Make do, Mend and Minimise in 2015

nursemaggie

silvasava I have a wardrobe full of Bonmache trousers they are all baggy at the back of my legs and thighs but they are the only ones that fit me for length.

GreyQueen

OMG, vulpix, that sounds very serious. Is the surgery your only option?:(

silvasava

Vulpix - lots of questions you need to ask although I do know that spinal surgery has improved dramatically over the last 20 years (due to roadside bombs etc) Sending huge hugs during this scary time.
Nursemaggie - looks like one of two options - get the fit and shorten the trousers or get the length and alter the fit. The simplest would be the shorten option - I do sympathise as I have long legs & no bum & lots of trousers are made for a more generous figure & make me look as if I'm wearing a nappy!

vulpix

Thanks chums.The cat scan was very clear in showing the damage.2 vertebrae have moved out of alignment and are crushing the spinal column and discs.They want to screw and pin them back into place and put a cage(?)round them to support it all.Also do something to the discs and surrounding tissue but I had glazed over by then.I have an appointment for a pre op asessment next week.It will just be a case of being on the waiting list,so not in the next couple of months.This is damage caused from an attempted emergency epidural 24 years ago.They were amazed that I was walking and had bladder control!!!!!!!!!!!Bludy mindedness ladies,when you are a single parent you can't be ill.I knew I had a bad back obviously but so many people have a bad back,I thought it was just something I had to put up with.The physio from my GP sent me fast track.Must thank him when I go to see the nurse today.
Anyhow,didn't do the food shop yesterday as I was at the hospital a long time,so will go today.Will also do a drive by on a couple of houses in a nearby village.Vx

dND

vulpix wrote: »

Oh ladies,I am in shock.I need a major operation on my spine.2 surgeons,inserting a cage round the spine and screws and pins!oh lord,whatever next!Vx

:eek:

Thinking of you Vulpix. As it's so major I would ask for a second opinion plus a full discussion of the possible outcomes and risks. Only you can make the final decision but it might help having a trusted friend there to be a relatively detached participant - I always find I have difficulties remembering everything said or remembering all the questions I wanted to ask, even if I've written them down.

villagelife

Vulpix - thinking of you. I was also going to say take someone with you to the next appointment. They will be able to retain more of the information than you can. Also please write down list of questions and concerns you have. If you have any questions you would like answered before the preop contact the consultant via his secretary.

mrssnowy_2

nursemaggie wrote: »

Thanks lindadykes for trying my problem is no where near there it is the back of my legs going up to my bum. There is about 6 inches of surplus materiel across each leg.

Nursemaggie,I have trousers from Co77on Traders,like the fit of their trousers as the thighs/bum does not flap like an old elephants rear.
mrss

TudorRose

Nursemaggie. I know what you mean about trouser lengths. I buy 27" but I noticed a few weeks ago that Bonmarche do a 25" leg

Nargleblast

Vulpix, the CT scan pictures have obviously clearly identified the problem and it is clear what needs to be done to fix it. You are lucky in that respect because in some cases a problem is identified but there is either no solution or the risks outweigh the benefits. If this were the case with you then you would not have been offered an operation, would you?

At your pre-op assessment appointment they will establish that you are fit enough to have surgery. You will need to know from them what the benefits are of having the surgery, the chances of success, and what possible risks there are. Also what is likely to happen to you in later life if you don't have the surgery, sometimes conditions can have a big impact on your health in later years, and in this case you might have no choice but to get the job done. You will also want a rough idea of how your recovery will be, e.g. how long in hospital, what you can and can't do when you get home, how long before you regain normal function and can work, drive etc.

Yes, lots to think about, any proposed surgery is a scary thing to contemplate, so I suggest you write down a list of questions as they occur to you.

vulpix

Thank you so much people,don't want to hog the thread but the out come is the same for not having the op and having it and it not working out...incontinence and paraplegic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So fingers crossed for it working.It will be fine.Apparently I have been bad tempered all day,I don't know if Mr V is more annoying than usual or it just seems like it.haha Vx