Nancy Joy's second surgery

[Nancy Joy]

Hi all~~~

I am sorry for my silence. Long story short, I have been back in the hospital twice since surgery. I developed an extremely rare (the only kind I ever do) complication of a hemocele. I do no think I spelled that right. Anyway, a lymph node started leaking in my abdominal area creating a large cyst. They drained 1 1/2 liters of fluid on November 19th and I went home to wait. By the 22nd, it was definitely refilling. I came back to KU again (these 3 hour trips are very long when you are in a great deal of pain). and surgery was done to "rechannel" drainage into my abdominal area- 2 liters drained the 2nd time- on Nov. 25th. I will be here until tomorrow morning. I just discovered they have this family resource area a couple of days ago and the strength to sit here this morning to contact you all. NOW all I have to do is work on my back recovery!!! We missed any Thanksgiving celebration but Christmas is coming and I will be good to go for that!!!!! Everyday covered was a day of improvement on my back healing and I have my first "official" followup on Friday the 5th. Looking forward to a normal meeting with my doc. I have thought of you all so much and look forward to catching up on all the posts when I get home and can. I kept holding "even with complications, we would all do this again"- as a mantra through this. and I totally have the faith this is the way it will be for me also.

Your sis!!~
Nancy Joy

[JenniferG]

I'm so sorry to hear about the complications you've endured!

Was the hemocele a complication of the surgery? I hope it's under control now and you can concentrate on the healing of your back. It sounds like your positivity hasn't been too badly affected.

Thanks for updating us Nancy Joy. I hope from now on your recovery is as remarkable as your first.

[Susie*Bee]

Yes, Nancy Joy-- thanks for letting us know how you are doing. I'm so sorry about the complications, but it sounds like you are doing ok now. Keep us posted when you can about your progress. Your attitude is great! Big (but gentle) hugs, Susie

[txmarinemom]

Oh, Nancy ... I hate to hear you've had so much trouble. Sending good thoughts your way and hope you continue to mend!

Thanksgiving is a state of mind more than a day: My celebration will be sometime in the next few weeks as I head to Miramar to cook for my Marine kiddo (he's in from Okinawa for a month), a portion of his squadron that came over with him, and his buddies from Camp Pendleton - none of whom are able to go home for the holidays.

There could be 5 Marines ... there could be 30. In any case, they'll get their homecooked meal (even if we all have to sit on the floor), and no one will even *think* about the calendar. ;-)

Your attitude will carry you through this ... one step at a time. THEN you can have a fantastic Thanksgiving!

Hugs,
Pam

[debbei]

Oh Nancy, I am so sorry to hear you had complications, but it sounds like you're on the right path now! Continue to get better and better!!

[doodie]

Wishing for you a 'road less traveled!'

It's so good to hear from you Nancy Joy! There's no need to apologize for your silence - we are relieved to know what's going on with you. You have had quite a time of it haven't you? I feel for you making those extra trips to KC - 3 hours is 3 hours even if it is I-70! Just wanted you to know I have been thinking of you every day and greatly admire your grit, determination and positive attitude. Way to go!

[discombobulated]

Nancy Joy - It's GREAT to hear from you...but I had hoped you'd come bearing fabulous news as well The absurdly rare complications are my favourite kind, too, lol - I'm so glad you sound like you're in good hands & that the haemocele does not (??) affect the fusion. I so hope you have a smoother recovery from here on out. Even if I'm not here to post, I'll be sending good thoughts your way.

Take care.

[loves to skate]

Hi Nancy Joy,
So good to hear from you and I also am sorry that you have had complications. I hope and pray that you won't have to deal with that ever again. I will pray for a rapid recovery from here on in. Gentle hugs from me also. Sally

[Nancy Joy]

I am back- again! I ended up having another surgery as the rerouting was not enough. I had another surgery on Dec. 11th- hopefully the last. It seems to be working alright. I am just happy I have been home over a week and it doesn't look like I will be going back!!! Thrilled to be home for Christmas. I rest a lot more now than I did before but I think this bod has said- "enough already, let me heal!!" Each day does see progress, even if it is little steps. I try to write things down to see the progress. You are a great group of encouragers and I am starting to read all that I missed. Merry Christmas to all!!!

[JenniferG]

Great to hear from you again but so sorry that your second surgery brought forth a third! Little wonder you rest more these days. Please take it easy, be patient and get yourself right. Have a very happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year, Nancy Joy!

[debbei]

Nancy Joy,

You have been in my thoughts. I'm glad that finally they fixed your problem. How wonderful that you are able to be home for Christmas. Let us know how you're doing when you're up to it.

[loves to skate]

Hi NancyJoy,
It is good to hear from you and I'm so sorry you have had these extra complications. Stay well, enjoy Christmas and don't overdo. My friends prepared my Christmas meals for me last year since I came home from the hospital the day before Christmas. I hope you aren't trying to do the cooking!
Sally