My Spinal Operation

“ I Enjoyed Doing Your Operation “
Dr Ali G Friday May 15 2015 Kareena Private Hospital, Caringbah ,Sydney

I recall being asked by a clairvoyant, in a reading, whilst in Coffs Harbour, NSW in January 2013 , “ how is your back ? “

On Thursday , May 14, 2015 I subsequently underwent a four hour spinal operation at Kareena Private Hospital , Caringbah. Part of my hip was taken to graft into my spine; titanium screws were used in my spinal fusion. The surgeon reaches the spine through the stomach; most people incorrectly assume that this back operation is from the rear. A vascular surgeon is present to move the arteries and veins out of the way, so that the neurosurgeon can then safely reach the spine to complete the fusion. A risky operation.
My disc was bone on bone, and no doubt was responsible for the increasing pain I had suffered over the past few years, as well as the inflammation in my spine. There finally was an answer to my pain; I was not imagining anything.

In mid -October 2014, I saw Dr Ali for the first time in his rooms at St George Private Hospital, Kogarah. I told him in my usual forthright manner that “he had to fix my spine.” I said to him that” when I write my autobiography that it will be titled “ Not Without A Backbone, “ and many people in the local area are waiting on this book . “ He swung around on his chair and looked carefully at me. I reasoned that he was saying to himself that “I have an interesting sparring partner here “…….

Cortisone needles had not worked during various stages of 2014; I had swum regularly and exercised. The next step was surgical intervention. I simply had no choice.
My surgery was initially set for May 7, 2015, but was rescheduled due to an emergency. D Day became May 14, 2015 at Kareena Private Hospital.

I arrived at the hospital at 4pm May 13, 2014 to begin “the journey.”That night I read ¾ of Stedman’s book “The Light Between the Oceans. “ It was set on Janus Island, which is located off the Western Australian coast and surrounded by the Southern Ocean, and the Indian Ocean. The novel reminded me of my April 2012 Bottle Overboard Adventure into the Southern Ocean, which is on Youtube as Anne’s Adventure. I had been recommended to read it by the community’s heritage advisor for Griffith House; Lynette and I became friends after the Griffith House, St George Hospital campaign came to its sad ending in May 2013. The novel took my mind off imminent medical matters ……

I was wheeled into the operating theatre early Thursday morning, where Dr Ali’s medical offsider, Andrew recognised me. I reminded him that he was quoting Shakespeare – Macbeth I believe, the last time we were in surgery in mid- March 2015. He was surprised at my good memory; my students at St George Girls High School were used to my memory recall.

Dr Ali walked in with a statement for me to read and sign. I asked him a few questions, after he had said to me in a strong voice “good morning boss. “ In an emphatic voice I replied to him, “Ali, you are the boss today.” “Oh, Mrs Academic” he protested. Dr Ali asked me in a matter of fact manner what hip he was to use for bone for my spine. I was relatively calm and stoic, given the ordeal I was about to go through……

The anaesthetist, Dr Uppi put me out to it. That was the last I knew of anything until I woke up hours later in ICU with all the bells and whistles of lights, machines, my pain drip machine, which was to be my good mate for the next few days. I spent the night in ICU coping with the pain, and sucking on ice to calm my very sore throat. Not a good night …..

I wondered what the doctors and nursing staff talked about as my operation was in progress. Dr Ali was well aware of my committed future writing programme- My History of Moorefield Racecourse, my Bottle Overboard story, my children’s book and a future autobiography. I had to survive this operation- there is much to be written, and to be done in the near future…..

Friday morning I had a cat scan of my spine. Later on Friday morning, Dr Ali came to see me. He said that “he was happy with my spine, and that I was now a cm taller.” I responded with my dry wit”oh that means I don’t need my high heel shoes.”
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Dr Ali said that “he enjoyed doing my operation.” He gave permission for me to be transferred to the ward. A cup of tea in ICU was wonderful; and light food was even better on an empty stomach.

I told Dr Ali that I am sometimes psychic. My kitchen clock had stopped at 6.24am on Thursday morning May 7, 2015, and I knew immediately that something would happen with my operation that day. At 9am, Dr Ali phoned me to say “your operation is off due to an emergency” I changed the rather new battery after 9am; the clock did not move. I then put the original battery in again, and the clock started again. It was telling me that “my life was on hold for a little longer“.

He told me that “he was off to do an 8 hour brain operation, and did I have a psychic take on this.” “No,” I said, “be calm and positive.”
Dr Ali called in Saturday morning to see me. I enquired about the brain operation. He said that “he was still tired, as he had gotten home at 3am.”

I stayed in the ward until Tuesday, when I was shifted downstairs to rehabilitation.
The week passed by with constant medical testing and learning to walk again, albeit with strong pain. My visitors, phone calls, and friends’ prayers sustained me throughout this time.

I had attempted to read some of Frank Packer’s biography, but inevitably was distracted. It is a little known fact that Frank Packer, Kerry Packer’s father, had owned some very good race horses, which were stabled in Burlington Street, Monterey. Columnist, a 1947 Caulfield Cup winner, is very much under- rated in Australia’s racing history.

Dr Ali called by on Friday, May 22 2015 to give me instructions for the immediate future. I was delighted to be able to leave hospital on Saturday, May 23, 2015 to begin the next part of my journey. Simone, a friend from Toastmasters, kindly came to the hospital to bring me home.

I need to wear a brace for 6 weeks, and to walk only as a means of exercise. There will be no swimming for a while, so alas the Speedos and goggles can have a rest. My stomach cut is extensive, hence the reason for not being able to swim for some time.

I was scared and frightened of the unknown. However, I had the utmost confidence in the doctors and medical staff, whom I would like to thank.

I look forward to soon seeing my 3 wonderful loyal and loving Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, who went on a doggy holiday, whilst I was in hospital.
Anne Field
Kogarah

Youtube Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lruuq_n8XZ0