Kam

[Guest guest]

Kam,

You won't believe this, but I bought some prunes the other day and

started eating them,too!

Kathy

Txbluebelle

My hubby and I went to Sam's last

> night and I actually bought a bag of prunes. He looked at me kind of

> funny and said, " Prunes? " and I said, well, it can't hurt anything

and

> I might even like them! Than I laughed hysterically on the insided

and

> thought of all of you!!

[Guest guest]

,

I am sorry if I bummed you out by saying that you shouldn't get your hair colored or permed just before or after your surgery...it truely wasn't what I was trying to do! Again, I am sorry!

Suzieheatherbenjaminnicholas <heatherbenjaminnicholas@...> wrote:

>> - it's not that bad of a nightmare. I've gone through each and every > one of my surgeries with my hair colored and my acrylic nails painted, and > never a word said - either before or after the procedures. And this was with > different doctors and hospitals also. I'm not sure how this rumor got started, > but you can relax. Our problems are large enough without having to be > concerned about our hair and nails!> ~the other ~Thanks, It seems as though everytime I turn around it gets worse, "You can't do this.you can't do that". I just feel so bumbed about the entire thing. I never ever had any issues with my back until this past spring......I am going to be having

the surgery at a bad time all around,son going to college next Fall, my boss is retiring so I will be reentering my job with a new boss after I have surgery...just too much change for me all at once..sounds stupid I know......>

Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs. Try it free.

[Guest guest]

Hey Cam!

Yes, I am definitely on the mend. My surgery was only two hours and

the doctors say everything went very well. I am anxious to see my x-

rays.

As far as how I feel... I was on a constant drip of Dilaudid

(hydromorphone) plus a pump for breakthrough pain again after

surgery until yesterday morning. Dilaudid is the med that my mom

says " changes my personality " and I think she may be right. Adam

wouldn't say she was wrong... They stopped the constant drip

yesterday and gave me Darvocet - surprisingly, it helped the pain

quite a bit and I was MUCH NICER and felt MUCH CALMER with the

Darvocet. This morning, they reduced the pump meds and started me on

Oxycontin again. Oh, and of course, I started my period on Friday

night around 2 a.m. Oh Joy. Fortunately, the catheter came out this

morning, which has been a huge relief.

Occupational therapy stopped by this afternoon and she was quite

impressed with all I can do. She said I do seem to be following my

precautions pretty well and that my mobility is very high -

especially right after anterior surgery. The incision still hurts a

lot and she said that PT will be working with me to get out of bed

without assistance since I won't have any when I get home. I told

her that I still have a few days to get to that point and wasn't in

any big hurry since it is SO painful (maybe not what she wanted to

hear, but the truth!).

Dr. Bridwell says I should be discharged on Tuesday (we'll see) and

we'll be staying in the apartment we rented in December as it is

available. This was great news!

This afternoon my pain has been worse (especially around the

incision) and just a few minutes ago, I found out that I can still

take the Darvocet. I hadn't been asked if I wanted any at all today -

I guess you are just supposed to know this stuff! Now, I am feeling

really weak like I need to eat something. My nurse is going to check

and see if I can have something (she's also bringing me a Darvocet).

We'll see about sustenance.

The only other thing to report is that I have some numbness in my

right foot. It started between my big toe and the second toe. My

foot was quite swollen after surgery and I wasn't sure why. There

was a blue line under my big toe and we thought it might be a result

of how they had me positioned during the surgery. The swelling is

down, but the numbness has spread over the last couple of days. I

guess time will tell what to make of it.

So now mom and I are going to walk a bit and then I am going to

sleep for as long as I can! I hope you all had a pleasant weekend.

kam

[Guest guest]

kam - So glad to hear you are doing so well. I don't write much, but have been following your progress. I hope the numbness in the right foot gets better. AFter my second surgery, I too had the numbness in the right foot and it has spread up the leg. I don't think it will get any better, for it has been 2 yrs since the last surgery. I go and see Dr Bridwell this coming Friday, 3 Feb. I want to get a second opinion. My husband and I fly into STL on Thurs and my appt is the following day at 9 am. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Kathy G.advokam <advokam@...> wrote: Hey Cam!Yes, I am definitely on the mend. My surgery was only two hours and the doctors say everything went very well. I am

anxious to see my x-rays.As far as how I feel... I was on a constant drip of Dilaudid (hydromorphone) plus a pump for breakthrough pain again after surgery until yesterday morning. Dilaudid is the med that my mom says "changes my personality" and I think she may be right. Adam wouldn't say she was wrong... They stopped the constant drip yesterday and gave me Darvocet - surprisingly, it helped the pain quite a bit and I was MUCH NICER and felt MUCH CALMER with the Darvocet. This morning, they reduced the pump meds and started me on Oxycontin again. Oh, and of course, I started my period on Friday night around 2 a.m. Oh Joy. Fortunately, the catheter came out this morning, which has been a huge relief.Occupational therapy stopped by this afternoon and she was quite impressed with all I can do. She said I do seem to be following my precautions pretty well and that my mobility is very high - especially right after

anterior surgery. The incision still hurts a lot and she said that PT will be working with me to get out of bed without assistance since I won't have any when I get home. I told her that I still have a few days to get to that point and wasn't in any big hurry since it is SO painful (maybe not what she wanted to hear, but the truth!).Dr. Bridwell says I should be discharged on Tuesday (we'll see) and we'll be staying in the apartment we rented in December as it is available. This was great news!This afternoon my pain has been worse (especially around the incision) and just a few minutes ago, I found out that I can still take the Darvocet. I hadn't been asked if I wanted any at all today -I guess you are just supposed to know this stuff! Now, I am feeling really weak like I need to eat something. My nurse is going to check and see if I can have something (she's also bringing me a Darvocet). We'll see about

sustenance.The only other thing to report is that I have some numbness in my right foot. It started between my big toe and the second toe. My foot was quite swollen after surgery and I wasn't sure why. There was a blue line under my big toe and we thought it might be a result of how they had me positioned during the surgery. The swelling is down, but the numbness has spread over the last couple of days. I guess time will tell what to make of it.So now mom and I are going to walk a bit and then I am going to sleep for as long as I can! I hope you all had a pleasant weekend.kam

Bring words and photos together (easily) with PhotoMail - it's free and works with .

[Guest guest]

Oh Kam – I’m so glad you are

doing well! I hope the numbness in your right toe goes away soon. I’ve

been thinking about you all weekend. Sounds like you will be out of there in

no time.

Lorrie

From:

[mailto: ] On Behalf Of advokam

Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2006

11:16 PM

To:

Subject: [ ] Re:

Kam

Hey Cam!

Yes, I am definitely on the mend. My surgery was

only two hours and

the doctors say everything went very well. I am

anxious to see my x-

rays.

As far as how I feel... I was on a constant drip

of Dilaudid

(hydromorphone) plus a pump for breakthrough pain

again after

surgery until yesterday morning. Dilaudid is the

med that my mom

says " changes my personality " and I

think she may be right. Adam

wouldn't say she was wrong... They stopped the

constant drip

yesterday and gave me Darvocet - surprisingly, it

helped the pain

quite a bit and I was MUCH NICER and felt MUCH

CALMER with the

Darvocet. This morning, they reduced the pump meds

and started me on

Oxycontin again. Oh, and of course, I started my

period on Friday

night around 2 a.m. Oh Joy. Fortunately, the

catheter came out this

morning, which has been a huge relief.

Occupational therapy stopped by this afternoon and

she was quite

impressed with all I can do. She said I do seem to

be following my

precautions pretty well and that my mobility is

very high -

especially right after anterior surgery. The

incision still hurts a

lot and she said that PT will be working with me

to get out of bed

without assistance since I won't have any when I

get home. I told

her that I still have a few days to get to that

point and wasn't in

any big hurry since it is SO painful (maybe not

what she wanted to

hear, but the truth!).

Dr. Bridwell says I should be discharged on

Tuesday (we'll see) and

we'll be staying in the apartment we rented in

December as it is

available. This was great news!

This afternoon my pain has been worse (especially

around the

incision) and just a few minutes ago, I found out

that I can still

take the Darvocet. I hadn't been asked if I wanted

any at all today -

I guess you are just supposed to know this stuff!

Now, I am feeling

really weak like I need to eat something. My nurse

is going to check

and see if I can have something (she's also

bringing me a Darvocet).

We'll see about sustenance.

The only other thing to report is that I have some

numbness in my

right foot. It started between my big toe and the

second toe. My

foot was quite swollen after surgery and I wasn't

sure why. There

was a blue line under my big toe and we thought it

might be a result

of how they had me positioned during the surgery.

The swelling is

down, but the numbness has spread over the last

couple of days. I

guess time will tell what to make of it.

So now mom and I are going to walk a bit and then

I am going to

sleep for as long as I can! I hope you all had a

pleasant weekend.

kam

[Guest guest]

Oh Goodness Kam!

What is irritating to me is that you can spell and make perfect sense

so soon after surgery and while you are on drugs! You sound

wonderful. So so sorry to hear about your toe/foot. I am really eager

to hear what Dr. B. has to say about that!

Take care and don't do too much!

Kathy

>

> Hey Cam!

>

> Yes, I am definitely on the mend. My surgery was only two hours and

> the doctors say everything went very well. I am anxious to see my x-

> rays.

>

> As far as how I feel... I was on a constant drip of Dilaudid

> (hydromorphone) plus a pump for breakthrough pain again after

> surgery until yesterday morning. Dilaudid is the med that my mom

> says " changes my personality " and I think she may be right. Adam

> wouldn't say she was wrong... They stopped the constant drip

> yesterday and gave me Darvocet - surprisingly, it helped the pain

> quite a bit and I was MUCH NICER and felt MUCH CALMER with the

> Darvocet. This morning, they reduced the pump meds and started me

on

> Oxycontin again. Oh, and of course, I started my period on Friday

> night around 2 a.m. Oh Joy. Fortunately, the catheter came out this

> morning, which has been a huge relief.

>

> Occupational therapy stopped by this afternoon and she was quite

> impressed with all I can do. She said I do seem to be following my

> precautions pretty well and that my mobility is very high -

> especially right after anterior surgery. The incision still hurts a

> lot and she said that PT will be working with me to get out of bed

> without assistance since I won't have any when I get home. I told

> her that I still have a few days to get to that point and wasn't in

> any big hurry since it is SO painful (maybe not what she wanted to

> hear, but the truth!).

>

> Dr. Bridwell says I should be discharged on Tuesday (we'll see) and

> we'll be staying in the apartment we rented in December as it is

> available. This was great news!

>

> This afternoon my pain has been worse (especially around the

> incision) and just a few minutes ago, I found out that I can still

> take the Darvocet. I hadn't been asked if I wanted any at all

today -

> I guess you are just supposed to know this stuff! Now, I am

feeling

> really weak like I need to eat something. My nurse is going to

check

> and see if I can have something (she's also bringing me a

Darvocet).

> We'll see about sustenance.

>

> The only other thing to report is that I have some numbness in my

> right foot. It started between my big toe and the second toe. My

> foot was quite swollen after surgery and I wasn't sure why. There

> was a blue line under my big toe and we thought it might be a

result

> of how they had me positioned during the surgery. The swelling is

> down, but the numbness has spread over the last couple of days. I

> guess time will tell what to make of it.

>

> So now mom and I are going to walk a bit and then I am going to

> sleep for as long as I can! I hope you all had a pleasant weekend.

>

> kam

>

[Guest guest]

Kam,

Say it ain't so....you were a Bravo India Tango Charlie Echo after

surgery!!!! Isn't that par for the course?

I guess all these narcotics have wide ranging efects...I went

through a fairly crabby period on drip..and by the time I went home

on the Endocet I would cry at just about anything...it felt very

hormonal...but I knew it wasn't. Of course in your case it may have

been the compounding effect of the menses..and who could blame you!

I am glad you are upping your pain control meds...mostly becasue

otherwise you make the rest of us look like wimps....!

Seriously though, don't get behind the curve...heroics are not

required in the early healing!

I will be anxious also to hear what Dr B thinks the numbness is...as

I am sure you are as well. Swelling sounds like one possibility.

I hope you get to go home (or to your apt) tomorrow...I am sure once

you get out of the hospital setting you will feel much better.

How long will you stay in STL do you suppose?

Stay in touch..we are pulling for you, Cam

[Guest guest]

Kam,

I was sorry to read that you had yet a new medical crisis....but I

guess in some ways you have a explanation and one that actually has a

fairly straightforward resolution. Still....who needs this at this

point in your recovery.

I hope you get past this quickly.

Take Care, Cam

[Guest guest]

Welcome back, Cam. I hope you are rejuvenated and ready to fully plunge

in to your new status of retired! I am now five days post-op (seems I

may not have clearly stated that my surgery was Monday, but it's been a

kooky ten days or so) and am off the Lortab...Amazing how effective

that stuff can be when you haven't had it in quite awhile. Knocked me

out cold for the most part. I only took a two hour nap yesterday, but

then Adam and I stayed up and watched " Gone with the Wind " (my first

viewing ever) and made a midnight run to the grocery store since I'm

getting my appetite back. (It sounds funny in my head to read that.

There's sort of a deja vu sensation to it...)

Today has been a lazy day and school starts tomorrow for both of us. I

start teaching on Tuesday. Adam will be teaching Pre-K this year and is

quite excited about his new colleagues of small stature. I suspect next

weekend will be pretty low-key for both of us as well.

Well, I'm off to have a low-fat, no-spice brunchy lunch.

Glad to have you back!

kam

[Guest guest]

Kam,

Did not realize you already had the gall bladder surgery! Glad you are on the recovery side. Glad to see you are feeling better.

Bonnie

[ ] Re: Kam

Welcome back, Cam. I hope you are rejuvenated and ready to fully plunge in to your new status of retired! I am now five days post-op (seems I may not have clearly stated that my surgery was Monday, but it's been a kooky ten days or so) and am off the Lortab...Amazing how effective that stuff can be when you haven't had it in quite awhile. Knocked me out cold for the most part. I only took a two hour nap yesterday, but then Adam and I stayed up and watched "Gone with the Wind" (my first viewing ever) and made a midnight run to the grocery store since I'm getting my appetite back. (It sounds funny in my head to read that. There's sort of a deja vu sensation to it...)Today has been a lazy day and school starts tomorrow for both of us. I start teaching on Tuesday. Adam will be teaching Pre-K this year and is quite excited about his new colleagues of small stature. I suspect next weekend will be pretty low-key for both of us as well.Well, I'm off to have a low-fat, no-spice brunchy lunch.Glad to have you back!kam

[Guest guest]

Kam,

I might have skipped a post or two in my catching up...but I didn't

realize you had already had the surgery....yikes....I am glad you are

doing well. I imagine it will be a much faster recovery than your

back.

Good luck with back to school. Hate to say we are still 3 weeks away

from that up north!

Take Care, Cam

[Guest guest]

Kam,

Well goodness sakes Kam! Just sneak off and have surgery.... LOL I

hope you are feeling better by now. You never had seen " Gone With

the Wind? " you poor child! Of course you really need to see it on a

BIG screen to get the full effect of it. Try reading the book

sometime. I read the book when I had my first surgery almost 40

years ago. Could not put it down and sobbed through the whole thing.

Hugs,

Kathy

>

> Welcome back, Cam. I hope you are rejuvenated and ready to fully

plunge

> in to your new status of retired! I am now five days post-op

(seems I

> may not have clearly stated that my surgery was Monday, but it's

been a

> kooky ten days or so) and am off the Lortab...Amazing how

effective

> that stuff can be when you haven't had it in quite awhile.

Knocked me

> out cold for the most part. I only took a two hour nap yesterday,

but

> then Adam and I stayed up and watched " Gone with the Wind " (my

first

> viewing ever) and made a midnight run to the grocery store since

I'm

> getting my appetite back. (It sounds funny in my head to read

that.

> There's sort of a deja vu sensation to it...)

>

> Today has been a lazy day and school starts tomorrow for both of

us. I

> start teaching on Tuesday. Adam will be teaching Pre-K this year

and is

> quite excited about his new colleagues of small stature. I suspect

next

> weekend will be pretty low-key for both of us as well.

>

> Well, I'm off to have a low-fat, no-spice brunchy lunch.

>

> Glad to have you back!

>

> kam

>

[Guest guest]

Kathy,

Maybe when I have my appendix out I'll read GWTW (kidding!). I would

enjoy seeing it on the big screen, but I was really bummed with the

ending! How frustrating! I haven't seen Sound of Music either, but

please don't tell my mother-in-law!!!

It did strike me as odd that no one seemed to realize I had already had

surgery. I knew! I guess that Lortab was working REALLY well.

Anywho, I do hope that you are finding more clarity about your next

step and that we all have relatively uneventful weeks. I've been at

work all day and am a bit sleepy and my tummy is a bit sore, but

overall, I can't complain. My coworker was out for three weeks when she

had her gall bladder removed, but she's never had spine surgery. ;o)

Take care,

kam

[Guest guest]

Bonnie,

I heard from her awhile back and she sounded pretty good. She said

she is VERY busy!

Kathy

>

> Hi All,

>

> Anyone have any news of Kam? She hasn't posted for a long time.

I'm wondering how she is.

>

> Bonnie

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Kathy.

[ ] Re: Kam

Bonnie,I heard from her awhile back and she sounded pretty good. She said she is VERY busy!Kathy>> Hi All,> > Anyone have any news of Kam? She hasn't posted for a long time. I'm wondering how she is.> > Bonnie>