In 1994, I had to retire from work because of constant back problems. An MRI showed 3 herniated discs and much arthritis in my lower back. From September 94 through March 98, I babied my back pain and did no stressful work to aggravate it. On March 28, 1998, I was going to get ready to go to 5 PM Mass. I was sitting on the couch in my living room, and went to get up when all of a sudden I fell on my face. I had had a stroke and never realized it. A month in Rehab Hospital and 3 months OP rehab brought me back to 95 percent recovery.
Then in about April of 2000, I kept waking in the middle of the night with horrible back pain, which I attributed to my back troubles. After a week, I went to my family doctor, because of the pain. He poked and jabbed me every place, eliminating kidney, stomach, lung and intestines. He suspected an abdominal aneurysm and sent me for a sonogram. Sure enough, they found an AAA of 3.6cm. A year later he sent me for another one and it grew to 4.8 cm.
I went to a vascular surgeon and he told me to have tests done in about 3 more months. First, he wanted me to give up smoking, which I failed to do. Last month, I went to St Francis Hospital on Long Island for all sorts of tests. I had a carotid artery sonogram, which was normal, a spiral Cat scan and an angiogram. I was hoping that the stent protocol could be performed on me, instead of the normal operation.
Well, unfortunately, I have 3 aneurysms. One in my abdomen and one in each Iliac. Also, my renal artery is clogged and my right kidney is stunted to 1/3rd of its size. Tomorrow, I am calling up to make arrangements for the surgery. I know it will be no picnic, but when you know you have it, it really is on your mind constantly. Here's hoping everything turns out OK. I will report after surgery to report on my progress.
Update 22 Mar 2001
The day after I posted my story on this website, I called my surgeon for an appointment for my operation. His secretary gave me a few choices and I picked March 29th as my personal dooms day. I just kept thinking of being cut open from bone to bone, that thought was chilling. Anyway, the secretary said she would call me the next day with all the details.
The following day, she called in the late afternoon, and told me the doctor said I was getting the stent procedure and not the operation. I told her the doctor must have me confused, because he told me 2 weeks previous that I needed the surgery. Anyway, she made an appointment for me with the surgeon to straighten it out.
Well, that appointment was today, and the doctor told me that 2 days after he told me I needed surgery, he recieved a letter from the FDA that approved another type of stent, that was suitable to my situation and that it was now possible to do the stent protocol on me. It was like a heavy weight had just been lifted from my shoulders. Although I don't have a definite date, it will be before the 15th of April. I will let you know how things turn out in the very near future.
I would like to thank all of the very considerate people who sent me e-mails with the kindest words of encouragements, and for prayers said on my benefit. I feel that I am truly a part of this website and soon will be an experienced person on the stent protocol.
Update 6 Apr 2001
I was told to be at the hospital before 11 Am on Monday April 2nd for a 2pm procedure for the stent. So I could not eat anything after midnight on Sunday. I got there at 10:45 AM and was brought to preop area and did all the necessary things. The man in the bed next to me was also getting the stent by the same doctor. He was scheduled for 11 AM. Well, according to Murphys Law, if anything can go wrong, it will.
The 8am procedure ran into complications, and the Dr had to do a regular cut job on him. The guy next to me didn't go in until 2PM, and didn't come out until 5:30PM. Just remember, I didn't eat since midnight the night before. I finally went in to the OR at 6:15PM, and got out at 10:30PM.
When I was awakened by the nurses, I thought I was in heaven, There were 4 wonderful nurses at my side doing all sorts of things to see to my comfort. I asked if I could have a cup of tea, because more than pain, I was hungry, hungry, hungry. I had my cup of tea within 2 minutes and it was the most delicious tea I ever tasted.I said to myself, "Well, this wasn't so bad. The worst is over and it can only go uphill from here" About a minute after I finished my tea, I got sick and promptly threw it up. The after effects od anesthesia I was told. OK, I'll just try to go to sleep and feel better in the morning.
They woke me up at 5:30 AM and gave me a sponge bath. The nurse had to roll me from side to side, to change the sheets, which promptly made me throw up again. Not to worry she said, sometimes motion does that after an operation. I felt pretty good, but was still so hungry. I asked the nurse what time breakfast came,so I could get something into my stomach. She said I can't have breakfast because I have to take a cat scan I couldn't believe it. Ididn't go to Cat scan until 11:25 am and got back to recovery at about 12:30. Guess what, Lunch was already served and I missed it. They immediately called the kitchen for a tray which came at about 2 PM. By this time I was so sick from not eating that I didn't much care anymore. I decided that I must eat some thing for my own good. I lifted the cover of the tray, and there was an entree of Pot Roast, gravy and mashed potatoes. I took one whiff of it , and threw up a glass of gingerale, which the nurse had given me while I was waiting for my lunch. At this point, I wouldn't have minded if God had taken me then and put me out of my misery.
At 3PM I was put into a room with another patient. The doctor came to see me because of my nausea and said I would only have clear soup and toast for dinner. I ate that, and much to my surprise, kept it down. The doctor also said I would have to hold down my breakfast if I wanted to go home that day (Wednesday) I did that, and was sent home at 12 noon and was never so glad to see my house. That was a great comfort in itself.
Today is Friday (April 6) and for the past two days, I have been feeling much better. I have done a little walking have been eating and I was constipated, but with a little Milk of Magnesia, that got taken care of.
I have cuts on both of my groins about 2 inches long, and although quite sore, are not really painful. I will see the doctor next week, and I'm sure everything will be all right. In the long run, it wasn't the procedure that was so bad, it was the incidental side things that went all wrong. And it ia a wonderful feeling to know that I no longer have this thing that was constantly on my mind.
I want to thank all the wonderful caring people from this website who sent me letters of encouragement and prayers. That really meant so much to me. THANK YOU ALL
Update 16 Sep 2001
I would just like to let my friends know that this week I had my 6 month checkup. It has only been 5 months since my stent procedure was performed, but I have had a persistant back ache which 2 months of physical therapy did not ease. I notified my surgeon, and he sent me for a sonogram and then a cat scan; to make sure that my stents were not leaking. I had my consultation with the surgeon on Thursday and am happy to report that everything is perfect with my 3 stents. (A very big relief)
It seems that all of my back pain is caused by numerous back injuries I suffered in my 34 years at the same job. So, now I have the peace of mind that my stents are fine and will see what can actually be done to relieve my back pain.
God bless all of you wonderful people for your prayers, advice and support. And in this terrible crises in New York (my home state), GOD BLESS AMERICA
Update: 1 Apr 2003
In 2 days, it will have been 2 years since my stent operation for an abdominal and 2 iliac aneurysms. I just want to report that I have absolutely no side effects or repercussions from the operation. My blood pressure is down, my cholesterol is normal and my doctor says I am in great condition. I have absolutely no restrictions and I go to the gym faithfully 3 times a week for exercise.
It is so mentally and emotionally satisfying that I no longer have the sword hanging over my head, worrying about the chances of it bursting. I wake up every day thankful for my life and understanding that some people are not so fortunate.