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 iasked where I was and told the staff everything. I knew the experience wasn't real, but had no control over it.  

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.

I have paperwork to go to Landis Homes for rehab if there is a bed available when I get out of here. Nina works there so can pop in occasionally.

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 it had to roll on each side so they could lay it down. Boosted and adjusted my back brace, 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.