This is the first I’ve managed to set up my laptop in typing position, hence a long delayed update.
First, the good news. Most of all , my spine is excitingly straight! After that pre-op Xray of my kyphosis, this hardly needs saying, I guess. I’d have liked to get more than an inch back out of the five+ I lost (where ARE they?) but then again, I know how lucky I am - especially after Linda’s link today of that poor woman with the mega scoliosis that is inoperable. Also, I’m very relieved that my pain is manageable (though not from spiritual powers but a goodly dose of opiates). I had been expecting something from the Inquisition, so this is a great relief. It’s a PIB that I can’t seem to find a comfortable position for much of anything, though sleep, at least, is not much interfered with (staring at the ceiling gets OLD - am looking for a recliner on Craig’s List). What’s more, I’m able to get up alone at night for pee breaks (with nocturia that can be a dozen times!) and without feeling endangered. I’d been afraid I’d need to hire someone for that and other toileting purposes. That was first as a precaution against falling, what with the meds and all. That was not something either son and I wanted to share - likewise showering. Second toileting fear had to do with bowel issues stemming from spinal cord damage in the years I had to wait for surgery.
That problem seems to be magically remedied by the fancy Bio-Bidet I purchased with son's help - especially its . "Enema Function". I am double pleased to see they have renamed it "Vortex" instead (thus allowing me to put the remote control right on the wall). Both solutions are a huge economic relief - as great a concern as medical fears. That's all the more so after the year from hell medically/financially (leg fracture, breast cancer, sudden deafness, knee joint replacement, and dental costs even higher than all of them put together). Don’t know where I got the idea I absolutely needed someone available 24/7 - and for weeks if not months.
Being disabused of that belief and the Bio-Bidet - the answer to a prayer, I am now exhaling. I was almost put off the surgery fears related to bowel issues it promises to remedy.
Don’t know what I’ll do out of the house, but at least I have worst case scenarios covered there! WHEW!
Of course, I did have ten days in rehab to practice night-time toileting in rehab. I suppose that was worth it, even though otherwise, the facility was a disappointment apart from the cute Amish buggies trotting by. I now realize they actually put me (my spine) at risk by pushing me to do physical therapy - apart from walking, that is. Somewhere a major communication glitch occurred between Dr. Schwab’s office and them. The rehab PT head accused me of “directing my own therapy” = asking them to walk with me. This was one reason for the unexpectedly early discharge. Only two days notice was very inconvenient, but I now see it was a godsend. When I called Dr. Schwab’s office to ask them about PT (could Dr. Schwab give them a script for me?), his scheduler sounded like she almost fell out of her chair - not just shocked, but horrified. She emphasized I was in no way ready for PT, and when I was, it would only be after an OK from him - quite some time out. Assuming they’d been apprised of the recommendation to walk to tolerance (and only walk), I never thought my request to walk was out of the ordinary. Apparently, they were far from familiar with post spinal “protocol” as Dr. S’s office put it (as have my new at home carers). They have considerable respect for my 2’ incision and all that underlies it.
I'm also grateful for being on the "other side" however many questions remain, and also for the long history of this forum's support, not the least of which is old friends reaching out. Susan Cook has been amazing ever since I wrote her some months back - to my astonishment. Once I read some more recent threads from her, I apologized for asking for any time in view of her difficulties, but she would have nothing of it - and proceeded to encourage encourage and encourage! Susan, thank you so very much! And you too, always - there dear Tit-Ed!
That problem seems to be magically remedied by the fancy Bio-Bidet I purchased with son's help - especially its . "Enema Function". I am double pleased to see they have renamed it "Vortex" instead (thus allowing me to put the remote control right on the wall). Both solutions are a huge economic relief - as great a concern as medical fears. That's all the more so after the year from hell medically/financially (leg fracture, breast cancer, sudden deafness, knee joint replacement, and dental costs even higher than all of them put together). Don’t know where I got the idea I absolutely needed someone available 24/7 - and for weeks if not months.
Being disabused of that belief and the Bio-Bidet - the answer to a prayer, I am now exhaling. I was almost put off the surgery fears related to bowel issues it promises to remedy.
Don’t know what I’ll do out of the house, but at least I have worst case scenarios covered there! WHEW!
Of course, I did have ten days in rehab to practice night-time toileting in rehab. I suppose that was worth it, even though otherwise, the facility was a disappointment apart from the cute Amish buggies trotting by. I now realize they actually put me (my spine) at risk by pushing me to do physical therapy - apart from walking, that is. Somewhere a major communication glitch occurred between Dr. Schwab’s office and them. The rehab PT head accused me of “directing my own therapy” = asking them to walk with me. This was one reason for the unexpectedly early discharge. Only two days notice was very inconvenient, but I now see it was a godsend. When I called Dr. Schwab’s office to ask them about PT (could Dr. Schwab give them a script for me?), his scheduler sounded like she almost fell out of her chair - not just shocked, but horrified. She emphasized I was in no way ready for PT, and when I was, it would only be after an OK from him - quite some time out. Assuming they’d been apprised of the recommendation to walk to tolerance (and only walk), I never thought my request to walk was out of the ordinary. Apparently, they were far from familiar with post spinal “protocol” as Dr. S’s office put it (as have my new at home carers). They have considerable respect for my 2’ incision and all that underlies it.
I'm also grateful for being on the "other side" however many questions remain, and also for the long history of this forum's support, not the least of which is old friends reaching out. Susan Cook has been amazing ever since I wrote her some months back - to my astonishment. Once I read some more recent threads from her, I apologized for asking for any time in view of her difficulties, but she would have nothing of it - and proceeded to encourage encourage and encourage! Susan, thank you so very much! And you too, always - there dear Tit-Ed!
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