Three and a Wake Up

I was at the hospital today for pre-op testing... Sounds impressive, It is the time you officially step into the waiting arms of the medical system.  

I was registered today and drained of what seemed to be a pint of red blood cells and X-ray of the chest performed.   So three days and a wake up.
It's beginning to become real now... not unlike a trip to some wonderful place that doesn't seem real until you begin the journey with that first step. I have made the first step.
Tomorow I will take lunch to my Wonderful Wife Terri, then figure something for dinner.  Sunday My best friend Bob will be up for dinner and a little Scots Whiskey.
Scarlett will be in there one of the weekend days.   Then a quiet Monday and then a wake up.
Thanks for reading this... if you are.

 

Eleven Day and a Wake-up

That's what we would say in the Navy... If you were shipping out it meant you had eleven days then departure day.
Well as of today I have 11 days and a wake up.  I had my final visit with the surgeon and then had a visit with the cardiologist.  My cardiologist feels I am in great shape, also that things will continue to get better.  I quit smoking a year and a half ago.  Those of you who knew me in high school know that I smoked like a chimney. I believe stopping may be saving my life, but more important not smoking means that the fusion in my neck will heal better and stronger.
I have helped surgeons use the implants that will be used in my Neck.  I understand how they work and I know that good people are using them on me.
I am not afraid, I know that's easy to say but, remember I had a quad heart bypass 14 years ago, and two heart attacks. It looks like anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks of recovery and rehab.
Check back soon there will be pictures of the surgery.

Is it real or is it Memorex ?

I have found that the difference in what you feel vs. what you know can be a long walk.  What do I mean by that?   Before I knew I had a problem with the vertebrae in my neck all it ever seemed to me was my neck was stiff, or soar or you fill in the blank. Now it hurts all the time just like before but somehow my mind assigns this pain a higher priority. The problem that caused me to seek treatment is very much worse. Some nights I can only get an hour or two of sleep because the spasms that grip my legs or back or hands is quit frankly the worst pain I have ever felt.  Like the worst cramp you ever felt and you have to walk them off.  If you haven't walked enough and you lay down too soon the whole thing starts over again.
I am looking forward to putting this behind me.. but i'm telling you, this will be the last time... (I hope)


thanks for reading

Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery

Well, today I start the count down for the neck surgery I am to have. I will be having the surgery on the 14th of July 2010.  I still need a cardiac clearance then we will be ready to go.  Dr. Pam Russell will be passing the gas on this occasion.
This surgery is called an Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).  If you are intrested here is a link describing the procedure.  mayfield clinic.com
The symptoms I am having include some arm pain but mostly severe muscle spasms in my legs, back, hands, face... In short  everywhere.
I must remind everyone that one should not have spine surgery for "pain" you need surgery for the deficit that the problem creates.
I will let you know how the cradiac clearence works out...
I am a surgical tech and I help surgeons do this procedure.  I have confidence in the team that will do my surgery. Last I have confidence in my hospital St. Mary's Regional Medical Center.

So I will add more soon...