Yesterday Brian drove me to Issaquah for my first, of what I'm sure will be many, post op appointment with my surgeon. I have to admit I was very excited to go to this appointment to see the ex-ray of the work he'd done and I wasn't disappointed with what I saw. It totally amazes me every time I see what has been used inside my body to help correct structural problems that only ten years ago wouldn't have been possible----it's just mind boggling the skill my surgeon has and I'm so thankful for the gifts and talents he's been given AND for the visual I have of how stable my neck looks with all the pretty plates and screws. The picture proves he's done his job well and now it's up to me to be conservative and do all I can to help promote healing. That means I have to be reallllllllly good and be patient with the healing process and not push.
I'm still dealing with nerve pain in my right arm and hand that's pretty painful, caused by the pressure that was placed on the nerves for the past twenty months. Nerve damage can take years to resolve so this pain will be addressed with nerve quieting drugs in the hope that the nerves can rest and heal.
I will be on a very conservative activity level for many months that will increase only after there is evidence of good bone cell growth stabilizing the surgical site. I'll be fitted for an electrical bone stimulation collar in the next two weeks or so to encourage the bone cells that have been implanted to grow; I'm praying for vigorous growth :)
I have a five pound weight limit for lifting and no physical strengthening activities, twisting, jumping, running etc. until further notice. This is where the challenge comes in for me, remembering I'm not as strong as I think I am :) My new mantra is, " no lifting, no physical work, nothing that harms". I'm actually excited about this new life style; sort of a challenge that I know I can step up to and be successful at. Once an athlete, always an athlete, striving for improvement, just as a much lower level now.
I have been cleared for driving on the Island and short distances, passive physical therapy, and I no longer need to wear the stabilizing collar; so good progress in moving forward.
I'm so very thankful for the good progress being made and will continue to keep all in the loop as I progress.
I'm filled with praise and thanksgiving for all the Lord has blessed me with these past twenty months; it's truly been an amazing journey and I have no doubt there will many more praises to come as the journey continues.
God puts each fresh morning, each new chance of life, into our hands as a gift to see what we will do with it.
Blessings,
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
First day out
What a beautiful Saturday on Whidbey Island; bright with sunshine and lovely signs of spring evidenced in the arrival of daffodils, crocus, and flowering cherry trees. Yep, my first day out of the house since February 9th and oh how I enjoyed the surrounding beauty; when you've not been outside for a while you do appreciate God's creation even more.
As many of you know, I believe it's important to take care of the body so today I met with my massage therapist to help rid the after affects of being on an operating table, the anesthesia and narcotics from my muscle tissue. A massage just really helps after lying around like a toad on a log for a week and oh did it feel good to have nurturing hands work out the knots and toxins. Needless to say, I'm came home after and was a major log sitting toad; I actually slept for three hours, awwwww, heaven on earth.
I am progressing very well, lying low, listening to my body and the still small voice in my head that keeps reminding me to "do nothing". Strange but true, I'm listening to that voice being a model patient; I want to heal well this time and if it means doing nothing for awhile, so be it.
Brian returned from Alaska after a week of business there; he was glad to come home and find that I had been so well cared for; thanks to all who checked in on me, spent time with me, and basically filled the gap for us. We are so grateful for each and everyone of you.
A quiet morning with a loving God puts the events of the upcoming day into proper perspective.
Oke
And what a wonderful day it was today!!!
As many of you know, I believe it's important to take care of the body so today I met with my massage therapist to help rid the after affects of being on an operating table, the anesthesia and narcotics from my muscle tissue. A massage just really helps after lying around like a toad on a log for a week and oh did it feel good to have nurturing hands work out the knots and toxins. Needless to say, I'm came home after and was a major log sitting toad; I actually slept for three hours, awwwww, heaven on earth.
I am progressing very well, lying low, listening to my body and the still small voice in my head that keeps reminding me to "do nothing". Strange but true, I'm listening to that voice being a model patient; I want to heal well this time and if it means doing nothing for awhile, so be it.
Brian returned from Alaska after a week of business there; he was glad to come home and find that I had been so well cared for; thanks to all who checked in on me, spent time with me, and basically filled the gap for us. We are so grateful for each and everyone of you.
A quiet morning with a loving God puts the events of the upcoming day into proper perspective.
Oke
And what a wonderful day it was today!!!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
No more narcotics
A wonderful morning, arising with no narcotic hangover; what a blessing to have a clear mind again.
Drugs are wonderful when you need them but I'm thankful to be back down to the over the counter pain medications.
I'm getting stronger each day and the pain is tolerable compared to what it was before surgery. This morning I even made my own breakfast and found that I wasn't quite as ready for that task energy wise---but at least I tried ")
Making breakfast and taking a shower have emptied my energy tank so the rest of the day will be spent on the couch enjoying the Olympics, my puppies, and wonderful sleep.
To find balance and a clear perspective, spend some time alone each day. Get away from your regular busyness and use this quiet time to be alone with God, meditating on His truth and love.
anonymous
Drugs are wonderful when you need them but I'm thankful to be back down to the over the counter pain medications.
I'm getting stronger each day and the pain is tolerable compared to what it was before surgery. This morning I even made my own breakfast and found that I wasn't quite as ready for that task energy wise---but at least I tried ")
Making breakfast and taking a shower have emptied my energy tank so the rest of the day will be spent on the couch enjoying the Olympics, my puppies, and wonderful sleep.
To find balance and a clear perspective, spend some time alone each day. Get away from your regular busyness and use this quiet time to be alone with God, meditating on His truth and love.
anonymous
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
One week since surgery and I feel like sitting at my computer for a few moments.
As Brian told you in his entry, the surgery went very well, better than expected I'm thankful to report. I spent two nights in the hospital, coming home last Thursday evening; since that time I have spent my time either in my lovely bed or on the couch in the living room enjoying drug induced sleep. My every need being met by my family or my friends; what a blessed woman I am.
Today is my first day cutting back on pain medication; from Oxycodone four times a day to two times a day substituting Tylenol and have had good results---hooray!! My neck feels very good, no more sharp, excruciating pain, just a dull ache that will go away in time as it heals.
With less narcotics I can enjoy more of the Olympics----:) ok so I have to watch the reruns to see what I missed the first go round; sleep is just more fun right now.
Thank you to my dear TT friends and my dear CM&A friends, my neighbors and community friends for all your love and support; we couldn't manage as well without you.
Headed back to my couch for now but will update more tomorrow.
Blessings, joy, and much love to you all,
Kathy
You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.
Acts 2:28
As Brian told you in his entry, the surgery went very well, better than expected I'm thankful to report. I spent two nights in the hospital, coming home last Thursday evening; since that time I have spent my time either in my lovely bed or on the couch in the living room enjoying drug induced sleep. My every need being met by my family or my friends; what a blessed woman I am.
Today is my first day cutting back on pain medication; from Oxycodone four times a day to two times a day substituting Tylenol and have had good results---hooray!! My neck feels very good, no more sharp, excruciating pain, just a dull ache that will go away in time as it heals.
With less narcotics I can enjoy more of the Olympics----:) ok so I have to watch the reruns to see what I missed the first go round; sleep is just more fun right now.
Thank you to my dear TT friends and my dear CM&A friends, my neighbors and community friends for all your love and support; we couldn't manage as well without you.
Headed back to my couch for now but will update more tomorrow.
Blessings, joy, and much love to you all,
Kathy
You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.
Acts 2:28
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Wednesday February 10Th
Kathy and I caught the 6:30 am ferry, arrived at Overlake Hospital at 8:00 checked in and the surgery took place at 10:00.
Operation took 3 hours, When I spoke to Dr Patel he was happy with the way the surgery had gone, If the doctor is happy then so am I!
Kathy spent a comfortable night last night, did not sleep a lot, but sounded good on the phone this morning.
We expect her to stay overnight tonight but Dr. Patel will see her this morning and let us know.
Kathy and I caught the 6:30 am ferry, arrived at Overlake Hospital at 8:00 checked in and the surgery took place at 10:00.
Operation took 3 hours, When I spoke to Dr Patel he was happy with the way the surgery had gone, If the doctor is happy then so am I!
Kathy spent a comfortable night last night, did not sleep a lot, but sounded good on the phone this morning.
We expect her to stay overnight tonight but Dr. Patel will see her this morning and let us know.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Just got "the phone call"; surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, February 9th, 10:30am. at Overlake Hospital in Bellevue. We'll be catching the 7am ferry for an 8am check-in.
Depending on how well things go, I could be there for one to three days.
I'm excited, nervous, scared, and happy all at the same time; it's the human emotion roller coaster syndrome. I'm actually very ready for this; I've had a good week preparing myself physically, emotionally, and spiritually; thanks to those of you (you know who you are :) ) for helping me with this preparation. I have truly been blessed with a wonderful support team and with wonderful caring friends. My journey would have been much more difficult without you. Many thanks to all.
As we enter more and more deeply
into this experience of being humbled and
exalted, our knowledge of God increases,
and with it our peace, our strength
and our joy.
J.I. Packer
Depending on how well things go, I could be there for one to three days.
I'm excited, nervous, scared, and happy all at the same time; it's the human emotion roller coaster syndrome. I'm actually very ready for this; I've had a good week preparing myself physically, emotionally, and spiritually; thanks to those of you (you know who you are :) ) for helping me with this preparation. I have truly been blessed with a wonderful support team and with wonderful caring friends. My journey would have been much more difficult without you. Many thanks to all.
As we enter more and more deeply
into this experience of being humbled and
exalted, our knowledge of God increases,
and with it our peace, our strength
and our joy.
J.I. Packer
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Yesterday held no surprises as I went over the results of last Friday's meylogram and CT scans with my surgeon. As suspected, I have a new ruptured disc at C5, C6/7 fusion from the first surgery is broken and not healing, C7/T1 from the second surgery is not healed completely. The new rupture is responsible for the increasing lose of strength and pain in my right arm and hand; no new news there either, just a confirmation that C5/6 are not happy and need some loving attention.
The plan is to repair the broken fusions and replace the ruptured disc with new bone cells, probably from my hip, and put in a new larger plate to hold C5 to C7 together. To encourage the bone cells to grow I will undergo electric bone stimulation therapy as soon as the surgery is completed.
The surgery schedule is not set yet; I'll post the time and date as soon as that information becomes available. I'm praying for either this coming Thursday or next Tuesday----God is going to have to open up a space and time for the coordination of two neurosurgeons and an OR this quickly.
Thank you for your continued prayer for clear direction and wisdom for all involved in this process, surgeon, his team, and for Brian and I.
Exodus 14:14
The plan is to repair the broken fusions and replace the ruptured disc with new bone cells, probably from my hip, and put in a new larger plate to hold C5 to C7 together. To encourage the bone cells to grow I will undergo electric bone stimulation therapy as soon as the surgery is completed.
The surgery schedule is not set yet; I'll post the time and date as soon as that information becomes available. I'm praying for either this coming Thursday or next Tuesday----God is going to have to open up a space and time for the coordination of two neurosurgeons and an OR this quickly.
Thank you for your continued prayer for clear direction and wisdom for all involved in this process, surgeon, his team, and for Brian and I.
Exodus 14:14
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