Sunday 3/4 It takes time to heal (Photo included)

Sunday, March 04, 2012

Hi there,

I just finished my Saturday blog a short while ago, but I seem to be wide awake (for a while anyway, since I just took my meds...) I have been thinking about how miserable I have been for so long--I saw the first doctor about this on January 4 and after almost 3 months, 6 doctors and more than a dozen appointments that included a variety of tests, injections, 2 epidurals while I was busy being mom and teacher and trying to exercise and take care of the parts of my body I could help, I finally got some help with this that worked. I turned in over $450 in prescriptions to the flex plan at work over this period of time. I guess if I wanted a true accounting, all I need to do is go back and read the blogs I wrote here because none of them were very positive. I spent hours crying and being awake trying to cope with endless spasms. I had 4 total spasms today and with each one, I cringed at first--they weren't as long or painful as the ones I had through Wednesday, but I am now conditioned to be nervous when they rear their ugly head.

The point of this is that I just went in the bathroom and I snapped a photo of my neck so you could see what "being better" looks like. When you see this, you will have a more complete picture of how "awful" my before was--even though it didn't look so bad!

I hope to enjoy church and some walking at the pool today. I hope that you get to enjoy some good things today as well!
Gentle hugs,
Sylvia

This is how my neck and throat area look 3 days post-op. The bandage is small and it is hard to see the opening from the drain. It sealed up pretty quickly. I have a collar to wear over this for about a week and then, the doc wants it off. My body does have some work to do and I will help it by eating healthy and following directions. I can certainly do this!!
I'll take another photo in a few days and I'll show you!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MORTICIAADDAMS 3/5/2012 4:20PM

Quite a bruise on your neck but at least you are healing now and the worst is over. Report Inappropriate Comment

JRSWHIMSY 3/5/2012 10:46AM

I am ridiculously happy that things are better for you!! Report Inappropriate Comment

_LINDA 3/5/2012 12:28AM

That certainly is quite the bruising -makes me sore just thinking about it :( Sorry you still had spasms, even if they weren't as bad.. I hope you can go to the church and pool.. Feel better soon.. {{{gentle hugs}}} Report Inappropriate Comment

HOPEFULSNAIL204 3/4/2012 9:19PM

I knew that you were a colorful person but now I can SEE it for myself! Yes, it certainly does take time to heal, so be good to yourself. I hope you enjoyed your church service today. Blessings Report Inappropriate Comment

DETERMINEDJANET 3/4/2012 5:14PM

Yikes! That is a gorgeous bruise you're sporting there girlfriend! Glad you are feeling better. Report Inappropriate Comment

FELINA 3/4/2012 10:07AM

That's an incredible bruise. What a battle scar ! But good that the surgery is over and you're now on the recovery road. Report Inappropriate Comment

MTNGRL 3/4/2012 8:35AM

Sylvia, that is some post op pic. Even tho your are bruised knowing that this is better than it was and you will no longer have those painful spasms is so good news. Please rest and take time for your self. Report Inappropriate Comment

GOATS03 3/4/2012 2:43AM

OMG..WOW...that is some bruise you have there..I'm so sorry to hear all that you've had to go through. My heart goes out to you. Hugs Sue Report Inappropriate Comment

Saturday 3/3 A quiet day

Sunday, March 04, 2012

Hi all,

I'm not feeling quite as good today. My throat is sore--diet hot chocolate seems to soothe it some. My neck hurts and my collar annoys it. I am a bit cold or a lot warm. I did some walking today and some homework/ paperwork between napping. I am definitely tired. I have kept things quiet.

It was Marissa's solo and ensemble contest today. Mitchell went and listened to the music and volunteered in my place. I sure do have good kids. Marshall took Micah to his bowling league and took care of lunch for the kids while my husband was working.

I confirmed my guest readers for school today. I hope that I will feel up to going to church tomorrow. I have a take home exam due on Monday--but I may not be up to doing all of that writing. I have a presentation due in class Monday night as well. I have had that ready for a few weeks, so if I can talk, I can do it. My voice is sore and scratchy.

Micah has finished his Confirmation essay and our pastor did some editing. Micah will need to read it to the congregation the week before Palm Sunday. That's a big day for those eighth graders. On Palm Sunday, the kids have their turn foir the "laying of the hands" as they make their commitments to God and the church. After that, there is a big party for them from the congregation. They get lots of gifts and money and that is when we take our kids down to start their first savings account. After that, we buy them a stack of "thank you cards" and I teach them how to write a nice note to the people who went out of their way to give them a gift. It is kind of neat how their life in the church comes together with their life as a responsible person.

I think I am going to get ready to sleep after I take some meds. I have cut the amount of percoset in half that I was taking because it was too much and it makes me go sound asleep whether I need to or not. I hope that a good night of sleep will calm down the way I am feeling today so that I can go to church for communion.

Take care, my friends!
Gentle hugs,
Sylvia

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MORTICIAADDAMS 3/5/2012 4:19PM

I am so glad your children are supportive. They are great kids. But I also don't approve of you having this school work to do while you need to be resting. It can wait. Report Inappropriate Comment

_LINDA 3/5/2012 12:24AM

So sorry you had to miss Marissa' solo :( That is wonderful your boys are stepping up to help out. It might be better if you did sleep. Its the best healer. Allow yourself to rest and recover as much as you can. {{{gentle hugs}}} Report Inappropriate Comment

MTNGRL 3/4/2012 8:39AM

Reading about Micah's pending Confirmation is so touching. It brought back memories of my own and and children's. What a special day. Perfect lessons he is learning with your guidance. Pray you got to church today. Hugs. Report Inappropriate Comment

GOATS03 3/4/2012 12:59AM

Wishing you a good night's sleep! Get well soon..sending you positive energy and prayers. Hugs Sue Report Inappropriate Comment

Thursday, 3/1 Post-op Report

Thursday, March 01, 2012

Hi there,

I am certainly in the hospital. The kind third shift nurse had to take my vitals at 3:30 and apologized for waking me up. They have to do such things and it is just a part of being int he hospital.

My surgery took 4 1/2 hours. My pain doctor got to be my anesthesiologist like we both requested. Before I went into the OR, he came and told me that when he had the same procedure, he woke up in terrible pain and burning in his neck and throat. He said that the anesthesiologist had caused his problem because when the doctor needed to open up the throat, they blow a tube full of air to give the surgeon a good view and access to the area. He said that his anesthesiologist did not inflate the bubble when it needed to be moved and that caused the inside of his neck and throat to be scraped all of the way across. He then explained that he had a procedure where he used two bubbles to do that and how he would inflate and deflate and not move any air bubble that was inflated. I was told to expect a really sore throat and it never hurt at all yesterday. Now that I am awake, I am noticing it is a bit sore, I have a bedside container of cepastat and I probably should get some pain medication. There is no good reason to let things hurt.

I'm back. After they visited me, I had about ten more minutes to wait and that is when those doggoned spasms got started. I had three of them in a row. It was time to go to the OR. They wheeled my in my bed, and had me slide onto the table which is when I had a problem. I sleep in a recliner because all of the damage in my lower back and the fusion I had in it just doesn't let me lie down flat. My anesthesiologist was right there and had them elevate my head. I started having spasms again and he gave me some medicine. I counted five spasms and the next thing I knew was that I was in recovery. It took 4 and 1/2 hours. The surgeon reported to my husband that there were several bone spurs clamping down on the nerves to my arm and that he was surprised at the extent of what was going on in there--the NRI didn't show all of that. My anesthesiologist and I had talked at my last appointment and he told me what I had already guessed, that when I fell on November 30, it knocked some things around and loose which is why I had the "sudden" issue after they relieved the pain in my extremities with enough injections to settle anything down. I have thought that all along, good to have a doctor who is listening and who respects my opinion.

When I was in recovery, it was my lower back that was seriously in pain. I was again flat on my back and had most likely been that way in surgery. They had to do a few things--I needed some ice chips too. Again, my anesthesiologist came to the rescue. He told them to get me turned off of my back and he put some medicine into my IV. Talk about your "johnny on the spot!" He is just so good and so experienced that I am guessing he knows when he is needed and what he is needed for. He is still riding on that scooter to take care of his foot after his multiple surgeries and bone breaks. Sometimes, his joking and mannerisms remind me of a good natured little boy.

I have been receiving top notch care, which is good because what has going on at school has been just awful. The principal decided to try to get a sub for me, even though they never do that Monday evening. I don't even have a sub plan and my work is so specific that I don't know how to have someone else do it. (It would be like getting a PE teacher to do physical therapy.) I spent over 5 hours on Tuesday writing lists and notes. Add to that the changes in schedule for 7 of the 8 days I am not at work which means a lot of other issues. When I opened my email after I had surgery, I had one from the principal needing a pile of paperwork that I am the only one who can get it for her. I have to collect data on a student that covers 3 years of service, and have it organized for a conference by Wednesday. I still haven't finished my report cards because I had to do all of the planning for the sub. She is just mean. I am going to have to go there and do it, otherwise she will start going through all of my things and I don't even feel like dealing with that.

I have a bit of shopping to do--I found a beautiful prom dress for Marissa and have been given the "go-ahead" by my daughter and husband to buy it. It is burgandy with a semi halter top and beautiful beadwork with a bell shaped flowing skirt at the bottom. I will have one important thing done ahead of time with plenty of time for shipping.

Thank you all for your kind words and support. I feel like you are all here with me cheering me on. I will be chatting with you off and on during the next several days, along with doing report cards and catching up on my homework. I have good things to do and a computer--that works well for me. My day time nurse just came in to introduce herself and ask if I could use anything--she is getting me some better tasting cough drops, planning to cut my pain pills in half so I can swallow them better, fresh water and she let me take the collar off for a rest. Life could be worse--and I have no spasms!!

Gentle hugs,
Sylvia

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

GOATS03 3/2/2012 12:33AM

Glad to hear that your surgery went well and that you're on the mend. Don't overdo it and take care of yourself. Hugs Sue Report Inappropriate Comment

_LINDA 3/1/2012 5:57PM

Wow! That pain Dr. of your is something very special -so glad you have him right there on your side -its great you are getting such great care from a guy who has been there himself and knows what is what it doesn't get any better than that! Great news you don't have the bad pain in the throat they were predicting and no spasms -that is wonderful!! As for your work, they can't leave alone even on your hospital bed?? That is just so out there. Did they just drop this request of this 3 year study on a student now, or did you have any warning it was coming, sounds strange they would do that last minute with a conference coming up so soon..It is a shame that you have to do all this work just for a sub :-/ That sounds awesome on the prom dress! Another child graduating -do you find it happening too fast? Wishing for you a pain free and speedy recovery (hopefully you have your amazing pain Dr on speed dial), {{{gentle hugs}}} Linda Report Inappropriate Comment

MKPRINCESS007 3/1/2012 4:34PM

I am so pleased that you are recovering and you are on the "other side" of the surgery! What a blessing! Please do follow the doctor's orders and don't push your recovery too hard. Wishing you hugs and best wishes! Karen Report Inappropriate Comment

HOPEFULSNAIL204 3/1/2012 3:59PM

No spasms! That's wonderful! I am relieved that you are getting top notch care. It was a Godsend that your pain doctor could be the anesthesiologist for the surgery. Thank you for giving us the news. I hope your recovery will run smoothly. I hope the principal can get a better tactic than to bother you right after surgery. It should tell her something that she can't deal with things when your gone. Blessings Report Inappropriate Comment

MORTICIAADDAMS 3/1/2012 2:47PM

It sounds like things are definitely looking up. I'm very relieved that are doing so well. I am also irritated at the childishness of your boss. You should be resting not dealing with more of her bull crap. Report Inappropriate Comment

JRSWHIMSY 3/1/2012 10:45AM

I'm so glad you're getting taken care of, Sylvia!!! *hugs* Report Inappropriate Comment

Wednesday 2/29 Surgical Leap Day

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Hi,

This is a quick note to let you know that I am now sporting 5 snazzy hospital bracelets, an IV, ted hose, and the leggings for the blood clotting machine and I am waiting to go to surgery.

I'll talk to you soon and will be happy to announce that my neck and shoulder pain and these horrid spasms in my shoulder and right arm will be a thing of the past.

Have an awesome leap day!
Gentle hugs,
Sylvia

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MORTICIAADDAMS 3/1/2012 2:48PM

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DETERMINEDJANET 2/29/2012 11:37PM

Hugs & Prayers!!!! Glad the day has finally arrived! Report Inappropriate Comment

_LINDA 2/29/2012 6:02PM

May the surgeon's hand be skilled and sure and solve your neck and shoulder pain once and for all. All the best! Its amazing you can communicate with us in the hospital and will be able to tell us soon how it went! All the best!! {{{gentle hugs}}} Linda Report Inappropriate Comment

MTNGRL 2/29/2012 2:36PM

Wishing you a very successful surgery and fast recovery. Keeping you in prayer. Report Inappropriate Comment

HOPEFULSNAIL204 2/29/2012 2:12PM

I will be praying for your surgery and recovery to go off without a hitch. Big Surgery Blessings Report Inappropriate Comment

GOATS03 2/29/2012 10:20AM

Wishing you a speedy recovery. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Hugs Sue Report Inappropriate Comment

FELINA 2/29/2012 9:50AM

Wishing you good luck with the surgery and a speedy recovery. Report Inappropriate Comment

ARIANERA 2/29/2012 9:43AM

Prayers for a smooth recovery and a good outcome for your surgery. Ari Report Inappropriate Comment

WELLNESSME09 2/29/2012 8:03AM

Hope your surgery goes well and you have a quick recovery! Report Inappropriate Comment

NANCYBOAT 2/29/2012 7:59AM

Good luck - hope the surgery goes well! Report Inappropriate Comment

Tuesday, 2/29 Another injection

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Hi all,

I am kind of off right now. This antibiotic is making me feel a bit nauseated and I had another big injection in my neck when I saw my pain doctor today. I found out that he hadn't been given my message when I asked for someone to let him know about my surgery because I wanted him to be my anesthesiologist. He called and took care of that right in front of me. I realized that we have been together for 14 years--he was the anesthesiologist when my youngest son was born and talked my husband through his role of Daddy during the c-section. They were funny chatting away about all kinds of army stuff. Anyway, that nurse purposely didn't let him know, she is up to no good all of the time.

So is a certain staff in a certain school. Things are so petty and mean-spirited that I cannot even talk about them. I am tired of being treated like someone who is under their feet or like someone who is there to be taken advantage of. The principal sends me an email about our need to have a meeting to discuss my evaluation, but after the ornery things in this weeks email, she leaves the room when I come in. I now have 12 out of 20 readers for our reading day and finally, the others are finding a few people. I don't think this is a difficult job, just one that needs to be done. Everyone should know a person who can read!

Anyway, I took the afternoon off and I am sure glad that I did. I didn't know I could have another if these injections. The nurse who cared for me today was very kind. She told me that you can have up to three of them every 6 months. She also apologized that I wasn't told that when I had to make the appointment. I wish she was the gal in charge.

I am going to go find a popsicle. I need to get my tummy to calm down a bit. Only 3 more doses of the antibiotic and on Friday, I have to go to do another test to see if the bacteria is gone. That one, I am praying for.

Gentle hugs,
Sylvia

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MORTICIAADDAMS 2/22/2012 3:00PM

Too many doctor's office are like this these days. They don't do their jobs. It's time that school got it's act together for the sake of the children. I hope the test is clear of bacteria and that you feel better. Report Inappropriate Comment

BLUESTARMOM 2/22/2012 6:07AM

Gentle hugs, Sylvie. I hope that the injections help. I had a round of injections from a pain management doctor- I don't know if they are the same or not. Mine were done under a epidural and also involved some nerve blockers. It took awhile, but they really helped. Our school is feeling the stress of an administration that is doing it's best to drive down morale and make our lives miserable. My coworkers are awesome though, and all they've managed to accomplish is to bring us all together. Workplace stress isn't fun. Report Inappropriate Comment

_LINDA 2/22/2012 12:38AM

I hope the injection works for you. I hate hearing about co workers being so nasty like that. I only deal with one person like that at the club, but she is such a piece of work, she makes up for the whole lot :-/ The previous manager said she was on her back all the time and that I would inherit her and I did, but I don't let her push me around. If there is any flaw in the things she says, I will call her on it. I have also caught her in bold faced lies so I know I can't trust what she says and have to check on it first before responding. I am glad you are getting some readers in at least. What ever happened to the three R's as being the most important thing in school??? Computers are making dummies out of the next generation. They can't spell, add or write anything without all their programs checking it over first. The result is I have seen some pretty bad writing and spelling when they don't have access to a computer and have to write something by hand..Is having to write by hand going to become redundant? Hope you can sleep tonight.. {{{gentle hugs}}} Linda Report Inappropriate Comment