Two spinal cords, scoliosis and surgery -

[leahdragonfly]

Hi Teresa,

My heart goes out to you. This is a huge surgery to face alone. I know nothing about the workings of the military, but wonder if your surgeon wrote a letter to your husband's commanding officer explaining that it is urgent, if your husband would be allowed home. It seems so cruel to deny that.

Let us know how you are doing,

[titaniumed]

Hi Teresa

I feel the same way as the others, wait till your husband gets back. A letter would be a great idea....

Please keep in touch....

Ed

[jackieg412]

I agree with everyone. You will need as much support as you can get.Having your family with you is very important and hopefully it will work out that way.

[navywife]

The surgery is urgent unfortunately this is what I am told.

My doctor did write a letter explaining that if these surgeries are not performed as soon as I am medically cleared that not only will I get worse but that the neurological deficits I have will get worse and also the high level of pain will increase. I struggle with pain meds cause they make me ill even with anti nausea pills so I avoid them. I am just able to walk and get myself out the door every day. I struggle with the legs trying not to drag my feet or fall over. I have lost a great deal of coordination in my fingers. It may not sound like much but I am having a hard time with just buttoning my blouse and tying my sneakers. It is scary that this is happening. I have numbness in certain places that I surely don't want it to stay and I am having a hard time controlling bladder and bowel. It is embarrassing but I hope they can fix me up so this is not permanent. SO I cannot wait any longer than the earliest day he can do surgery on me. Thanks for the advice but again It is what it is and he is trying so hard to be here for that day.

[jrnyc]

dear Teresa
i think it wisest to trust the surgeon's recommendation....
just my opinion....
go ahead and make the plans, reach out to see if there is any
emergency type support people who might help until your husband
can make it home...
the neurological implications sound urgent...
so whatever the doctor says to do...i understand the need to go
with his advice...
i hope there are some people who can help out temporarily...
and as i mentioned, i think the hospital social worker might
be alerted as to your situation as quickly as possible...

just a thought....you sound quiet and shy....
BUT....sometimes congress people or senators can be appealed to
for help, as can a local newspaper...i would not be surprised if many local
people might be happy to help the wife/mother of a serviceman/men....
most people are only too glad to help out in all kinds of ways,
once they know of a need...

you will be in so many thoughts and prayers, i think...
certainly in mine...
jess...& Sparky

[JenniferG]

One important thing I learned. People want to help. They don't want to interfere. All they are waiting for is to be asked. Please ask around and see if you can sort out help with food, laundry etc. If you're in a Church, a team, a group, a committee, have friends, neighbours, relatives. It's hard to ask for help, but when you see how willing people are, you'll know it's ok. You would do the same. It sounds to me, if your surgeon thinks you need this surgery now, and from what you say, I can understand that, then it's time to go for it. Wishing you the very best.