Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Back Watch 2009 - It's On!

First of all, Slag does indeed have osteoporosis in his back. I guess being sedentary for a couple of years will do that to a person. But all is not lost. According to his surgeon, brittle bones mean he's not a good candidate for disc replacement, and six months of bone-enhancing medication may or not improve the condition of his bones enough to make him a candidate later. But he is a candidate for 360 degree disc fusion RIGHT NOW. So that's what he's getting. They'll be taking out the offending disc completely and fusing the two adjoining vertebrae together, and voila, no more pain (fingers crossed).

He's giddy with anticipation. I know, who gets giddy at the thought of major surgery? Someone who's been in pain for two solid years, that's who. I was sitting in the examination room with him when he actually said, to the premier spinal surgeon in this part of the country,

"Man, it's OK with me if you come at me with a pair of post hole diggers."

The surgeon laughed. I'm taking it as a good sign that he at least has a sense of humor. And also that he doesn't actually use post hole diggers in the operating room.

Surgery is on 4/23. We're leaving for Plano on 4/21. Stay tuned....

7 Comments:

Blogger Jocelyn said...

I so like Slag. He deserves every possible kind of fusion, including nuclear.

All the best these next weeks!

5:39 PM  
Blogger kara said...

or maybe he was laughing because they do. but it was that laugh that the doctor from the simpsons does. you know the one.

i bet that doesn't help.

9:11 PM  
Blogger Mauigirl said...

So glad to hear Slag can get surgery on his back despite the osteoporosis. I knew a woman at work who had the disk fusion - she was very happy with the results. Best of luck to you both on this! (Is it some kind of weird coincidence or a Sign from Above that the word verification word is "cured"?)

7:12 PM  
Blogger Jazz said...

Good god, Kara took my exact comment right out of my head. That's just bizarre.

Fingers crossed that this works!

7:53 AM  
Blogger Cheesy said...

I'm sending my biggest hippy chick healing vibes! Can't wait to hear how it goes! If Slag does end up taking the drugs later... always remind him to be upright for awhile after. They cause horrible heartburn...

12:49 PM  
Blogger Cheesy said...

Time to check in Chica!

10:30 PM  
Blogger Stucco said...

Well?

6:37 PM  

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