Ok, today is 8 days post op.
I am officially tired of being an 'invalid'!! I can now eat what I want. I have a few issues with swallowing sometimes, but it is because I have chosen to take too large a bite or because I have chosen not to chew as well as I know I should. I am only dizzy after riding in a car. (guessing the movement is the issue). The only problem I have is in sleeping.
I went all day yesterday without a nap. But last night, no sleep would come. I'm thinking I am afraid of sleeping. When I sleep I still have nightmares..very strange nightmares! I keep dreaming that I can't breathe. I seem to only sleep sitting up.
So, my major problems are not sleeping and boredom! Other than trying to sleep at night, I am not taking any pain pills.
I am so ready to be over this whole thing!
Nini
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Day ?
OK. So my idea of updating daily isn't quite working out the way I had planned. But I do mean well.
First of all, to anyone who is thinking of having this surgery-don't be stubborn. I can't even remember how many years I have been in pain; or even the first time this surgery was recommended to me. While I will admit there has been some discomfort since the surgery, my pain has just about ended. I had a brief bout of tingling and numbness in my arms and hands a day after surgery, but that has gone away. When I think of how long ago this could have all been over it almost makes me angry at myself for not doing it sooner!
I am still having trouble sleeping through the night...but since I still take so many naps it only makes sense! I get very tired, very easy. But I do notice each day getting stronger.Of course the boredom is the real kicker! LOL!
I tried to play a game of solitaire on my phone last night...I wasn't able to concentrate on it long enough to finish! So, I'm guessing that boredom isn't the only problem I am having, I just haven't had anything to spend any real time trying to concentrate to discover there is an issue with that! LOL
(of course, there are those in my family that will say I have always had a problem with concentration...but they shall remain quiet for now!)
Now...these stupid braces are another story all together! I hate them! One soft collar to wear around the house, one Philadelphia to wear while taking a shower, and an Aspen to wear while going out. I am convinced the Aspen is designed to keep you from wanting to go out! It is the MOST uncomfortable thing I have EVER worn!
Even breathing takes extra thought and effort! As I wait for hubby to get back and take me to church services, I realize I have had it on for an hour already and can't wait to get this thing off!!!!!
But other than that...I think this surgery was a good idea for me. No problems swallowing, (except in THIS collar), no pain, no problems talking, and overall a good recovery time...so far!
Nini
First of all, to anyone who is thinking of having this surgery-don't be stubborn. I can't even remember how many years I have been in pain; or even the first time this surgery was recommended to me. While I will admit there has been some discomfort since the surgery, my pain has just about ended. I had a brief bout of tingling and numbness in my arms and hands a day after surgery, but that has gone away. When I think of how long ago this could have all been over it almost makes me angry at myself for not doing it sooner!
I am still having trouble sleeping through the night...but since I still take so many naps it only makes sense! I get very tired, very easy. But I do notice each day getting stronger.Of course the boredom is the real kicker! LOL!
I tried to play a game of solitaire on my phone last night...I wasn't able to concentrate on it long enough to finish! So, I'm guessing that boredom isn't the only problem I am having, I just haven't had anything to spend any real time trying to concentrate to discover there is an issue with that! LOL
(of course, there are those in my family that will say I have always had a problem with concentration...but they shall remain quiet for now!)
Now...these stupid braces are another story all together! I hate them! One soft collar to wear around the house, one Philadelphia to wear while taking a shower, and an Aspen to wear while going out. I am convinced the Aspen is designed to keep you from wanting to go out! It is the MOST uncomfortable thing I have EVER worn!
Even breathing takes extra thought and effort! As I wait for hubby to get back and take me to church services, I realize I have had it on for an hour already and can't wait to get this thing off!!!!!
But other than that...I think this surgery was a good idea for me. No problems swallowing, (except in THIS collar), no pain, no problems talking, and overall a good recovery time...so far!
Nini
Friday, September 24, 2010
Day Three
So, here it is Friday and I am finally writing about Wednesday.
Wednesday brought more boredom and more freedom. No pain to speak of, more able to walk around, and the ability to swallow a bit more.
Wednesday evening, we had a visitor from a friend a church who had had this surgery a few years ago. She brought some wonderful Chicken and Dumplings. They were tasty and not liquid! She also had a few words of comfort about it not being too long before I could do what I wanted and to just take it easy.
I will now take this chance to say a few words about sitting. Something we normally take for granted. You sit in a chair, you sit on a sofa, you sit on the edge of a bed, you even sit in a recliner. Seems easy enough. But when you are recovering from ACDF, nothing is ever easy!
I had read that sitting in a recliner was good for you. But our recliner has a weird shape and seems to throw your head a bit forward, and it is not that easy to get out of once it is reclined. So I chose not to sit in it. I now know that was a mistake.
See, the REASON sitting in a recliner is good for you , is it supports your neck and back. It seems that none of my neck muscles are working. Holding this monster of a head up on my own is unbelievably hard! Sitting anywhere without support is really really hard. Now that we have moved the recliner back to its normal position, I 'm wishing it was back where I could watch tv.
While I am at this...let me jump ahead to yesterday. Again, more and more ability to walk, and more and more boredom. I can most times walk without the walker, but the dizzyness comes and goes, so I am keeping it with me just in case. I can eat just about anything I want...or at least anything I have tried. I am so tired of eating pudding and applesauce that it is not funny! I thought about eating supper with the rest of the family, but since it was a bit spicy, decided it probably wasn't the best idea I ever had so I had a couple bowls of soup instead!
Each day is bringing me more get well cards and more boredom. I'm thinking Rex should go back to work and I should go back to sewing! So I'm guessing that isn't going to be happening anytime soon!
I do have to say though. I could not believe how excited I am about being able to take a shower in the morning and change my bandage! What a sad state of entertainment to admit the highlight of my week will be taking a shower and to change the bandage on my neck!
Nini
Wednesday brought more boredom and more freedom. No pain to speak of, more able to walk around, and the ability to swallow a bit more.
Wednesday evening, we had a visitor from a friend a church who had had this surgery a few years ago. She brought some wonderful Chicken and Dumplings. They were tasty and not liquid! She also had a few words of comfort about it not being too long before I could do what I wanted and to just take it easy.
I will now take this chance to say a few words about sitting. Something we normally take for granted. You sit in a chair, you sit on a sofa, you sit on the edge of a bed, you even sit in a recliner. Seems easy enough. But when you are recovering from ACDF, nothing is ever easy!
I had read that sitting in a recliner was good for you. But our recliner has a weird shape and seems to throw your head a bit forward, and it is not that easy to get out of once it is reclined. So I chose not to sit in it. I now know that was a mistake.
See, the REASON sitting in a recliner is good for you , is it supports your neck and back. It seems that none of my neck muscles are working. Holding this monster of a head up on my own is unbelievably hard! Sitting anywhere without support is really really hard. Now that we have moved the recliner back to its normal position, I 'm wishing it was back where I could watch tv.
While I am at this...let me jump ahead to yesterday. Again, more and more ability to walk, and more and more boredom. I can most times walk without the walker, but the dizzyness comes and goes, so I am keeping it with me just in case. I can eat just about anything I want...or at least anything I have tried. I am so tired of eating pudding and applesauce that it is not funny! I thought about eating supper with the rest of the family, but since it was a bit spicy, decided it probably wasn't the best idea I ever had so I had a couple bowls of soup instead!
Each day is bringing me more get well cards and more boredom. I'm thinking Rex should go back to work and I should go back to sewing! So I'm guessing that isn't going to be happening anytime soon!
I do have to say though. I could not believe how excited I am about being able to take a shower in the morning and change my bandage! What a sad state of entertainment to admit the highlight of my week will be taking a shower and to change the bandage on my neck!
Nini
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Day Two
First, I have to say that my daughter thought that my daughter had a lot to say about my last post. For instance I talked to a lot of people on Monday, and it wasn't dark. The sun was so bright that they closed the blinds. She did say I asked her about every 5 minutes what time it was. I told you, I had no concept of the passage of time. And the wall clock was put where I couldn't see it without moving my head!
OK, so now we are on to the second day.
That morning started really early! Like at 5:30 am! I mean, if you are going to talk to someone about what they want for breakfast at 5:30...don't wait until 9:30 to bring it to them! I discovered this morning that my throat was swollen (to be expected) and swallowing was anything but easy. I had a terrible headache (explained to me to be a 'spinal' headache because of the work that was done on my spine.) So my nurse decided to give me 2 Lortabs and a Tylenol smashed up in applesauce.
Let's just say that applesauce does NOT mask the taste of medicines...and if the meds are not crushed enough there are large chunks of yuck! Somehow, I didn't think to explain that meds like Lortab effect me very much...as in I am very easily sedated. Before I got the meds down, I was already feeling the effects of the Lortab. They had brought me a regular breakfast, and I discovered I could not even get a small piece of canned peach down. And you know how soft canned peaches are! So, my daughter had the task of moving me back to bed and ordering me a new breakfast...which we actually ended up not needing.
The main pain I felt that morning and early afternoon were the swelling in my neck/throat and the headache.
Of course the decision to let me go home was almost unbearable for me! See, when that decision had been made, I still had my IV, still had my drain, and had not walked anywhere except to the bathroom assisted. So, the IV had to be removed, the drain taken out (NOT a pretty sight and NOT comfortable at ALL. I would say it was borderline painful!)
Then, they had me get on the walker and walk down the hall and back. Now, remember, I had not been able to walk to the bathroom without feeling like I was going to pass out. Dizzy does not begin to explain how I felt!
The, while I am still dizzy, a nurse came to go over about 15 pages of paperwork for my discharge!
Well, finally the trip home was underway! By far, that was the most painful thing I experienced the whole time. I think it was even more painful than the worst pain I felt at any time even 6 months BEFORE the surgery! I really think I should have been offered another Lortab before the trip was started. I know hubby drove carefully, but I did not realize how many bumps were in the road! There was no way to relax in the car, and this was the first time I had been expected to support my head by myself.
In hindsight, I can definitely say I should not have left the hospital that night. I was not able to walk unassisted, and not able to support my own head. Another night in the hospital would have taken care of both of those problems.
That night did not bring any new realizations, only that I already started being bored. I could not get comfortable, there is nothing on the tv in the middle of the night, and my hubby will be glad when this is all over and he is allowed to sleep in his own bed again!
Nini
OK, so now we are on to the second day.
That morning started really early! Like at 5:30 am! I mean, if you are going to talk to someone about what they want for breakfast at 5:30...don't wait until 9:30 to bring it to them! I discovered this morning that my throat was swollen (to be expected) and swallowing was anything but easy. I had a terrible headache (explained to me to be a 'spinal' headache because of the work that was done on my spine.) So my nurse decided to give me 2 Lortabs and a Tylenol smashed up in applesauce.
Let's just say that applesauce does NOT mask the taste of medicines...and if the meds are not crushed enough there are large chunks of yuck! Somehow, I didn't think to explain that meds like Lortab effect me very much...as in I am very easily sedated. Before I got the meds down, I was already feeling the effects of the Lortab. They had brought me a regular breakfast, and I discovered I could not even get a small piece of canned peach down. And you know how soft canned peaches are! So, my daughter had the task of moving me back to bed and ordering me a new breakfast...which we actually ended up not needing.
The main pain I felt that morning and early afternoon were the swelling in my neck/throat and the headache.
Of course the decision to let me go home was almost unbearable for me! See, when that decision had been made, I still had my IV, still had my drain, and had not walked anywhere except to the bathroom assisted. So, the IV had to be removed, the drain taken out (NOT a pretty sight and NOT comfortable at ALL. I would say it was borderline painful!)
Then, they had me get on the walker and walk down the hall and back. Now, remember, I had not been able to walk to the bathroom without feeling like I was going to pass out. Dizzy does not begin to explain how I felt!
The, while I am still dizzy, a nurse came to go over about 15 pages of paperwork for my discharge!
Well, finally the trip home was underway! By far, that was the most painful thing I experienced the whole time. I think it was even more painful than the worst pain I felt at any time even 6 months BEFORE the surgery! I really think I should have been offered another Lortab before the trip was started. I know hubby drove carefully, but I did not realize how many bumps were in the road! There was no way to relax in the car, and this was the first time I had been expected to support my head by myself.
In hindsight, I can definitely say I should not have left the hospital that night. I was not able to walk unassisted, and not able to support my own head. Another night in the hospital would have taken care of both of those problems.
That night did not bring any new realizations, only that I already started being bored. I could not get comfortable, there is nothing on the tv in the middle of the night, and my hubby will be glad when this is all over and he is allowed to sleep in his own bed again!
Nini
My recollections of surgery day
Well, today is Thursday, and my surgery was Monday.
I remember everything leading up to being wheeled back to the surgery room. Once they started wheeling me back, they put a little something in the IV and I only remember thinking they were taking me to a storage room...there was all sorts of equipment lining the hallway.
Then 'someone' asked me if I was sleepy...but I never got to answer! The next I remember is vaguely being in recovery. Someone asked me to move my hand, which I did and then they told me they would move me to my room.
The next thing I remember is it was dark. (my surgery time was 11:00 am) My daughter was giving me some water to drink and I remember thinking why was it so dark.
See...there really are no memories of that time. It all is a big blur. But at midnight my daughter went to bed, and I tried to sleep. Problem was, there was no sleep to be had. For future reference, I would bring a bedside clock if knowing what time it is is important to you. I had no idea what time it was, so I had no idea how long I was laying there.
After a while I started panicking (did I mention I am claustrophobic?) and felt like my neck was being crushed. I finally called the nurse in, who realized I was having a panic attack and gave me something to relieve the anxiety (really a good idea to let your doctor know these things so they can have a standing order in case you have a problems) She loosened my collar so I could see (or rather feel) that the collar wasn't too tight and that helped me relax a bit.
All in all I only slept a few hours that night, most of it in spurts of 15 to 20 minutes. I was really lucky that the nurse kept checking in on me every few minutes to see how I was, so that helped immensely.
Things that I don't remember, but other have told me...
My Rh doctor visited me in the hospital. I know he said he would, but I don't remember him really being there...but I do remember my daughter talking to him...very strange.
Hubby was there at the hospital. I REALLY don't remember that, but according to him I talked to him and reminded him to pick up the kids, so I guess it is true!
I think I actually ate something that night. I can't swear by it, but I think I remember it...
All in all a pretty forgettable day!
Nini
I remember everything leading up to being wheeled back to the surgery room. Once they started wheeling me back, they put a little something in the IV and I only remember thinking they were taking me to a storage room...there was all sorts of equipment lining the hallway.
Then 'someone' asked me if I was sleepy...but I never got to answer! The next I remember is vaguely being in recovery. Someone asked me to move my hand, which I did and then they told me they would move me to my room.
The next thing I remember is it was dark. (my surgery time was 11:00 am) My daughter was giving me some water to drink and I remember thinking why was it so dark.
See...there really are no memories of that time. It all is a big blur. But at midnight my daughter went to bed, and I tried to sleep. Problem was, there was no sleep to be had. For future reference, I would bring a bedside clock if knowing what time it is is important to you. I had no idea what time it was, so I had no idea how long I was laying there.
After a while I started panicking (did I mention I am claustrophobic?) and felt like my neck was being crushed. I finally called the nurse in, who realized I was having a panic attack and gave me something to relieve the anxiety (really a good idea to let your doctor know these things so they can have a standing order in case you have a problems) She loosened my collar so I could see (or rather feel) that the collar wasn't too tight and that helped me relax a bit.
All in all I only slept a few hours that night, most of it in spurts of 15 to 20 minutes. I was really lucky that the nurse kept checking in on me every few minutes to see how I was, so that helped immensely.
Things that I don't remember, but other have told me...
My Rh doctor visited me in the hospital. I know he said he would, but I don't remember him really being there...but I do remember my daughter talking to him...very strange.
Hubby was there at the hospital. I REALLY don't remember that, but according to him I talked to him and reminded him to pick up the kids, so I guess it is true!
I think I actually ate something that night. I can't swear by it, but I think I remember it...
All in all a pretty forgettable day!
Nini
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Tomorrow is the Day!
Did a bit of last minute shopping for some pudding and applesauce. I know that sounds weird, but I like pudding and applesauce, and they are both relatively easy to swallow, so I got them!
I am waiting for the dryer to finish so I can pack my overnight bag with a few necessities and then heading to bed. It is really funny. I expected to be a bit nervous or even scared. But right now I am only concerned that my kids are going to be hungry! LOL (and yes, I know they could all afford to loose a few pounds!)
I did give a short lesson to my 10 year old about how to load and turn on the dishwasher...I'm not so sure she understands...but at least I tried. I did see hubby eye-ing the paper plates while we were at the store...
From the conversation hubby and youngest had tonight, I think they are planning on buying a case of Ra-Men. I just hope they remember that I have to eat too!!!
Tomorrow morning, the plan is to get the kids off to school and then head on to the hospital. That will give me a little over an hour to get there before my allotted time of 9:30. With the surgery planned on starting at 11:00. Both my hubby and daughter are being instructed to remember that they need to tell the doctors that I cannot have the Oxycodone....
I am expecting a smooth ride to the hospital and then a nice nap. Even though I cannot have coffee in the morning! (Mr D asked if he could have my coffee in the morning...when I said no, he said I might as well drink it then, if I'm not going to give it to him!)
I am not 100% sure what to expect after the surgery. I am sure there will be some pain and discomfort, and that danged brace. (yes I know that is considered a bad word in my house!) From what I have read, I am sure I will spend the night in the hospital. The earliest I expect to go home would be around noon on Tuesday. If not then, I will probably go home Wednesday morning. I will not be updating this until maybe Thursday, but I will try my best to remember how things went....
So, now to go pack my bags...sweet dreams!
Nini
I am waiting for the dryer to finish so I can pack my overnight bag with a few necessities and then heading to bed. It is really funny. I expected to be a bit nervous or even scared. But right now I am only concerned that my kids are going to be hungry! LOL (and yes, I know they could all afford to loose a few pounds!)
I did give a short lesson to my 10 year old about how to load and turn on the dishwasher...I'm not so sure she understands...but at least I tried. I did see hubby eye-ing the paper plates while we were at the store...
From the conversation hubby and youngest had tonight, I think they are planning on buying a case of Ra-Men. I just hope they remember that I have to eat too!!!
Tomorrow morning, the plan is to get the kids off to school and then head on to the hospital. That will give me a little over an hour to get there before my allotted time of 9:30. With the surgery planned on starting at 11:00. Both my hubby and daughter are being instructed to remember that they need to tell the doctors that I cannot have the Oxycodone....
I am expecting a smooth ride to the hospital and then a nice nap. Even though I cannot have coffee in the morning! (Mr D asked if he could have my coffee in the morning...when I said no, he said I might as well drink it then, if I'm not going to give it to him!)
I am not 100% sure what to expect after the surgery. I am sure there will be some pain and discomfort, and that danged brace. (yes I know that is considered a bad word in my house!) From what I have read, I am sure I will spend the night in the hospital. The earliest I expect to go home would be around noon on Tuesday. If not then, I will probably go home Wednesday morning. I will not be updating this until maybe Thursday, but I will try my best to remember how things went....
So, now to go pack my bags...sweet dreams!
Nini
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Evidently I can no longer take Oxycodone!
Yesterday was a rather eventful day.
I had my appointment with the Pain Management Clinic, where they gave me something for my pain; and had my fitting for my brace.
I had taken Oxycodone before without any problems, so they decided to go ahead and give me that for the pain I am in now, and to continue with the meds during recovery. Unfortunately, after taking one last night, I had an allergic reaction. I had the whole shallow breathing, itching, throat swelling, tongue swelling thing happening. I took it at 8 last night...and now it is noon Saturday morning, and I am just now being able to wake up!
Now, the sleeping all the time might not be a problem during the recuperation process...but that whole tongue and throat swelling thing might be an issue if you are having neck surgery! So, we have to remember to let them know I can't take the meds already prescribed. I guess it is a good thing to find this out before Monday!
I was also fitted for my brace. Somehow I thought it would be a much softer collar. Nope it is the Aspen Collar...hard plastic with foam inserts. Very tight fitting. When she tried it on me it fit fine, but now that I am home it is very uncomfortable. I know...I don't need to be wearing it now. I was trying it on so the kids would know what to expect, and to see how difficult it will be to put on.
All I can say is, it will definitely take 2 people to put it on, since I am not supposed to do anything over my head! Hopefully, the nurses in the hospital can show me and my daughter how to put it on properly where i don't feel like I am cutting off both my circulation and my breathing!
We also got a new pillow yesterday. Evidently my head is heavy...my pillows never last very long. Hubby gets one pillow after I get 2! So we bought us both a new pillow. This way I will have a couple of pillows to play around with to try and get comfortable!
Now that I have finally woken up, I get to go take my "ant-bacterial shower"! I get to take a shower each morning with some powerful stuff given to me by the hospital. It STINKS! The nurse said to make sure I didn't get it on my face because it was VERY harsh! Oh what joy!
Nini
I had my appointment with the Pain Management Clinic, where they gave me something for my pain; and had my fitting for my brace.
I had taken Oxycodone before without any problems, so they decided to go ahead and give me that for the pain I am in now, and to continue with the meds during recovery. Unfortunately, after taking one last night, I had an allergic reaction. I had the whole shallow breathing, itching, throat swelling, tongue swelling thing happening. I took it at 8 last night...and now it is noon Saturday morning, and I am just now being able to wake up!
Now, the sleeping all the time might not be a problem during the recuperation process...but that whole tongue and throat swelling thing might be an issue if you are having neck surgery! So, we have to remember to let them know I can't take the meds already prescribed. I guess it is a good thing to find this out before Monday!
I was also fitted for my brace. Somehow I thought it would be a much softer collar. Nope it is the Aspen Collar...hard plastic with foam inserts. Very tight fitting. When she tried it on me it fit fine, but now that I am home it is very uncomfortable. I know...I don't need to be wearing it now. I was trying it on so the kids would know what to expect, and to see how difficult it will be to put on.
All I can say is, it will definitely take 2 people to put it on, since I am not supposed to do anything over my head! Hopefully, the nurses in the hospital can show me and my daughter how to put it on properly where i don't feel like I am cutting off both my circulation and my breathing!
We also got a new pillow yesterday. Evidently my head is heavy...my pillows never last very long. Hubby gets one pillow after I get 2! So we bought us both a new pillow. This way I will have a couple of pillows to play around with to try and get comfortable!
Now that I have finally woken up, I get to go take my "ant-bacterial shower"! I get to take a shower each morning with some powerful stuff given to me by the hospital. It STINKS! The nurse said to make sure I didn't get it on my face because it was VERY harsh! Oh what joy!
Nini
Thursday, September 16, 2010
"S" Minus 4!
Today is a day for me...mostly! I have to take Mr D in for his weekly therapy in Grayson at 1:30, but other than that, I get to try and get some stuff done around the house. Not sure if it will be cleaning (probably not!) or sewing (good chance!)
On my agenda for yesterday, I almost forgot about Mr D's dentist appointment. I remembered it while waiting at Grayson for his OT ... we barely had time to get there, but he got his filling in and all was fine...except that he managed to take a big chunk out of his lip at lunch.
I got a call yesterday from the lady with the brace company. She will meet me on Friday at my Pain Clinic appt to fit me for the Aspen Brace. (now, I have to make a note about the Pain Clinic. I have seen them only once before...they are the ones that ordered my MRI. Since I chose not to go through the pain meds route, I didn't think I would need to go back...but evidently, they are the ones that will be dispersing the pain meds after surgery...so they are going to be VERY important in my life in the next few weeks!)
I also got a call from the surgeons office. I have to call them back today. My hubby is taking Family Medical Leave so he can stay with me for the first 2 weeks. There was a question on the form they needed clarification. I left her a message, but I do not think clarification was exactly where my message was going, so I thin I need to revisit that!
And...I got my final clearance for the surgery! That one almost should have gotten a drum roll! It only took me 4 hours to get it! The good news is, I shouldn't have to be off all my meds for a full 3 months. A few weeks post op and I might be able to start back on some. That will help on the pain from the arthritis...
Last night I spoke with two people that have had this surgery in the past (or one close to it). They both say the first week is not so great. One said you aren't really in pain so much as discomfort. Extreme discomfort. The second week you start to feel normal, and by the third week you are jumping to get back to normal. They both cautioned me not to try and do things too quick, and to remember the milk jug rule. (don't try to pick up anything heavier than a milk jug)
I will say, that while talking to them made me feel better, my hubby doesn't quite get it. When I told him about the milk jug rule...his comment was I was going to get pretty hungry! I don't think he quite understands that although I will be feeling better I still can't do anything! I think this is going to be interesting!
Wish me luck!
Nini
On my agenda for yesterday, I almost forgot about Mr D's dentist appointment. I remembered it while waiting at Grayson for his OT ... we barely had time to get there, but he got his filling in and all was fine...except that he managed to take a big chunk out of his lip at lunch.
I got a call yesterday from the lady with the brace company. She will meet me on Friday at my Pain Clinic appt to fit me for the Aspen Brace. (now, I have to make a note about the Pain Clinic. I have seen them only once before...they are the ones that ordered my MRI. Since I chose not to go through the pain meds route, I didn't think I would need to go back...but evidently, they are the ones that will be dispersing the pain meds after surgery...so they are going to be VERY important in my life in the next few weeks!)
I also got a call from the surgeons office. I have to call them back today. My hubby is taking Family Medical Leave so he can stay with me for the first 2 weeks. There was a question on the form they needed clarification. I left her a message, but I do not think clarification was exactly where my message was going, so I thin I need to revisit that!
And...I got my final clearance for the surgery! That one almost should have gotten a drum roll! It only took me 4 hours to get it! The good news is, I shouldn't have to be off all my meds for a full 3 months. A few weeks post op and I might be able to start back on some. That will help on the pain from the arthritis...
Last night I spoke with two people that have had this surgery in the past (or one close to it). They both say the first week is not so great. One said you aren't really in pain so much as discomfort. Extreme discomfort. The second week you start to feel normal, and by the third week you are jumping to get back to normal. They both cautioned me not to try and do things too quick, and to remember the milk jug rule. (don't try to pick up anything heavier than a milk jug)
I will say, that while talking to them made me feel better, my hubby doesn't quite get it. When I told him about the milk jug rule...his comment was I was going to get pretty hungry! I don't think he quite understands that although I will be feeling better I still can't do anything! I think this is going to be interesting!
Wish me luck!
Nini
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Today's agenda
S minus 5 days and counting....
Today's agenda calls for taking Mr D to his Occupational Therapy in Grayson, taking him to school, then going BACK to Lawrenceville to sit in my Rheumatologist's office until they can 'fit' me in. I have to have his clearance before I can have the surgery. Now, while I know this was something that the surgeon wrote on his orders, I also know he wrote that before he realized that the doctor was on vacation. We had made other arrangements once we knew that...but the original orders is what we need to go by.
Now, one option is to have the surgeon write up the orders differently. That would mean another delay in the surgery...because there are no other slots open for surgery for about 3 weeks, and already a waiting list for my slot if we don't go through with it! So, I will be sitting, and sitting, and sitting.
Amanda will be here to get the kiddos off the school bus for me, and I already have dinner prepared for tonight (thanks to my wonderful daughter in law!) Then we will have church services tonight.
One thing I am becoming increasingly aware of is the fact that I get extremely tired very quickly these days. (evidently it is very exhausting holding up this big head of mine!)
What I expect from my recovery:
I expect to be unable to do most things for at least a day or so after coming home.
I expect to feel well enough to attempt going to church the first Sunday after the surgery.
I expect to be able to start sewing within 2 weeks.
I expect to be very tired for a while, but to start feeling better within a few days.
I expect to go to Disney 10 weeks post op!
I know, for the most part that is not very high expectations. See, it is really hard for me to have expectations as to the pain and numbness in my hands and arms...since at this moment I have neither.(pain and numbness that is..I do have arms and hands!) So I truly expect to wake up and not have pain and numbness in my arms and hands....in order to know if that part worked I have to wait a while to see if it comes back.
Now as far as what to expect of my family and friends during my recovery....
I expect my husband to try his best to keep up with Mr D's schedule, and fail.
I expect my at home kids to try their best to keep the house at least picked up, and fail.
I expect my grown kids to help out when they can (and try to keep their dad on schedule as much as humanly possible) and succeed.
I expect there to be way more visitors that I am prepared for.
I expect them to bring food, even if we don't need it.
I expect everyone to laugh at me relentlessly when I am bored and want to do SOMETHING!
I expect them to let me sleep (at least for a couple of days).
I expect them all to decide when my recovery is over (mainly because it interferes with their plans!
See, I know my family and friends.
Now, I have to go work on a schedule for hubby to follow ........
Nini
Today's agenda calls for taking Mr D to his Occupational Therapy in Grayson, taking him to school, then going BACK to Lawrenceville to sit in my Rheumatologist's office until they can 'fit' me in. I have to have his clearance before I can have the surgery. Now, while I know this was something that the surgeon wrote on his orders, I also know he wrote that before he realized that the doctor was on vacation. We had made other arrangements once we knew that...but the original orders is what we need to go by.
Now, one option is to have the surgeon write up the orders differently. That would mean another delay in the surgery...because there are no other slots open for surgery for about 3 weeks, and already a waiting list for my slot if we don't go through with it! So, I will be sitting, and sitting, and sitting.
Amanda will be here to get the kiddos off the school bus for me, and I already have dinner prepared for tonight (thanks to my wonderful daughter in law!) Then we will have church services tonight.
One thing I am becoming increasingly aware of is the fact that I get extremely tired very quickly these days. (evidently it is very exhausting holding up this big head of mine!)
What I expect from my recovery:
I expect to be unable to do most things for at least a day or so after coming home.
I expect to feel well enough to attempt going to church the first Sunday after the surgery.
I expect to be able to start sewing within 2 weeks.
I expect to be very tired for a while, but to start feeling better within a few days.
I expect to go to Disney 10 weeks post op!
I know, for the most part that is not very high expectations. See, it is really hard for me to have expectations as to the pain and numbness in my hands and arms...since at this moment I have neither.(pain and numbness that is..I do have arms and hands!) So I truly expect to wake up and not have pain and numbness in my arms and hands....in order to know if that part worked I have to wait a while to see if it comes back.
Now as far as what to expect of my family and friends during my recovery....
I expect my husband to try his best to keep up with Mr D's schedule, and fail.
I expect my at home kids to try their best to keep the house at least picked up, and fail.
I expect my grown kids to help out when they can (and try to keep their dad on schedule as much as humanly possible) and succeed.
I expect there to be way more visitors that I am prepared for.
I expect them to bring food, even if we don't need it.
I expect everyone to laugh at me relentlessly when I am bored and want to do SOMETHING!
I expect them to let me sleep (at least for a couple of days).
I expect them all to decide when my recovery is over (mainly because it interferes with their plans!
See, I know my family and friends.
Now, I have to go work on a schedule for hubby to follow ........
Nini
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Part Deux
Where was I? Oh yes, it had won the battle...
But I have not yet conceded the war!
Basically, I have having ACDF for C4 through C6. That would be Anterior Cervical Discectomy with Fusion.
I have done so much reading and research on this I think my eyeballs are ready to revolt on me. It was really nice to know, somewhat, what the doctor was talking about. It made the words a lot less scary. Let's just say that my surgeon is a man of few words. After he outlined everything to me, he said..."so, you want to think about it or what?"
One thing I have noticed is the entire lack of real information as to the recovery time. Possibly because while the surgery is really very common, it is a solution to a multitude of problems. Your recovery depends on a lot of stuff...one being what exactly was your problem to start with.
For instance, if you have a tiny boo boo- a bandaid will work effectively and timely. If you have a big cut, a bandaid will work, just not very quickly and not very effectively. It all depends on where you start....not the fact that everyone will be getting there in the same type of vehicle. Some will get there sooner than others....
So, in my own feeble attempt to document my own strange journey, this blog was born. Or hatched. Or begun. Or something like that.
(Did I forget to warn you about my strange sense of humor? Sorry!)
Today was my pre-op testing. They found out I do have a heart and it is beating nicely, thank you very much! (even if SOME people disagree!) They also found out that I should have stopped taking ALL my medication last week. Hmm....you'd think that between two different doctors looking at my meds they would have figured out that... anyway, they also figured out I do have blood in my veins; no matter how many x-rays they took I still didn't glow; and oh yeah...we all found out that the parking attendant DOES take debit and credit!
So, here are the particulars of my up coming surgery. It will be on September 20, 2010 at 11:00am. I have to be there at 9:30, and the surgeon has the room reserved for 3 whole hours! (yes, that one was a shock to me. He told me the surgery would take an hour or less.) I can't have anything to eat or drink after midnight (no COFFEE!!!); the kids can not come up to visit me in the hospital; and the ONLY meds I can take from now on are my heartburn meds! (well, I guess I can technically still take my Lunesta to get to sleep prior to the surgery).
Oh yeah...one more tidbit. Tomorrow I get to go and sit at the rheumatologist office ALL DAY! My surgeon put that my RH doc would clear me for surgery...and he was out of town. So tomorrow is the ONLY time he can fit me in.(and this man is NOT known for his timely appointments. I joke that appointments in his office are a 'suggestion' only. He has morning or evening...take your pick. It don't matter what time your appointment says!
Nini
But I have not yet conceded the war!
Basically, I have having ACDF for C4 through C6. That would be Anterior Cervical Discectomy with Fusion.
I have done so much reading and research on this I think my eyeballs are ready to revolt on me. It was really nice to know, somewhat, what the doctor was talking about. It made the words a lot less scary. Let's just say that my surgeon is a man of few words. After he outlined everything to me, he said..."so, you want to think about it or what?"
One thing I have noticed is the entire lack of real information as to the recovery time. Possibly because while the surgery is really very common, it is a solution to a multitude of problems. Your recovery depends on a lot of stuff...one being what exactly was your problem to start with.
For instance, if you have a tiny boo boo- a bandaid will work effectively and timely. If you have a big cut, a bandaid will work, just not very quickly and not very effectively. It all depends on where you start....not the fact that everyone will be getting there in the same type of vehicle. Some will get there sooner than others....
So, in my own feeble attempt to document my own strange journey, this blog was born. Or hatched. Or begun. Or something like that.
(Did I forget to warn you about my strange sense of humor? Sorry!)
Today was my pre-op testing. They found out I do have a heart and it is beating nicely, thank you very much! (even if SOME people disagree!) They also found out that I should have stopped taking ALL my medication last week. Hmm....you'd think that between two different doctors looking at my meds they would have figured out that... anyway, they also figured out I do have blood in my veins; no matter how many x-rays they took I still didn't glow; and oh yeah...we all found out that the parking attendant DOES take debit and credit!
So, here are the particulars of my up coming surgery. It will be on September 20, 2010 at 11:00am. I have to be there at 9:30, and the surgeon has the room reserved for 3 whole hours! (yes, that one was a shock to me. He told me the surgery would take an hour or less.) I can't have anything to eat or drink after midnight (no COFFEE!!!); the kids can not come up to visit me in the hospital; and the ONLY meds I can take from now on are my heartburn meds! (well, I guess I can technically still take my Lunesta to get to sleep prior to the surgery).
Oh yeah...one more tidbit. Tomorrow I get to go and sit at the rheumatologist office ALL DAY! My surgeon put that my RH doc would clear me for surgery...and he was out of town. So tomorrow is the ONLY time he can fit me in.(and this man is NOT known for his timely appointments. I joke that appointments in his office are a 'suggestion' only. He has morning or evening...take your pick. It don't matter what time your appointment says!
Nini
My Story
OK. Here is my story. Not very exciting, but mine none the less!
I am a 55 year old female with psoriatic arthritis. This is a weird type of arthritis that thinks your own body is a foreign substance that needs to be GONE! So your body attacks itself.
Some people call that an auto-immune disease, but I prefer to think of it in my own way!
Usually you get arthritis in your finger, leg, knee, or some other part of your body and it is just there. Stays there pretty much all the time and wrecks havoc on your life. Mine is much more sneaky than that! Today it will be in my hip, yesterday it was my fingers and tomorrow it may be in my knee. You just never know when or where it will decide to attack. I mean who in their right mind would wage a war and let everyone know where you were going to attack or when! So much sneakier my way!
I was diagnosed with this almost 20 years ago. Originally my doctor gave me the grim news that I would be in a wheelchair within 10 years. Luckily, there is new medications coming out all the time. And I guess I have tried just about all of them.
My problem is after a year or so on a med, it stops working, so we have to find a new one to take its place. Of course, that usually means I have to take two or three pills instead of the one we are replacing, but that is life...at least for me!
I seem to have very brittle bones and like to have accidents. So, I tend to get fractures easily...and a lot! (see how sneaky my body can be?) My last major accident was a little over three years ago. I fell down a complete flight of stairs. All the way to the basement. I managed to break my ankle and hurt my shoulder. It took almost a year for them to decide that I had actually torn my rotator cuff and to get me in surgery for it. (see, insurance works like this...even though we have an MRI that shows you have a torn rotator cuff, we want you to undergo at least six weeks of physical torture to see if you are that one in a million person that doesn't really need the surgery. Forget all about the fact that the doctor had to TALK me into it...literally!)
So let's just fast forward to my new dilemma. Shall we?
I am a sewer. And a quilter. And a mom and a Grandma. And, up until a few weeks ago, a home schooler. And a bona fide Disney Freak!
I am in the process of making 16 custom dresses and 97 custom t shirts for our upcoming trip in Nov/Dec. Normally something I could almost get done in my sleep. But lately not so much.
For the past year I have been having some tingling in my arm. At first I thought it was my watch. I thought the watch was too tight and was cutting off the circulation...so I stopped wearing it. Then I thought it was my wedding rings. They HAD to be the culprit. Nope, again I was wrong.
After a few months it got worse. To the point that I couldn't sew. I kept pinning my hand instead of the fabric. Not a good thing to do, trust me!
Last January I talked to my doctor about it, he did some x-rays and said he didn't like what he saw in my neck, and it looked like I might need some surgery. Yes, he said the S word, knowing full well that I wasn't going to go for that! So, on my next monthly appointment, it was actually a little worse. Again we talked about the S word and I rejected it really quick!
At the end of April I was having a bit of problem with my lower back, and having some numbness in my legs. He ordered an MRI. I had the MRI on May 5.
Now, because I LOVE my doctor, I am not going to go into all the problems I had getting an answer out of his office or to move on to the next step. Let's just say that I was finally sent to the Pain Management Clinic (they evidently don't have a Numbness Management Clinic) at the hospital...in AUGUST! That's right, my first appointment there was August 13! After an hour visiting with the nurse and a few minutes with the doctor, they decided that my lower back was really not the issue, it was the neck area.
The plan was to have an MRI and then use that information to start injections in the neck to deal with the constant pain. (See, I forgot to mention that I guess) I had been in so much pain I was considering going to a chiropractor. My head hurt 24/7. It felt like it weighed a couple of tons and I could not hold it up. Late afternoons were so bad I spent the entire time almost laying on the couch. I had to prop my head up.
I had the MRI on Aug 24, and the doctor called me on Monday. He said he could do the injections, but they would not work. My problem was a tiny bit more serious than that. My psoriatic arthritis was winning a major battle!
I am a 55 year old female with psoriatic arthritis. This is a weird type of arthritis that thinks your own body is a foreign substance that needs to be GONE! So your body attacks itself.
Some people call that an auto-immune disease, but I prefer to think of it in my own way!
Usually you get arthritis in your finger, leg, knee, or some other part of your body and it is just there. Stays there pretty much all the time and wrecks havoc on your life. Mine is much more sneaky than that! Today it will be in my hip, yesterday it was my fingers and tomorrow it may be in my knee. You just never know when or where it will decide to attack. I mean who in their right mind would wage a war and let everyone know where you were going to attack or when! So much sneakier my way!
I was diagnosed with this almost 20 years ago. Originally my doctor gave me the grim news that I would be in a wheelchair within 10 years. Luckily, there is new medications coming out all the time. And I guess I have tried just about all of them.
My problem is after a year or so on a med, it stops working, so we have to find a new one to take its place. Of course, that usually means I have to take two or three pills instead of the one we are replacing, but that is life...at least for me!
I seem to have very brittle bones and like to have accidents. So, I tend to get fractures easily...and a lot! (see how sneaky my body can be?) My last major accident was a little over three years ago. I fell down a complete flight of stairs. All the way to the basement. I managed to break my ankle and hurt my shoulder. It took almost a year for them to decide that I had actually torn my rotator cuff and to get me in surgery for it. (see, insurance works like this...even though we have an MRI that shows you have a torn rotator cuff, we want you to undergo at least six weeks of physical torture to see if you are that one in a million person that doesn't really need the surgery. Forget all about the fact that the doctor had to TALK me into it...literally!)
So let's just fast forward to my new dilemma. Shall we?
I am a sewer. And a quilter. And a mom and a Grandma. And, up until a few weeks ago, a home schooler. And a bona fide Disney Freak!
I am in the process of making 16 custom dresses and 97 custom t shirts for our upcoming trip in Nov/Dec. Normally something I could almost get done in my sleep. But lately not so much.
For the past year I have been having some tingling in my arm. At first I thought it was my watch. I thought the watch was too tight and was cutting off the circulation...so I stopped wearing it. Then I thought it was my wedding rings. They HAD to be the culprit. Nope, again I was wrong.
After a few months it got worse. To the point that I couldn't sew. I kept pinning my hand instead of the fabric. Not a good thing to do, trust me!
Last January I talked to my doctor about it, he did some x-rays and said he didn't like what he saw in my neck, and it looked like I might need some surgery. Yes, he said the S word, knowing full well that I wasn't going to go for that! So, on my next monthly appointment, it was actually a little worse. Again we talked about the S word and I rejected it really quick!
At the end of April I was having a bit of problem with my lower back, and having some numbness in my legs. He ordered an MRI. I had the MRI on May 5.
Now, because I LOVE my doctor, I am not going to go into all the problems I had getting an answer out of his office or to move on to the next step. Let's just say that I was finally sent to the Pain Management Clinic (they evidently don't have a Numbness Management Clinic) at the hospital...in AUGUST! That's right, my first appointment there was August 13! After an hour visiting with the nurse and a few minutes with the doctor, they decided that my lower back was really not the issue, it was the neck area.
The plan was to have an MRI and then use that information to start injections in the neck to deal with the constant pain. (See, I forgot to mention that I guess) I had been in so much pain I was considering going to a chiropractor. My head hurt 24/7. It felt like it weighed a couple of tons and I could not hold it up. Late afternoons were so bad I spent the entire time almost laying on the couch. I had to prop my head up.
I had the MRI on Aug 24, and the doctor called me on Monday. He said he could do the injections, but they would not work. My problem was a tiny bit more serious than that. My psoriatic arthritis was winning a major battle!
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