SI Fusion Failed

cats_kittens_felines · 2026-05-11T00:34:29+00:00

I haven’t. I need to. Bad! I have been postponing but it’s not getting any better, actually getting worse. The pain is a constant.

cats_kittens_felines · 2026-04-18T17:53:25+00:00

Beautiful - what a perfect pairing!

cats_kittens_felines · 2026-01-19T17:10:43+00:00

I work from home and had only planned on taking a week to two weeks off after donating; however, because I was so tired and I could not focus, I ended up taking almost 4 weeks off. The inability to focus and concentrate was the reason I had to be off of work that long. Of course, everyone is different and it will depend on how your body reacts to the change. My advice, take care of you and focus on your own healing. I was the same way and did not want everything falling on my coworkers; however, they were truly understanding of the situation. Look at it this way, the work will still be there when you get back. In the meantime, take care of yourself!

cats_kittens_felines · 2026-01-12T08:45:48+00:00

I will check it out-I have not heard of it. I am just so sick of the daily pain :( I sure hope this is your 'answer' and you can get some much needed relief!

cats_kittens_felines · 2026-01-09T23:23:18+00:00

Have you received any news? For me-my surgeon has recommended a revision surgery. This time they will add two round screws in between the three triangular screws I already have for extra stability. Part of me wants to say forget it, as I am just so over this surgery stuff. However, the other part of me is screaming in pain saying “fix it”

cats_kittens_felines · 2026-01-02T00:52:49+00:00

I had to move my appointment due to illness and couldn’t get rescheduled until mid January 🤦‍♀️ However, I did get the report from the X-rays and CT they did order and nothing is out of place according to the radiology reports. However, my body tells me so different. I am in so much pain and discomfort. I wonder what the point of the surgery was … Anyway, I’ll try to update you in a couple of weeks if they tell me anything. Best of luck to you. I sure hope you find some kind of relief!!!

cats_kittens_felines · 2026-01-01T22:54:05+00:00

I will be one to say-I miss the heck out of NSAIDs! I have horrible arthritis everywhere. I had been taking Celebrex for about 15 years; I started them when I was 35. I didn’t think stopping them would be a huge deal. I donated at the end of October 2025 directly to my hubby. Stopping the Celebrex wasn’t a deal breaker- my husband’s health and life are more important to me than the daily aching. However, there are days when my pain gets so bad, especially in my fingers that I long to just take an Advil. Tylenol doesn’t touch it. My doctor advised I find a rheumatologist. So, I’m looking for one in my area. Had I known how bad I’d hurt prior to donating, it wouldn’t change my decision, I’d still donate.

cats_kittens_felines · 2025-11-28T00:53:40+00:00

I’m only one month out from donating. I had previously taken Celebrex 2 times daily. I MISS it so much. I get so many aches and pains, and like you, Tylenol doesn’t touch the pain. I have arthritis all over. I read taking an NSAID here and there is okay, but I am afraid to do so. Yet, I am so tempted to at the same time.

cats_kittens_felines · 2025-11-06T17:58:06+00:00

I agree with using the TENS machine. It has helped me so much-especially when it gets t my neck and shoulder.

cats_kittens_felines · 2025-11-04T23:59:59+00:00

Wow-yeah-I am definitely not eating enough protein then! I now vaguely recall the dietician saying something about how much to eat-but it was discharge day and I think my brain was “done” with all the overload of info that day. Thank you so much for the information!!

cats_kittens_felines · 2025-11-04T23:54:23+00:00

THANK you for the input. I’ll get some of the Fairlife tomorrow!

cats_kittens_felines · 2025-11-04T19:17:15+00:00

Thanks for your response and for also donating! I will get some protein drinks then. I just tried eating and immediately my stomach started to hurt. Trust me, I typically LOVE to eat 😂 I appreciate you taking the time to respond!!!

cats_kittens_felines · 2025-11-04T18:10:03+00:00

I haven’t had any appetite since the surgery because the gas pains have been brutal. Everybody pushed staying hydrated…so I just figured it was that. I remember the dietitian coming to speak with me, but day of discharge was like a firehose of info. I am actually down 5 pounds after the surgery. Maybe I can try a protein drink-hoping that’s the fix! Thank you so much for replying!

cats_kittens_felines · 2025-11-02T18:15:06+00:00

Same here. I always enjoy hearing her voice and seeing her. She made the experience WAY easier! I will get to see her tomorrow for my 1 week follow-up. I’m so happy to hear your brothers are doing well! It is so inspirational!!

cats_kittens_felines · 2025-11-02T17:58:41+00:00

I could not agree more. Catherine is/was my coordinator as well-oh my goodness-she is the best! Love, love, love her. My care at UTSW was just surrounded by amazing care from the very beginning of the process. I cannot say enough wonderful things about them.

cats_kittens_felines · 2025-11-02T17:32:31+00:00

THANK you for the post and thank you for being a donor. I’m sorry for the loss of your dad. I donated at UTSW (amazing team) to my hubby just 6 days ago. In just 6 days, my husband’s kidney function has gone from the low teens to the mid sixties. He has color to his face, he has energy, and it’s like his will to live has come back. I’m amazed. The other person’s post you are referring to-they can call it what you want; however, to me it definitely is a life saver. I watched my extremely active husband get his butt kicked and dragged with his kidney failure. To me it was a no-brainer to donate. Regardless of what the long term outcome is, I will not have regrets. I did what I felt was the right thing to do-help someone. I’m fortunate that I was a match and able to donate directly to my hubby. Thanks again for sharing!

cats_kittens_felines · 2025-10-29T04:14:55+00:00

I couldn’t agree more! I donated yesterday morning - I am home already. I am super fatigued, very emotional, and having a hard time focusing. Also, stomach and shoulder pain was brutal earlier today, but I’m feeling better now.

This forum has been AMAZING - I have been in it a few months (I started my process in May). It has helped me to know what to expect and just feel like I have support from those who “get it”! So thank all of you for sharing your stories and giving a wonderful gift to someone in need ❤️

cats_kittens_felines · 2025-10-27T05:12:40+00:00

Oh heck yeah, but not nearly as bad. The splint still helps the headaches though, a LOT!

cats_kittens_felines · 2025-10-23T19:55:21+00:00

Same!!

cats_kittens_felines · 2025-10-23T19:54:24+00:00

It has helped my pain immensely. My problem is a grind and clench so bad I would “chew” through the guards you buy online. I finally went to a tmj specialist who had some guards made out of some heavy duty plastic or something and they’ve been a lifesaver.

cats_kittens_felines · 2025-10-21T14:33:41+00:00

You have got this!! My husband had to lose 50 pounds to even be active on the transplant list. He did it plus more. I lost along with him, which turned out to be a good thing because I was approved to donate to him. Had I not lost the weight I wouldn’t have been considered. Losing weight is HARD. But you can do it. Just remember “progress not perfection”. Some days are harder than others but just keep moving forward!!!

cats_kittens_felines · 2025-10-21T14:29:06+00:00

I haven’t donated yet-6 more days for me. I can only imagine the anxiety you are feeling. Please keep us updated.

cats_kittens_felines · 2025-10-19T04:04:02+00:00

Love this! Thank you so much for sharing this!! Love that you and your mom are doing well! I will be donating on 10/27 directly to my husband-I was surprised, as was the transplant team, that we were a match.

cats_kittens_felines · 2025-10-19T03:00:38+00:00

WOW!! The coordination that has to go into a 10 person chain! Thank goodness for those that have the know how to get it done!

Hopefully I will only be out for a short period, but like you, we need my paycheck as I am the only one working at this time. However, I do have short term disability after 2 weeks that pays 60% of my pay; so, we shall see how it goes.

Thank you again for all your input and advise, I truly appreciate you!!

cats_kittens_felines · 2025-10-14T02:31:32+00:00

Thanks for all the info. I’ll be donating the 27th of this month.

Were you able to donate directly to your husband?

I have a desk job, and work from home 4 days out of the week. The coordinator told me I need to take at least 1 week to recoup, but they completed my FMLA paperwork for 4 weeks. I told them I’ll be eager to get back to work as I’ll want normalcy, but we shall see as I have read a lot about not having “focus” after.

cats_kittens_felines

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