The 2nd vertebroplasty was done yesterday. They were suppossed to do T10 and T12 but I gave them permission to asses on the spot and do what they deemed to be the most efficient. Therefore, they ended up doing T7, T8, T9 which is the middle back and the source of the most recent back pain. There are still a few more to do (L5, L6, T10, T12) but on average, by building the needed support muscles I should be able to function with this and continue on pain management. If we need to do the rest then we will do them. In the meantime, we can safely start the physio, in moderation.
Yesterday’s procedure was much less painful than the lower lumbar of the first procedure. In fact, I slept through most of it. I was awake through the preparation but I had advised the anesthesiologist that I had vomitted last time so this time around she increased the anti-nausea and pain killer meds, which explains why I slept through it all.
My back will always be fragile so now I need to learn to be preventative about it and not put it through undue stress. No heavy lifting, vaccuming, washing floors, reaching up, reaching down, reaching out, turning abruptly, no weird movements, no sudden moves. It’ll have to be a balance between building core muscles without straining it. My physio is working with the spine people to come up with the perfect exercises.
In the meantime, I will need to find an adapted apartment, avoid stairs, avoid very high and low cabinets, housecleaning, putting out garbage, laundry, dishes for a while, as well as sitting and standing for extended periods of time. A housecleaner will no longer be a luxury but a necessity. Getting new fractures will be part of my ‘new normal’ so I’ll have to adapt to that and be as preventative as possible. Every movement will need to be thought out before doing them. We’re not talking “ouch, my back hurts, give me a Robaxazet”, we’re talking preventing fractures until my back is strong enough.
All in all, I’m doing well. Looking forward to be on the road to recovery and going to rehab then home. Another few months and home, here I come. I will only go home once I am 100% ready. I am not setting myself up to a repeat performance of all these past few months of hardship.
I am also glad to say that my prednisone level is down to 9mg. We are gradually decreasing it and all seems good so far. The lower the dose the more chances we give my body to recover from the steroid side-effects. It will take time to get rid of the toxins but it’s a good start.
This will all tie in to all the darn extra expenses (housecleaner, meals, meal prep, laundry, home care (washing and getting dressed), daily living equipment, wheelchair, walkers, grab bars, bathroom stools, transport, rehab equipment, moving expenses…
I thought I needed help before, now there will be no denying it.
Marie-Chantal
Marie-Chantal Marchand 