Discombobulated - Indestructible as ever

[JenniferG]

"Indestructible as ever" was the subject of Michelle's brother's email that I received this morning. She had her surgery yesterday morning Austalian time and this is a c & p of what he said:

Just a quick note to let you all know that Michelle’s operation went well. The surgery did not take as long as expected and she is in recovery at the moment. I’ll email you all when there’s more information available.

Woohoo! I'm so happy for her that it's over. Now, for the recovery!

I'll post news as it arrives.

[Geish]

Thanks for keeping us informed! Tell her there is a gentle hug from Geish in Big Bear :)

[WNCmom]

GREAT NEWS! Thanks for letting us know.

[Susie*Bee]

That's great news. Thanks so much for the info-- relay on a hug from me too. :) Susie

[debbei]

I'm so thrilled!!

[Qikdraw]

Great news!

[pmsmom]

Wonderful!

Please make sure to pass on our best wishes and that we are keeping
Discombobulated in our thoughts and prayers!

[nzgirl]

Pass on my best wishes to Discombobulated. We're almost exactly a year apart in revision surgery! I hope all goes well for her in her recovery.

[JenniferG]

Thanks everyone! I will pass on your wishes via her brother. Hopefully, I'll get another email tonight with some more news.

[JoAnn5]

Bless her heart. I wish her well too!!

[JenniferG]

Sadly, no news overnight. But it's Saturday here, so perhaps I'll get some news today.

Thinking of you Michelle!

[Kitty]

Hi Jen,
that's great news. Hope her recovery is unremarkable.
Best wishes to her.

Lisa

[loves to skate]

Michelle,
Wishing you a speedy recovery with very little pain! Sally

[JenniferG]

No further news, but I'll be sure to post it when it arrives! I don't want to pester Michelle's brother because he's a very busy person, so I will just have to be patient. Hopefully I'll have some good news before the end of today (Sunday.)

[JoAnn5]

Those first few days after surgery can be pretty tough. Maybe she's just trying to hang in there and there's nothing much to report. Let's hope that 'no news is good news'.

[JenniferG]

That's what I'm hoping, JoAnn. The minute I hear anything, I'll be sure to post it.

Jen

[JenniferG]

I couldn't wait any longer and phoned the hospital today. (It was a week yesterday since Michelle's surgery.) I was amazed to be put through to Michelle's phone. She was all "valiumed up" but said things are going better than expected and she hopes to leave the hospital on Monday. She also said that "the drugs have been fantastic this time around!"

So that's all good news. I will relax now and not bother her again but it sounds like she might be back online in the near future.

[txmarinemom]

Ahhhh ... thank god the bio-model seems to have worked for my shunt sister ;-). Please pass along my regards, Jen.

Pam

[debbei]

Jen,

That's wonderful news! Thanks for the update.

[pmsmom]

Yes indeed! Thanks for the update.

Please tell her we continue to think about her!

Marian

[discombobulated]

Hi everyone,

Sorry my bro didn't keep you Jen up to date as much as I'd hoped! The good wishes have meant so much to me, so thank-you, all :)

It's late here & I'm just waiting for some meds to kick in before I go to bed but wanted to drop you a line.....pathetically, it's actually going to be something of a copy/paste of my email to Jen earlier when I was feeling a little more awake, lol. No doubt I've left lots out but anyhow.....

----

Got discharged this morning. Too hard to get accessible hotel so staying with my brother (in Brisbane) at least till after Christmas & have stolen his laptop/internet. I'm doing REALLY GOOD (shock! horror!). Had a couple of not-great days in hosp., but overall it's been SO MUCH EASIER than previous spinal surgeries. Heck, easier than some other, non-spine surgeries, lol.

I'm on extended release tramadol (150mg), digesics, & valium (5mg), but when just lying or sitting, honestly haven't had hardly any back pain SINCE SURGERY!! (WHAT?????) And definitely less than pre-op! Epidural worked for the first time ever, then oral painkillers are also working well this time - Dr. Askin puts epidurals in differently to everyone else apparently & places them while he's still got the incision open so he can place it more accurately. Also uses different drugs to what my public hospital usually supplies.

My only trouble has been very bad nerve pains / cramping down upper legs because of swelling around sacral nerves + inflammation. Took a good (BAD) few days/nights to get meds right to fix that, but the upped valium/digesics combo is taking care of it now & I think swelling etc. is going down because I'm needing the drugs at longer intervals. Nerve pain because is because Dr. Askin did 2 osteotomies (a wedge out of each of 2 vertebra), & to do that, he stripped back everything right down to the spinal cord, which makes for very angry nerves! Also leg muscles not happy because they were stripped away from pelvis, etc. to get better access + bone pain because the pelvic screws (one either side) are 7.5cm (3inch) long!! He thinks he screwed into really good, strong bone this time, though. YAY! But as I say, all pain being taken care of with that drug combo. Either the swelling/inflammation or nerve damage (permanent or temporary) has me with very reduced sensation in upper legs, but it does seem to be slowly coming back & movement isn't compromised - so even if permanent, it's a small price.

No post-op x-rays until appointment in 8 wks, but feel much straighter & untwisted - trouble with balance & muscles (shoulder, neck, legs, etc.) wanting to return to old twisted positions, but that will come good. Don't think I gained height even though I'm straighter, probably because of the osteotomies. But - height was hardly the aim!

Able to move around surprisingly well & transfer to & from wheelchair by myself fairly well. Surprisingly, had no lung function tests, but the portable spirometer reading pre-op showed that my deepest breath was about 1500mL - even just a few days post-op, it was up to 2250mL!! Incision slightly longer than I expected, since lower rods connected to thoracic ones down at like...L3, I think - incision goes from about mid-way down shoulder blades right down. Healing very nicely - all dressings off, & able to have showers, etc.. Major risk of infection over, but still on some antibiotics just in case.

There were a few hiccups with a couple of nurses & doctors but most were, as always, spectacular.

I have to confess, I've written this in two parts because the valium kicked in LOL. It's definitely rambly, sorry - but hope it's reasonably coherent!


--

Well, I'm off to take some more valium & such & get a good night's sleep. Just wanted to pop in & thank you all for such magnificent support - & to the lovelies who PMd me, I'll get back to you soon, I promise ;)

[And just for the record, it was Great to hear from Jen, not at all the bother she seems to think she was! Although, I wasn't sure I was too coherent, lol!]

Looking forward to catching up on all your news bit by bit - for any upcoming surgeries, GOODLUCK!! And smooth recovery to everyone else newly on "this side" :)

Goodnight.


EDIT - my goodness, SO sorry this got so long!!! Congrats to any who made it through the whole post :p

[debbei]

Good for you Michelle,

I'm so glad that you are doing great, even better than you expected. It's wonderful that you are able to recover at your brother's for a while. Get all the rest you can, you need it!

Have a wonderful Christmas,

[JenniferG]

i'm very happy for you Michelle, for doing so well. You sure deserve it!

[discombobulated]

Hey again everyone,

Just for anyone's general curiosity, I thought I'd post up a few more of the "details" side of things...


My surgeon was absolutely magnificent - even listened to me when I asked for the central line to be left in for extra days (because otherwise they'd have had no blood or IV access). Also refused to take his usual mid-long-surgery short break because he wanted me out of anaesthetic ASAP.

Blood loss was the biggest concern & was a prob. During surgery, I had cell saver + 2 (? at least 1) units of donor blood during surgery because platelets don't survive the cell saver process & needed better clotting. Another donor transfusion (whole blood) that night in ICU & another the night after (still ICU) because HbG was dropping badly. Apparently I so pale I was blending into the pillow ;)

As is very common with spinal surgeries, electrolytes went way out (I'm very prone to this anyway), but were fixed reasonably well by the time I was out of ICU (3 days). Of course, was on the "Gatorade diet" for the first couple of days to help fix this anyway (Ugh, hate that stuff! lol). But besides that, none of the Big Scary Possible Complications! YAY!! Still on prophylactic antibiotics, but incision is completely healed over, apparently, so infection risk is lower now.

Dr. Askin said a couple of times that he couldn't have done the surgery without having the biomodel beforehand (& in surgery?) + all the squillions of scans I'd had. I am Very Grateful.

Was meant to be on ventilator for 48hrs but with minimal consciousness after first night...well, somebody gave me either the wrong anti-emetic (I only respond to one) or didn't think to give me one at all, so in my first moments of "minimal consciousness" (which I'm not meant to even remember but sure do), I vomited non-stop until they were able to pull the vent out + give me the right anti-emetic. Yeah, that was one of the lower points lol. Then NG tube until that night to make sure vomiting wouldn't start again. But, mostly upwards from there. :)

Nutrition has been a major problem, esp. since many of the drugs I were/am on are appetite suppressants. Still on Sustagen & Polyjoule, but (as you'll see in a second), without the Tramadol, I've even had a tiny appetite come back just in time for Christmas today! I'll get there....eventually ;-)

Last night I fell asleep before taking the Tramadol ER & felt no difference, so skipped it again this morning & have concluded that I have no need for it. Also haven't had digesics or valium since 1am & now it's 4:15pm (2 wks post-op today)! I can't believe what a difference this is to the months of agony from my previous 2 spinals.......I actually feel rather guilty posting such positive results when I know that many of you guys & gals have been through the horrid post-op path, but I do hope that this can give a little hope to some pre-op people that it isn't always the surgery from hell.....*but still with the guilt* :o



I'm slowly catching up on news around here - even without drugs today, I've been having to take a couple of hour nap morning & afternoon, & going to bed very early.

So again, goodluck to anyone who's fast approaching surgery & best wishes for a smooth recovery to all newly recovering chaps :) (Especially you, Diane!!!). And if I can be of use to anybody, for anything please ask away or PM me. I hope I can stay useful around here ;-) (And, as always, SORRY FOR THE RAMBLING!! :o

Take care all, & happy Holidays.


BTW - after all the sticky notes I wrote to myself & writing it on my hands - I STILL forgot to ask my surgeon to keep my metal bits!! :eek::mad: Apparently it's actually illegal to give them to patients, but....... :rolleyes:

[trulyaries]

Hi Michelle -
On this Christmas day I'm crying happy tears for you!!:):):)

[txmarinemom]

Michelle, I'll echo FeliciaFeliciaFelicia :)

Reading your bio-model was effective is better than any gift I received (no matter HOW well thought out ... and my daughter is pretty creative!) .

It's about damn time you got a break, honey. Fingers crossed this is one less thing in your list of worries ... for a long time!

Hugs,
Pam

[WNCmom]

Very glad to hear things went pretty smoothly and you're recovering well. Happy New Year!

[JenniferG]

And I'll echo Pam!

Michelle, a friend of mine recently had a titanium rod removed from her upper arm. It had been placed down the centre of the bone and she had two years of pain before having it removed. She asked her surgeon if she could have the rod but it wasn't mentioned again during her recovery. However, at her first post op visit, he gave her a plastic bag containing not just the rod, but the screws as well. The rod was bright blue and weighed next to nothing but seeing it and knowing where it had been was quite mind boggling. So perhaps Dr. Askin is keeping yours for you, too!

[discombobulated]

Hey,

Hope you all had a fantastic Christmas/Holiday. I had a longer update half-typed this morning at my brother's place, but had to leave it......to come HOME :D Yep, that's right folks - Home Sweeeeeeeet Home! I not long ago even had my first non-hospital, non-sponge-bath shower in aaaages, & it Felt So Good. Looking forward to sleeping in my own bed tonight....but not on my left side, since that hip's kindly developed a blister from my new-found (over-enthusiastic) ability to lie comfortably on that side, lol [the actual hip is a bony prominence due to previous surgeries on it + I lost some weight again...gah!]. But, my bed is still MY bed! :D

Honestly, I just feel like I'm waiting for something catastrophic to go wrong (at 8wk post-op?????) because even the trip home was less painful than travelling pre-op! (about 350km, took about 5hrs inc. lunch stop) Actually, except for a few big bumps & sharp turns, it was fairly....painless.....:eek: Although, my balance is still horrid - fell asleep after the drug top-up with lunch, & had to be poked awake when I started leaning waaaaay too close toward my Dad driving :D:p Anyhow, I'm a bit achy & stiff - & Exhausted - & I did take my meds when due, but didn't feel even mild desperation for them at all.

Speaking of meds - have spent much of the week tweaking them to kill off developing allergic reactions. Woohoo. As per previous post, the Tramadol Ext. Release went because it felt useless, but came back on the table when I quit the Digesics - which were making my palms itchy like nuts, & started giving me trouble breathing. Great.

As the Digesics wore out of the system, the symptoms eased, but the Valium alone wasn't managing the nerve pains so I re-started the Tramadol ER. Two doses later, & my hands were itching like (slightly smaller) nuts AGAIN.

Since it still didn't feel like it was doing much, I cut it again, & switched to Panadeine Extra (paracetamol, which is useless to me, + an codeine phosphate 15mg/tablet). Remembering this & a similar drug is what I was living on for a couple of yrs pre-op ..... blow me down if my palms weren't itching, though to a lesser extent, coinciding with the Panadeines (yep, I did rule out the Valiums by staggering doses). NO idea why opioids seem to be doing this itching thing to me right now, but at least it's rather minor compared with the digesic breathing issues (I blamed asthma, but it kept easing up whenever the digesic was wearing off badly). Soooo...end result is that today the chemist directed me toward some 1% hydrocortisone cream to help the itch - & it actually does help. Yay!

And...all that said - except for travelling today, I've been scaling back the drugs to 1-2 half doses during the day + 1-2 half or full doses during the night. Had my first ("test") outing yesterday & even survived a couple of hours of wandering around a crowded shopping centre, though I only pushed myself in w/chair for maybe 1km total (in bits & pieces). Getting there - & it was nice to be out. [Better to be home :D]

Anyhow, that's my rambling for the evening. I'm actually just waiting it out until I'm due for some more meds in about an hour so I can sleep well (nerve pains go up a lot still when I lie down)....but, I won't inflict myself on you guys any longer!

Goodnight (or good-day) :)

And thanks again, for all the support. Pam, having this work out really has been my best Christmas gift ever - & it will only get better each year [presuming it stays stuck this time!]. But you - go enjoy your creative-kid's gifts!

Take care, all :)

[JenniferG]

Have a relaxing first day at home, Michelle! Do you need to pinch yourself to remind yourself that it's over, you're home and it's all going well? (Excepting the itchy palms - I always thought that meant you were coming into money!);):D

[pmsmom]

Glad to hear you're home! :D

Keep us posted when you can!

Marian

[discombobulated]

Hey everyone -

Well, I haven't been online too much, but thought I'd drop in with a quick update again, in case anyone's interested.

I'm still scaling back my painkillers because I have very little pain, & since a little before 3wks post-op have been on less than pre-op!! It's still early days, but after years of increasing painkillers (largely upping codeine, since I didn't want anything too hardcore) - I finally feel like I'm reclaiming my brain. My concentration, although still somewhat dodgy from the anaesthetic, fatigue, painkillers, etc. is finally improving - along with things like my short-term & long-term memory. My head feels clearer...& I've even gotten half-way through reading a book after only a couple of days of reading - for up to an hour at a time!

In the days after stopping the Tramadol [a couple of days after stopping the Digesic] & after using the hydrocortisone cream just a few times, the hand itching eased & has long gone - Hurrah!! The night before last marked the first post-op time when I didn't wake up for Panadeine &/or Valium in the night, & I've also scaled them both down big-time during the day, esp. as the nerve pains have dropped a lot. Pre-op, I'd never have believed that a single Panadeine Extra (15mg codeine phosphate) would touch pain, but it's all I've been needing, 1-3 times during waking hours. Plus, I've scaled back to 1/2 Valium pill, 1-2 times during the day. I'm still laying down for maybe 1/2-1 hr to stretch out once or twice a day, but rarely taking naps. This is just....nuts, & entirely unexpected just 3.5wks post-op.

Once our gorgeous rain clears up, I'm even planning a bit of an outing this week, only up to our small shopping centre - but it will be nice to be out of the house. And, between the sensation not returning much [yet?] in my previously-hypersensitive leg, the new & improved spine not squishing nerves, & a little Valium if needed - I'm really hoping this will be my first outing in a very long time when bumpy terrain (think decorative, closely-placed paving tiles, esp.) won't continually trigger what I can now identify as the nerve pains that have always been with me. Even though I always suspected nerve involvement in the cramping & shooting pains that I get from such things & just randomly, the post-op nerve pains taught me that they were simply more intense versions of what I'd had my whole life. Who knew there was something I could take to [I]help these?! I will definitely be talking to my surgeon about some kind of low dose med to help me out on a permanent basis with these - something else very positive from this surgery, for me.

The de-rotation & straightening has done so much for pain levels, breathing, & other medical issues. I can't believe how well the surgery went & how speedy/smooth recovery seems to be for me this time around.....it all seems "too good to be true", & I'm still just waiting for something to go seriously wrong. Yes, I know that probably sounds morbid/pessimistic/whatever, but...I really don't know that I'll be able to properly relax about this "success" for a good year or two (at which point I could well tell that the previous fusion was becoming a miserable failure).

Sooo....that's me at the moment. Have been thinking much of everyone here, most especially those who are up for surgery soon - so, so hope things go well for everyone. I really hope 2009 brings much improved quality of life for everyone here, whether by surgery, better pain management, or whatever else...

Wishing you all Peace & Joy in the new year & beyond. Take care, all. :)

[JenniferG]

We all love a good news story!

Your many rapid improvements are wonderful to hear about and give all of us on *this* side of surgery, much hope. I hope your remarkable recovery continues full speed and many more improvements are in store for you yet!

[discombobulated]

Well, seeing as I just linked to here for a couple of people facing similar surgeries, I figure I'd better also update while I'm at it.... :p

I'm still on only a low dose of Panadeine Extra as needed (about 0-4 each 24hrs), but have re-started the Valium more regularly (1/4 5mg pill every 6hrs during day, 1 pill before bed, 1/2 pill when I wake in the wee hours). The valium's not so much for the nerve pains, which are still *reasonably* settled, but to keep my neck muscles relaxed. I've always had problems in the mornings with what I now know to call "cervicogenic headaches" [CVHs], but since sleeping with my spiffy new spine, the headaches have acquired a "with migraine features". Obviously, I'm looking into options to keep these at bay WITHOUT living on Valium...but at least I'm sleeping again! Since I don't usually have CVH problems while in hosp using their "dynamic pressure redistribution mattress overlay"s, & because I'm also having (ongoing) troubles with pressure sores, I'm looking good to receive govt funding to get one of these for my own bed. I'm trialing one right now that's not quite right, but I at least have hope with this.

I had transitioned off my nutritional supplements & thought I was holding my own....but today am back on with the Sustagen with Zymil (lactose-free milk) because I'm just not feeling up to eating much at all, & my body absorbs even less. Nevermind! I will get there, eventually! Whether the upped Valium, doing more in general, less nutrition, just "everything" catching up with me - or a combination of any/all - I've found that even though I'm 5wks post-op tomorrow (already - yet it seems so long ago, too!!), the exhaustion has really taken over in the last few days. Back to napping for at least an hour once or sometimes twice a day, & the concentration's shot again....but, all these things that will come good over time!

I'm just still hanging out for my 8wk post-op check so my surgeon can knock out my worry that the curve/rotation is returning (still intense, entirely illogical & unsupported by the evidence of the even shoulders, ribcage, etc.!) *it's all in my head*it's all in my head*it's all in my head* :D

On a positive side - I had my first post-op outing today, to our local small shopping centre! AND I SURVIVED!! :D Mind you, I was out for about 2hrs & came home & promptly crashed for 3hrs! - woken only because of scorching heat, or I'd probably still be sleeping, lol.... speaking of which, I can have more meds now, so am heading back to bed!

Goodnight (or day!), all. Take care :)

[Susie*Bee]

Dear Dis-- thanks for the update. It does sound like "in the big picture" you are doing really well, so that is wonderful. I was sorry to hear about your CVHs. I self-diagnosed myself with those last year, after never being able to give mine a label and then finding all the signs and symptoms I experience listed together under that heading... and they can be sooooo debilitating. OTCs just don't do a thing, but I've found if I take a Darvocet that it makes the headache more livable. I usually get one during the night, waking up with it and it stays with me all day, getting worse and worse-- and it usually lasts for at least a few days. My family doctor had me give up caffeine because he thought that might help, and I dutifully did for 4.5 months with no change. Over the holidays I decided that was silly since there was no difference, so am back to having a cup or two of joe in the mornings again. :cool:

It's so interesting to read about your weight problem, as it's the exact opposite of mine. Well, not quite the opposite as my appetite isn't big nor is the amount of food I eat, but I gain anyway. I am still working at dieting. :) I hope you are able to maintain and not lose any more. Wish I could trade off a little with you in the metabolism area. ;)

That's great about your outing! There are so many important "firsts" in recovery-- and meeting those milestones is cause for big celebrations! I had to laugh about the scorching heat waking you up, as we are in the grips of severely frigid temps in the midwest and eastern parts of the US. I am home from school today as it was canceled due to windchills-- our real temp is -13º and with the windchill factored in it feels like -30º. Brrrrr!

Keep up the good work with your recovery and thanks for letting us know. I think it buoys us all up to hear news of how others are doing. You've had a rough road, but it looks like it's getting pretty smooth now. BTW-- I know I always get the jitters when I'm heading back to my surgeon for a check-up-- thinking something is probably wrong because of aches or pains... but as you keep saying to yourself: "it's all in my head..." And hopefully yours will stay there and eventually disappear entirely. :) Hugs, Susie

[Jenlw]

Sorry I haven't been keeping up with the board!!

I am sooooooooooo happy things are going well for you!!!

What is this business with it being illegal to give patients their metal!?!?!

My first outing was to a hockey game, it ended up being way more brutal than I had anticipated. I think it was just so overwhelming to be around SO many people. And at that point I was walking so slowly and everyone want to push on by me ugh

[discombobulated]

Jen, it's nice to see you around again - & I love that you come bearing double good news!

The crowds were something I was really worried about since it's tourist season (*sigh*...if you can shoot at random animals during hunting season, why can't I shoot the excess people during tourist season here?!:p :rolleyes: ). But it seems the economic downturn or whatever else worked in my favour & there weren't too many people around. *phew*. Glad you survived your hockey experience in one piece ;-)

--

Susie,

Google tells me that your Darvocet is in fact more or less my Digesic - I, too, found it a great painkiller (it was in the combo of the orals I went on to straight off the epi)...unfortunately, also was the one that after a couple of wks of doses made me quite on the way to being unable to breathe! Sure glad it helps you out without any nasty side-effects.

CGHs are just horrible to live with day in & day out. Mine are just as you say, too - start in the night (I just can't seem to find a position to sleep in that my neck likes), & if I don't get on to it straight away, it gets worse through the day, worse again that night, & so on & so forth...until migraine features decide to climb aboard as well. UGH. I'm so glad you've found that Darvocet helps you some...The only other things I can suggest are what's working out for me (perhaps things you already know??).

A) A low-dose, regular muscle relaxant (for me, diazepam/Valium) at the moment to keep my neck muscles relaxed so not squishing nerves or whatever happens. Obviously, this isn't a long-term solution, but it sure is helping until I sort something more sustainable out. I take a higher dose before I go to bed & during the night since it's the sleeping position that triggers the CGHs for me. But if I feel one starting any other time, I take either 1/2 or even a whole 5mg Valium & it helps me more than painkiller ever has. I don't know if you could have something similar on hand to knock them out now & again when they get too bad???

B) Find a great PT! My guy was the one who diagnosed them, & there is a point on each side, somewhere between the junction of neck muscle & skull - the first time he pressed one of these was the morning of my first CGH "with migraine features" & swear to goodness, I was convinced for about 45-60secs that my head was going to explode. All I could think was, "**** I'm glad I took that ondansetron [strong anti-emetic] before I came (to quit me dry-retching), + 2 Panadeine Extra + 1 Valium, or his office would be newly carpeted & wallpapered in vomited bile" :eek:. BUT then, my neck & head just magically started easing, & I swear, nothing has EVER helped a full-on headache like that So much, So quickly. Like any great physio, he taught me & my Mum who was there his "trick", & now we're able to replicate it at home a couple of times a day so that things don't get too bad. It is possible, just harder, to do it for yourself. I'll try to find a pic of where to press & post it for you if you like - but honestly, if you can get yourself to a good PT, it has been so incredibly worth it for me & I hope it would work equally for you.


BTW - I'm with you on caffeine definitely not being the cause. I can't have it, at all (except in low doses of tea) - besides shaking, nausea, dehydration, etc., coffee does give me headaches, but they don't feel like CGHs. Enjoy that "joe"! [& have one for me too, please!]


Pleeeeease send me some wind chill or coolness in any form!! Our weather's been strangely cycling between wet & windy & absurdly hot & humid - up to 38C for a few days last wk (?)!! About 34C that woke me up yesterday. As for the metabolism - I'd be thrilled to do a bit of a swap :D Actually, my problem is less fast metabolism (though it probably is fast) than chronic (read: lifelong) malabsorption. I'm perpetually working on it, but every time I have surgery or get sick, the weight falls off & signs of malnutrition start showing up. SO FRUSTRATING! LOL! But, with my supplements, my body's doing well enough to be healing nicely - scar's flattening out & all!

- Which is yet another argument going for the "it's all in my head" argument...but I'm still struggling to wait another 3 wks to find out for sure. It's less jitters about seeing the doc (heck, I'd see him today if I could!) - just knowing that this is the area that refused to stay stuck last time. ALL the signs are good....but I can't help but think, "Am I sure that ribcage side was still a tiny bit bigger right after surgery?? Am I sure I'm just sitting/lying a little different, & that's why my back feels different??" ETC.! 3 weeks just feels like a long time, no matter how many good signs there are, lol :o

One last thing to ramble about - another first, in fact! I know "walk, walk, walk" is the mantra for most post-op peoples, but I've had to balance that with not burning too many calories, & also not stressing the new fusion with tackling bumpy terrain in my wheelchair. So - lots of pushing myself around in the house, but not much outdoors. Yesterday afternoon - first walk on part of the old route that I (& sometimes my Mum) used to go on around the neighbourhood. The paving & roads aren't spectacular, but felt ok. I couldn't push the whole way, but certainly more than I've done in a while (except maybe in the shopping centre the day before!). Felt strange, but GOOD :D Depending on the weather (I get dehydrated in high heat/humidity), we'll go as often as we can, & I'll build up with the pushing further. But yes, another first - YAY!

--

Oooh and...on an entirely unrelated note.... :o

This weekend (my time), I'm hanging out as long as I can on my computer, hoping to hear news of the birth of a kitten I'm to adopt (provided a baby girl is born in the litter!!). My awesome old girl died in Feb 2008 after 17 yrs with me (since I was 4) & after waiting for me to get well after the refractory septic shock episode....I swore black & blue that I could never go through losing another baby or feel like I'm replacing my girl....but it's time to adopt a new fur-friend :o I wanted to adopt from a refuge, but got because it's hard to predict personality & I'm only up to caring for a fairly docile but intelligent kitty, I started looking around......and, all going to plan I'm adopting a blue mitted ragdoll baby girl in about 14 wks - kittens expected to be born over the weekend! I'm exceedingly excited (if feeling just a little guilty), & just had to share :rolleyes: :D

--

Susie, hope you can sort those horrid CGHs!

Be well, all.

[Peachy]

Hi Michelle,

Although I've read your posts and kept up with your progress, I haven't actually written to you before. But I had to respond when I read about how you're planning to get a new kitten, after losing your 17-year-old cat.

I lost my 16-year-old cat, Nipper, over a year ago, and like you, this has been the first time since my childhood that I've not had a kitty. I've had to put off getting another cat until after I'm healed from surgery (which is in 3 days) so I can look after him properly. I donate to a local cat shelter, but dare not look at any of the "adoptables" while I'm there, in the likely event that one (or more) would end up being taken home with me.

Anyway, I'm so happy for you that you'll soon have a new "baby"! How exciting it must be to be waiting to hear of her birth! Keep us posted. Maybe I can live vicariously through your experience.

Peachy

[discombobulated]

Peachy,

I'm sorry you lost Nipper...but at least it sounds like he & my Minnie both lived to ripe old ages in happy, loving homes :) Do let me know when you adopt a new fur-friend (or should I say, the entire refuge of fur-friends? :D ).

I don't have my first follow-up appt with my surgeon until 16th Feb., & yes...clearance is the question that lurks in my mind, too. I'm thrilled you'll be cleared in just 3 days! My incision is long healed & is flattening out, but I'm more worried he'll say, "A cat that could grow to 7kg+? I'll never clear you to pick that lump up!" lol :o

I'll let you know when I hear about the birth & any pics I get - feel free to live vicariously for as long as you like! :D Heck, I will be too, through photos only, until she's at least 5-6 wks old. Feels like eternity! And 14wks till she's living with me....what exactly comes after eternity?!!

I'll keep ya posted ;) Take care.

[theizzard]

Like Peachy, i had to respond when reading about the loss of Minnie and the soon to be new cat in the house. I lost my boy PeeWee in 2/2002 at 11 yrs.old because of various illnesses and never thought he could be replaced. Lo and behold I found a wonderful rescue snowshoe cat who has been the delight of my life since getting him in June 2002. What an absolute love and delight as I am sure that your new little Ragdoll will be. I am soon to be having my spine straightened but talk of cats always cheers me up.
Congrats to you.
avis

[Susie*Bee]

Dis-- thanks so much for the encouragement and help with the CGH stuff. I haven't had one for a couple of weeks, so I'm feeling pretty good! Darvocet is what they weaned me down to (and later off of) at about 5 months post-op, after taking hydrocodone for about 5 months, but I have them "on hand" in case I have a bad day-- and it's mild enough I don't feel bad taking it for the headaches, plus I cleared that with my family doctor and he said that was fine. Sorry it gives you problems! If they get worse I may ask about the valium. That is another med I weaned off of entirely, post-op. As for the PT-- it's a 45 minute drive for me to go to one, so that would be a last resort since I work. But I'll keep that in mind too, in case they get worse.

I'm excited for you and your new Kitty. I am so sorry for you (and Peachy too) with the losses of a beloved pet that was true family after so many years with you. Grief for a pet can be soooo intense. Anyway, it's good that you will soon have a new kitty to love and cuddle. And you too, Peachy, when you are cleared. :)

I'm so proud of you for making advances with your walking! Yay! And yes, I understand only too well the result of added walking also can bring weight loss, whether desired (me) or not (you). Maybe you can treat yourself to a nice thick milkshake after your walking to counter the calorie loss. Keep up the good work!

Your appointment will be here soon and he'll probably tell you that all is well and you are healing right on target. Try not to worry too much about it, as worry never helps-- only hinders. Easy to say, hard to do, I know! :rolleyes: Every time one of my check-ups is almost here, I tend to think of the aches and pains and wonder if all is ok or not. My next appt. is Feb. 12th, so just around the corner... I'll be at 21 months post-op and am wondering if I'll ever get totally over the surgery or not. But really, I think I am doing fine and that I'll just have aches and pains-- but they are better aches and pains than before. You want to pick up your kitty when it's bigger-- and I want to pick up my grandbabies that will be born in May. I think when there's a will, there's a way. We can always have them deposited (or jump up to) our laps! :)

[Peachy]

Michelle,

Sorry, but my post about when I could get a new kitty was unclear (kind of like my head :)). What I meant was, not my clearance, but my surgery is 3 days away....actually now only 2. Eek!

I suppose it will be a life adjustment for us, learning to pick up a kitty, fix food & water bowls, clean litter box, etc. without hurting ourselves. Let me know what you learn, so I can follow, hopefully next summer.

Peachy

[discombobulated]

Oh, Peachy - I'm sorry! Call it a "valium-moment" ;) I did indeed know you were heading for surgery very soon. Well, I'll just have to post lots of kitten pics for you to live vicariously through over the coming months, tide you over until you get a four-legged friend of your own :D Furry hugs are always healing (even if they are cyber-hugs).

I'm afraid any of my "lessons" learned probably won't be too useful to you, since I use a wheelchair. But - I'm sure there will be plenty of others with tips for you.

Best wishes for your surgery. I'll be thinking much of you.

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Avis - I'm sorry that you, too, lost your longtime fur-friend...but how wonderful that another can live well-loved with you. Best wishes for your upcoming surgery! And yes, kitty talk always cheers me up, too ;) But, alas, no more news of my kitten's birth yet!

--

Susie...thank-you, as always, for your support & calming words.

I'm sorry you don't have easy access to a PT, but I'm so glad the meds are working for when you need them. While waiting impatiently near my inbox all day, I've been scouting on a whole hoard of subjects, among which are CGHs...I found a couple of websites esp. interesting & one graphic that showed exactly where my PT was pressing, if you ever want it :)

I really do wish we could swap weight probs a little! lol! Milkshakes are hard for me, but I've been relying on a lot of Sustagen again the today & yesterday esp., & just trying to survive our heat/humidity without getting dehydrated / electrolyte imbalances. So, no more walks. But maybe a short outing tomorrow to get some new plants for my fish tank.

You're so right that worrying about the fusion hindering rather than helping - I'm doing all I can for it, so it really is out of my control...still, easier said than done! Best of luck for your next check-up. And yes...where there's a will, there's a way. We will both find ways to hug our babies (now, if only they'd be polite & be born already! LOL).

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Best wishes to you all - for surgery & check-ups. And thank-you for the support. Take care.

[discombobulated]

Well, for anyone interested, I received yesterday the invoice for the full list of procedures done [it fascinated me for ages :D ]

1. Spinal fusion for scoliosis, combined with segmental instrumentation (C D, Kielke or [sentence ended there. I presume they used the C D since it sure wasn't anterior]

2. Laminectomy involving more than one vertebral interspace for spinal stenosis

3. Spinal rhizolysis involving exposure of spinal nerve roots - for lateral recess, exit foraminal.


I sound like a spinal surgery textbook, LOL! :D No wonder there were 5 junior surgeons who came to watch ;)