5 days to go-bag is packed

[KathK]

Loved your lyrics! I know that you will do great! Before you know it, you'll be headed home (and I'll be praying for snow free roads for you then, too).

I don't think you could be any better prepared! All that's left is to put yourself in the hands of Dr. L and his team!

Big hugs!

[JamieAnn]

Karen,

I remember in the last few days before my surgery I got incredibly sad about "missing" my husband and our home, friends, etc, while I was recovering. I felt like I was leaving and wouldn't be back to normal for so long. Yes I left for 6 days but the time went fast and now 3 months later, I really feel quite normal again (with minor limitations of course). The surgery will only be a matter of hours but your life will be there waiting for you when you come home, and it is only a short time before you can really enjoy being you again.

Like Junosand said, you being so prepared really will make a difference. For me, all of the things I worried about never really bothered me - it was the unexpected things that made the whole experience interesting!

Best of luck - we'll all be anxious to hear how you're doing!

-Jamie

[golfnut]

Thanks, everyone.
JamieAnn-You nailed my feelings exactly. Thanks for making me feel better. I don't want to be some drugged up person trying to regulate body functions, but I know it goes with the territory.
I am reasonably calm today . . . staying busy taking down Christmas decorations. John and I are going to see Little Fockers and go to dinner Mon. evening. Tues. a.m. is the central line and final tests and then back home. We'll leave home at 5:30 a.m. on Wed.
Thanks, again, for your positive comments and support for months.

[naptown78]

Karen,
I am definitely old enough to remember that song! Good luck with your surgery and may it give you the relief you deserve ;-)
I remember my last days prior to surgery, I would think "this is my last weekend with a crooked back, my last breakfast with a crooked back, last work day...you know what I mean). I couldn't help myself counting down. As you go into the hospital, you may have butterflies but also a sense of excitement. Your surgeon is the best! I look forward to hearing how things go ;-)))

[LisaB]

Good Luck Karen! You'll do great! Just give yourself plenty of time to recover. I just got back from the Colts game! See, there is life after scoliosis surgery! I'll be thinking of you on the 5th and wishing you the best.

[golfnut]

Kristy-I was beginning to wonder if I was the only one old enough to remember Peter, Paul, and Mary!
LisaB-I know I will have a fun life again eventually. Didn't you travel to Florida with your husband a few months after your surgery? I remember being amazed at the time.

Thanks, again.

Jenee'-You're right behind me and I know you'll do well. We'll compare notes over the phone when we're both up to it.

[Doodles]

For the record it was one of my favorite songs as a freshman in college--just a couple years ago, I believe. Janet

[ADMoul]

Karen, Wishing you the very, very best. I know how intimidated I was about going to NYC and being in a strange hospital and too far away for anyone from home to visit. My poor husband was on his own but he did great dealing with the subways and life in NY. (And the bonus is we have since really fallen in love with NYC and I want to run up there for weekends and see shows and be a complete tourist!) Anyway, I am walking right there with you--this is when it all came together for me about a year ago. And I love my hardware (other than the literal pain-in-the butt screw in my hip) because it has taken away all my pain. You have a fantastic surgeon and you will be in the best of hands. Will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers all week.

[LisaB]

Golf Nut - I was a big Peter, Paul & Mary fan and yes I am definitely old enough to remember the song. And I did go to FL 7 weeks after my surgery and did fine. I just couldn't pull my bag or carry much of a carry on since I had to be under 10 pounds between the carryon and my purse. You will do great,too. Just go in with a positive frame of mind and keep thinking of the positive benefits you will be getting from the surgery! The nurse anesthesist told me that when I woke up after surgery the first thing I said was "am I taller?" So you know what I was dreaming about during surgery.

[PagetH]

Good Luck

Hi Karen, I'll be thinking of you tomorrow. My surgery is on January 11th, 1 week from today. I know exactly how you're feeling!! I know you'll do great.

Best wishes, Paget

[leahdragonfly]

Good luck Karen

Dear Karen,

This last day before surgery can seem very surreal and nerve-wracking, but you are very well prepared and in the very best of hands with your surgical team.

We will all be thinking positive thoughts for you here, and will look forward to hearing updates if someone can post them for you. The days in the hospital can pass in a haze, then before you know it you will be home again with your fur-kids.

Please do let us know how you're doing when you are up to it. Good luck!

Gayle

[golfnut]

Paget,
Good luck with your surgery. I got the central line in this a.m. so I guess there's no turning back now.
Thanks,again, to all of your prayers and well wishes. My husband's sister, Jane, is going to post when the surgery is over.

[peachrush7]

Best wishes tomorrow! I'm excited for you! It's hard but worth it. Many blessings! Rebecca

[JenniferG]

I've been looking for this thread because it's the 5th here so I guess your surgery is tonight, our time.

Wanted to wish you all the very best Karen. I am sure you are going to do very well. You are very well prepared, you have a great surgeon, you are fit and healthy. I believe this will ensure a fantastic outcome. I don't think it will be long before you are home and telling us all about it yourself.

I'll be thinking of you tonight before I go to bed.

[KathK]

Thinking of you, Karen. Will be sending positive thoughts and prayers your way in the morning. Soon we will be welcoming you to the other side (smiles)...

Hugs