Into Surgery I go

I have thought about this surgery for months in great detail and just ready to be on the other side of it at this point! I am thankful I am not nervous (yet) even with it being tomorrow AM.

The plan:

Tuesday April 9th: ALIF Procedure

• 5:30am arrival to the hospital

• 7:30am surgery (estimated 3hrs)

  • Hour 1: Stomach incision and insert a titanium cage with bone graft to replace my non existing disc.

  • 30min: flip me over to my stomach

  • Hour 2-3: posterior incisions (3-5 depending on surgeons approach) for fusion of L4-L5

  • At the end I should have 7-8 titanium screws in that small little area, two rods and a cage. 😳

• 11am should be awakening with new hardware

Friday April 12th: should be released from the hospital if all goes well with walking and weaning.

The following few weeks will be in bed mostly.

My Surgeon:

I went with the same surgeon who did my husband Lee’s 3 back surgeries. Roger Frankel is a top neurosurgeon and ranked in the counrty.

I pray he is well rested, has steady hands, my body is healthy and provides the easiest canvas to work with.

My Mantras:

I am strong.

I am healthy.

I can do hard things.

I will be better after this.

I will get through this.

Please pray for me tomorrow and the next few days that I remain strong physically and mentally.

Thank you!