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.

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...