Revision surgery

[Blairsara]

Everything is figured out- I'm taking my finals the same week as my surgery. I was able to work with the administration. The reason why it had to be this way was because if I waited until the next opening which was in June then there might have been a possibility that I couldnt go back to school in the fall.

No new update. Don't really expect one until after my surgery. I'll let you guys know how that goes and how my recovery is. The surgery is going to take around 4-5 hours, and I'll be in the hospital for at least three days.

[Blairsara]

Before I came to ispine I posted on ADRsupport.org. I left because people were basically calling me crazy about how the Charite disc caused all of my problems - saying that the charite disc doesnt cause facet joint syndrome .. crap like that. I recently posted something to see if anyone has had a revision surgery. I'm getting a little nervous and not that many people have gone through this surgery.
Anyways - this is what some jackass wrote in reesponse: (and Mark sorry for the language but I just can't believe this):

"I see your signature says your will have an anterior fusion with posterior hardware. Is the posterior stuff REALLY necessary? Isnt the fusion enough to immobilize the area? I would think you would want to maybe give the fusion a chance, and then see if the facet pain resolves, before messing up the backside. (That's what we hope to do anyway)

Also, please clarify (for new readers) your motivation (desperation) for such a hugely foolish step (Not nearly as foolish as trying to remove a Prodisc though)."

I love the fact that I now have to have a major surgery that's going to take 4-5 hours and I get called a "fool" because this is my only option. I remember why I stopped going on that site.

Hope everyone is doing well.

Blair

[ans]

That was a very abusive post and nobody deserves it. What if you were recommended a 360 deg. fusion?

This fellow seems quite taken by himself.

You be well - ans

[dshobbies]

Balir,

I realize why you would get upset over that very unproductive post (I'm putting it nicely) and no one can blame you. You're still very young and perhaps you don't yet realize that there are fools and bafoons in every walk of life. If someone feels you're acting in haste, alternative suggestions instead of criticism are appreciated. No one wants to be thought of as foolish and at this stage, you don't need to second guess any of your decisions. Making you feel bad about yourself is someone's elses insecurity.

In your shoes, I would thank him for his productive and supportive post at this critical and stessful time in your life. Surely his compassion is most appreciated and you will take his 'suggestions' under advisement, at least before shredding it into as many small pieces as is possible so when you shove it down his throat, at least he won't choke. See how thoughtful you can be?

Dale

[mmglobal]

Blair,

the internet is such a mixed bag.... a combination of incredibly useful information that is not available elsewhere, and downright misinformation that makes our quest for useful information much, much harder, or even impossible. It's a combination of incredible support and sometimes an unbelievable lack of support or even worse... alternate agendas that may be wolves hidden in sheeps clothing.

My advice is always to take that good that you can and ignore the rest. Often posts that are offensive are truly misunderstandings and ignoring those will make our lives easier. Some offensive posts may be the result of a posters frustration with their own situations. Many of is are in so much pain and our lives are so severely impacted by our disability, meds, family issues, etc.... it's sometimes impossible to hold it all together.

Take the good... ignore the rest... contribute as best you can. Don't engage the bullshit.... IMHO, that is the best way to get the most out of the internet.

Mark

[rob_zzz]

Blair,

I think anyone knowing the situation you're going through would have a lot of respect for the challenge you face. To add to Marks comments - I've found that emotions can get very confused with internet posts. Its quite possible the poster you qouted was genuinely trying to help but just came across the wrong way. I've had run-in's with people on the internet only to find that in meeting them in person they are actually genuine and likeable people.

(I'm not necessarily saying that is the case here - I don't know the history of the situation - just saying that sometimes people's intent can be misinterpreted).

I wish you all the best of luck with the revision surgery.

Rob

[mmglobal]

I've been lucky enough to spend some time with Matt and Anastasia on a few occasions. They are wonderful people. I'd love for my wife and I to be on vacation with them... get a chance to meet them under different circumstances. Unfortunately, they are in an impossible sitiation and are struggling to make some sense of it. Let's all give Matt the benefit of the doubt...

My wish is that everyone can get some relief... then we can all be 'abnormal' again!

Mark

[Maria]

Blair,
We all know that person has Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic surgeon credentials behind his or her name...(not) ~

My reaction to this reply would be what yours is since I find it useless in terms of constructive critisism or by way of shedding new light on this topic so near and dear to your heart or more succinctly your spine. If I were to respond to the poster I'd definately have to wait until I had simmered down a bit so my reply would be much more neutral. I'm not sure the person posting that reply deserves any further of your thoughts/time ...

[Blairsara]

Hey guys,
Thanks for all of your comments. I appreciate them. I definitely had to calm down before I addressed that guy. I didnt want to say anything that I would regret later on. Everyone is right with what they have said - you definitely have to take the internet for what it's worth.

But being less than 13 days from my surgery that was very insensitive and rude. Since that has been the second time around where I have basically been called crazy on that site for explaining what I have been going through I'm going to stick to ispine. I have found that the people on this site are much more supportive, even when it comes to things that they havent had personal experience with - and with my case there are very few people who have had the same experience. So anyways, thank you all for being so supportive. I truly appreciate it.

Regarding Matt I did respond to him - I told him that what he said was insensitive and rude, that i didnt owe him an explanation for anything but that I havent taken this situation lightly and am taking the least invasive procedure recommended. I think that's all that he deserves. bastard.

Hope everyone had a good weekend.

Blair

[Blairsara]

PS - does anyone know how the person is doing who had the revision surgery on the 20th? I believe she had the prodisc taken out.

I'm starting to get major anxiety. Just really realized this about a few minutes ago. I've been throwing myself at my work since I have my finals coming up the few days right before my surgery. I don't even have the words to explain what I'm feeling.