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before surgery

Posted By: sm on 2007-01-31
In Reply to: Has anyone ever had a spinal fusion, esp lumbar? If so .... SM - anon

i've been made aware of a procedure that may help some avoid such surgery -- nonsurgical spinal decompression. I looked it up for a neighbor, and there's a lot out there -- i read the Kansas City and San Diego data -- some pretty impressive results from what i understand.

try:
www.therunningdoctor.com/back_pain_drx_treatment_2.htm


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Probably best surgery I ever did.
I was 41 when I told my physician I wanted to have a hysterectomy. It was in the 80s and I had adenomyosis, terrible pains during the cycle but fine the rest of the month. I put off getting because of work and after I had done, could have kicked myself for a) hurting every month bent over, b) nonstop bleeding, c) not wanting to take time for something I needed to have done. My doctor never approached me on the subject. I retained my ovaries but have never had the first hot flash and that was 20 years ago. Completely liberating for me.
Have the surgery!
The attacks are terrible and my surgery experience wasn't bad. I will admit I hurt pretty bad for several hours afterwards, but they controlled that before I went home. I didn't even have to take any pain medicine after the day of surgery. The incisions weren't bad at all.
anyone have gum surgery?
Has anyone every had gum surgery for receding gums?  I grind my teeth and also pick at them (nervous habit I guess, since my teens, now 37yo) and now at the point where I need at least 2 but probably 3 or 4 teeth (gums) done at the upper molars.  Had a consult a year ago and he said I should not wait a year to have it done on the 2 teeth, but guess what...and this is over $1000 each tooth - I believe they called it a frenectomy, where they take skin from the roof of your mouth and reattach it at the gumline.  My teeth are actually pretty good altohugh I may have developed a tiny shadow (of decay?) on the exposed roots that I recently noticed.   My gums and they are starting to bother me.   Trying to decide...Behind on utilites always, work part-time, husband does not rake in the big bucks, don't even own a house so I would rather spend a couple thousand on working towards that.. The problem is that it's half up front and the other half can only be spread out into three monthly payments, so it's kind of steep when put that way.  If you had it done how was the recovery from it??  Someone give me some fabulous wisdom    I am aiming towards giving my dentist a call this week to schedule a cleaning and then scheduling the procedure in September when the kids go back to school.?????
Surgery
I guess I missed the part about surgery somewhere.....but either way.... you have to do what you feel best for you....regardless of what you have to do to reach your goal....Trust me I am behind you whatever you trying to do regarding the weight factor....if it works for you....it works for me.....just trying to give a moral support....
CTS but no surgery
I had CTS a few years back, went to a neurologist and after doing an EMG, he injected my wrists with steroids. Used a bunny splint for awhile at night but have really not had any problems since. This was probably 10-12 years ago. The EMG and injections hurt, but much better than surgery.
Nausea after surgery.
My mother had surgery for a rectocele three weeks ago. Everything went fine during surgery and she was released from the hospital a few days later. A week after her surgery she started to feel nauseous and the feeling has not gone away since. It was two weeks ago yesterday since this started. She has not vomited but feels like she is going to. She can hardly eat anything except soup and crackers. She saw her doctor last week for a two week check up and he presribed Prilosec and another medication (can't remember the name) but they did not work. She has also tried some over the counter medications suggested by her pharmacist such as Dramamine and Cola syrup and nothing is working. Has anyone had this problem or know of someone who has? I heard that sometimes anesthesia can cause this and it's just a matter of time before it goes away. Would appreciate any suggestions.
Nausea after surgery
I would definitely have your mom rechecked again as well. My friend's mom had her gallbladder removed and was feeling nauseous where she could hardly eat. Her surgeon brushed it off as a postoperative symptomtom. It turned out that her small bowel had dropped into her surgical wound bed and caused a major infection. Poor women had to be opened up again.
Depression after surgery
My Daddy went through the same thing after he had heart surgery. He would not go to a psychiatrist or counselor. We spoke with his primary care physician who put him on Paxil which helped tremendously. Ask your PCP or cardiologist if it would be possible to start him on an antidepressant to see if that may make a diffence.

Good luck and take care.
Personally I'd have the surgery
I know it's a scary situation to be in and a big decision to make but I would do everything I could to take away the doubt that it might some day come back. Of course there are no guarantees but I'd put the odds in my favor.
Thank you so much. I am scheduled for surgery on 2/27. sm
Your post hit it right on the head. When I thought about the possibility that I could develop cancer and have it spread elsewhere in the future, that is what really made my decision for me. I did not want the surgery, but I wanted cancer even less. Although I am aware that cancer can develop anywhere at anytime, I also know that I can prevent this particular kind just knowing the potential risk and preventing it before it can happen.

Thanks so much for the support. It really helps to hear from others who have gone through the same thing. I hope I am as lucky as you after it is done as far as symptoms and feeling good, etc. Thanks again.
husband had this surgery and I have CTS...sm

If after the surgery you or anyone continues the same behavior, work patterns - the CTS can very well return.  Ya just gotta know this ahead of time.  My ex is a chef, had the surgery bilaterally when married, but still remained a chef...hence, he now has the return of CTS. 


I need the surgery too but surgeon friend of mine said a long, long time ago, don't operate on your hands or feet until you really have to, as they will never be the same. 


I had some hand surgery 25 years ago for removal of things inside the hands and truly, my hands have never been the same...so I believe it is true.  Until I give up this biz, I won't have carpal tunnel releases. 


I also have a friend who is a chiropractor and he believes chiropractic helps CTS....I'd try that and/or acupuncture first before I would have the surgery.


just my 3 cents is all.........



My surgery went okay but after about 1 year
You have to be emotionally ready. I gained all but about 20 pounds of my weight back.


...hold off on surgery. nm
s
i just had bunion surgery

Anyone have this and how long did it take for you to be able to step on your foot.  You ever get back into real shoes?


Thanks!


Anyone who has had LASIK eye surgery

I'm thinking about having it done.  I'm nearsighted, in my 30s and have worn glasses regularly since about 24 or 25.  My eyesight isn't too bad without them.  I generally wear contact lenses and I'm just getting tired of the routine/expense. 


So, has anyone out there had LASIK eye surgery and what was your experience?  Would you do it again?  I'd really appreciate it if you would share the cost of the procedure.  My insurance doesn't cover it.


Actually, she didn't have the surgery
She takes hormones to get facial hair and cut her boobs off but she does not have man parts - unless she did have the surgery right after she had the last baby.

She is definitely still 100% woman - not a man by any defintion other than her own.
After I had arthroscopic surgery
The incision in my belly button got infected, but even then there really wasn't an odor. I tried to keep it dry and put neosporin on it. Odd, I think maybe it couldn't hurt to get it looked at. Maybe there is a fungus in there that a cream could treat.
kidney surgery
I am facing kidney surgery in the very near future to cut out a urethral stricture from my single kidney (congenital).  My doctor informed me this is a relatively common procedure but that it is not a surgery one can just bounce right back from.  I'm just curious if anyone can tell me whether you've had this surgery or know someone who has, and know their recovery rate and prognosis.  He also told me there is a 2% to 3% chance this could not take and the surgery might have to be repeated.  My doctor told me one month after the surgery I will have to have a second surgery to remove a stent that he will temporarily place.  He said I will be in the hospital overnight (for the initial surgery) and then probably won't feel like doing my regular activities for at least two weeks.  Thanks for any information.
Oh dear. SD is having surgery Friday. SM
She already has had thyroid cancer with metastatic nodes, which she survived at 18. Very traumatic.

Now I'm nervous, because I was afraid of throat swelling and this surgeon sounds much too cocky.

I'm sure she will be fine. Just worrying. She is very sweet and I think of her as my own daughter.
This is very common for men after this type of surgery....sm
I would see this a lot when I worked for a group of cardiovascular surgeons. Make an appointment for your husband & yourself with his surgeon so that they can first off assure him that this is normal. Some hospitals have post-CABG support groups and if your hospital has this, go as that will help him. Men especially have a hard time post-CABG because the male ego is "I can do anything and won't get sick" and it crushes their ego to have their heart become diseased. Continue to try to get him involved in things without nagging. The doctor may also place him on an antidepressant short-term if they feel it is indicated. Good luck!
Cont: your pe'ts surgery.
o
Carpal tunnel surgery
Who has had it?  Did it work?   I'm dropping things all over the place, never used to be clumsy.  Also having tingling in my fingers and tops of my hands - goes away but is intermittent.  I do the hand and finger stretches, but the dropping things is getting very bad.  

Would love to hear from anyone who has had similar symptoms.  Could be my self diagnosis is wrong.   TIA
i also work for 2 PS..and it's a difficult surgery
and my plastic surgeons dictate the risks in detail of a brachioplasty and they also have their patients speak with other patients who have had the surgery....I have always wanted to have upper arm lifts but after working for these particular 2 docs (among many others)  for 11+ years, I think not!!  I would also think a *re-do* would leave even more scars/dents.......
I know the doggie had surgery, went personally
to the animal clinic and talked with the veterinarian and others there, told them to contact me. I would seek out attention for an injured animal whether it comes to my front door or on the street. Heavens only knows if the guy takes the medicine? Druggies might do about anything but I appreciate the information you have passed along. I explained some months ago unable to financially care for the dog anymore - I had things I wanted to do in renovations at my own home- and they would have to take care of it so it has been some months since I last bought the medicine. Having said that, got email here about a week ago and have not answered- she was coming across as ole woe doggie. Well, what about woe me? I told her- I would rather not lose her friendship but I had thought about calling on the dog before the son turned the animal over to his mother. Thanks again!
Gastric bypass surgery~~Anyone out there
Do tell!!  The good and the bad!
My daughter was about to have major surgery

2 years ago and the surgeon always made me feel like we were keeping him from something more important.  After waiting in the waiting for at least an hour at every appointment, it was discouraging to have him rush in and out in 10 minutes, considering the procedure she was going to have.  Anyway, at our last appointment before the surgery, we had a PA who actually spent time with us, explaining the surgery in detail and answering all our questions.  I was thrilled. 


I have also had my share of not great PAs, but this guy wasn't one of them.


Had lapband surgery on Monday and
To anybody out there that has had or is thinking about having lapband, the first three days are very hard but they get much easier as far as the pain goes. Now, it's a matter of learning what I can and cannot eat.

IMO, it is very much worth the hard work before, during and after the surgery that goes into this whole life changing process. Do not let ANYBODY discourage you if this is the path of weight loss that you choose for yourself.
carpal tunnel surgery
just a thought, have you tried vitamin B-6 and stretching exercises?   some have good results from this,  look online, try Dr. Andrew Weil's site for more information,  Dr.Weil is sort of new agey but he has some good basic information on his site, there are probably others who have just as good. 
After my husband's shoulder surgery,
the orthopedic surgeon had him on too many different medications. One medication didn't control the pain, but made him out of it, and the MD added a second pain medication, which made him hyper and unable to sleep, so he added Valium AND a sleep medication. If I hadn't been there to intervene, he was going to keep taking Valium until he fell asleep. He was really serious when he told me the MD said it was fine to take as many pills as he needed!


I did Curves for about 2 yrs, but quit due to surgery a yr ago sm
I had GREAT success with Curves, which I did along with Weight Watchers - I lost 72 inches in total body measurements and almost 75 lb. CURVES ROCKS and now that I've recovered from my hip / knee surgeries, I'm going to rejoin.

Anyway, I know they've changed someone but their core competency is the circuit training, no treadmills or other equipment. You really don't need the treadmill either, because the stations between equipment are for walking / jogging in place.
Would you trust "out-of-the-USA" surgery?

Next year alone, an estimated 6 million Americans will travel abroad for surgery, according to a 2008 Deloitte study. "Medical care in countries such as India, Thailand and Singapore can cost as little as 10 percent of the cost of comparable care in the United States," the report found.


Next year alone, an estimated 6 million Americans will travel abroad for surgery, according to a 2008 Deloitte study. "Medical care in countries such as India, Thailand and Singapore can cost as little as 10 percent of the cost of comparable care in the United States," the report found.


=============================


NEW DELHI, India (CNN) -- "I was a walking time bomb. I knew I had to get on that plane if I wanted to be around to see my grandkids."


Sandra Giustina is a 61-year-old uninsured American. For three years she saved her money in hopes of affording heart surgery to correct her atrial fibrillation. "They [U.S. hospitals] told me it would be about $175,000, and there was just no way could I come up with that," Giustina said.


So, with a little digging online, she found several high quality hospitals vying for her business, at a fraction of the U.S. cost. Within a month, she was on a plane from her home in Las Vegas, Nevada, to New Delhi, India. Surgeons at Max Hospital fixed her heart for "under $10,000 total, including travel."


Giustina is just one of millions around the world journeying outside their native land for medical treatment, a phenomenon known as "medical tourism." Experts say the trend in global health care has just begun. Next year alone, an estimated 6 million Americans will travel abroad for surgery, according to a 2008 Deloitte study. "Medical care in countries such as India, Thailand and Singapore can cost as little as 10 percent of the cost of comparable care in the United States," the report found.


Companies such as Los Angeles-based Planet Hospital are creating a niche in the service industry as medical travel planners. One guidebook says that more than 200 have sprung up in the last few years. "We find the best possible surgeons and deliver their service to patients safely, affordably and immediately," said Rudy Rupak, president of Planet Hospital. "No one should have to choose between an operation to save their life or going bankrupt."


Planet Hospital, which works with international clients as well as Americans, books patients' travel and arranges phone interviews with potential surgeons. Patients are greeted by a company representative at the airport in the country where they've chosen to be treated; a 24-hour personal "patient concierge" is also provided, a level of service that's standard among many of the top medical travel planning companies.  Watch Dr. Sanjay Gupta meet some medical tourists »


"Our patient concierge was amazing," said Giustina. "He came to the hospital every day, gave us his personal [telephone] number and after my operation, he arranged private tours of India." Just two days post-op, Giustina and her husband, Dino, toured local markets and landmarks including the Presidential Palace and the Taj Mahal.


"I was able to fix my heart and tour India, which is something I thought I'd never do."


Walk through a patient wing at Max Hospital in New Delhi on any given day and you're likely to see people from around the world. In one visit, CNN met patients from the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Jordan, Afghanistan and the United States. They're alike in choosing surgery abroad, but their reasons differ.


Many South Asians and Africans said they travel abroad because they do not have access to care in their homeland.


Some Canadians and Europeans said they chose to travel aboard, despite having national health plans, because they are tired of waiting -- sometimes years -- for treatment.


Patients from the Middle East said they come to India because the technology as well as the staff is more advanced.


For most Americans CNN spoke to, it came down to finding the best value. "If I could have afforded my procedure in the United States, I would have taken it, but that was not my option," Giustina said. "I had to get online and look for a Plan B." Read about hot destinations for medical tourism


The private hospitals in India market themselves as having upscale accommodations, Western-trained surgeons and state-of-the-art medical equipment.


CNN spent time at Max Healthcare in New Delhi and saw operating rooms similar to those in many U.S. hospitals. If fact, Max's neurosurgery room had an inter-operative MRI scanner, which is technology hardly seen at hospitals in the United States.


The lobby had marble floors, a book café, coffee station and a Subway sandwich shop. The patient suites were equipped with flat screen TVs, DVD players and Wi-Fi. This hospital also catered to families traveling together. The suites had adjoining rooms with a kitchenette, coffee maker and a sofa bed.


Max neurosurgeon Dr. Ajaya Jha said the hospital can provide high-quality care at low prices because the staff work hard to cut waste.  Watch Dr. Gupta visit an Indian spice market »


"I've seen hospitals in the U.S. where they open up something costing $10,000 and say, 'Oh it's not working. OK, give me another one.' We would never do that here. Even for 100 rupees (about $2) -- we would say, "Do we need to open this suture? Do we need to open this gauze?' We are very conscious of cost."


Hospital officials negotiate hard to keep costs low for high-tech medical machinery and other supplies, Jha said. "In the U.S. people are making careers out of carrying laptops and documenting things that are not really useful in the long term for the patient."


The salary of a U.S. surgeon is five times that of a surgeon in India. "We [surgeons in India] want to make a profit, but we don't want to profiteer. We don't want squeeze people and I think American industries should also think that way," Jha said.


Critics of medical tourism warn patients to be diligent when researching treatment aboard. "I've found that industry voices tend to crowd out those of us who are more cautious about the legal risks," said Nathan Cortez, assistant law professor at Southern Methodist University, who is conducting a case study investigating what legal recourse patients have outside America.


Patients don't think about their legal vulnerabilities, Cortez said. "Some countries limit patient access to medical records so they can't really learn what happened during the surgery. And a lot of practitioners in other countries just refuse to give you your medical records. So people have to weigh the risk versus benefits."


While most tourism patients from America are uninsured, major U.S. insurance companies are considering providing "medical tourism" coverage to their customers. Several have already launched pilot programs.


"I think what's really important about medical tourism is that you make the choice for what's right for you and what's important to them," said a spokesman for U.S. health insurer WellPoint Inc.


Experts say that every patient considering traveling abroad for surgery should inquire about postoperative care, legal rights and the safety standards and certifications of the hospital. Foreign health care providers should be willing to discuss the procedure and answer question ahead of time.


"What really helped me feel good about the process was that my doctor in the U.S. spoke to the cardiologist in India prior to my trip," said Giustina. "They were so open about everything; I knew I'd be in good hands."


Just weeks from returning from abroad, Giustina says she has only one regret, "I shouldn't have waited so long! I feel like a new person again, no more pain."


Anyone here with carpal tunnel who did not have surgery but
something else and how did it turn out?
I have not had surgery for urethral stricture but sm
I have had kidney surgery and stents. Email me. My stents were removed in the office awake. In my opinion, you won't feel like doing any of your regular activities until the stent is removed but I wish you better luck with the stent than I had! Will the incision be through the back or the abdomen?
LOL! Oh really? A trauma pt not getting surgery because their wasn't a typed sm
report in the system? Either you are exaggerating a bit or the trauma doc is an idio**. Never, in all of my years, have I known a trauma doc to deny surgery or not perform surgery due to a simple note not being typed. Emergency care if emergency care and they WILL bypass dictations with a simple use of the telephone! The trauma surgeon, in that instance, would have phoned the doc to receive any and all information on the patient if he needed any to proceed with surgery. I WISH my life as an at-home MT now were that special or important!
Tessiers and Stedmans for surgery books
x
Great news! Thanks! Definitely the bible of anyone doing surgery. :) nm
s
If you aren't planning on more children, I would have the surgery.
x
I'm glad to hear your surgery went well. I had a vaginal...
hysterectomy about 3 years ago and I think it took about 6 months before the hot flashes started. Best of luck to you.
Yes, I read it. Sounded like you thought surgery
was the only way to go, and it could be a huge mistake. Once it's done and scar tissue forms, then a person has a big problem.
My 6-month old kitty cat had surgery today.
One vet she said had a broken leg in the joint on the left. We do not know how she got it. Then he recommended another vet to do the surgery, pinning. The second vet finds both hips are fractured. We love her so much and cant stand the thought of her being in pain and crippled, so surgery it is. We are not rich by any means, but she is so worth it. I know you guys here love kitties and puppy dogs. Please keep you in your thoughts and prayers. My heart goes out to those who lost their pets this month for the food and other things. Seems like a lot of us here going through it.
Happy Easter and Peep surgery
Happy Easter to everyone. Hope you enjoy reading about this surgery rather than transcribing it!


Anyone try a GB flush to hold of surgery? Successful
s
I had a similar problem, had the surgery, and only regret
Abdominal surgery is no walk in the park, but it improved my life 1,000% to get rid of all that unnecessary 'equipment'. (Never wanted kids, anyway.) I was only 34 when I had the surgery - wish I could've had it at age 14!

Question about healing back surgery please sm

My SIL had lumbar backsurgery, nothing too extreme, I think just shaved off a bulging disc.  Anyway, that's been about 8 weeks ago.  Today she's in the ER (she was having back pain) and they said she has a blood clot in her incision area and that is normal.  Has anyone been through this or know if that is normal? 


Thanks


Has anyone had LASIK eye surgery? If so, can you share your thoughts. Thanks
.
See a podiatrist. Sometimes a shoe insert can help w/o surgery. NM
x
Anyone else with gallbladder problems and decided not to have surgery
and symptoms you had and what did you do instead?
Nightline story - people from the U.S. having to go to India for surgery! sm

Has anyone else heard about this?  It seems transcription work isn't the only thing that can be done cheaper in India - surgery is cheaper too.  After seeing this story, I think we might have to worry about more than MT work going there. 


This was a very interesting story.  I had no idea it was even happening.  If you missed it on TV, you can view it online (it's less than 10-minutes long) if you go to:


http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/ 


Then on the upper righthand side, click on Webcast:  Nightline Online, then right under that is Nightline Online:  Health Care Travel (it starts out with a commercial first).


My first thought was along the lines of no way would I ever go all the way to India for surgery (and I still wouldn't want to), but after seeing the Nightline piece, I can see how it's a reasonable option for some people, because of the lower price and what looked like great care. 


Our health care system is in such a scary state though, when U.S. citizens are having to travel to India for surgery they can afford.  Unbelievable. 


They also had an interesting story about little clinics springing up in places like Walmart:


http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/PrescriptionForChange/story?id=2577785&page=1


 


For some reason I thought this was hilarious. I'm doing a pelvic surgery sm

and this doc will stop and watch a football game, or some kind of game, on t.v. and make little comments like, "man!." He was really into the game. For some reason today I just didn't mind the interruptions from him. It was a pretty long report (partly because of his distraction).


But what I think made it so funny was that this guy is Chinese. I didn't think they liked sports! haha


Anybody's hubby went through Open Heart Surgery and can't get out of depression?

I seem to be having a big problem with mine. He wasn't too bad after surgery, but since then, there have been a lot of house problems. i.e., water , septic system problems, roof leaking, my car not passing inspection so down to 1 vehicle, etc., etc.


He feels he cannot handle it anymore. He'll sit in our garage for hours on end doing nothing, but knowing he should be doing something. Yet, everything he does lately, does not solve a problem and he winds up doing something else for the same problem. It never bothered him before except ot get him mad he didn't do it right the first time (does anybody understand what I'm saying here?). He's feeling very "old" and incompetent but nothing I do or say is getting him out of this depression.


I'm afraid for him but don't tell me to make an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist...he would never go. He's losing interest in eating, too, and even fixing his favorite foods depresses him because he thinks it's not made the same.


Anybody have any suggestions? I don't know what else to do lately. Thanks fo the help.


I missed the part where the wife came in after the husband's surgery and
Yeah, I keep forgetting it is on and have missed a few since it started back up, but I am sure I can catch up eventually. Who was that actress that played the crazy agent ???