Re: 3 Weeks Post-op Update

[Guest guest]

Yay Donna!

I'm so happy to hear how good you are doing! It must feel wonderful

to be home and able to do a few things for yourself. Don't overdo

things, but I myself remember how good it felt to do a load of

laundry, check the bills, or scrub a toilet. How funny it seemed to

be so happy to do something so mundane! Remember to keep taking it

easy, and congrats again on a great checkup It's good to hear

from you!

>

> Hi all!

> Three weeks today since surgery and I'm doing well. Had my post-op

> visit last Thursday with Dr. Errico and the plastic surgeon (he

> closed my incision). Dr. Errico says I'm doing fine and don't need

> to see him till April 17th when he will do x-rays. The plastic

> surgeon drained about five vials of fluid from the incision site

> which was a relief! I thought the " hump " on my lower spine was

maybe

> whatever " cage type " apparatus that was fused to my spine and

> sacrum! So now I'm actually starting to see some lordosis which is

> what I was really looking forward to! According to Dr.Errico, I'm

> fused from L3 to S1 (I think) and he did not need to do anything to

> my Harrington rods which is a good thing.

>

> I'm getting around the house more now, preparing some food for

myself

> and even putting some clothes in the washing machine. Grabbers are

a

> miracle tool! For the most part, someone is usually home with me,

> but today I'm alone and it's fine. I rest for the most part in

bed,

> just finished paying my bills online and after done with this post,

> I'll get back to bed and then maybe get up in an hour or so for

lunch.

>

> As I read the updates from Jeri's husband, I thank God for my so

far

> successful surgery and recovery, and I pray for her. We are all

> different so no one should compare, particularly anyone reading

these

> posts that may be considering surgery. Know yourself and more

> importantly KNOW YOUR SURGEON.

>

> Hope all is well for everyone and I'm off to the bedroom!

> Donna

>

[Guest guest]

Glad you are doing well, Donna! Keep taking it one day at a time!

Peggy

[ ] 3 Weeks Post-op Update

Hi all!Three weeks today since surgery and I'm doing well. Had my post-op visit last Thursday with Dr. Errico and the plastic surgeon (he closed my incision). Dr. Errico says I'm doing fine and don't need to see him till April 17th when he will do x-rays. The plastic surgeon drained about five vials of fluid from the incision site which was a relief! I thought the "hump" on my lower spine was maybe whatever "cage type" apparatus that was fused to my spine and sacrum! So now I'm actually starting to see some lordosis which is what I was really looking forward to! According to Dr.Errico, I'm fused from L3 to S1 (I think) and he did not need to do anything to my Harrington rods which is a good thing. I'm getting around the house more now, preparing some food for myself and even putting some clothes in the washing machine. Grabbers are a miracle tool! For the most part, someone is usually home with me, but today I'm alone and it's fine. I rest for the most part in bed, just finished paying my bills online and after done with this post, I'll get back to bed and then maybe get up in an hour or so for lunch.As I read the updates from Jeri's husband, I thank God for my so far successful surgery and recovery, and I pray for her. We are all different so no one should compare, particularly anyone reading these posts that may be considering surgery. Know yourself and more importantly KNOW YOUR SURGEON. Hope all is well for everyone and I'm off to the bedroom!Donna

[Guest guest]

Hey Girl,

Glad to hear that you had that fluid removed, and now you are seeing the results

of your

new backwaist curve and beautiful new booty deluxe! When I first actually was

able to

comprehend my new posture, I was so thrilled-- Mind you, the vanity part was far

from my

mind when I went into surgery...I just wanted to feel human again. But to be

able to come

out of it with a spectacularly revised body was such a bonus! I know it will be

the same for

you, and it's really something to look forward to.

Anyway, sounds like you are having a pretty good day all in all, and I just

wanted to say a

big congrats on your visit with Errico, and good on you for your reminding us

all that

everyone's experience is so different. In your case, you went in with a great

deal of

determination and pragmatism, and it really seems to have paid off. You are a

wonderful

role model for the positive spirit on this board, Donna.

And as great as you are doing so far, promise me that you won't push it too

hard. You

have plenty of time to do that down the road. Be honest about your

limitations--your body

has a long way to go until you will feel healed....

Keep up with the good healing, and you know how to reach me if you need

anything.

Hugs,

Edie

>

> Hi all!

> Three weeks today since surgery and I'm doing well. Had my post-op

> visit last Thursday with Dr. Errico and the plastic surgeon (he

> closed my incision). Dr. Errico says I'm doing fine and don't need

> to see him till April 17th when he will do x-rays. The plastic

> surgeon drained about five vials of fluid from the incision site

> which was a relief! I thought the " hump " on my lower spine was maybe

> whatever " cage type " apparatus that was fused to my spine and

> sacrum! So now I'm actually starting to see some lordosis which is

> what I was really looking forward to! According to Dr.Errico, I'm

> fused from L3 to S1 (I think) and he did not need to do anything to

> my Harrington rods which is a good thing.

>

> I'm getting around the house more now, preparing some food for myself

> and even putting some clothes in the washing machine. Grabbers are a

> miracle tool! For the most part, someone is usually home with me,

> but today I'm alone and it's fine. I rest for the most part in bed,

> just finished paying my bills online and after done with this post,

> I'll get back to bed and then maybe get up in an hour or so for lunch.

>

> As I read the updates from Jeri's husband, I thank God for my so far

> successful surgery and recovery, and I pray for her. We are all

> different so no one should compare, particularly anyone reading these

> posts that may be considering surgery. Know yourself and more

> importantly KNOW YOUR SURGEON.

>

> Hope all is well for everyone and I'm off to the bedroom!

> Donna

>

[Guest guest]

Ya donna, don't push too hard, that dirt will be there for a long

time to come. I felt guilty about the house cleaning for about 10

sec., when I realized my efforts may undo a few hundred thousand

dollars worth of work. I kept saying to myself, " stop that working

stuff, there are no do overs with this back. " Take care! You sound

like your doing great.

> >

> > Hi all!

> > Three weeks today since surgery and I'm doing well. Had my post-

op

> > visit last Thursday with Dr. Errico and the plastic surgeon (he

> > closed my incision). Dr. Errico says I'm doing fine and don't

need

> > to see him till April 17th when he will do x-rays. The plastic

> > surgeon drained about five vials of fluid from the incision site

> > which was a relief! I thought the " hump " on my lower spine was

maybe

> > whatever " cage type " apparatus that was fused to my spine and

> > sacrum! So now I'm actually starting to see some lordosis which

is

> > what I was really looking forward to! According to Dr.Errico,

I'm

> > fused from L3 to S1 (I think) and he did not need to do anything

to

> > my Harrington rods which is a good thing.

> >

> > I'm getting around the house more now, preparing some food for

myself

> > and even putting some clothes in the washing machine. Grabbers

are a

> > miracle tool! For the most part, someone is usually home with

me,

> > but today I'm alone and it's fine. I rest for the most part in

bed,

> > just finished paying my bills online and after done with this

post,

> > I'll get back to bed and then maybe get up in an hour or so for

lunch.

> >

> > As I read the updates from Jeri's husband, I thank God for my so

far

> > successful surgery and recovery, and I pray for her. We are all

> > different so no one should compare, particularly anyone reading

these

> > posts that may be considering surgery. Know yourself and more

> > importantly KNOW YOUR SURGEON.

> >

> > Hope all is well for everyone and I'm off to the bedroom!

> > Donna

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Donna,

You sound like you are right on track...and doing very nicely! Try to

keep your boredom from letting you get too active. Do your walking,

resting and find as many ways to laugh the next few months as possible.

It is the best medicine.

I am glad you were able to have fluid drawn off so you can see your new

shape. It must have been frustrating thinking you were standing

tall...but still with a flat back!

When you say you still have your HR...did Errico do as my surgeon and

just shorten the old rod and attach the new implants to it? How many

cages did you have put in? Be sure to get a photo of your April xrays

while they are up on the light box so we can all see your new bling!

Good bone growing to you,

Cam

[Guest guest]

Congratulations Donna! You sound like you

are doing great and adjusting well in so many ways. I tried to read your old

posts but couldn’t see which vertebrae were fused the first time around.

How far up do you go? -

From:

[mailto: ] On

Behalf Of dturovac

Sent: Monday, February 18, 2008

10:41 AM

To:

Subject: [ ] 3

Weeks Post-op Update

Hi all!

Three weeks today since surgery and I'm doing well. Had my post-op

visit last Thursday with Dr. Errico and the plastic surgeon (he

closed my incision). Dr. Errico says I'm doing fine and don't need

to see him till April 17th when he will do x-rays. The plastic

surgeon drained about five vials of fluid from the incision site

which was a relief! I thought the " hump " on my lower spine was maybe

whatever " cage type " apparatus that was fused to my spine and

sacrum! So now I'm actually starting to see some lordosis which is

what I was really looking forward to! According to Dr.Errico, I'm

fused from L3 to S1 (I think) and he did not need to do anything to

my Harrington rods which is a good thing.

I'm getting around the house more now, preparing some food for myself

and even putting some clothes in the washing machine. Grabbers are a

miracle tool! For the most part, someone is usually home with me,

but today I'm alone and it's fine. I rest for the most part in bed,

just finished paying my bills online and after done with this post,

I'll get back to bed and then maybe get up in an hour or so for lunch.

As I read the updates from Jeri's husband, I thank God for my so far

successful surgery and recovery, and I pray for her. We are all

different so no one should compare, particularly anyone reading these

posts that may be considering surgery. Know yourself and more

importantly KNOW YOUR SURGEON.

Hope all is well for everyone and I'm off to the bedroom!

Donna

[Guest guest]

Cam,

Yes I believe he fused the new cages (2) to the old HR without even

having to shorten it. I am very anxious to see the x-rays in April

and will share at that time.

DT

>

> Donna,

>

> You sound like you are right on track...and doing very nicely! Try

to

> keep your boredom from letting you get too active. Do your walking,

> resting and find as many ways to laugh the next few months as

possible.

> It is the best medicine.

>

> I am glad you were able to have fluid drawn off so you can see your

new

> shape. It must have been frustrating thinking you were standing

> tall...but still with a flat back!

>

> When you say you still have your HR...did Errico do as my surgeon

and

> just shorten the old rod and attach the new implants to it? How

many

> cages did you have put in? Be sure to get a photo of your April

xrays

> while they are up on the light box so we can all see your new bling!

>

> Good bone growing to you,

> Cam

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks !

I noticed that the more I seem to be doing, the more my husband

thinks that I am going to be myself soon, so I have to remind him

that the healing will take long. This morning after getting up at 6,

preparing my cereal and coffee, showering and washing my hair and

then throwing some clothes in the washing machine, by 8 I was

exhausted and went back to bed and was a little winded. My husband

couldn't understand why I was winded and so exhausted!! He's never

had any illness or any surgery, so he really is clueless about this

type of thing. I think that as I get further along in time, I may

have some problems because I think he is going to expect " complete "

recovery before I'm not anywhere near it . . . oh well I'll cross

that bridge when I have to. Anyway, he is going away on business for

a few days (my son will be staying with me)and I think it will be

good for him to get away for a little while (and good for me too).

We love them and all they do, but sometimes the added stress of this

situation can get to everyone involved and time away is good for all

involved.

OK - I vented! Thanks for listening!

Donna

> >

> > Hi all!

> > Three weeks today since surgery and I'm doing well. Had my post-

op

> > visit last Thursday with Dr. Errico and the plastic surgeon (he

> > closed my incision). Dr. Errico says I'm doing fine and don't

need

> > to see him till April 17th when he will do x-rays. The plastic

> > surgeon drained about five vials of fluid from the incision site

> > which was a relief! I thought the " hump " on my lower spine was

> maybe

> > whatever " cage type " apparatus that was fused to my spine and

> > sacrum! So now I'm actually starting to see some lordosis which

is

> > what I was really looking forward to! According to Dr.Errico,

I'm

> > fused from L3 to S1 (I think) and he did not need to do anything

to

> > my Harrington rods which is a good thing.

> >

> > I'm getting around the house more now, preparing some food for

> myself

> > and even putting some clothes in the washing machine. Grabbers

are

> a

> > miracle tool! For the most part, someone is usually home with

me,

> > but today I'm alone and it's fine. I rest for the most part in

> bed,

> > just finished paying my bills online and after done with this

post,

> > I'll get back to bed and then maybe get up in an hour or so for

> lunch.

> >

> > As I read the updates from Jeri's husband, I thank God for my so

> far

> > successful surgery and recovery, and I pray for her. We are all

> > different so no one should compare, particularly anyone reading

> these

> > posts that may be considering surgery. Know yourself and more

> > importantly KNOW YOUR SURGEON.

> >

> > Hope all is well for everyone and I'm off to the bedroom!

> > Donna

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Donna,

It is always so good to hear good news. I'm glad you doing well and I'll keep my prayers going for you that you continue to recover as well as you have. Are you getting any rehab? Did the plastic surgeon say what the fluid was caused from? Guess I'm just nosey, but I'm learning thru you and the group.

Best wishes and I'm praying for your speedy recovery.

E.

[ ] 3 Weeks Post-op Update

Hi all!Three weeks today since surgery and I'm doing well. Had my post-op visit last Thursday with Dr. Errico and the plastic surgeon (he closed my incision). Dr. Errico says I'm doing fine and don't need to see him till April 17th when he will do x-rays. The plastic surgeon drained about five vials of fluid from the incision site which was a relief! I thought the "hump" on my lower spine was maybe whatever "cage type" apparatus that was fused to my spine and sacrum! So now I'm actually starting to see some lordosis which is what I was really looking forward to! According to Dr.Errico, I'm fused from L3 to S1 (I think) and he did not need to do anything to my Harrington rods which is a good thing. I'm getting around the house more now, preparing some food for myself and even putting some clothes in the washing machine. Grabbers are a miracle tool! For the most part, someone is usually home with me, but today I'm alone and it's fine. I rest for the most part in bed, just finished paying my bills online and after done with this post, I'll get back to bed and then maybe get up in an hour or so for lunch.As I read the updates from Jeri's husband, I thank God for my so far successful surgery and recovery, and I pray for her. We are all different so no one should compare, particularly anyone reading these posts that may be considering surgery. Know yourself and more importantly KNOW YOUR SURGEON. Hope all is well for everyone and I'm off to the bedroom!Donna

[Guest guest]

Donna,

My rod was shortened by about 2 inches..but the great thing about this

method is that there is no real work done in the upper areas of your

back....no real compromise to your arm and shoulder muscles, even the

big rhomboids should be strong. And that makes it a bit easier to move

and roll in bed, I think.

Good Healing,

Cam

[Guest guest]

Donna,

If you are doing that much and feeling tired...listen to your body! And

you are right to worry about " rasing expectations " . Before you know

it ...like at around 8 weeeks....your friends and family are sure to be

wondering why you are not back to normal. Being a nurse maybe you can

come up with a pithy answer about blood loss and how long it takes to

rebuild red blood cells and muscular endurance!

Go Slow,

Cam

[Guest guest]

Hi donna,

Maybe over dinner you should read your husband, either Cam or my

postop journal. He will quickly realize that this is not a quick

endeavor and just what the next 6 months might entail. Just a thought.

> > >

> > > Hi all!

> > > Three weeks today since surgery and I'm doing well. Had my

post-

> op

> > > visit last Thursday with Dr. Errico and the plastic surgeon (he

> > > closed my incision). Dr. Errico says I'm doing fine and don't

> need

> > > to see him till April 17th when he will do x-rays. The plastic

> > > surgeon drained about five vials of fluid from the incision

site

> > > which was a relief! I thought the " hump " on my lower spine was

> > maybe

> > > whatever " cage type " apparatus that was fused to my spine and

> > > sacrum! So now I'm actually starting to see some lordosis

which

> is

> > > what I was really looking forward to! According to Dr.Errico,

> I'm

> > > fused from L3 to S1 (I think) and he did not need to do

anything

> to

> > > my Harrington rods which is a good thing.

> > >

> > > I'm getting around the house more now, preparing some food for

> > myself

> > > and even putting some clothes in the washing machine. Grabbers

> are

> > a

> > > miracle tool! For the most part, someone is usually home with

> me,

> > > but today I'm alone and it's fine. I rest for the most part in

> > bed,

> > > just finished paying my bills online and after done with this

> post,

> > > I'll get back to bed and then maybe get up in an hour or so for

> > lunch.

> > >

> > > As I read the updates from Jeri's husband, I thank God for my

so

> > far

> > > successful surgery and recovery, and I pray for her. We are

all

> > > different so no one should compare, particularly anyone reading

> > these

> > > posts that may be considering surgery. Know yourself and more

> > > importantly KNOW YOUR SURGEON.

> > >

> > > Hope all is well for everyone and I'm off to the bedroom!

> > > Donna

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Donna,

I have to agree with Cam here...it is incredible that you are doing everything

you are

doing, but I would certainly caution you to take it easy...this is not a fast

recovery, and

there are no quick fixes here.

It might be a little early to be doing the laundry, etc. I know you are

determined and want

to bull your way through this recovery (more power to you!), but the last thing

you want is

any kind of setback from overdoing it. And that has certainly happened to some

folks who

have undergone this surgery.

As for Joe, please remind him what we discussed in the hospital (if you can

remember. If

not...it went a little something like this.....: You will get through this with

flying colors,

HOWEVER, you need to give yourself a lot of time to heal. I visited you at

approximately

the 10 month mark and I certainly do not consider myself fully healed or back to

complete

physical normalcy yet. And judging from Cam and others input at later stages in

healing, I

have a lot more to look forward to. So I hope that will give Joe a better

perspective)

Seriously, though it's good to hear how well you are doing, but please remember

that your

body still has a long way to go, it's been beat up pretty badly! So take it

easy, okay?

Hugs,

Edie

>

> Donna,

>

> If you are doing that much and feeling tired...listen to your body! And

> you are right to worry about " rasing expectations " . Before you know

> it ...like at around 8 weeeks....your friends and family are sure to be

> wondering why you are not back to normal. Being a nurse maybe you can

> come up with a pithy answer about blood loss and how long it takes to

> rebuild red blood cells and muscular endurance!

>

> Go Slow,

> Cam

>