Re: Re: scoliosis surgery or not? Post surgery day four

May 9, 2008

Hi Everyone,

My son is due to be discharged tomorrow. I am a

little nervous about caring for him at home without

experienced scoliosis nurses and physical therapists.

As of now, he has turned side to side with assistance

and walked with assistance. Today he is suppose to

take a shower for the first time and do stairs. We

only have one stair leading to our front door and one

down to the living room and one up to the dining room

which he doesn't have to use (normally doesn't)

because of the kitchen and family room as alternative

living spaces. Any suggestions for his care at home?

We have a shower chair, but were told he didn't need

anything else special. In the hospital he was in a

special bed used for scoliosis patients so he hasn't

been in a lower regular bed at home. Thanks, Gail

--- Gail Merri <p0etiss@...> wrote:

> Hi Bea,

>

> As always, thank you for your thoughts and caring

> support. It has been quite a journey over these

> past

> days. Yesterday, Wednesday was scary. My son's

> bowels were slow to move and his stomach was

> distended, and he was vomiting dark green

> continuously

> and so they had to put in an NG tube to drain

> things

> out. I am told this is not a regular occurance.

> Then

> they gave him a suppository and enema and he had a

> bowel movement (maybe this is more than you want to

> know) a few hours ago they removed the tube and

> other

> than back pain (he says a 7) he is feeling better.

> He

> is worried he will be nauseaus but he has had a few

> sips of water several times now and he is doing

> fine.

> He has been up from bed five times now walking a

> little further each time. Yesterday was a set back

> but he is moving forward. I will keep you posted.

> Thanks again so very much for your thoughts and

> prayers. Gail

> --- Beverlee <bea_simmons@...> wrote:

>

> > Hi Gail!

> >

> > I have had you and your son on my mind and in my

> > prayers for the last 3 days. I had not gotten on

> > line for a few days and had not expected to see

> your

> > report quite so soon! I am thrilled that you two

> are

> > this far post op. I haven't read past this note,

> so

> > if there is a report that is negative, I apologize

> > for being late in reading it. I certainly hope and

> > pray that you (or as we say 'ya'll' ) are getting

> > along better each day. I am sorry that it sounds

> > like he has had a good bit of pain, but hope that

> is

> > all in the past. He can anticipate some days that

> > are harder than others, and it usually is the

> > hardest that second day after surgery... in other

> > words- today! If today was difficult, assure him

> > that it should all be better from here on out!

> I'll

> > bet you are pooped- I hope you've had some time

> for

> > rest. Keep us posted, and know that I will

> continue

> > to pray for you both. I am just so happy for you

> > that you are this far into recovery!!

> >

> > God Bless,

> >

> > Bea

> >

> > Gail Merri <p0etiss@...> wrote:

>

> > Hi everyone,

> >

> > I am writing to you from the hospital. My son

> had

> > his

> > surgery yesterday morning and he was done at

> 11:30

> > am.

> > He is doing well. The only glitch was in the

> > recovery

> > room they gave him morphine and versed (don't

> know

> > how

> > to spell it - for agitation)and he stopped

> > breathing

> > but they were right on it and he is okay. He is

> on

> > a

> > morphine pump with a slight amount of oxygen. He

> > had

> > clear fluids today which he kept down. He walked

> > from

> > the bed to the door and back, painful but

> > accomplished. He was a bit nasty doing that but

> > understandable. He said his pain today is

> between

> > a 6

> > and an 8. Today was tough. Yesterday right out

> of

> > surgery he had more pain but four hours post

> > surgery

> > and he said his pain was a 4 and he was cracking

> > jokes. Unbelievable! The doctor is due in soon.

> I

> > will write more either later or tomorrow. Thanks

> > so

> > much for your support. Gail

> > --- <karendave56@...> wrote:

> >

> > > Yes I will we can use all the prayer and all

> the

> > > prayer warriors out

> > > there praying for her

> > >

> > > God Bless

> > >

> > > > >

> > > > > My daughter was diagnosed with scoliosis

> > when

> > > whe was 11 the

> > > first

> > > > > time we saw the ortho she was 17 degrees

> and

> > we

> > > were told that

> > > > > nothing needed to be done and that she

> would

> > > see us back in 6

> > > > > months. We went back in 6 months and her

> > curve

> > > increased to 23

> > > > > degrees. At that time she was fitted for a

> > > brace. She wore the

> > > > brace

> > > > > for 5 years until she was sixteen. At 16

> > her

> > > curve was pretty

>

=== message truncated ===

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May 10, 2008

Hi Gail,

I am so thrilled for you and your son, that you are progressing along and are

home by now! Again, I have been off line for a couple of days because of

traveling to see my Mom. The nausea and vomiting this far out from surgery are

not the 'usual', but then again, everyone's recovery is different? That had to

be pretty rough for him- vomiting so much with all the back pain. I'm sure happy

for you that he is over that. Once the bowels move and he is walking more and

more, the problem almost certainly won't happen again.

I went straight from an ordinary hospital bed to a hotel room, and I was 45 !

So, your son's own bed, in his own home, will be perfect. I had no rehab and no

directions other than go do what I wanted to do. I had anterior/posterior

approaches and I couldn't even get the dr to call back and tell me when I could

drive, so I started driving around 3-4 weeks post-op. Your son is getting out of

the hospital much sooner than I did, but I was in ICU for 5 days, most of which

I don't remember, and I went to the hotel after 9 days. So I know it seems

early, but your son walked much sooner than I did. At his age, I'm sure he will

speed through the stages of recovery. I can't imagine any other medical

equipment that would be a must-have, but I'm sure others have made a lot of

suggestions. (I haven't had a chance to read any other notes- I just got on to

look for yours). One thing that helped me a lot was the elevated toilet seat. I

still use that when I am having a bad time with pain.

Please keep us posted. I am so relieved for you that this much is behind you!

Prayers continue.

Bea

Gail Merri <p0etiss@...> wrote: Hi Everyone,

My son is due to be discharged tomorrow. I am a

little nervous about caring for him at home without

experienced scoliosis nurses and physical therapists.

As of now, he has turned side to side with assistance

and walked with assistance. Today he is suppose to

take a shower for the first time and do stairs. We

only have one stair leading to our front door and one

down to the living room and one up to the dining room

which he doesn't have to use (normally doesn't)

because of the kitchen and family room as alternative

living spaces. Any suggestions for his care at home?

We have a shower chair, but were told he didn't need

anything else special. In the hospital he was in a

special bed used for scoliosis patients so he hasn't

been in a lower regular bed at home. Thanks, Gail

--- Gail Merri <p0etiss@...> wrote:

> Hi Bea,

>

> As always, thank you for your thoughts and caring

> support. It has been quite a journey over these

> past

> days. Yesterday, Wednesday was scary. My son's

> bowels were slow to move and his stomach was

> distended, and he was vomiting dark green

> continuously

> and so they had to put in an NG tube to drain

> things

> out. I am told this is not a regular occurance.

> Then

> they gave him a suppository and enema and he had a

> bowel movement (maybe this is more than you want to

> know) a few hours ago they removed the tube and

> other

> than back pain (he says a 7) he is feeling better.

> He

> is worried he will be nauseaus but he has had a few

> sips of water several times now and he is doing

> fine.

> He has been up from bed five times now walking a

> little further each time. Yesterday was a set back

> but he is moving forward. I will keep you posted.

> Thanks again so very much for your thoughts and

> prayers. Gail

> --- Beverlee <bea_simmons@...> wrote:

>

> > Hi Gail!

> >

> > I have had you and your son on my mind and in my

> > prayers for the last 3 days. I had not gotten on

> > line for a few days and had not expected to see

> your

> > report quite so soon! I am thrilled that you two

> are

> > this far post op. I haven't read past this note,

> so

> > if there is a report that is negative, I apologize

> > for being late in reading it. I certainly hope and

> > pray that you (or as we say 'ya'll' ) are getting

> > along better each day. I am sorry that it sounds

> > like he has had a good bit of pain, but hope that

> is

> > all in the past. He can anticipate some days that

> > are harder than others, and it usually is the

> > hardest that second day after surgery... in other

> > words- today! If today was difficult, assure him

> > that it should all be better from here on out!

> I'll

> > bet you are pooped- I hope you've had some time

> for

> > rest. Keep us posted, and know that I will

> continue

> > to pray for you both. I am just so happy for you

> > that you are this far into recovery!!

> >

> > God Bless,

> >

> > Bea

> >

> > Gail Merri <p0etiss@...> wrote:

>

> > Hi everyone,

> >

> > I am writing to you from the hospital. My son

> had

> > his

> > surgery yesterday morning and he was done at

> 11:30

> > am.

> > He is doing well. The only glitch was in the

> > recovery

> > room they gave him morphine and versed (don't

> know

> > how

> > to spell it - for agitation)and he stopped

> > breathing

> > but they were right on it and he is okay. He is

> on

> > a

> > morphine pump with a slight amount of oxygen. He

> > had

> > clear fluids today which he kept down. He walked

> > from

> > the bed to the door and back, painful but

> > accomplished. He was a bit nasty doing that but

> > understandable. He said his pain today is

> between

> > a 6

> > and an 8. Today was tough. Yesterday right out

> of

> > surgery he had more pain but four hours post

> > surgery

> > and he said his pain was a 4 and he was cracking

> > jokes. Unbelievable! The doctor is due in soon.

> I

> > will write more either later or tomorrow. Thanks

> > so

> > much for your support. Gail

> > --- <karendave56@...> wrote:

> >

> > > Yes I will we can use all the prayer and all

> the

> > > prayer warriors out

> > > there praying for her

> > >

> > > God Bless

> > >

> > > > >

> > > > > My daughter was diagnosed with scoliosis

> > when

> > > whe was 11 the

> > > first

> > > > > time we saw the ortho she was 17 degrees

> and

> > we

> > > were told that

> > > > > nothing needed to be done and that she

> would

> > > see us back in 6

> > > > > months. We went back in 6 months and her

> > curve

> > > increased to 23

> > > > > degrees. At that time she was fitted for a

> > > brace. She wore the

> > > > brace

> > > > > for 5 years until she was sixteen. At 16

> > her

> > > curve was pretty

>

=== message truncated ===

__________________________________________________________

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know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now.

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__________________________________________________________

Be a better friend, newshound, and

know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now.

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May 11, 2008

Hi Bea,

As always, thanks so much. The fact that you came on

to look for my post means so much. The two factors he

is dealing with now is 1) sometimes feels a stabbing

pain going from sitting to laying down (scary) and 2)

he hasn't had a bowel movement since he had an enema

in the hospital on Thursday. Other than that I think

he is doing ok. Take care of yourself and I am

thinking of you as well. Gail

--- Beverlee <bea_simmons@...> wrote:

> Hi Gail,

>

> I am so thrilled for you and your son, that you are

> progressing along and are home by now! Again, I have

> been off line for a couple of days because of

> traveling to see my Mom. The nausea and vomiting

> this far out from surgery are not the 'usual', but

> then again, everyone's recovery is different? That

> had to be pretty rough for him- vomiting so much

> with all the back pain. I'm sure happy for you that

> he is over that. Once the bowels move and he is

> walking more and more, the problem almost certainly

> won't happen again.

>

> I went straight from an ordinary hospital bed to a

> hotel room, and I was 45 ! So, your son's own bed,

> in his own home, will be perfect. I had no rehab and

> no directions other than go do what I wanted to do.

> I had anterior/posterior approaches and I couldn't

> even get the dr to call back and tell me when I

> could drive, so I started driving around 3-4 weeks

> post-op. Your son is getting out of the hospital

> much sooner than I did, but I was in ICU for 5 days,

> most of which I don't remember, and I went to the

> hotel after 9 days. So I know it seems early, but

> your son walked much sooner than I did. At his age,

> I'm sure he will speed through the stages of

> recovery. I can't imagine any other medical

> equipment that would be a must-have, but I'm sure

> others have made a lot of suggestions. (I haven't

> had a chance to read any other notes- I just got on

> to look for yours). One thing that helped me a lot

> was the elevated toilet seat. I still use that when

> I am having a bad time with pain.

>

> Please keep us posted. I am so relieved for you that

> this much is behind you! Prayers continue.

>

> Bea

>

> Gail Merri <p0etiss@...> wrote:

> Hi Everyone,

>

> My son is due to be discharged tomorrow. I am a

> little nervous about caring for him at home without

> experienced scoliosis nurses and physical

> therapists.

> As of now, he has turned side to side with

> assistance

> and walked with assistance. Today he is suppose to

> take a shower for the first time and do stairs. We

> only have one stair leading to our front door and

> one

> down to the living room and one up to the dining

> room

> which he doesn't have to use (normally doesn't)

> because of the kitchen and family room as

> alternative

> living spaces. Any suggestions for his care at

> home?

> We have a shower chair, but were told he didn't

> need

> anything else special. In the hospital he was in a

> special bed used for scoliosis patients so he

> hasn't

> been in a lower regular bed at home. Thanks, Gail

>

> --- Gail Merri <p0etiss@...> wrote:

>

> > Hi Bea,

> >

> > As always, thank you for your thoughts and caring

> > support. It has been quite a journey over these

> > past

> > days. Yesterday, Wednesday was scary. My son's

> > bowels were slow to move and his stomach was

> > distended, and he was vomiting dark green

> > continuously

> > and so they had to put in an NG tube to drain

> > things

> > out. I am told this is not a regular occurance.

> > Then

> > they gave him a suppository and enema and he had

> a

> > bowel movement (maybe this is more than you want

> to

> > know) a few hours ago they removed the tube and

> > other

> > than back pain (he says a 7) he is feeling

> better.

> > He

> > is worried he will be nauseaus but he has had a

> few

> > sips of water several times now and he is doing

> > fine.

> > He has been up from bed five times now walking a

> > little further each time. Yesterday was a set

> back

> > but he is moving forward. I will keep you

> posted.

> > Thanks again so very much for your thoughts and

> > prayers. Gail

> > --- Beverlee <bea_simmons@...> wrote:

> >

> > > Hi Gail!

> > >

> > > I have had you and your son on my mind and in

> my

> > > prayers for the last 3 days. I had not gotten

> on

> > > line for a few days and had not expected to see

> > your

> > > report quite so soon! I am thrilled that you

> two

> > are

> > > this far post op. I haven't read past this

> note,

> > so

> > > if there is a report that is negative, I

> apologize

> > > for being late in reading it. I certainly hope

> and

> > > pray that you (or as we say 'ya'll' ) are

> getting

> > > along better each day. I am sorry that it

> sounds

> > > like he has had a good bit of pain, but hope

> that

> > is

> > > all in the past. He can anticipate some days

> that

> > > are harder than others, and it usually is the

> > > hardest that second day after surgery... in

> other

> > > words- today! If today was difficult, assure

> him

> > > that it should all be better from here on out!

> > I'll

> > > bet you are pooped- I hope you've had some time

> > for

> > > rest. Keep us posted, and know that I will

> > continue

> > > to pray for you both. I am just so happy for

> you

> > > that you are this far into recovery!!

> > >

> > > God Bless,

> > >

> > > Bea

> > >

> > > Gail Merri <p0etiss@...> wrote:

>

> >

> > > Hi everyone,

> > >

> > > I am writing to you from the hospital. My son

> > had

> > > his

> > > surgery yesterday morning and he was done at

> > 11:30

> > > am.

> > > He is doing well. The only glitch was in the

> > > recovery

> > > room they gave him morphine and versed (don't

> > know

> > > how

> > > to spell it - for agitation)and he stopped

> > > breathing

> > > but they were right on it and he is okay. He

> is

> > on

> > > a

> > > morphine pump with a slight amount of oxygen.

> He

> > > had

> > > clear fluids today which he kept down. He

> walked

> > > from

> > > the bed to the door and back, painful but

> > > accomplished. He was a bit nasty doing that

> but

> > > understandable. He said his pain today is

> > between

> > > a 6

> > > and an 8. Today was tough. Yesterday right

> out

> > of

> > > surgery he had more pain but four hours post

> > > surgery

> > > and he said his pain was a 4 and he was

> cracking

> > > jokes. Unbelievable! The doctor is due in

> soon.

> > I

> > > will write more either later or tomorrow.

> Thanks

> > > so

> > > much for your support. Gail

> > > --- <karendave56@...> wrote:

> > >

> > > > Yes I will we can use all the prayer and all

>

=== message truncated ===

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____

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know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now.

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May 11, 2008

Hi Gail,

Thank you for your kind words. If your son drinks lots of fluids and eats enough

fiber, he should get his bowels moving on a regular basis soon. It wouldn't hurt

him to take some senecot every evening, especially as long as he is on narcotic

pain meds. He probably hasn't had enough food since the enema to cause him to

have another BM. As a Hospice nurse we always started out with senecot with our

patients who were on high dose narcotics and it worked in most cases. I know it

can be scary to feel like you're getting " stopped up " . I've been there. After my

surgery that was a major concern. I had an enema a couple of days post because

I felt like I was gonna explode! One of the few things I remember from ICU....

begging the nurses for an enema! I complained again later, day 5, and the ICU

specialist turned off my morphine pump without talking with the pain management

dr. That was a horrible night- he didn't order enough to cover the pain.

Sorry....back to your son!...... the

sharp pain is probably a nerve. He will have a lot of weird sensations while

things start to mend. I can tell you, there were sensations that I never got an

explanation for, even months later. As long as it is not a pain that lingers or

worsens I imagine it is from cutting into nerves and muscles and moving the

spine around. But the doctor is there for you, to answer your questions and you

should call if you feel there is a real concern. I finally decided that pain I

had from my hip, for many months, was from giving me a totally new body

alignment. Stuff just no longer moves in the old way. New muscles are being

used, etc.

As far as the college food- maybe a really good supplement would help. Some are

better than others. There have been some independent studies about which ones

are the most complete and have the best absorption. I have a book that gave the

results, but it is a few years old. Things like One-a-Day got something like a 5

out of a 100! I take USANA, but I can't say how they rate now- they were the

best in my old book. I know a lot of doctors don't think much of supplements,

but it is also not a subject they are taught much about. Has your son had a

dietitian talk with him? Just knowing how to make wise choices from the

cafeteria, especially if they are of the buffet style. And if he comes home on

the weekends, you can stuff him full of Mom's good home cooking! I'm sure he

will be fine. He is young and resilient! Prayers for you both! And happy

Mother's Day!

Bea

Gail Merri <p0etiss@...> wrote: Hi Bea,

As always, thanks so much. The fact that you came on

to look for my post means so much. The two factors he

is dealing with now is 1) sometimes feels a stabbing

pain going from sitting to laying down (scary) and 2)

he hasn't had a bowel movement since he had an enema

in the hospital on Thursday. Other than that I think

he is doing ok. Take care of yourself and I am

thinking of you as well. Gail

--- Beverlee <bea_simmons@...> wrote:

> Hi Gail,

>

> I am so thrilled for you and your son, that you are

> progressing along and are home by now! Again, I have

> been off line for a couple of days because of

> traveling to see my Mom. The nausea and vomiting

> this far out from surgery are not the 'usual', but

> then again, everyone's recovery is different? That

> had to be pretty rough for him- vomiting so much

> with all the back pain. I'm sure happy for you that

> he is over that. Once the bowels move and he is

> walking more and more, the problem almost certainly

> won't happen again.

>

> I went straight from an ordinary hospital bed to a

> hotel room, and I was 45 ! So, your son's own bed,

> in his own home, will be perfect. I had no rehab and

> no directions other than go do what I wanted to do.

> I had anterior/posterior approaches and I couldn't

> even get the dr to call back and tell me when I

> could drive, so I started driving around 3-4 weeks

> post-op. Your son is getting out of the hospital

> much sooner than I did, but I was in ICU for 5 days,

> most of which I don't remember, and I went to the

> hotel after 9 days. So I know it seems early, but

> your son walked much sooner than I did. At his age,

> I'm sure he will speed through the stages of

> recovery. I can't imagine any other medical

> equipment that would be a must-have, but I'm sure

> others have made a lot of suggestions. (I haven't

> had a chance to read any other notes- I just got on

> to look for yours). One thing that helped me a lot

> was the elevated toilet seat. I still use that when

> I am having a bad time with pain.

>

> Please keep us posted. I am so relieved for you that

> this much is behind you! Prayers continue.

>

> Bea

>

> Gail Merri <p0etiss@...> wrote:

> Hi Everyone,

>

> My son is due to be discharged tomorrow. I am a

> little nervous about caring for him at home without

> experienced scoliosis nurses and physical

> therapists.

> As of now, he has turned side to side with

> assistance

> and walked with assistance. Today he is suppose to

> take a shower for the first time and do stairs. We

> only have one stair leading to our front door and

> one

> down to the living room and one up to the dining

> room

> which he doesn't have to use (normally doesn't)

> because of the kitchen and family room as

> alternative

> living spaces. Any suggestions for his care at

> home?

> We have a shower chair, but were told he didn't

> need

> anything else special. In the hospital he was in a

> special bed used for scoliosis patients so he

> hasn't

> been in a lower regular bed at home. Thanks, Gail

>

> --- Gail Merri <p0etiss@...> wrote:

>

> > Hi Bea,

> >

> > As always, thank you for your thoughts and caring

> > support. It has been quite a journey over these

> > past

> > days. Yesterday, Wednesday was scary. My son's

> > bowels were slow to move and his stomach was

> > distended, and he was vomiting dark green

> > continuously

> > and so they had to put in an NG tube to drain

> > things

> > out. I am told this is not a regular occurance.

> > Then

> > they gave him a suppository and enema and he had

> a

> > bowel movement (maybe this is more than you want

> to

> > know) a few hours ago they removed the tube and

> > other

> > than back pain (he says a 7) he is feeling

> better.

> > He

> > is worried he will be nauseaus but he has had a

> few

> > sips of water several times now and he is doing

> > fine.

> > He has been up from bed five times now walking a

> > little further each time. Yesterday was a set

> back

> > but he is moving forward. I will keep you

> posted.

> > Thanks again so very much for your thoughts and

> > prayers. Gail

> > --- Beverlee <bea_simmons@...> wrote:

> >

> > > Hi Gail!

> > >

> > > I have had you and your son on my mind and in

> my

> > > prayers for the last 3 days. I had not gotten

> on

> > > line for a few days and had not expected to see

> > your

> > > report quite so soon! I am thrilled that you

> two

> > are

> > > this far post op. I haven't read past this

> note,

> > so

> > > if there is a report that is negative, I

> apologize

> > > for being late in reading it. I certainly hope

> and

> > > pray that you (or as we say 'ya'll' ) are

> getting

> > > along better each day. I am sorry that it

> sounds

> > > like he has had a good bit of pain, but hope

> that

> > is

> > > all in the past. He can anticipate some days

> that

> > > are harder than others, and it usually is the

> > > hardest that second day after surgery... in

> other

> > > words- today! If today was difficult, assure

> him

> > > that it should all be better from here on out!

> > I'll

> > > bet you are pooped- I hope you've had some time

> > for

> > > rest. Keep us posted, and know that I will

> > continue

> > > to pray for you both. I am just so happy for

> you

> > > that you are this far into recovery!!

> > >

> > > God Bless,

> > >

> > > Bea

> > >

> > > Gail Merri <p0etiss@...> wrote:

>

> >

> > > Hi everyone,

> > >

> > > I am writing to you from the hospital. My son

> > had

> > > his

> > > surgery yesterday morning and he was done at

> > 11:30

> > > am.

> > > He is doing well. The only glitch was in the

> > > recovery

> > > room they gave him morphine and versed (don't

> > know

> > > how

> > > to spell it - for agitation)and he stopped

> > > breathing

> > > but they were right on it and he is okay. He

> is

> > on

> > > a

> > > morphine pump with a slight amount of oxygen.

> He

> > > had

> > > clear fluids today which he kept down. He

> walked

> > > from

> > > the bed to the door and back, painful but

> > > accomplished. He was a bit nasty doing that

> but

> > > understandable. He said his pain today is

> > between

> > > a 6

> > > and an 8. Today was tough. Yesterday right

> out

> > of

> > > surgery he had more pain but four hours post

> > > surgery

> > > and he said his pain was a 4 and he was

> cracking

> > > jokes. Unbelievable! The doctor is due in

> soon.

> > I

> > > will write more either later or tomorrow.

> Thanks

> > > so

> > > much for your support. Gail

> > > --- <karendave56@...> wrote:

> > >

> > > > Yes I will we can use all the prayer and all

>

=== message truncated ===

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May 11, 2008

Hi Bea,

Thank you so much for your interest and education. I

cannot believe that an ICU nurse withheld pain meds

from you that is awful and downright sadistic. I feel

terrible for you. That is a huge trauma. I hope the

nurse was given a good talking to so he/she does not

do that to anyone ever again.

What is Senecot? The sharp pain has not repeated. He

is staying up for longer time periods so I think that

is a good sign overall. I keep reminding him how far

he has come in just the past two days and that each

day will bring him further along.

His incision looks really good. Do you know how long

someone is at risk for getting an infection? I know

that it comes from inside so the outer layer may not

be an indictor. He does not have hip pain because

they took parts of three ribs for the bone graft.

I never heard of USANA is that sold at health food

stores or any type of pharmacy? I am going to send him

to school with a list of foods to look for at the

dining hall, but I hope over the years I have provided

education for him in this area. I can look into a

dietician if necessary. He doesn't come home for

weekends but when he does for thanksgiving, winter

break, spring break and summer I love to feed him

well!

Tomorrow I talk to the Spine Nurse Coordinator who is

the surgeon's RN/right hand. She also assists in

surgeries and is very knowledgeable. I will ask her

about the senecot. The instructions he went home with

said milk of magnesia but I would rather get the go

ahead from her and give him until tomorrow to give it

to him. He isn't complaining of discomfort in that

area but I just want to make sure its okay that he

hasn't had a BM yet. Thanks again for your interest

and caring it means so much. Gail

--- Beverlee <bea_simmons@...> wrote:

> Hi Gail,

>

> Thank you for your kind words. If your son drinks

> lots of fluids and eats enough fiber, he should get

> his bowels moving on a regular basis soon. It

> wouldn't hurt him to take some senecot every

> evening, especially as long as he is on narcotic

> pain meds. He probably hasn't had enough food since

> the enema to cause him to have another BM. As a

> Hospice nurse we always started out with senecot

> with our patients who were on high dose narcotics

> and it worked in most cases. I know it can be scary

> to feel like you're getting " stopped up " . I've been

> there. After my surgery that was a major concern. I

> had an enema a couple of days post because I felt

> like I was gonna explode! One of the few things I

> remember from ICU.... begging the nurses for an

> enema! I complained again later, day 5, and the ICU

> specialist turned off my morphine pump without

> talking with the pain management dr. That was a

> horrible night- he didn't order enough to cover the

> pain. Sorry....back to your son!...... the

> sharp pain is probably a nerve. He will have a lot

> of weird sensations while things start to mend. I

> can tell you, there were sensations that I never got

> an explanation for, even months later. As long as it

> is not a pain that lingers or worsens I imagine it

> is from cutting into nerves and muscles and moving

> the spine around. But the doctor is there for you,

> to answer your questions and you should call if you

> feel there is a real concern. I finally decided that

> pain I had from my hip, for many months, was from

> giving me a totally new body alignment. Stuff just

> no longer moves in the old way. New muscles are

> being used, etc.

>

> As far as the college food- maybe a really good

> supplement would help. Some are better than others.

> There have been some independent studies about which

> ones are the most complete and have the best

> absorption. I have a book that gave the results, but

> it is a few years old. Things like One-a-Day got

> something like a 5 out of a 100! I take USANA, but I

> can't say how they rate now- they were the best in

> my old book. I know a lot of doctors don't think

> much of supplements, but it is also not a subject

> they are taught much about. Has your son had a

> dietitian talk with him? Just knowing how to make

> wise choices from the cafeteria, especially if they

> are of the buffet style. And if he comes home on the

> weekends, you can stuff him full of Mom's good home

> cooking! I'm sure he will be fine. He is young and

> resilient! Prayers for you both! And happy Mother's

> Day!

>

> Bea

>

> Gail Merri <p0etiss@...> wrote:

> Hi Bea,

>

> As always, thanks so much. The fact that you came

> on

> to look for my post means so much. The two factors

> he

> is dealing with now is 1) sometimes feels a

> stabbing

> pain going from sitting to laying down (scary) and

> 2)

> he hasn't had a bowel movement since he had an

> enema

> in the hospital on Thursday. Other than that I

> think

> he is doing ok. Take care of yourself and I am

> thinking of you as well. Gail

> --- Beverlee <bea_simmons@...> wrote:

>

> > Hi Gail,

> >

> > I am so thrilled for you and your son, that you

> are

> > progressing along and are home by now! Again, I

> have

> > been off line for a couple of days because of

> > traveling to see my Mom. The nausea and vomiting

> > this far out from surgery are not the 'usual',

> but

> > then again, everyone's recovery is different?

> That

> > had to be pretty rough for him- vomiting so much

> > with all the back pain. I'm sure happy for you

> that

> > he is over that. Once the bowels move and he is

> > walking more and more, the problem almost

> certainly

> > won't happen again.

> >

> > I went straight from an ordinary hospital bed to

> a

> > hotel room, and I was 45 ! So, your son's own

> bed,

> > in his own home, will be perfect. I had no rehab

> and

> > no directions other than go do what I wanted to

> do.

> > I had anterior/posterior approaches and I

> couldn't

> > even get the dr to call back and tell me when I

> > could drive, so I started driving around 3-4

> weeks

> > post-op. Your son is getting out of the hospital

> > much sooner than I did, but I was in ICU for 5

> days,

> > most of which I don't remember, and I went to the

> > hotel after 9 days. So I know it seems early, but

> > your son walked much sooner than I did. At his

> age,

> > I'm sure he will speed through the stages of

> > recovery. I can't imagine any other medical

> > equipment that would be a must-have, but I'm sure

> > others have made a lot of suggestions. (I haven't

> > had a chance to read any other notes- I just got

> on

> > to look for yours). One thing that helped me a

> lot

> > was the elevated toilet seat. I still use that

> when

> > I am having a bad time with pain.

> >

> > Please keep us posted. I am so relieved for you

> that

> > this much is behind you! Prayers continue.

> >

> > Bea

> >

> > Gail Merri <p0etiss@...> wrote:

>

> > Hi Everyone,

> >

> > My son is due to be discharged tomorrow. I am a

> > little nervous about caring for him at home

> without

> > experienced scoliosis nurses and physical

> > therapists.

> > As of now, he has turned side to side with

> > assistance

> > and walked with assistance. Today he is suppose

> to

> > take a shower for the first time and do stairs.

> We

> > only have one stair leading to our front door

> and

> > one

> > down to the living room and one up to the dining

> > room

> > which he doesn't have to use (normally doesn't)

> > because of the kitchen and family room as

> > alternative

> > living spaces. Any suggestions for his care at

> > home?

> > We have a shower chair, but were told he didn't

> > need

> > anything else special. In the hospital he was

> in a

> > special bed used for scoliosis patients so he

> > hasn't

> > been in a lower regular bed at home. Thanks,

> Gail

> >

> > --- Gail Merri <p0etiss@...> wrote:

> >

> > > Hi Bea,

> > >

> > > As always, thank you for your thoughts and

> caring

> > > support. It has been quite a journey over

> these

> > > past

> > > days. Yesterday, Wednesday was scary. My

> son's

> > > bowels were slow to move and his stomach was

> > > distended, and he was vomiting dark green

> > > continuously

> > > and so they had to put in an NG tube to drain

> > > things

> > > out. I am told this is not a regular

> occurance.

> > > Then

> > > they gave him a suppository and enema and he

> had

> > a

> > > bowel movement (maybe this is more than you

> want

> > to

> > > know) a few hours ago they removed the tube

> and

> > > other

> > > than back pain (he says a 7) he is feeling

> > better.

> > > He

> > > is worried he will be nauseaus but he has had

> a

>

=== message truncated ===

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May 13, 2008

So you had a pain in your hip for quite awhile? Were you fused to S1? That's

what I just had, and the pain in my hip, or on my right side anyway, is so

annoying! I take low dose oxycontin or else it starts throbbing by the time I've

been up for a few hours. But everytime I make any kind of bending movement,

which, no matter how hard I try its just a part of life, I have the pain. And of

course it worsens depending on how much I move. Getting in and out of the car,

standing in a line, even walking very far, all lands in that spot. How long did

it take you to get better?

Re: Re: scoliosis surgery or not? Post surgery day

four

Hi Gail,

Thank you for your kind words. If your son drinks lots of fluids and eats enough

fiber, he should get his bowels moving on a regular basis soon. It wouldn't hurt

him to take some senecot every evening, especially as long as he is on narcotic

pain meds. He probably hasn't had enough food since the enema to cause him to

have another BM. As a Hospice nurse we always started out with senecot with our

patients who were on high dose narcotics and it worked in most cases. I know it

can be scary to feel like you're getting " stopped up " . I've been there. After my

surgery that was a major concern. I had an enema a couple of days post because I

felt like I was gonna explode! One of the few things I remember from ICU....

begging the nurses for an enema! I complained again later, day 5, and the ICU

specialist turned off my morphine pump without talking with the pain management

dr. That was a horrible night- he didn't order enough to cover the pain.

Sorry....back to

your son!...... the