Oops -- once again I failed to post after my recent doctor's visit --- my apologies. Life just gets crazier and I forget that people are continuing to lift me and my healing up in prayer and so need to keep you posted.
The doctor's visit consisted of four quick x-rays and a consult with Dr. Whitaker. After reviewing the xrays he said that the both the rods and all the screws continue to be right where they need to be -- none of them have shifted at all!! There was slight evidence of bone fusion in the lumbar area of my spine but most of the fusion will happen now between the six and twelve month mark.
As far as any restrictions, I am released from all of them. According to Dr. Whitaker, if it causes pain, don't do it!!! Hmm, does that include any and all housework?!?!?!?!?! HA!!!
My next appointment is at the twelve month mark, then an additional appointment at the two year mark and then I'm released!!!
Would I do it again? I continue to believe that I did this for my future years as a wife, mom, and someday a grandmother. When I reflect back on the entire process, I think the worst part was the three months prior to the surgery --- all the billions and billions of unknowns that kept trying to creep into my mind. Sure, I've lost the ability to bend at the waist, but I continue to forge new ways of doing things. Probably the most irritating moments of my days are when I drop something and i realize I either have to squat down, try to pick it up with my toes, or ask Elgin to help me.
Thanks again for standing with me during this time! Life is so much better when it is shared with others!!!
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, April 2, 2012
No More Brace!!!
Oops, in the excitement of being given the green light to take off the brace I forgot to update my blog!
Last Wednesday Elgin and I returned to Dr. Whitaker's office for our 11 week and one day check-up (but who's counting?!!). Once again, x-rays were taken and the rods and screws continue to be just where Dr. Whitaker placed them. He asked if I was ready to get rid of the brace and I didn't waste any time thinking about an answer. He said I could either just take it off or I could wean off it. I chose the former --- took it off in the Target parking lot and didn't look back! I did put it back on Saturday morning so I could clean our house --- didn't want to do anything that could potentially harm my back.
I asked the doctor if there was anything I could do to enhance fusion. He responded by saying that I shouldn't take up smoking or develop diabetes. I for sure won't do the former and hopefully I'll continue good eating and exercise habits so I won't develop diabetes.
I obtained a copy of the surgical report several weeks ago. Reading thru the report made me realize once again the magnitude of this surgery. In case you're interested, the screws in the thoracolumbar area are 5.5 x 45 mm, the lumbar spine screws are 6.5 x 45 mm, 7.5 mm screws were put into the sacrum as well as 80 mm x 7.5 screws into the iliac wings.
Today I'm grateful to God for His creation, for the way He created our bodies to heal, and for gifting surgeons like Dr. Whitaker. Please continue to pray for complete fusion all along the 16.5" incision!!
Last Wednesday Elgin and I returned to Dr. Whitaker's office for our 11 week and one day check-up (but who's counting?!!). Once again, x-rays were taken and the rods and screws continue to be just where Dr. Whitaker placed them. He asked if I was ready to get rid of the brace and I didn't waste any time thinking about an answer. He said I could either just take it off or I could wean off it. I chose the former --- took it off in the Target parking lot and didn't look back! I did put it back on Saturday morning so I could clean our house --- didn't want to do anything that could potentially harm my back.
I asked the doctor if there was anything I could do to enhance fusion. He responded by saying that I shouldn't take up smoking or develop diabetes. I for sure won't do the former and hopefully I'll continue good eating and exercise habits so I won't develop diabetes.
I obtained a copy of the surgical report several weeks ago. Reading thru the report made me realize once again the magnitude of this surgery. In case you're interested, the screws in the thoracolumbar area are 5.5 x 45 mm, the lumbar spine screws are 6.5 x 45 mm, 7.5 mm screws were put into the sacrum as well as 80 mm x 7.5 screws into the iliac wings.
Today I'm grateful to God for His creation, for the way He created our bodies to heal, and for gifting surgeons like Dr. Whitaker. Please continue to pray for complete fusion all along the 16.5" incision!!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
5-week follow-up visit with Dr. Whitaker
Elgin and I were in Wichita today for a follow-up appointment with Dr. Whitaker. X-rays were taken again to verify that the rods and screws were still in place and still doing their job. Basically I was told that most of my restrictions have been lifted --- I can return to work, can use the treadmill, can swim and use the hot tub, and can drive --- all the while continuing to wear my TLSO brace anytime I'm up out of bed. Things I can't do: anything that causes me pain and no BLT's (bending, lifting, and/or twisting). Dr. Whitaker was pleased, he didn't do any cart-wheels, but when Elgin asked if HE could do the cart-wheels, Dr. Whitaker supported that.
We go back for another follow-up appointment in six weeks, at which time I'm hopeful that Dr. Whitaker will allow me to begin weaning myself of wearing the brace. But for now, we are just keeping on keeping on, wearing the brace!
Elgin and I continue to be amazed and thankful for the ease of recovery that I've had. It is a huge answer to our prayers and the prayers of so many of our friends and family. Thanks to each one of you for joining with us in prayer in this venture. As Dr. Whitaker said today, it was a huge surgery, and when I hear him reiterate that fact, I'm just humbled that God has brought me this far.
We go back for another follow-up appointment in six weeks, at which time I'm hopeful that Dr. Whitaker will allow me to begin weaning myself of wearing the brace. But for now, we are just keeping on keeping on, wearing the brace!
Elgin and I continue to be amazed and thankful for the ease of recovery that I've had. It is a huge answer to our prayers and the prayers of so many of our friends and family. Thanks to each one of you for joining with us in prayer in this venture. As Dr. Whitaker said today, it was a huge surgery, and when I hear him reiterate that fact, I'm just humbled that God has brought me this far.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Winter Blessings
When I received the call that a surgery date had been set for January 10, 2012, one of my MANY concerns (aka worries --- let's just be honest) was that the weather would hinder me from going outside to walk. What a huge blessing that, even tho' it's rather chilly, I still have friends that are willing and eager to walk me. We usually walk .9 mile in the morning and 1.6 miles in the afternoon. The other day the weather was quasi-snowy/rainy so I had to walk here in the house --- 29 laps on my "house-track" makes for one mile. I did it, but let's just say it was BORING!!!!
Another blessing in regard to another worry was that I would be bored during recovery as I am used to being out and about, working in the morning, and being around people. The other day, at exactly the four week mark, was the first day that the thought crossed my mind, hmmm, what shall I do today. For me, that is a HUGE answer to prayer, that I have been pretty content healing here at home. Of course, I've been so blessed with lots of visits, cards, and prayers.
Finally, I must say how blessed Elgin and I have been by all the random acts of kindness that people continue to show us. One friend is off on Tues and Thurs so she takes it upon herself to walk me in the mornings --- all this on HER day off. Another neighbor wanted to start exercising so she is my partner for the afternoons. We've had tasty meals delivered here every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights --- next week is the last week of meals and that will be FIVE weeks of meals!!!! Several friends came over last week and cleaned our home and did the laundry. Another friend delivered a latte to me and we just sat and chatted. A nurse friend of mine tells me she is on call for me 24/7. Another friend checks in frequently by phone or text to see if I need anything. I know I've forgotten some but WOW! the body of Christ is just amazing!!! So privileged to be the recepient of all those blessings.
Thought I should try to go off the Lortab that I was on for pain and just use Tylenol --- not successful. Too early to try that. As a friend reminded me yesterday of what I had told her another time "Don't try to be a hero! Use that pain medication!" Another friend told me to pull out my copy of the x-ray with all that hardware in me and remind myself that it's only been four weeks. Okay, got the message --- I'm just trying to cut down on the amount.
Well, that's the latest thoughts that are rumbling around in my head. My next doctor's appointment is Wednesday, Feb. 15 so I'm sure there will be an update posted after that. I'm hoping that Dr. Whitaker will do "cartwheels" over how well I'm doing --- hmmm --- probably not, but I can always wish!!
Another blessing in regard to another worry was that I would be bored during recovery as I am used to being out and about, working in the morning, and being around people. The other day, at exactly the four week mark, was the first day that the thought crossed my mind, hmmm, what shall I do today. For me, that is a HUGE answer to prayer, that I have been pretty content healing here at home. Of course, I've been so blessed with lots of visits, cards, and prayers.
Finally, I must say how blessed Elgin and I have been by all the random acts of kindness that people continue to show us. One friend is off on Tues and Thurs so she takes it upon herself to walk me in the mornings --- all this on HER day off. Another neighbor wanted to start exercising so she is my partner for the afternoons. We've had tasty meals delivered here every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights --- next week is the last week of meals and that will be FIVE weeks of meals!!!! Several friends came over last week and cleaned our home and did the laundry. Another friend delivered a latte to me and we just sat and chatted. A nurse friend of mine tells me she is on call for me 24/7. Another friend checks in frequently by phone or text to see if I need anything. I know I've forgotten some but WOW! the body of Christ is just amazing!!! So privileged to be the recepient of all those blessings.
Thought I should try to go off the Lortab that I was on for pain and just use Tylenol --- not successful. Too early to try that. As a friend reminded me yesterday of what I had told her another time "Don't try to be a hero! Use that pain medication!" Another friend told me to pull out my copy of the x-ray with all that hardware in me and remind myself that it's only been four weeks. Okay, got the message --- I'm just trying to cut down on the amount.
Well, that's the latest thoughts that are rumbling around in my head. My next doctor's appointment is Wednesday, Feb. 15 so I'm sure there will be an update posted after that. I'm hoping that Dr. Whitaker will do "cartwheels" over how well I'm doing --- hmmm --- probably not, but I can always wish!!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Another First
As we've said before, the only way to recover from this type of back surgery is to walk, so each day I try to walk. We've been blessed with such wonderful weather here in Abilene that has allowed me to get outside to do my walking. On top of that, I've been blessed to have friends volunteer to "walk me". My goal is to walk in both the morning and afternoon.
Today was a first --- I put on sox and tennis shoes. Previously, I've been walking in some slip-on shoes. Today I decided it was time to try to put on sox and tied walking shoes. It was kinda challenging as I'm unable to bend at my waist, so I propped one leg up on top of the other, put the sock on, then the shoe. The shoes are tied off-center, but they are tied.
Putting shoes and sox on is just another in an entire list of things that will have to be done in a "new normal" manner. It's amazing how careful I am as I handle things --- sure don't want it to fall to the floor 'cause then I have to kneel down, pick the "whatever" up, and bring myself back up to a standing position.
Nothing bad --- just a new way of doing things!
Today was a first --- I put on sox and tennis shoes. Previously, I've been walking in some slip-on shoes. Today I decided it was time to try to put on sox and tied walking shoes. It was kinda challenging as I'm unable to bend at my waist, so I propped one leg up on top of the other, put the sock on, then the shoe. The shoes are tied off-center, but they are tied.
Putting shoes and sox on is just another in an entire list of things that will have to be done in a "new normal" manner. It's amazing how careful I am as I handle things --- sure don't want it to fall to the floor 'cause then I have to kneel down, pick the "whatever" up, and bring myself back up to a standing position.
Nothing bad --- just a new way of doing things!
Friday, January 27, 2012
Thanks!
Elgin has been such a faithful blog-poster for me during these last several weeks. Today I want to review several ways that I experienced God's presence and His peace during this time.
First, those of you that know me know that I struggle greatly with fear. Facing this surgery seemed like a really big deal and I had many fears going into it. It wouldn't take much of anything and I would be over the edge, consumed with fears and the tears would just start cascading. The day before the surgery a group of sweet friends came together for a breakfast and a time of praying over me. Elgin and I headed to Wichita in the afternoon and met with Dr. Whitaker again so I could get "marked". Following that appointment we checked into our hotel and then tried to find things to do to occupy my mind so I wouldn't dwell on the next day.
The day of the surgery I awoke with such a peace, totally a gift from the Lord. That was truly a peace beyone all human comprehension. We called for Wesley Security to come pick us up at the hotel and deliver us to the hospital. As we got into the Security's vehicle, the driver had previously tuned his radio to a Christian station and I was blessed once again with hearing an old hymn. To this day I don't remember what hymn it was, just remember thinking that that music was another God-thing at 4:45 a.m.!!!
Elgin stayed by my side in the hospital the entire time I was there. He slept on a roll-away bed in my room and was there for anything I needed. Another God-thing!
Today is Elgin's last day of vacation---he used three weeks of his vacation to stay with me and tend to my every need! What a blessing that has been to have him home with me. This last Monday when we went to our first post-op appointment with Dr. Whitaker the nurse commented to me "your husband is so attentive to your every need. You just don't usually see that. How long have you guys been married?" I told her it was 31 years and she said "that is just a miracle. You just don't see that anymore." I'm so grateful to God for blessing me with Elgin and I'm grateful that our relationship to each other can be a testimony to others in this world. Elgin continues to stand by me as my emotions catch up with everything that has happened in these last 2.5 weeks. I am blessed to have a husband that stands by me in that way. Thank you God!!!
Sheree
PS -- I sat down at the piano today and I could still play!!! I'm so grateful for music and the way it quiets my spirit.
PPSS --- A HUGE thanks goes out to my Mom and Dad. They also have walked thru this with me and have given of their time to come to Abilene both last week and this week to do our laundry and ironing.
PPPSSS --- Another HUGE thanks to my sisters, Cindy and Deb, for coming to Abilene yesterday to clean our home. Oh my, it smelled so good and clean after they left.
First, those of you that know me know that I struggle greatly with fear. Facing this surgery seemed like a really big deal and I had many fears going into it. It wouldn't take much of anything and I would be over the edge, consumed with fears and the tears would just start cascading. The day before the surgery a group of sweet friends came together for a breakfast and a time of praying over me. Elgin and I headed to Wichita in the afternoon and met with Dr. Whitaker again so I could get "marked". Following that appointment we checked into our hotel and then tried to find things to do to occupy my mind so I wouldn't dwell on the next day.
The day of the surgery I awoke with such a peace, totally a gift from the Lord. That was truly a peace beyone all human comprehension. We called for Wesley Security to come pick us up at the hotel and deliver us to the hospital. As we got into the Security's vehicle, the driver had previously tuned his radio to a Christian station and I was blessed once again with hearing an old hymn. To this day I don't remember what hymn it was, just remember thinking that that music was another God-thing at 4:45 a.m.!!!
Elgin stayed by my side in the hospital the entire time I was there. He slept on a roll-away bed in my room and was there for anything I needed. Another God-thing!
Today is Elgin's last day of vacation---he used three weeks of his vacation to stay with me and tend to my every need! What a blessing that has been to have him home with me. This last Monday when we went to our first post-op appointment with Dr. Whitaker the nurse commented to me "your husband is so attentive to your every need. You just don't usually see that. How long have you guys been married?" I told her it was 31 years and she said "that is just a miracle. You just don't see that anymore." I'm so grateful to God for blessing me with Elgin and I'm grateful that our relationship to each other can be a testimony to others in this world. Elgin continues to stand by me as my emotions catch up with everything that has happened in these last 2.5 weeks. I am blessed to have a husband that stands by me in that way. Thank you God!!!
Sheree
PS -- I sat down at the piano today and I could still play!!! I'm so grateful for music and the way it quiets my spirit.
PPSS --- A HUGE thanks goes out to my Mom and Dad. They also have walked thru this with me and have given of their time to come to Abilene both last week and this week to do our laundry and ironing.
PPPSSS --- Another HUGE thanks to my sisters, Cindy and Deb, for coming to Abilene yesterday to clean our home. Oh my, it smelled so good and clean after they left.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
X-ray Pictures
Sheree asked me to post these two x-rays taken on Monday. A side view and a front view. The two curvy white lines on the front view are the titanium rods and the white circles on the rods are the screws. Other white dots are part of the brace that Sheree wears. They didn’t want her to remove the brace for the x-ray. The side view shows the 31 screws that attach the rods to her spine. Pretty amazing stuff.
Elgin
Elgin
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