MRI and CT Scans
In the end I had both MRI and CT scans yesterday. I was still too woozy to look at them, but Mum was shown everything when she came to collect me. The disc in my back between the lumbar 7 vertebrae and the sacral bone has degenerated. It is pushing not only outwards, but in onto the sciatic nerve. Mum said she could see very clearly on the images just how confined the space is where the nerves should be sitting comfortably. My surgeon said it is no wonder I’m in so much pain.
The reason he took a CT scan as well yesterday is so that they can do a 3D model of what will happen in my operation. They can make a plate to go between the bones. It will be an exact fit for the bones that are there. He can also work out the depth of bone he has to drill into for the pins and know exactly what he needs to do before opening my back up to operate.
My surgery
Unfortunately due to holidays and my orthopaedic surgeon being away teaching in Italy and America, I can’t have my operation until June 12th. It also needs the head of neurology to be there, so they had to find a date that they could both make. My diary is pretty much free, apart from my trip to Belgium, so at least that didn’t cause a problem. I will have to go into hospital the day before my surgery so that I’m settled and ready and they can do tests ahead of the day. Then I’ll stay in for 2 to 3 days afterwards.
By the time Mum is able to pick me up I’ll be walking again and ready for eight weeks of gentle on-lead exercise. After that I can return to normal activities, but may be somewhat limited by having a plate in my back. On the bright side I shouldn’t be in pain anymore.
The best bit
The best bit is that my surgeon says I am an ideal weight. Any less would make me too lean. He said whatever we are doing is working well and I don’t need to lost anymore. I like him a lot!
Love
Wilma
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Best wishes Wilma . I am glad that you have figured out the problem- and it can be solved. We will be thinking about you.
Love Franz (and Lisa)