Pre-Op Consult #1

Scripps Hospital Entrance

Lovely Nurse D called today to go over my surgery.

We talked about my current medications and what I'll need to take to manage the pain. And the new legislation which restricts what can be prescribed, so "only take the pain medication when you need it." But also "be sure to stay on top of the pain." I told her that I get very nauseous after anesthesia so they need to give me something to combat that.

Then we talked about the surgery and recovery:

Surgery will take about an hour
The procedure is "Observation" Patient, meaning that they need to observe how I do afterwards, so I "get to" stay overnight. Not sure how that is not in-patient, but whatever. I have to be able to manage my pain and be able to move around on my own before they let me leave. Dr. CGL said I could leave the same day provided I was ready. I'll be doing my best. Not a fan of hospitals.
I'll be toe-touch weight bearing for about four weeks. Meaning I can use my toe to stabilize, but not put an pressure on it. Also meaning crutches of some kind or a walker.
I won't be able to lift anything over ten pounds for four weeks.
I shouldn't walk, sit or stand for more than thirty minutes at a time. For four weeks (seeing a theme here?)
I can shower the next day, but no baths, swimming, jacuzzi, ocean etc.
I'll be sore and be tired. I'll likely have bruising and feel like I have been hit with a bat in my backside.
I'll have a two inch or so incision, sealed with surgical glue.

She probably said some other things, but I can't remember. Hopefully nothing important.

The admitting nurse will call me tomorrow before 6:00 pm to give me final details. I just need to get through my pre-surgery to-do list. Though on Monday afternoon I will be post-surgery whether I finish my to-do list or not!

Comments

Back in the Saddle Again

Well, not technically in a saddle. Pretty sure that CGL would not be happy about that. I think he would be happy with my recent progress. I got to the pool today! I wasn't swimming, but I did 30 minutes of water walking and stretching. And then 10 minutes in the spa. LOVE that. After all the stress of the last month, getting back to a routine is nice.

Anticipated discharge date:

Today!

We missed you Mommy!

It's great to have you home.

Here we go!

Ready for my surgery. Sheepy is too.

Another Day, Another Bracelet

Maybe not the bracelet that one might want however. Today was my (most recent) diagnostic SI joint injection. Dr. CGL believes that if I were to have a positive result - which would be a 50% or more reduction in pain during the diagnostic period - then SI fusion surgery would be indicated. I did have a blessedly low-pain period after the injection! And as a side note, never believe someone who is about to put a needle in the most painful part of your back when he says "you're going to feel a little pinch." I am fairly certain that Doc Brutus has never been stabbed in the back by his pain management doctor. Sadly, the diagnostic period is only a few hours. I now also have extra pain from the procedure itself. That pain will happily be going away in a couple of days - yea! So, the diagnostic injection worked. Not too surprising, since I've had this injection three times already. First thing tomorrow I'll be sending a message to Dr. CG

Scheduled!

I'll be going under the knife on October 22 at 11:30! This has been the fastest approval process I've had yet. I give credit to Dr. CGL's new office staff. Now I've got a week to get ready. Lots to do at work, not so much at home. Have to find bell substitute for my handbell choir... potentially for the Christmas concert. I'm so happy to have this set. Maybe by next spring I'll be out of pain!

Sometimes it's the little things...

I've had a really good couple of weeks, activity-wise. I've managed to walk more than 11,000 steps each day this week, I've been to the pool twice and had an amazing massage. Pain-wise? Well, that's a big jump in activity, and I can totally feel it. I know that I need to get stronger, and to do that I need to move. And stretch. Being careful not to move the wrong way. I still have times when it is hard and I wonder if I'll ever get back to normal (whatever that is...). I feel like those times are fewer. Chronic pain is crap. Hot tea on a rainy day is nice though. Sometimes it's the little things.

Weekend Walking

Before my last two surgeries, I was a walker. I've worn a pedometer for more that 20 years. I get more than 10,000 steps a day, 2 - 3 times that many on weekends. Even with my first two surgeries, I was up walking right away, and getting back to my 10K, even if they were slow walks. With these last two surgeries, I had weight bearing restrictions. That really cut down on my walking. A lot. And since October. This weekend I decided to try a couple of around 13,000 step walks. Both Saturday and Sunday were beautiful San Diego winter days, temps in the high 60's. Beautiful, right? This was taken from one of my (many) breaks. Afterwards I had pretty high pain level, mostly my hips and SI joint. Stretching, acetaminophen and rest helped. My goals this week are 10 minutes additional walking each day and stretching twice a day for ten minutes. Plus two pool days and a massage. Wish me luck!

What One Week Looks Like

One week post surgery scars. Not terrible. Hopefully they'll smooth out as time passes. I'm glad I have pain medication.

Nice waiting room...

Anyone like Torrey Pines? ;-)

Back to the Future: A Spine Story

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