I will be flying from Colorado to Boston this Tuesday the 7th to take my mother to her cervical surgery, scheduled for Fri, the 10th. My mom is 81, in good health and very active prior to this last year.
She will be having A/P neck surgery with Dr Rand and Dr Simon at New England Baptist Hospital. In Nov of 09, she had hip replacement at same hospital, and I came back for that so I know how terrific the hospital is, as well as every medical person I encountered back then. The surgery is scheduled for 9-14 hours- yes, you heard right- and she doesn't know what levels are being fused, nor any of the other details. We went to a "fusion class" back in October and commonly, cervical fusion takes a couple hours and a day or two in the hospital. She'll be in intensive care for about a week, so this is more extensive. I've resisted calling the doctors for more details, as she has been doing all the homework herself and is totally capable of making good decisions, her surgeons are top-of-the-heap, and she feels that at 81 and not being able to do a thing except sit around with a cervical collar on, what's to lose?
I'll be staying in a guest house next to the hospital, same place as last year, and will only stay in the room with her at night if it seems warranted. She wouldn't want me to, more for my sake than hers, and would not want to "put them out" rolling in cots or whatever. I'm wondering about this, and although only a cellphone call away and right next door , wondering about how to be a good caretaker/advocate. I'm feeling well and energetic but have had some hip hip/back pain that I'm coming out of as well as the usual garden variety neck, shoulder, arm stuff. Nothing to sideline me.
One thing that is so great is that I advised her to look up Dr Rand as a possibility, she got in promptly on a cancellation, and she's going with him and Dr Simon. Previously she was going to have it done locally in NHampshire, so thanks to the forum for this knowledge!
I'm looking to my homies for advice, support, Prayers, scientific input, good wishes, or happy sailing. I'll have two other sisters there in varying stages of taking over the reins, so look out Boston. The party's in Mom's room. (need winking, smiling, or horrified emoticon here- mine are still disabled. Is it just me?)
More than a little frightened,
Amy
I'll also look in on Irene if she is receiving visitors...
She will be having A/P neck surgery with Dr Rand and Dr Simon at New England Baptist Hospital. In Nov of 09, she had hip replacement at same hospital, and I came back for that so I know how terrific the hospital is, as well as every medical person I encountered back then. The surgery is scheduled for 9-14 hours- yes, you heard right- and she doesn't know what levels are being fused, nor any of the other details. We went to a "fusion class" back in October and commonly, cervical fusion takes a couple hours and a day or two in the hospital. She'll be in intensive care for about a week, so this is more extensive. I've resisted calling the doctors for more details, as she has been doing all the homework herself and is totally capable of making good decisions, her surgeons are top-of-the-heap, and she feels that at 81 and not being able to do a thing except sit around with a cervical collar on, what's to lose?
I'll be staying in a guest house next to the hospital, same place as last year, and will only stay in the room with her at night if it seems warranted. She wouldn't want me to, more for my sake than hers, and would not want to "put them out" rolling in cots or whatever. I'm wondering about this, and although only a cellphone call away and right next door , wondering about how to be a good caretaker/advocate. I'm feeling well and energetic but have had some hip hip/back pain that I'm coming out of as well as the usual garden variety neck, shoulder, arm stuff. Nothing to sideline me.
One thing that is so great is that I advised her to look up Dr Rand as a possibility, she got in promptly on a cancellation, and she's going with him and Dr Simon. Previously she was going to have it done locally in NHampshire, so thanks to the forum for this knowledge!
I'm looking to my homies for advice, support, Prayers, scientific input, good wishes, or happy sailing. I'll have two other sisters there in varying stages of taking over the reins, so look out Boston. The party's in Mom's room. (need winking, smiling, or horrified emoticon here- mine are still disabled. Is it just me?)
More than a little frightened,
Amy
I'll also look in on Irene if she is receiving visitors...
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