The surgery will be done at Good Samaritan Hospital in Baltimore by one of Johns Hopkins' leading orthopaedic surgeons. The purpose of the surgery is to insert a small titanium device called X-STOP between the spinous processes of L4-5 for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation, the device is inserted through the interspinous ligament to provide a permanent spacer that will increase the amount of space around the spinal cord and nerve roots that exit through the foramina. It is this decrease in space, caused by arthritis and a central disk herniation, that has created severe pain down both legs for the past 6 months, and the pain, the physical limitations, and deleterioius lifestyle changes have become intolerable. I am not one who enjoys being surgerized or medicated, but sometimes life hands you unexpected and unwanted burdens that put a strain or a damper on creativity. Being able to live pain-free, being able to move around, being able to travel, and being able to enjoy being conscious are highly valued by me; thus, I am willing to undergo the knife. Prayers and good wishes are welcomed. Thanks for your love and moral support.
You have the undying support of the people who love and care for you and want you better and whole and happy to enjoy the rest of your hard-earned retirement. Goddess speed.
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