The first February surgeries are here!

[trulyaries]

That woman is something else. I'm usually still drooling and drugged on Day 1. She's throwing down quite a challenge to me for my surgery next week - I'm going to have to try and out-do her!

[Susie*Bee]

Way to go!

Yep, she's amazing! I know after a long day of surgery, I was hooked up to all kinds of contraptions and bags and was pretty much a zombie while in ICU for 24 hours... and it didn't get much better for awhile. I don't know how she does what she does! I'm so glad to hear she's doing so well!!! I had emailed her something about her dancing down the hall as she's discharged from the hospital--but at this rate she'll be dancing sooner than that!

Anyone hear how Sam's surgery went?

trulyaries--you'll do fine. Don't feel you have to measure up to Wonder Woman!

[samsmom]

Sams doing well!

YAY! It is all over. Sam is doing really well! No problems or complications and I think a really good correction. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers. They worked! I'll post details in a few days!
Love to all,
Michele

[trulyaries]

Hurray for Sam!

One thing I worry about with Pam, which I expressed to her, is that I hope she's able to contain that energy for awhile so she doesn't jeopardize her fusion. I speak from experience - in my desire to get going I have sometimes overdone it and my doctors had to rein me in. I know there's a few of you out there who have had the same experience. But she will probably still put us all to shame.

[skoshi314]

I'm so happy to hear Sam's surgery went well and she's doing good! You all will be in my thoughts and prayers. Be sure to keep us all updated!

[mariaf]

Michelle,

That's GREAT news about Sam! You must be so relieved!

[crepehanger]

yay!!!

I am so glad to hear those two are doing so well!!!! I bet Pam has those nurses all straightened out and organized. Best wishes to our February folks, and I am excited to hear how you are progressing and your corrections. Love ya !!!

[txmarinemom]

Hey all ... just checkin' in. Making progress, I suppose ...

(oh, and I don't know if it has been mentioned, but Hanson took in T4 also ... and my original pain is GONE - yay!)

Spent about 1-1/2 hours in PACU yesterday, came to a private room ... woke up *starving*. Ate like 3 broths, 3 Italian ices, TONS of water. Around 11:00, I was *starving * again, so the nurse finally brought me some cheese and crackers.

Had my first 2 PT's today: Walked 70 feet this morning, and sat up for an hour. Afrter that session, we noticed the IV in my right hand (for Dilaudid, Vanco, fluids) was leaking under the skin.

No big deal (I thought) ... had a back up hep-lock in the other hand: Unfortunately, it proved leaky as well.

The nurses on the floor refused to give me a buffered lidocaine shot before running another IV for Dilaudid, so I refused an IV. Managing on oral meds blows (what part of "I don't care if I'm asleep when I'm due for the pain meds - wake me UP" do some of these nurses not understand????).

Later this afternoon I walked 300 feet and sat for 45 minutes.

Had a pretty sh**ty day trying to manage pain orally, but we're staggering Percodan, Norco and Valium now - and I'm making it.

I would've killed for a hot water bag or heating pad earler (for muscular pain), but all they'll give you is some tepid plastic mat (that is basically useless). Courtney had a super idea a bit ago when she and Ben brought me my laptop.

She took rubber gloves (there's a box in here), doubled two together (put on her hand - then put another over it before carefully removing) and filled with extra warm water (think chicken shaped, warm water balloons). OMG, they feel soooooooooooo good on my ribcage!

Anyway ... that's the latest. Just thought Id say hi to everyone, and thanks for all the well wishes. I cannot WAIT to get home!

Catheter and drain are supposed to come out tomorrow - and I HOPE I'll be home by Friday. I definitely didn't plan to be off IV meds this soon, but one more obstacle out of the way ...

I'll update soon ...

How did other surgeries go? Norco's kicking in ... so I'll have to check back tomorrow .

Regards,
Pam

[txmarinemom]

Ah, just read about Sam ... fantastic!

And, no worries feliciafeliciafelicia, they say I'm not overdoing it ... just unusual. (like I've never heard THAT before ... .

Regards,
Pam

[mariaf]

Hey Pam,

I knew as soon as Courtney told me she was bringing you the laptop that we'd soon be seeing you post again. It's good to have you back! You've been missed - and while a few of us posted updates on you, I'm sure we weren't nearly as entertaining

Hang in there - you're doing GREAT!

[The Slice]

Pam, you're incredible!!!!! So far as the leaking IV's go, it sounds like they both blew (infiltrated). You probably won't notice it now because of all of the pain meds, but later, if you have pain at the two sites, hot packs should help with the discomfort, although the swelling will probably be down quite a bit by the time your pain meds are cut back significantly. You are such an inspiration. With that said, don't sweat the roller coaster of emotions as it's a normal part of the whole thing. Glad to see you getting right back into things.

[txmarinemom]

... So far as the leaking IV's go, it sounds like they both blew (infiltrated).

Ya think??

With that said, don't sweat the roller coaster of emotions as it's a normal part of the whole thing.

I realize you're just trying to help, but where did I say - or even infer - I'm experiencing a "roller coaster of emotions"?

[Susie*Bee]

Obviously not "out of it"!!!

Pam--so good to see the feisty "you" back on board here.

You certainly do put most of us to shame with how well you are doing, but that is so great!

Sorry about the IV probs, but it sounds like you're dealing with it really well. Keep us posted on what your daily activities entail, so we can stand amazed... chins hitting the floor, mouths agape, and so on. I really don't know how you do it, but am glad you do. I'm sure it has to be an inspiration for so many of the "still to go" or "undecideds" out there. Take care-- and looking forward to your next post already...

(Slice, I hope you've developed pretty thick skin and the ability to learn... you are well-intentioned, I know. You'd better tread lightly when you post to Pam, and re-read everything to see how it can be taken the wrong way... or else be prepared for a blast from her.)

[LorDon]

Pam,

Glad to see that you're back! I knew it wouldn't be long until we heard from you again. Happy to see that you're still spunky as ever. Why in the world would the nurses refuse to give you a lidocaine shot? That sure must have boiled your blood!

All the best to you. Sending some healing vibes your way and well wishes for a smooth recovery.

Michele,
So happy to hear that things went well with Sam. Welcome to the "other side". Continued well wishes for a speedy recovery. Please keep us updated on her progress!

Hugs,

[Geish]

Wow Pam...I can't believe you are actually posting! You amaze me. Glad to hear the surgery went well, but oral pain meds suck. I really liked that button! Actually I didn't push it all that much but when I did it seemed to pump forever and then...bliss! And you are eating! All I wanted for close to 3 days was ice and juice. When will you start organizing races around the nurses station? Really, you are an inspiration to us all, even to those of us that thought we did really well in the hospital. Keep pushing, just don't push too hard. Keep us posted.

Alicia