my fears now. Iwhispering
[/b][/quote]


Hello Iwhispering,

I haven't had the same complications you have had with Lupus style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/hugbetter.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/hugbetter.gif you have to be really brave but I think that you've already been very brave honey. I know surgery is very daunting and you must be really scared right now but we are all thinking and praying for you to come through.

They told you about the risks you take if you don't have the surgery but did they discuss the risks that you might be taking if you have the surgery??? The risk of paralysis from the neck down if you don't have the surgery is a very scary position to be in.

The complication I had with Lupus was it brought on Transverse Myelitis which caused paralysis from the neck down for me and I was in a wheelchair for 18 months. After a lot of physio, steroids, chemo and other cytoxic drugs I am still not 100% but at least I am able to walk again now so I can completely understand what your thoughts must be at this moment.

I wish I could see you to give you the biggest hug ((((((((((((((((((you)))))))))))))))))))))))

xxxxhazel

[Lily]

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/hugbetter.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif ((((((((((iwhispering)))))))))))))

I'm sorry you have such severe spinal problems and need the operation. Its important to find out all you can about the procedure and recovery and whats expected of you, how you will feel afterwards etc, do you need to up your Lupus meds to cover you before surgery, are there any you will need to go off prior to surgery etc etc. .............it will be a big surgery by the sound of it. Sending hugs.

Spondylitis is not related to Lupus at all as far as I know it's essentially osteoarthritis of the spine, so a seperate issue. Lupus does not cause degeneration of the joints, altho some have co-existing diseases that do such as yourself. I have a few very small outgrowths on my neck and lower spine, which were accidental discoveries during scans etc whilst undergoing investigation. They've never caused me any problems thankfully. Spondylitis is quite a common back and neck problem in the normal population, but I imagine not to the extent you have it style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif It can be from degeneration of the spinal structures and can cause the bony outgrowths pressing on surrounding nerves/ligaments etc and can be extremely painful as you no doubt experience.

I hope everything goes well, but do consult your Rheumy about precautions before the operation to cover your Lupus, that way it should be much smoother sailing. Keeping you in my thoughts style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/foryou.gif

love
Lily

[alobreto]

Hi, Whisper! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif
I have what sounds like exactly the same thing as you do with vertebral encroachment on the spinal cord in the cervical and lumbar spine.

I have had both of the surgeries you describe with bone from my right hip going to the neck and also placement of a titanium plate and screws, and also the lumbar surgery.

In my case I was losing the use of my arms from the shoulders down to fingertips. I still have weakness and some numbness, but the problems have not progressed since the neck surgery and that was 4 years ago if I remember correctly.

With the lumbar surgery, I was losing bladder control and had leg weakness and some other issues. I have not regained lost functions in that area, but the problems there, too, have not gotten worse and that was 3-1/2 years ago.

Going under the knife can be very scary, especially when it's your spine or brain. I opted for a neurosurgeon to do my operations because I felt that was the kind of doc who would know best how to protect the nervous system parts. An orthopedic surgeon would have more knowledge about the bony skeletal system of which the vertebrae are a part.

If you have questions about my personal experience with these, don't hesitate to ask.
Angela style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/flowers.gif

[Pollyanna]

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/flowers.gif Hi Whisper,

The others have given you good advice, and all I can add is that I had the cervical surgery done this past November. Same situation - the threat of paralysis if I didn't get it taken care of because of impingement on the cord. As for me, I was only in the hospital one day and had immediate relief from the numbness and pain that went from arm to fingers in both arms. It was a blessing. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cloud9.gif Probably the worst thing for me, was wearing a hard cervical collar for 12 weeks after surgery. He was unable to put a plate in; that's why I wore it so long. At least it was during cold weather; thank heaven for small blessings!

A nuerosurgeon did my surgery and will do the lumbar when I finally can take it no longer! Good luck to you - I'm sure you'll do just fine.

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wub.gif Pollyanna