About my mom...

[jgbphoto]

Hi everyone,
I'm new to posting. Hope this is how to do it.
My mom is going to have major spinal fusion, bracing, everything, on Thursday August 31st. These forums have been a great support, so I just wanted to put out the word...think good thoughts for Betty Newton and her surgeon, Dr. Serena Hu. And bless you all. My mom is 73!

Laura Brittain

[abhbarry]

We will think about her! Blessings.

[bbest]

Best of luck to your mom. Please report back and let us know how she is doing.

[Shari]

Hi Laura,

You and your mother will be in my prayers also.

Shari

[jgbphoto]

Thanks so much

Thanks guys for your support.
I will post later after the surgery. Hopefully it will be nothing but good news.

Take care,
Laura

[crookedspine]

The prayers are going out in Texas! (and Wisconsin, and.....) Let us know!

[makaylasmom]

Please let us know how your mom is doing. Prayers and Hugs to you both!!

[macky]

Lots of caring thoughts and prayers for your mum Laura. From Australia.

Macky

[jgbphoto]

Mom's recovery

Hi guys, hope you're well.

Mom's surgery went well and was only 4 and a half hours long. They made the internal brace for her and did the fusion. She'll wait a year or so before perhaps removing the rib hump. She did well before, during and now, one week post op.

I started two threads a week ago. So here's a duplicate of what I've been writing in the family section of the forums. From now on, maybe I'll just post here.

I told Mom about people's prayers and good thoughts when I was in the hospital the past few days. She smiled. She's drifting in and out of that necessary dance with pain killers. She has good nurses, great doctors, and does her Physical Therapy daily. It's been a week since the operation and she is slowly recovering, but without any complications. The doctors say she is doing fine and can possibly come home to San Diego in about a week. We'll see. She's still too weak to move. When she does it will probably be by ambulance.

It's been a little bit surprising to me to see how long she's in bed, unable to function. That's because of the highly-necessary meds. But she does eat a little, comb her hair, sit up with help...

I'm writing down this experience in the hope that it will encourage and help educate others. I figure if my little old 73-year old mommy can do this, it may be a flag of hope for someone else. Seems like this surgery is often covered by insurance and government programs, so...
But her scoliosis was so severe it would have killed her eventually.
We'll see if this helps her lungs. She looks taller.

Above all, my mom hasn't shown any fear. So that's good. She is good and dopey right now, though!

Thanks for listening!

Take care, all,
Enjoy your days.
Laura

[JamieAnn]

Thanks for the update and positive note about surgery. I am happy to hear your mother is pulling through very well!

What is an internal brace? I haven't heard of that term before..

Keep your head up,
Jamie

[makaylasmom]

Wonderful news!!!

Thanks for letting us know how she is doing!

[Shari]

Hi Laura,

It's great to hear that your Mom is doing well!!! She's one tough woman that is in my thoughts and prayers.

Shari

[jgbphoto]

Internal bracing

Hi,
Jamie asked what an "internal brace" was. The surgeon said they would create internal bracing with hardware. I think it's the rods, screws, and maybe some wires. I guess I need to find out a little bit more about it!

Take care,
Laura

[bbest]

Your mom is an inspiration to others in her age group.

I figure if my little old 73-year old mommy can do this, it may be a flag of hope for someone else.

Little old 73 year old my foot...your mom doesn't sound like any 73 year old I've ever known...she rocks! She is also very lucky to have such a loving and caring daughter. I wish her all the best for a speedy and successful recovery.

[macky]

Laura, believe you me ,your mums story will definately encourage and inspire others, she is such a wonder.

Totally unbelievable, have loved reading how she is going and boy have I prayed for her!! Wow what a special lady.

Macky xx(for your mum)