The Last, and A New Beginning

I've had my share of procedures, and I've never had any foreboding, even when I had emergency brain surgery. I cracked a joke while they wheeled me away, knowing full well I would emerge whole on the other side. I always wake up to the hustle and bustle of the recovery room, and then someone noticees my eyes are open. They reassure me and make sure I'm comfy. Once I woke up panicky with a breathing tube because I hadn't been warned ahead of time, but it was ok.

This week, I look forward to being pain-free at last and not depend on anyone (or the fire dept) to pick me up when my leg refuses to work. Before, I fell often ("I've fallen and can't get up" literally) because of a brain tumor. Now I fall from just plain ole arthritis. With Spinal Stenosis, my spinal cord is crushed by vertebrae so spinal laminectomy and fusion surgery will solve all and I'll be out and about long before Christmas. Snow hiking? You betcha! I've tried PT and epidurals, no dice, so am I excited? Yes!!

Instead of making numerous entries, I'll update my progress in this post if I can. Tomorrow is my last day of freedom for a few weeks. I'll be hospitalized for a few days, then I'll go to rehab until I can care for myself. I'll be alone most of the time when I return home.

Happy happy days ahead!

Update 9/8: check in 5:30 am tomorrow morning. Night night. zzzzzz

Mvanslette@gmail.com 

Update 9/9: I survived! Had a painful afternoon without any pain meds til my blood pressure was stabilized. I made a lot of sad noises and and cried a lot. Tonight my daughter Carla, drove down from NY to have a girl's SLUMBER party in ICU! I also stood up just to see what it felt like, and my leg is working and pain free. I was fitted with the back brace to keep everything in place while I heal. Yay me, what a day.

Update 9/11:

I'm  still in the ICU until my blood pressure has stabilized. It has been consistently low and last night it dropped to 60/30. I was sound asleep and woke up to a roomful of people, including a trauma doctor, and  they hooked me up to a drip to raise my blood pressure, and probably other stuff.

I wasn't worried because I was in the right place at the right time but after everyone left, I began hallucinating. One of the machines was reading a story to me.  The room turned into a research lab and looked nothing like a hospital room. I thought I was in an  abandoned building and almost called out if anyone was out there. 

After an hour, folks came back and I gradually returned as well. At first I asked where I was, then told the staff everything that was happening. I knew the visions weren't real, but had no control over them.  

I finally went back to sleep soundly... until beakfast came, ate a little bit and drifted off into again into a deep sleep.

A therapist came in later and I did some walking, sitting and standing. She showed me how to put on shorts with some help.

The staff here is incredibly attentive, and I'm looking for great days ahead 

See you real soon.

9/12 update: I'm still in ICU because my blood pressure won't cooperate. They weaned me off the medication today, but my BP dropped again so I was put back on it. 

Much of my pain was alleviated after they took the incision drain out. It was stabbing me mercilessly every time I moved. Now I feel like I'll be able to do anything soon! I felt great today, after I got  "bath" and hair washed. Progress!

Mvanslette@gmail.com !

Great company huh...

Tonight I'm the only patient for my nurse for now. Maybe we'll share some scary stories until I fall asleep.

Update: Sept 13 .

Well i was finally transferred out of ICU this evening and can hardly describe the change in vibe in my new floor. The hallway is dark and a few employees gave me a forced hello as I was wheeled in. First off, 2 nurses did a skin check (like a cavity search but not quite). The male nurse clearly hates his job and the female nurse reminded me of Nurse Ratchet. Nice welcome. I was then left alone to observe my new surroundings, a tiny room, baby puke walls, a sink, like an asylum should look, without the padded walls. 

I was left alone awhile, door shut (which I hate) so I read my book. 

Then someone came in to complete some questions, did a few strength tests on my hands and feet (twice because she forgot she already did it). I had to be boosted, but didn't have the slippery slidy mat under me, so I agonizingly rolled on each side so they could lay it down. Boosted and back brace adjusted, I'm finally ready for bed.

Prison sink. I'm surprised there's no metal toilet next to it. Maybe I'm just dead tired. Night night.

Hope I'm released tomorrow. 

Update: Sept 17

So sorry I haven't updated lately, my Blogger friends. I'll do a quick update before hit the sack for another busy fun-filled day.

I was moved a few days ago to Lancaster Rehab Hosp www.lancasterrehabhospital.com.

They keep me busy with a daily regimen of Physical and Occupational therapy, and since I'm doing so well, my target release date is Monday. 

My primary therapist is Ryan, who is set to graduate this spring. I asked him where he was going to school and he said it's a small college in western PA that I probably never heard of. Well, guess what? I've not only heard of it, but I graduated from that small college: Slippery Rock and I initially went there to study Physical Therapy! He about had a stroke. Then he told me he is in the PhD program and then I about had a stroke! He's very good and he'll make a great therapist.

The dressing was removed today and the incision has healed nicely. I will still need to wear the back brace for a few months. I am thrilled that finally my left leg is pain free and works normally with no numbness or tingling. I stood the entire time my dressing was removed and didn't have to sit down.

I went into this with a childlike giddiness, positive that the outcome would allow me to resume a fairly normal existence once again. It was a long time coming, but I think I've finally been fixed. I look forward to the busy holidays, perhaps an open House for my hallway neighbors, baking bread again (I might try making sourdough again), working on other projects during the long winter months and bumping up my resale and Etsy businesses. I'll be traveling, photographing and documenting my days ahead as I become more confident exploring solo. Not the best, but I'll find some measure of enjoyment. 

I probably won't update as often now, but will occasionally brag about my new life and share random thoughts or cooking escapades. I am so filled with gratitude for all the love and encouragement I've received from family and friends, and I hope you, dear reader, will keep checking in and perhaps share an adventure or 2 in the days ahead. 

Til next time...

Update September 20

Today was Skip day, so I had no therapy or ADL sessions scheduled. It was pretty boring and mealtime was the most exciting part of the day. I don't watch much TV so I worked on my puzzle book, read most of my favorite magazine, Mary Jane's Farm, from cover to cover and watched a few videos on YouTube about life in Appalachia. I've been making Lucky Stars, origami paper Stars, to pass the time. They are a metaphor for good fortune and in ancient times, stars were believed to influence destiny and evolved to mean "born under a lucky star", or advantage. I'll find some containers to fill and leave at various nurses' stations as a thank-you for the incredible care they've provided during my stay.

Tomorrow is "graduation day", with friends and family invited to observe my ability to care for myself independently. "Family" will be my daughter Nina, and I'll be released Monday. 

It's been a whirlwind week of activityqg8

I'm not allowed to walk anywhere without someone with me, even to the bathroom. The bed and recliner have alarms that screetch every time I move, so I'm pretty restricted. This morning I had to use the bathroom and when no one came, I intentionally set off the bed alarm. It worked. 

Since no activities were scheduled, I got someone to walk with me to the lounge at the end of the hall. The sun was shining and the change of scenery was a mood-booster. 

I've only been here a week, but it seems like a lifetime. 

Time to sleep, dear readers. I'll chat with you soon...

Last update 9/22

I'm home at last. I said goodbye to so many good people and some stopped by to wish me well. Tomorrow Visiting Nurses will stop by, and I have my first post-op appt with my surgeon, Dr Omeis. I felt your good juju wash over me these past few weeks. Thank you. 

Now I'm tired, time to heal...