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mrmpa

(4,033 posts)
Thu Feb 23, 2012, 01:00 PM Feb 2012

How many times have you had surgery?

Was thinking of californiapeggy's surgery when I see that she's under the knife today. I had a knee replacement back in October, that was my 15th surgery. I knew I had a lot, but when the anaesthesiologist brought out my records, and said, "I think you know the drill" and I saw the thickness of my records, I did the count.

Nice anaesthesiologist, he did a spinal and for 5 weeks, my spinal stenosis and pinched nerve pain was relegated to a 2 on a the pain scale, down from my usual 8-9.

Honestly, except for the pain, I consider myself in good health.

68 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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How many times have you had surgery? (Original Post) mrmpa Feb 2012 OP
15 is a lot yet dana_b Feb 2012 #1
I agree it is confusing & always cold. eom mrmpa Feb 2012 #5
Aside from dental implants and all that entails, one. siligut Feb 2012 #2
None. Knock on wood. Swede Feb 2012 #3
One must distinguish between "minor" and "major" surgery.... Scuba Feb 2012 #4
Nothing major yet REP Feb 2012 #6
That title lies. Neoma Feb 2012 #15
Most of those used existing openings and I went home the same day, so really, minor REP Feb 2012 #21
Does having a heart stent via catheter from the groin count? Liberal Veteran Feb 2012 #7
sure - they had to dana_b Feb 2012 #13
Yeah, having a 90 something percent blockage in something called "the widowmaker" Liberal Veteran Feb 2012 #18
I've had some cool ones and not so cool ones WilmywoodNCparalegal Feb 2012 #8
6 emilyg Feb 2012 #9
Too many skygazer Feb 2012 #10
4 NV Whino Feb 2012 #11
High five, fellow tubal ligation owner! REP Feb 2012 #22
Had Mine early on NV Whino Feb 2012 #24
>>>>>>Awesome Alert!!!<<<<<<<<< REP Feb 2012 #26
Beat ya NV Whino Feb 2012 #33
<AOL> metoo! </AOL> Pool Hall Ace Feb 2012 #43
I've known you're awesome for a while now REP Feb 2012 #45
Nothin' makes you realize you are mortal like waking up in the ER Pool Hall Ace Feb 2012 #57
Once in 5th grade - outpatient. HopeHoops Feb 2012 #12
Only 3. Graybeard Feb 2012 #14
8 times geardaddy Feb 2012 #16
Too young for all that...eom mrmpa Feb 2012 #19
Yeah, thanks. geardaddy Feb 2012 #42
Your list makes me sad and happy REP Feb 2012 #23
Thanks. geardaddy Feb 2012 #41
It's almost old enough to drink! REP Feb 2012 #46
Mi fydd dy Gymraeg yn well hefyd! geardaddy Feb 2012 #48
YIKES, what happened to your kidneys and hip joints? Odin2005 Feb 2012 #64
I had an autoimmune thingy cause the kidney disease. geardaddy Feb 2012 #67
This message was self-deleted by its author Iggo Feb 2012 #17
4 RiffRandell Feb 2012 #20
Once, I guess. Tonsillectomy. Oh wait...no...circumcision before that. trof Feb 2012 #25
motorcycle accident and handmade34 Feb 2012 #27
One: tonsillectomy when I was 7 years old. pink-o Feb 2012 #28
Four, I guess. bluedigger Feb 2012 #29
5 helderheid Feb 2012 #30
I'd have to look in my med records -- I know it exceeds 10 and may be as many as Old Troop Feb 2012 #31
I had surgery on a lazy eye when I was 3 or 4. Wisdom teeth. That's it I think. applegrove Feb 2012 #32
None, so far. n/t mia Feb 2012 #34
Four, if you count wisdom tooth extraction av8rdave Feb 2012 #35
Three rainbow4321 Feb 2012 #36
Just tonsils and a couple of teeth pulled. femmocrat Feb 2012 #37
Not once Generic Brad Feb 2012 #38
Not as many as you have! csziggy Feb 2012 #39
4 nadine_mn Feb 2012 #40
Twice - to lengthen my Achilles tendons. UrbScotty Feb 2012 #44
This message was self-deleted by its author AtomicKitten Feb 2012 #47
2 in 64 years sinkingfeeling Feb 2012 #49
The first time was the scariest, as far as getting put to sleep and not knowing if you'll wake up Major Nikon Feb 2012 #50
Too many to count. Broken bones, lacerations, torn ligaments... Bruce Wayne Feb 2012 #51
Since a lot of replies have listed, I'll list mine here.. mrmpa Feb 2012 #52
Zero sakabatou Feb 2012 #53
Too F***ing many DFW Feb 2012 #54
Knock on wood nothing but things they called "surgery" but it was ridiculous treestar Feb 2012 #55
Two shanti Feb 2012 #56
I've had two cataract surgeries this year. greatauntoftriplets Feb 2012 #58
19 Danmel Feb 2012 #59
Just cataract surgery in both eyes lunatica Feb 2012 #60
I lost count at ten. I had five in one week. 12hrs. in, 12 hrs. out of the OR. Hotler Feb 2012 #61
12 BlancheSplanchnik Feb 2012 #62
Once. Had my impacted wisdom teeth removed. Odin2005 Feb 2012 #63
Does circumcision count? Orrex Feb 2012 #65
Only three, I think. Tonsils (twice!) and gall bladder years ago. nolabear Feb 2012 #66
I had 3 minor surgeries this past December NewJeffCT Feb 2012 #68

dana_b

(11,546 posts)
1. 15 is a lot yet
Thu Feb 23, 2012, 01:08 PM
Feb 2012

I know that not all surgeries are equal. I've had 6 and am awaiting another one. I think the strangest part is waking up from anesthesia. It's so confusing (and cold)!

siligut

(12,272 posts)
2. Aside from dental implants and all that entails, one.
Thu Feb 23, 2012, 01:14 PM
Feb 2012

And it was on my wrist and I was conscious through it.

 

Scuba

(53,475 posts)
4. One must distinguish between "minor" and "major" surgery....
Thu Feb 23, 2012, 01:17 PM
Feb 2012

.."minor" surgery is surgery someone else has.



An even half-dozen for me, all major of course.

REP

(21,691 posts)
6. Nothing major yet
Thu Feb 23, 2012, 01:20 PM
Feb 2012

Nerve reattachment right thumb
Exploratory laprascopy
Tubal fulguration
Endometrial ablation
Renal biopsy
Removal of struvite stone from lower pole of left kidney
Endometrial biopsy
LEEP procedure to remove cervix

Probably a couple others

Coming up:
Removal of part of AC joint, left shoulder
Repair tendons, left elbow
Repair tendons and cuff, left shoulder
Possible joint replacement, left elbow
Joint replacement, right shoulder
Tendon repair, right elbow

REP

(21,691 posts)
21. Most of those used existing openings and I went home the same day, so really, minor
Thu Feb 23, 2012, 06:20 PM
Feb 2012

Although the stone removal (cystoscopy/uretoscopy with YAG laser and basketing into lower pole left kidney with double-j stent placement) HURT LIKE FUCKING HELL!!! My husband said I was screaming once we got home, but I still maintain I was just groaning quietly. After I got stronger meds, we both agree I didn't talk or move much for 3 days - I wasn't stoned; it was just too painful!

But yeah. Compared to what most people have endured - minor. But you are very sweet! I love sympathy!

Liberal Veteran

(22,239 posts)
7. Does having a heart stent via catheter from the groin count?
Thu Feb 23, 2012, 01:37 PM
Feb 2012

If so, 1.
If not, 0.

I do remember being wide awake and in mid-sentence when the second dose of Versed was administered. Then.....recovery room.

I remember looking for a clock as soon as I woke up.

Liberal Veteran

(22,239 posts)
18. Yeah, having a 90 something percent blockage in something called "the widowmaker"
Thu Feb 23, 2012, 03:47 PM
Feb 2012

I will say it put some fear into me.

WilmywoodNCparalegal

(2,654 posts)
8. I've had some cool ones and not so cool ones
Thu Feb 23, 2012, 01:42 PM
Feb 2012

Rhinoplasty to fix deviated septum (and yes, it included a 'refacing' of my old aquiline nose)
Bilateral breast reduction (my husband's least favorite )
Achilles tendon tear repair
Various D&Cs for heavy bleeding
and the one I like the least (because it's giving me a lot of post-op problems)... laparoscopic hysterectomy.

skygazer

(20,546 posts)
10. Too many
Thu Feb 23, 2012, 02:26 PM
Feb 2012

Hmmm... let me think....

I'm coming up with seven. Seems like more but I'm glad it's not. Never any fun.

REP

(21,691 posts)
22. High five, fellow tubal ligation owner!
Thu Feb 23, 2012, 06:22 PM
Feb 2012

Sorry about the other stuff, but I see we both have a good one on our lists!

NV Whino

(20,886 posts)
24. Had Mine early on
Thu Feb 23, 2012, 06:39 PM
Feb 2012

Stupid git of a doctor tried to tell me I really needed to experience pregnancy. I set him straight.

REP

(21,691 posts)
26. >>>>>>Awesome Alert!!!<<<<<<<<<
Thu Feb 23, 2012, 06:49 PM
Feb 2012

Extra Respek Knuckles for you, fellow Childfree person:



I had mine done sans pregnancy as well, but it took me until I was 35 to find a (kick-ass) surgeon to do it.

REP

(21,691 posts)
45. I've known you're awesome for a while now
Fri Feb 24, 2012, 03:35 PM
Feb 2012

You get extra Respek Knuckles for tubal ligation



And a Stop That! + Stay Well! for the other ones!

Pool Hall Ace

(5,849 posts)
57. Nothin' makes you realize you are mortal like waking up in the ER
Sat Feb 25, 2012, 08:57 PM
Feb 2012

An outstanding neurosurgeon took care of me -- we are going to make sure that meningioma will not come back!

Graybeard

(6,996 posts)
14. Only 3.
Thu Feb 23, 2012, 03:11 PM
Feb 2012

Tonsils out as a kid. (Does that count?)

Baker's cyst removed.

And recently a hip replacement.

geardaddy

(24,924 posts)
16. 8 times
Thu Feb 23, 2012, 03:40 PM
Feb 2012

Hernia - age three
Wisdom teeth removal - age 17
Laparoscopic gallbladder removal - age 27
A-V fistula - age 27
Renal transplant - age 28
Long terrm central line installation - age 28
Right hip replacement - age 29
Left hip replacement - age 29

geardaddy

(24,924 posts)
42. Yeah, thanks.
Fri Feb 24, 2012, 12:05 PM
Feb 2012

I wish I hadn't had kidney disease, but am glad I was able to have a transplant that allowed me to live a relatively normal life.

REP

(21,691 posts)
23. Your list makes me sad and happy
Thu Feb 23, 2012, 06:24 PM
Feb 2012

Sad you needed them (well wisdom teeth not so much but very happy you got them, especially the tx.

REP

(21,691 posts)
46. It's almost old enough to drink!
Fri Feb 24, 2012, 03:38 PM
Feb 2012

It breaks my heart we're the same age and your Welsh is soooooo much better .... Stay healthy and well! We need all the Welsh speakers hale and talking!

geardaddy

(24,924 posts)
67. I had an autoimmune thingy cause the kidney disease.
Mon Feb 27, 2012, 11:31 AM
Feb 2012

and then because of the high dose of steroids to combat rejection, I got the side effet of deteriorating hip joints. The good thing is I'm doing pretty good 19 years later.

Response to mrmpa (Original post)

handmade34

(22,755 posts)
27. motorcycle accident and
Thu Feb 23, 2012, 07:03 PM
Feb 2012

this...



then further surgeries to remove the external fixator and put in a internal rod...




then... bone marrow transplant and then surgery to cut out chunk of fibula to help the tibia heal...

I love my leg! scar and all


oh, yes... and the ritual tubal ligation

pink-o

(4,056 posts)
28. One: tonsillectomy when I was 7 years old.
Thu Feb 23, 2012, 07:04 PM
Feb 2012

I'm so old, they actually knocked me out with ether! And I want to go to my grave with that being my only surgery ever. Working hard to achieve that goal.

Unfortunately, I also had two other health goals I didn't make it to: Other than the useless tonsil procedure, I never wanted to spend a night in a hospital. But 10 years ago I broke my leg on my bike, and they kept me in the ER till the next morning. My other broken promise is that I swore I would never take antibiotics. But I got walking pneumonia in 98, so no choice there either.

But let that be the END of it! Want to avoid drugs and being cut open as long as I possibly can!

bluedigger

(17,077 posts)
29. Four, I guess.
Thu Feb 23, 2012, 07:15 PM
Feb 2012

Circumcision and tonsils - age I don't remember

Wisdom teeth - age 22

ACL reconstruction - age 40

(I really only count the ACL, which sucked.)

Thinking of you, CalPeggy!

av8rdave

(10,569 posts)
35. Four, if you count wisdom tooth extraction
Thu Feb 23, 2012, 10:58 PM
Feb 2012

Hernia repair as a kid, thumb reimplant/skin graft and vasectomy.

Enough for a lifetime IMO.

rainbow4321

(9,974 posts)
36. Three
Thu Feb 23, 2012, 11:04 PM
Feb 2012

C section, appendix, gall bladder....

Appendix was the worst because it burst, my abdominal cavity was full of appendix pieces and the toxins that come with it for hours..went home with an open surgical wound and had to be off work for like 6 weeks. The whole process was started because I was misdiagnosed as having a stomach flu and sent home when I went to the ER for non stop nausea/vomiting. Then 24 hours later it burst...another trip to the ER (via ambulance), 6 hour wait for a hospital bed and FINALLY, surgery.

The other two were a piece of cake compared to the appy nightmare.

femmocrat

(28,394 posts)
37. Just tonsils and a couple of teeth pulled.
Thu Feb 23, 2012, 11:05 PM
Feb 2012

Fortunately that's it... and I hope it stays that way!

Best vibes to our dear Peggy!

Generic Brad

(14,270 posts)
38. Not once
Thu Feb 23, 2012, 11:14 PM
Feb 2012

I have all my original parts. They may not be in pristine shape, but they are all in working order.

And I hope California Peggy has a full and quick recovery.

csziggy

(34,119 posts)
39. Not as many as you have!
Fri Feb 24, 2012, 01:32 AM
Feb 2012

Tonsillectomy as a kid, tubal ligation, rebuilt left rotator cuff, medial meniscus left knee, hysterectomy, medial meniscus right knee, cleaned up right rotator cuff.

Now I'm waiting to hear back from the surgeon who will be doing bi-lateral knee replacements, most likely this year.

I recently met a woman who has had 14 surgeries in the last five years and is going in for major heart surgery this year. Six of her surgeries were knee replacements - three bi-lateral. The first two times, the prosthetics were defective. She did say she had gotten a really good amount in a class action suit, but I don't know if it would be worth it!

nadine_mn

(3,702 posts)
40. 4
Fri Feb 24, 2012, 01:51 AM
Feb 2012

I had 2 surgeries on my left ankle when I was 17 & 18... Broke my ankle and had to have pins and plates in, then the surgery to remove them

D&C @ 28 to remove polyps

Gall bladder out I think at 29 or 30

The D&C was the worst because I had a severe reaction to something in the anesthesia cocktail.

Ugh.. I hate surgery.. I hate that feeling of helplessness.

Response to mrmpa (Original post)

Major Nikon

(36,814 posts)
50. The first time was the scariest, as far as getting put to sleep and not knowing if you'll wake up
Fri Feb 24, 2012, 05:24 PM
Feb 2012

Every time I've been put under, it seems like only seconds from the time I go under to when I'm waking up in recovery even if it's hours later.

I've had my ankle operated on twice and two colonoscopies.

Bruce Wayne

(692 posts)
51. Too many to count. Broken bones, lacerations, torn ligaments...
Fri Feb 24, 2012, 07:05 PM
Feb 2012

And it's all from skiing accidents. I swear, just skiiing accidents. I was no where near that vigilante incident!!

mrmpa

(4,033 posts)
52. Since a lot of replies have listed, I'll list mine here..
Sat Feb 25, 2012, 03:03 AM
Feb 2012

Bunionectomy
repair of plantar fascititis
medial menisectomy
arthroscopic of the knee
knee replacement
3 laparoscpies for endmetriosis
hysterectomy
broken hip repair
removal of broken hip repair plate-included cadaver bone transplant
repair of broken elbow
breast fibroadenoma removed
cataract removal
removal of stone from tear duct

That's it until I'm ready for an elbow replacement, for the elbow that was broken and I don't have full use of.

DFW

(54,047 posts)
54. Too F***ing many
Sat Feb 25, 2012, 02:20 PM
Feb 2012

Knees, 2 (1 each)
Sinuses, 2
Left ear (major), 3
Heart, 3
Minor stuff, forgotten.

Probably more down the road, but I'm in no hurry.

My wife has tumors on what's left of her thyroid, and gets them (and it) taken out in a few weeks.
She hasn't had a recurrence of her cancer since 2001, and we're hoping this isn't one.

treestar

(82,383 posts)
55. Knock on wood nothing but things they called "surgery" but it was ridiculous
Sat Feb 25, 2012, 02:23 PM
Feb 2012

to all it that - local anesthesia things. Mole removal should not be called surgery, but they did it.

Wisdom teeth extraction was my biggest.

shanti

(21,670 posts)
56. Two
Sat Feb 25, 2012, 02:40 PM
Feb 2012

Adenoidectomy/Myringotomy
Appendectomy

These are the only procedures done under general anesthetic. Nothing else for almost 40 years. *knock on wood*


greatauntoftriplets

(175,691 posts)
58. I've had two cataract surgeries this year.
Sun Feb 26, 2012, 10:24 AM
Feb 2012

And now I don't need to wear glasses. A difficult adjustment because I'd worn them for 40 years.

Hotler

(11,353 posts)
61. I lost count at ten. I had five in one week. 12hrs. in, 12 hrs. out of the OR.
Sun Feb 26, 2012, 12:01 PM
Feb 2012

For open pelvis fractures and broken left leg and all the torn up parts inside.

BlancheSplanchnik

(20,219 posts)
62. 12
Sun Feb 26, 2012, 05:56 PM
Feb 2012

--exploratory surgery age 10
--Ileostomy (translation: bag O' shit you wear permanently. They did not tell me the surgery I would inevitably need would involve anything so disgusting. I woke up to a biiiiiiiig surprise.) = Removal of most of large intestine age 19 (emergency. Finally. Ulcerative Colitis started age 7, increasingly debilitating until basically an invalid age 17-19)
--Completion of removal of intestine and conversion to Koch pouch (construction of internal reservoir) age 23

others more minor, including assorted deep abscesses, lumbar disc ruptures, rotator cuff tear- right shoulder (WOW! Shoulder surgery recovery HURTS!! Yowza!), gall bladder laparoscopy, D&C's for fibroids

Odin2005

(53,521 posts)
63. Once. Had my impacted wisdom teeth removed.
Sun Feb 26, 2012, 06:09 PM
Feb 2012

Being put under was a strange experience. One moment I had just been rolled into the OR and was joking with the anesthesiologist, the next moment I was waking up in the recovery room with my mom asking "Are you up"?

Orrex

(63,083 posts)
65. Does circumcision count?
Sun Feb 26, 2012, 06:55 PM
Feb 2012

I'm told that it traumatized more than anything else in the whole entire world ever.

nolabear

(41,915 posts)
66. Only three, I think. Tonsils (twice!) and gall bladder years ago.
Sun Feb 26, 2012, 06:58 PM
Feb 2012

I'm actually pretty much kicking ass.

NewJeffCT

(56,827 posts)
68. I had 3 minor surgeries this past December
Mon Feb 27, 2012, 11:34 AM
Feb 2012

for kidney stones.

But, before that, I had two surgeries to get wisdom teeth removed, and then two as a child - one to get tubes put in my ears to help them drain, and then one other one to remove my adenoids.

So, 7 times in total, but all fairly minor.

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