August is done and dusted for us, and a big month it has been! After the steady decline into back pain and spinal cord compromise, intervention arrived very suddenly with a different doctor on the scene. Spinal surgery has happened to stabilise the spine with long rods and screws, a diseased vertebrae has been removed and replaced with a small cage and I am still in Portland hospital improving a bit further every day from the whole procedure.
Yes the surgery was a grueling assault on the body; yes, the effects of the anaesthetic shocked me with a two-day confusion of the head, the emotions and not to mention the utterly crazy thoughts of the mafia being out to get me???? Where does that stuff come from??
But now that is over.
It has been lovely for Brian to be home and he has been helped along with some meals from caring friends. I have also thoroughly enjoyed calls and visits from lovely friends - what a blessing you all are!
The other morning, one of my 'crazy' friends - a regular early morning swimmer in the freezing Portland harbour waters - waved frantically from outside the hospital. I calmly waved back, but had no idea until later that actually she wasn't just waving but marvelling at the double rainbow over the hospital. Wow - a double blessing over me for the day! I had no idea it was there but will take it any time!
So now we are into September. Today the dressing was removed from my back and everyone seems very impressed by how how it looks (not that I have seen it - I just know it's the longest suture my spinal surgeon had ever done.). Perhaps I'll get Brian to measure it sometime!
But in the meantime, I am very excited that every single day brings something new and achievable into the healing process. Two days ago I couldn't manage a particular exercise easily - today I can. This morning the physios took me (actually I wheeled myself in a wheelchair) to a set of bars where for the first time I tried 'hopping' (oh so gently) along bars of rails a few times to improve upper arm strength and lower right legs strength (but strictly not on the left side). I was pleased with the efforts and look forward to getting stronger every day.
My pain levels are significantly reduced, and it feels like it is mainly the surgical healing that continues to take place, not any prior pain management issues. There are more pain meds to go, but this is a gradual process of reduction. I never need to ask for any 'extra' pain relief as I exercise or move around which is a bonus too.
I am not sure when I'll get home - in a few days I hope, but dependent on my mobility and transfer from one 'aid' to another.
Might hear more from doctors tomorrow - so will keep you posted.
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