Surgery Update

I had my long awaited neck surgery on Friday, September 8th. I had to be at the hospital at 7:30, and arrived at 7:40. Filled out yet more paperwork, and was taken in the prep room by 8:30. Gained and scuppered, warm blanket, and waiting. Had 2 anesthesiologists come in, as well as a nerve specialist come in and attach electrode tabs to my wrists and ankles, and explained that once I was under, I'd also have 2 more in my scalp. I was finally wheeled in to the operating suite around 11, and put under by 12 noon. The surgery took 9 hours. I was taken to ICU by 9:30 . They let my hubby stay with me for about an hour. Normal visitation ends at 8:30. The pain was horrendous. Thank goodness I had a pain pump/button. I was in ICU until Saturday night, then they moved me to the Orthopedic floor. I have to say that every nurse and pa that I had was excellent. I was discharged Monday night.

I have a collar that I must wear 24/7 for the next 3 months. I have a different collar that I wear in the shower. I use a shower chair. I use a cane for extra stability if I leave the house. The first week I was home was rough. DH had to help me get dressed. I'm under strict BLT orders: no bending, lifting, or twisting. I am making some progress. I can walk up and down the steps by myself, and I can make coffee. I had pain and muscle spasms, and my doctor gave me stronger/better meds to address that.

I'm limited to what I can do. I can't sit at my desk. That hurts and strains my neck. It's uncomfortable for me to read for same reason. Thank God there's football on. I can watch/listen to that laying down.

I don't want anyone to think I'm ignoring you. I try to check my friend feed every day, but am not always able to. I haven't checked email in 3 weeks, and have no idea when I will. I had wanted to do the Fall 5% Challenge, and I honestly do not think I will be able to. I really need to focus on me, and on getting stronger. I see the doctor again in 3 weeks. I know I'll have physical therapy at some point.

Mentally I'm doing good. Even with the pain/discomfort/ inconvenience, I am still glad I had the surgery. My surgeon told me that my case was the worst one he'd seen. That if I had stumbled and fell, or had been jostled or bumped, that there would have been an almost 100% chance that I would have been paralyzed. So I need to do everything I possibly can to regain my health. Thank you for all of your support. I appreciate it more than you know.

Karen